Prenatal intervention may reduce learning deficit in Down syndrome children

Prenatal intervention reduces learning deficit in mice — NIH study shows improvements in animals with Down syndrome characteristics – Mice with a condition that serves as a laboratory model for Down syndrome perform better on memory and learning tasks as adults if they were treated before birth with neuroprotective peptides, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health.

Prenatal exposure to insecticide linked to decreases in cognitive functioning at age 7

Prenatal exposure to common insecticide linked to decreases in cognitive functioning at age 7 — Deficits in IQ and working memory suggest longer-term educational implications – Researchers from the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health at the Mailman School of Public Health report evidence of a link between prenatal exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos and deficits in IQ and working memory at age seven.

Prenatal exposure to pesticides linked to attention problems

Prenatal exposure to pesticides linked to attention problems – Children who were exposed to organophosphate pesticides while still in their mother’s womb were more likely to develop attention disorders years later, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.

Pregnancy test at home for better prenatal care

Home pregnancy tests can lead to better prenatal care, revealed by researchers. – The simple intervention of providing women who are having unprotected sex with a home pregnancy test could have a substantial impact on the health of potential newborns, according to a Michigan State University study.

New prenatal test for Down syndrome less risky than amniocentesis

New prenatal test for Down syndrome less risky than amniocentesis, Stanford/Packard scientists say. – Pregnant women worried about their babies’ genetic health face a tough decision: get prenatal gene testing and risk miscarriage, or skip the tests and miss the chance to learn of genetic defects before birth.

ANMUM Materna prenatal milk recalled from China

Fonterra China recalled one batch of prenatal milk sold in China under the ANMUM Materna brand name. – Fonterra China today announced a voluntary recall of one batch of prenatal milk sold in China under the ANMUM Materna brand name.

Prenatal starvation may lead to addiction later in life

Babies conceived during a period of famine are at risk of developing addictions later in life, according to new research published in the international journal Addiction. – Babies conceived during a period of famine are at risk of developing addictions later in life, and a range of chronic disorders including physical conditions such as coronary heart disease, and psychiatric ones such as schizophrenia and clinical depression.

Autism linked to maternal exposure to agricultural pesticides

Autism – Study finds association between maternal exposure to agricultural pesticides – Pregnant women who lived in close proximity to fields and farms where chemical pesticides were applied experienced a two-thirds increased risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delay.

HIV screening for all adults, adolescents, and pregnant aged 15-65

US Task Force Says Screen All Adults, Adolescents, and Pregnant Women for HIV – New recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) urge physicians to screen all adults and adolescents aged 15 – 65 for HIV. In addition, all pregnant women should receive screening, even those who are in labor but have not yet been screened.

Health Newstrack