Mother’s gut microbiome during pregnancy shapes baby’s brain development
21 August 2024A study in mice has found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in the mother’s gut during pregnancy supports healthy brain development in the fetus.
Unborn babies use ‘greedy’ gene from dads to ‘remote-control’ mums into feeding them extra food
11 July 2023A study in mice has found that fetuses use a copy of a gene inherited from their dad to force their mum to release as much nutrition as possible during pregnancy.
Maternal microbiome promotes healthy development of the baby
28 June 2022Researchers studying mice have found the first evidence of how a mother’s gut microbes can help in the development of the placenta, and the healthy growth of the baby.
Scientists can predict which women will have serious pregnancy complications
08 June 2021Women who will develop potentially life-threatening disorders during pregnancy can be identified early when hormone levels in the placenta are tested, a new study has shown.
Placenta changes could mean male offspring of older mums more likely to develop heart problems in later life, rat study finds
28 November 2019Changes occur in the placenta in older pregnant mothers leading to a greater likelihood of poor health in their male offspring, a study in rats has shown.
Exercise in pregnancy improves health of obese mothers by restoring their tissues, mouse study finds
30 August 2019Exercise immediately prior to and during pregnancy restores key tissues in the body, making them better able to manage blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of long term health problems, suggests new research carried out in mice.
High fat, high sugar diet during pregnancy 'programs' for health complications in mother and child
06 April 2017Eating a high fat and high sugar diet when pregnant leads to metabolic impairments in both the mother and her unborn child, which may 'program' them for potential health complications later in life, a study in mice has shown.
Placenta plays pivotal “umpire” role to influence pregnancy outcomes
12 September 2016New research provides the first clear evidence that the amount of nutrients transported to the foetus by the placenta adjusts according to both the foetal drive for growth, and the mother’s physical ability to provide.
