DONALD M. DEWEY, MD

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This study looked at how a mother’s physical activity, depression, and education during pregnancy affect the development of a part of the child's brain called the hippocampus from early childhood to early adolescence. The researchers analyzed brain scans from 113 children and found that while the hippocampus did grow and change with age, there were no significant links between the mother's physical activity, depression, or education and the brain's structure. This is important because it helps us understand that certain prenatal factors may not strongly influence early brain development, which can guide future research and parenting practices. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers studying child development and prenatal care.

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This study looked into how early life experiences, like nutrition and stress, can shape a child's development and health later in life. Researchers analyzed 95 scientific papers to create a clear definition of "developmental programming," finding that factors like maternal health and environmental influences can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Understanding these connections is crucial for improving healthcare and education practices, ultimately helping prevent diseases before they start. Who this helps: This helps patients, healthcare providers, and public health professionals.

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This study looked at how different tests of attention and executive function (the ability to plan and make decisions) can help diagnose autism and ADHD in children. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,000 children, finding that these tests explained 31% of the differences in scores for ADHD but only 2.7% for autism. This is important because it shows that attention and executive function measures are more useful for identifying ADHD than distinguishing between autism and typically developing children. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals better identify and diagnose children with ADHD and autism.

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This study looked at how mothers' exposure to certain chemicals, called perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, affects the brain structure of their young children. Researchers found that higher levels of these chemicals in mothers' blood were linked to changes in their children's brain white matter, which can relate to learning and behavior issues. Specifically, higher maternal chemical levels were tied to markers indicating less organized brain connections, particularly in areas associated with important cognitive functions. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand potential risks to children's brain development during pregnancy.

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This study looked at 4,626 cheek swab samples from children aged 2 months to 20 years to understand how the composition of cells changes as kids grow. Researchers found that the amount of cheek cells decreased as children aged, while some white blood cells increased. This is important because it affects how scientists study DNA changes in children, especially in relation to conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working with pediatric patients.

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This study looked at how autism and epilepsy affect the quality of life for children and found that children with more severe autism symptoms and their parents experiencing higher stress had worse overall quality of life. Specifically, it showed that for every increase in autism symptom severity and parenting stress, the quality of life scores dropped significantly (with a notable odds ratio of 0.851 and 0.687, respectively). Improving how we support both children with these conditions and their parents could lead to better outcomes in their everyday lives. Who this helps: This benefits children with autism and epilepsy and their families.

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This study looked at how the structure of brain pathways related to reading changes as children grow, particularly focusing on the arcuate fasciculus, a key region for reading. It found that children with better phonological decoding skills (the ability to sound out words) had denser fibers in this area. Specifically, 6-year-olds who were good at decoding had greater fiber density that continued to support their reading development up to age 13. Who this helps: This helps children learning to read and their educators by highlighting the importance of brain structure in reading skills.

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This study examined how effective non-drug treatments, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), are for treating depression and anxiety in young mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth. Researchers found that these therapies had a small to moderate positive impact, improving symptoms significantly compared to those who did not receive these treatments (with a score showing an improvement of -0.57). This matters because it offers a proven approach to support adolescent mothers who are experiencing mental health challenges, which is crucial for their well-being and that of their babies. Who this helps: This helps adolescent mothers facing perinatal depression and anxiety.

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This study looked at how high weight before pregnancy affects brain development in young children, specifically focusing on how these effects might differ between boys and girls. Researchers found that children whose mothers had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher before pregnancy had lower white matter integrity in parts of the brain related to thinking and learning, leading to poorer cognitive performance at ages 3 to 4. For example, these children showed less white matter integrity in crucial brain areas compared to those whose mothers had a normal weight, and this relationship varied between boys and girls. Who this helps: This helps children born to mothers with high pre-pregnancy weight, as well as their parents and healthcare providers.

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This research studied how various chemical exposures during pregnancy, along with social and mental health factors of mothers, affect the brain development of young children. Using data from 406 mother-child pairs, the study found that different sets of factors were linked to children's cognitive, language, and motor skills, with the strongest predictors for cognitive scores being 29 variables, which showed a correlation of 0.27. This is important because it highlights the significance of considering multiple influences when assessing child development, potentially leading to better prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand key factors influencing child development.

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This study looked at how brain structure affects communication skills in children who were exposed to alcohol before birth. Researchers found that children with prenatal alcohol exposure had lower language skills scores compared to their peers without such exposure, and while both groups had similar brain asymmetry patterns, the left-side brain dominance linked to better language skills in typical children was associated with poorer language outcomes in those exposed to alcohol. Understanding this difference is important because it reveals how prenatal alcohol exposure can disrupt normal brain functions related to language. Who this helps: This research benefits children who were exposed to alcohol in the womb and their caregivers by providing insights into their communication challenges.

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This study examined how different levels of depression in mothers before and after giving birth affect their children's behavior at age five. Researchers found that children of mothers with subclinical (mild) and high levels of depression were more likely to have internal issues, like anxiety, while children of mothers with just subclinical symptoms also showed more external issues, like aggression. This means even mild depression in mothers can strongly influence children's mental health, not just more severe cases. Who this helps: This helps children and their mothers by highlighting the importance of addressing mild depression.

