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Obstetrics & gynecology news

Breakdown products from 'eco-friendly' plastics impede fetal development in mice, study shows

When the "eco-friendly" bioplastic, polylactic acid (PLA), biodegrades, the resulting nanoplastics can accumulate in the fetuses of pregnant mice and interfere with fetal growth. Yichao Huang and De-Xiang Xu of Anhui Medical ...

Radiotherapy rather than surgery may help reduce risk of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer

Patients with breast cancer may be able to avoid lymphedema, which can occur after surgery to remove lymph nodes in the armpit (the axilla), by having radiotherapy instead. New findings, presented at the 15th European Breast ...

Mutant group B strep strains may explain infections in newborns

A new study could explain why some mothers can still pass Group B Streptococcus, or GBS, to their babies after childbirth even when they're treated with antibiotics. A Michigan State University research team discovered postpartum ...

Researchers finally report some good news on endometriosis

This year, International Women's Day coincides with Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis is a common and painful gynecological disease that impacts 14% of women and girls across the world—currently, there is no ...

Ultra-processed foods linked to infertility in US women

Women who consume lower amounts of ultra-processed foods have higher odds of conceiving, according to new research from McMaster University. The link persists even after accounting for age, weight, lifestyle, and other health ...

Alabama's plan for robots in maternity care sparks debate

It sounds like something from a science fiction novel, but Alabama officials' plan to use robots to improve care for rural pregnant women and their babies is real. During a January White House roundtable touting the first ...

Most pregnant women in Ireland avoid alcohol, research shows

Alcohol consumption during early pregnancy in Ireland is significantly lower than previously reported, according to new research. Previous estimates, based largely on self-reported data, suggested that between 20% and 60% ...

What to know about pregnancy and heart valve disease

Valve disease affects how blood moves through the heart, and pregnancy is often a time when symptoms first appear or become more noticeable. Learning about a heart valve condition during pregnancy can be unexpected and overwhelming. ...

Postpartum depression tied to seven pain-related risk factors

A woman's risk of developing postpartum depression is influenced by several pain-related factors before and after childbirth, including poor pain management, their prenatal mental health and the quality of patient–provider ...