All articles tagged with #prenatal exposure
Research indicates that in utero exposure to COVID-19 may lead to brain changes, developmental delays, and increased risk of anxiety and depression in children, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and early intervention.
A study links prenatal exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos with lasting brain structure abnormalities and reduced motor skills in children, highlighting ongoing risks from agricultural use despite bans on household applications.
A US study links prenatal exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos with widespread and lasting brain abnormalities and motor issues in children and adolescents, highlighting potential health risks and the need for stricter regulation and further research.
A study links prenatal exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos with lasting brain abnormalities and motor function issues in children and adolescents, highlighting ongoing risks from agricultural and residential use of the chemical.
A comprehensive review using the Navigation Guide methodology indicates that prenatal acetaminophen use is likely associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and ASD in children, supported by consistent findings across multiple high-quality studies, though some sibling-controlled studies show null results possibly due to methodological limitations. Caution is advised for pregnant women regarding acetaminophen consumption to protect fetal neurodevelopment.
A study links prenatal exposure to PFAS chemicals, known as 'forever chemicals,' to increased risk of high blood pressure in teens, especially in adolescents, males, and Black children, highlighting the need for policy changes and individual precautions to reduce exposure.
New research suggests that prenatal caffeine exposure, combined with a high-fat diet after birth, significantly increases the risk of autism-like behaviors in rodents, potentially through changes in gut bacteria and increased levels of the immune molecule IL-17A. The study highlights the need to understand the impact of prenatal environmental exposures and postnatal dietary habits on neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the role of the gut-brain axis in fetal-origin autism. While the findings provide valuable insights, further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans and explore potential gender-specific differences in the development of autism spectrum disorder.
Newborn babies whose mothers used non-prescription opioids, particularly fentanyl, during pregnancy are displaying a range of birth defects, including small heads, short stature, and distinctive facial features. Doctors initially suspected a rare genetic condition, but genetic tests ruled it out. Further investigation suggests that prenatal exposure to fentanyl may be causing a previously unknown syndrome, possibly by disrupting cholesterol metabolism in fetuses. The exact mechanism is unclear, and it is uncertain whether the birth defects are directly caused by fentanyl or other substances. Researchers emphasize the importance of recognizing this condition due to the widespread use of fentanyl.
A new study has found that children exposed to higher levels of pesticides, fungicides, and synthetic chemicals in the womb are more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) during childhood. These chemicals, known as "obesogens," interfere with metabolism and hormones, potentially promoting obesity. The study measured levels of 23 common contaminants in the blood and urine of expectant mothers and followed the growth and development of their children. Persistent chemicals such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were associated with increased risk of low birth weight and accelerated BMI growth. The study highlights the need for further research on the health implications of prenatal environmental chemical exposure. Expectant mothers are advised to limit exposure to toxic chemicals by avoiding plastic containers, non-stick pans, certain fish, and using certified water filters, among other precautions.
A study conducted by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has found that prenatal exposure to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, can lead to long-term health risks for offspring. The research, conducted on a non-human primate model, revealed that THC exposure during pregnancy resulted in alterations to the placental and fetal epigenome, similar to those seen in neurobehavioral disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. The study highlights the need for a better understanding of the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy and the importance of informing patients about the potential risks.
Exposure to THC during pregnancy can have significant effects on fetal development and lead to lifelong health impacts on offspring, according to a study conducted on non-human primates. The research found that THC exposure altered the placental and fetal epigenome, resulting in changes consistent with neurobehavioral conditions like autism spectrum disorder. These findings challenge the perception of cannabis as completely safe, especially during pregnancy, and highlight the need for better understanding and communication of the risks associated with cannabis use during the vulnerable prenatal period.