In an era marked by hundreds of single-use products, the unsettling notion that we ingest a credit card’s worth of plastic every month is shocking. This claim, while alarming, has left many questioning its accuracy and the implications for human health. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the Government of Canada allocated $2.1 million to three university research teams to delve into the extent of microplastic exposure and its potential health ramifications. Among these teams is one located on Memorial’s St. John’s campus, led by Drs. Karl Jobst and Lindsay Cahill from the Department of Ch ..read more

A new study conducted by scientists at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York has shed light on an interesting aspect of pregnancy: its potential to accelerate biological aging in women. This research, published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, delved into the intricate relationship between pregnancy and the aging process, uncovering significant insights that have far-reaching implications for maternal health and well-being. The study, which analyzed data from 1,735 participants enrolled in a long-term health survey in the Philip ..read more

Probiotics during pregnancy have gained attention for their potential benefits in promoting maternal and fetal health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria which helps strengthen the immune response. Recently there has been emerging evidence suggesting that probiotics may help reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. In a recent systematic review published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Maternal-Fetal Medicine, researchers investigated the effects of p ..read more

Lea Michele, the actress known for her roles in Glee and on Broadway, has shared she’s expecting her second child with her husband, Zandy Reich. https://www.instagram.com/p/Czbq0mkRX6g/ The mom-to-be shared the exciting news on social media along with a photo of her showcasing her growing belly and a note that said, “Mommy, Daddy and Ever are overjoyed.” https://www.instagram.com/p/C5BbRQauYYW/ The couple, who started dating in 2017, were married two years later, during an intimate ceremony in Northern California. In a previous interview with PEOPLE, Michele expressed her admiration for he ..read more

Parenthood is an incredible journey, but it’s no secret that it comes with its fair share of stress, impacting every aspect of a parent’s well-being. Despite the undeniable toll parenthood takes on health, there’s no standardized measure for gauging the biological toll of pregnancy. However, a new study led by Yale University researchers offers insights into the cellular aging process during and after pregnancy. Exploring how human DNA undergoes molecular changes over time, known as biological aging, researchers found that carrying a child exerts significant strain on the body’s cells, akin t ..read more

Since announcing her pregnancy via sperm donor, Lala Kent’s fertility treatment Intrauterine insemination (IUI) has been in the news. Also known as artificial insemination, IUI stands as a promising solution for individuals or couples struggling with infertility. This procedure significantly enhances the chances of conception by strategically placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus, the vital organ where fetal development occurs. The process aims to facilitate the union of sperm and egg in the fallopian tube, ultimately leading to pregnancy. Intrauterine insemination Illustr ..read more

Stress during pregnancy is a common concern for expecting mothers, but its impact on the developing baby’s brain has long been a topic of scientific inquiry. A recent study looks at the relationship between stress hormones, specifically glucocorticoids, and fetal brain development, shedding light on how these hormones influence the growth and structure of the brain before birth. Glucocorticoids play a vital role in regulating various physiological processes, including metabolism, immune response, and organ development, such as the brain and lungs. When the mother experiences stress, these hor ..read more

For decades, the harmful effects of smoking during pregnancy have been extensively researched, with a particular focus on its association with various diseases. However, recent studies have looked deeper, revealing concerning links between smoking during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in newborns. To understand the intricate mechanisms at play, scientists have long turned to animal models, such as mice, to mimic prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) and observe its effects on behavior. Yet, these studies have yielded inconsistent results, partly due to human error and bias in observati ..read more

Gabourey Sidibe has some exciting news – she’s expecting twins with her husband, Brandon Frankel! In an Instagram post, the 39-year-old Oscar nominee shared photos of her baby bump while wearing a vibrant pink dress and posing with her husband. https://www.instagram.com/p/C33O9TGP-t3 They even included a picture of themselves pushing the Bugaboo Donkey twin stroller together. Sidibe partnered with Babylist to create a registry for their double bundle of joy. https://www.instagram.com/p/C33O9TGP-t3 In a quirky caption, she humorously mentioned giving their cats the responsibility of caring ..read more

Justine Lupe is pregnant! The 34-year-old actress proudly showed off her baby bump at the SAG Awards on Saturday, February 24, 2024, in LA, looking stunning in a chic red Stella McCartney dress with a halterneck and thigh split. Embed from Getty Images Rocking her signature blonde waves and a bold red lip, Justine radiated happiness as she posed for photos cradling her belly. Known for her role as Willa Ferreyra on Succession, this mama-to-be is glowing both on and off-screen. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3x1maUPAUI When the new baby arrives they will be the first child for both Justine and ..read more