Researchers Find Genes Linked to Preterm Birth

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 6, 2017 -- Researchers say they've pinpointed gene areas linked with preterm birth -- and they said this could pave new ways to prevent the leading cause of death among children under age 5 worldwide.

The team looked at DNA and other data from more than 50,000 women from the United States and northern European countries. The researchers identified six gene regions that influence the length of pregnancy and the timing of birth.

Could Folic Acid Fight a Cause of Autism?

FRIDAY, Sept. 8, 2017 -- By taking folic acid around the time of conception, mothers-to-be may reduce their child's risk of pesticide-related autism, a new study suggests.

"We found that if the mom was taking folic acid during the window around conception, the risk associated with pesticides seemed to be attenuated," said study first author Rebecca Schmidt.

Is an Occasional Drink OK During Pregnancy?

TUESDAY, Sept. 12, 2017 -- During the nine months of pregnancy, many pregnant women have wondered -- would one or two glasses of wine really put my baby at risk?

And, unfortunately, researchers still don't know for sure. But a new review of several existing studies hints that small amounts of alcohol may slightly boost the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

Preterm Birth Risk Spikes in Mothers With Sleep Disorders

TUESDAY, Aug. 8, 2017 -- Sleep disorders during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, a new study finds.

The California research looked at 2,265 pregnant women who were diagnosed with a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep apnea. They were compared to a control group of pregnant women without a sleep disorder diagnosis but with similar maternal risk factors for preterm birth, such as a previous preterm birth, smoking during pregnancy, or high blood pressure.

Women Who Gain Weight Between Babies at Higher Risk for Diabetes

TUESDAY, Aug. 1, 2017 -- Women who gain weight after having a baby may be more likely to develop diabetes during their next pregnancy, a new study suggests.

Women's weight before conception and how much they gain during pregnancy are known risk factors for gestational diabetes, the study authors explained. Gestational diabetes is a form of high blood sugar diagnosed during pregnancy. It can cause complications for both mother and baby.

Recent Flu Shot Shouldn't Prevent Vaccination During Pregnancy

TUESDAY, Aug. 1, 2017 -- Because pregnant women and newborns are particularly vulnerable to the flu and its complications, guidelines recommend a flu shot during pregnancy. However, it wasn't known whether that vaccine would work if a woman had already received a flu shot recently.

But a new study found that mother and baby will both be well-protected by a flu shot given during pregnancy, regardless of whether the mother got another one recently.