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Medscape
4 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Maternal T1D Raises Odds of Adverse Neonatal Outcomes
TOPLINE: In a nationwide study of over 1.4 million singleton births, neonates of mothers with type 1 diabetes (T1D) had substantially higher odds of stillbirth, congenital malformations, preterm birth, hypoglycaemia, and neonatal death. METHODOLOGY: Researchers in Sweden conducted a nationwide cohort study of 1,402,394 singleton births to compare adverse neonatal outcomes between infants born to mothers with and without T1D. Data of neonates delivered at 22 or more completed gestational weeks between 2010 and 2022 were retrieved from the national birth register. Maternal T1D diagnoses and neonatal complications were ascertained from antenatal records and diagnostic codes. TAKEAWAY: During the study period, 0.5% of women were diagnosed with T1D. Neonates born to mothers with T1D had higher odds of stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.54; 95% CI, 1.98-3.28) and congenital malformations (aOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.50-1.84). Women with T1D and underweight or obesity showed a significantly higher prevalence of congenital malformations than their normal-weight counterparts. Neonates of women with T1D were far more likely to born preterm (< 34 weeks of gestational age; aOR, 3.80), be large for gestational age (aOR, 22.0), develop hypoglycaemia (aOR, 45.85), and experience neonatal mortality (aOR, 4.1). IN PRACTICE: "Neonates born to mothers with type 1 diabetes faced higher risks compared to neonates born to mothers without type 1 diabetes, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the causation and how care can be improved for their mothers," the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Alexandra Goldberg, Karolinska Institutet Soder Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. It was published online on July 15, 2025, in Acta Paediatrica. LIMITATIONS: The authors were unable to account for all potential diabetic complications and maternal postprandial glucose levels before and during pregnancy. This study included only pregnancies that have completed 22 or more gestational weeks, which may have introduced selection bias. The authors could not control for elective or missed abortions attributable to congenital malformations. DISCLOSURES: This study did not receive any specific funding. The authors declared having no relevant conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.

RNZ News
14 hours ago
- General
- RNZ News
The alternative education system that's getting top marks
A rural mum and nurse has launched a collective to support rural mothers with newborn babies in the Wairarapa region Rural Māmā Collective is the brainchild of mum of four Sarah Tatham, who struggled with isolation as a new mum herself. She tells Jesse how lonely it can be. Photo: Sarah Tatham


Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Quarter of new mothers don't return to work after maternity leave - or quit within a year - due to 'unsupportive' bosses
A quarter of mothers on maternity leave do not return to work or quit within a year of restarting, according to a new study. Some 83 per cent of mothers who left their company within a year of returning blamed a lack of support from their employer for their departure, the study found. Half of women coming back from maternity leave said they were treated differently upon their return - with a third saying they were treated as if they had taken a break. Researchers estimate that more than 100,000 mothers each year do not return to their job after maternity leave or quit within a year - at a cost to British businesses of almost £650million. The study, carried out on 501 UK mothers who returned to work after having a child in the past three years, found that 15 per cent chose not to return to their role at all. Some 50 per cent of mothers said they made this decision because their company would not consider reasonable adjustments to their role and 33 per cent said they would not allow flexible working to pick children up from nursery. A further 12 per cent of mothers said they left their employer within a year of returning, with 83 per cent blaming 'poor parenting or return to work policies' for their decision. More than a third said their company had 'expectations of them that were simply not possible now they were now a parent' and 12 per cent said they were actively discriminated against or were forced out. Some 57 per cent of all of the mothers polled said they were treated differently or made to feel uncomfortable when they were pregnant or when they returned from maternity leave. In particular, 36 per cent said they were made to feel as if their maternity leave was a 'break' and 16 per cent said it was implied they were no longer giving their all now they were a parent. Out of the approximately 590,000 mothers who go on maternity leave each year, 27 per cent do not return to work or leave within a year, the study found. This equates to 105,669 mothers annually who do not return because of their employer's policies - with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development estimating this costs businesses £647million each year based on the average cost of filling a vacancy. Sophie Maunder - a maternity leave expert and founder of Matri Maternity Coaching, which commissioned the study - said the findings 'paint a worryingly bleak picture'. She said: 'Mothers are not asking for the world - they generally want some practical flexibility that allows them to both work and be a parent, and for their employers to be supportive and understand that some give and take is required. 'When businesses do not offer this, they ultimately end up losing talent and have to fork out to replace those who leave.'


Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
I feared my baby was dead and wanting to end my life - while I was pregnant: Doctors reveal the disturbing rise of prenatal depression, why thousands of women are affected - and the red flags to watch out for
Pregnant with a longed-for child, Kerry Clifford expected to feel a sense of elation. She had endured three miscarriages and an ovarian ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilised egg develops outside the uterus, and so Kerry was initially relieved when her fourth pregnancy 'stuck'. But that relief was soon replaced by wretched feelings of despair.


The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
The top breastfeeding tips for new mothers
World Breastfeeding Week, observed globally from 1-7 August, promotes the health benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers. New mothers are encouraged to focus on what works for them and their baby, rather than adhering to external expectations or societal pressures. Seeking support is crucial if breastfeeding becomes physically or mentally challenging, or painful, as pain often indicates an issue with the baby's latch. Preparing in advance with essential items such as nipple cream and breast pads can help ease the initial stages of breastfeeding. Professional guidance from midwives or breastfeeding consultants can significantly improve the experience and address difficulties.