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This study looked at how certain trace elements and chemicals called perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) affect stress hormone levels in pregnant women. Researchers tested blood and saliva samples from 243 women and found that higher levels of molybdenum and lead were linked to lower stress hormone responses, while some PFAAs were linked to higher stress hormone levels. These changes in hormone levels could affect both maternal health and fetal development during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and their healthcare providers understand how environmental exposures may impact pregnancy.

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This study looked at how brain structure relates to thinking skills in young children aged 2-8, particularly focusing on boys and girls who were either exposed to alcohol before birth or not. Researchers analyzed brain scans of 169 children and found that unexposed boys showed a negative link between brain volume and thinking skills, while boys with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) had the opposite result. In contrast, unexposed girls had a strong positive link between brain volume and thinking skills, while girls with PAE had a weaker link. This matters because it reveals that boys and girls process brain development differently, especially when prenatal alcohol exposure is involved, which can affect their cognitive development. Who this helps: This helps parents, doctors, and educators working with children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.

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This study looked at how mothers’ difficult childhood experiences affect their preschool children's behavior, focusing on the mother's attachment style. It found that a mother's attachment style—how secure or insecure they feel in relationships—can influence their child's behavior problems, with positive effects found on both internal feelings (like anxiety) and external actions (like aggression). Specifically, the study suggests that the insecure attachment styles of mothers are linked to an increase in these problems for their children. Who this helps: This helps parents and caregivers understand how their past experiences may impact their children's behavior.

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This study looked at the mental health of pregnant teenagers in Mwanza, Tanzania, focusing on how many of them experience depression and anxiety. It found that 21% of these young mothers showed signs of depression, while 23% had symptoms of anxiety. The results highlight the need to include mental health support in pregnancy care for these young women, as many are struggling with these issues during a crucial time in their lives. Who this helps: This helps adolescent pregnant women and healthcare providers working with them.

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This study looked at mental health issues, specifically depression and anxiety, among pregnant teenage girls in Tanzania. Researchers found that while the number of girls experiencing depression dropped from 20.64% during their second trimester to 9.90% three months after giving birth, new cases of depression rose from 9.00% to 11.89% during the same period. This matters because it highlights the need for mental health support for young mothers, who are at higher risk for developing these symptoms during and after pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps adolescent mothers and healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study looked at how exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy might affect children’s risk of allergies and asthma as they grow. Researchers analyzed urine samples from 556 mothers and tracked their children's health up to three years old. They found that higher levels of some chemicals, like mono-benzyl phthalate, were linked to lower odds of eczema at one year old, while other chemicals like bisphenol S were associated with a higher risk of asthma at one year but lower risk of eczema at three years. Who this helps: This research helps parents and healthcare providers understand the potential impact of chemical exposure during pregnancy on children's health.

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This study looked at how exposure to harmful metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury during pregnancy and childhood affects children's thinking, movement skills, behavior, and mental health. The review found that higher levels of exposure to these metals are strongly linked to poorer cognitive and motor skills, as well as behavior and mental health issues in children. This matters because it shows that avoiding these toxic metals can help improve children's development and overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps parents, pediatricians, and policymakers focused on children's health.

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This study looked at a new method called FLERO for calculating the power of intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgery, improving the predictions made by the existing Barrett Universal II (BUII) calculator. The findings showed that FLERO led to better outcomes: 50.7% of patients had their vision within 0.25 diopters of the target after surgery, compared to 47% with BUII, and the average error in predictions dropped from 0.345 diopters to 0.315 diopters. This is important because it means patients are more likely to have clearer vision after surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing cataract surgery.

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This study looked at how the levels of iron and vitamin D in pregnant women during the second trimester relate to symptoms of depression in the third trimester. Researchers found that higher levels of iron and vitamin D were linked to fewer depression symptoms. For instance, women with low iron levels had higher depression scores, showing that addressing these micronutrient levels could help improve mental health during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how brain connections relate to pre-reading skills in preschool children. Researchers examined data from 81 kids aged 2-6 and found that better phonological processing—an important skill for reading—was linked to stronger brain connectivity in certain areas. Specifically, they found that children with higher phonological processing scores had more efficient brain networks, particularly in both sides of the brain. Who this helps: This helps preschool children and their teachers by highlighting the importance of developing reading skills early on.

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This study looked at how a mother's weight before pregnancy and the amount of weight she gained during pregnancy could affect her child's behavior, particularly focusing on whether inflammation in the mother played a role. Researchers found that being underweight before pregnancy was linked to withdrawal issues in all children and aggressive behaviors in girls, while obese mothers showed a connection to aggressive behaviors in girls too. Importantly, high levels of inflammation in mothers didn't seem to influence these effects, which highlights specific behavioral risks associated with maternal weight. Who this helps: This research helps parents and healthcare providers understand potential behavioral risks in children based on maternal weight.

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This study looked at how the type of birth—whether a cesarean section or vaginal delivery—might affect children's behavior, particularly if their mother's mental health played a role. Researchers analyzed data from 938 mother-child pairs and found that unplanned cesarean deliveries were linked to increased behavior problems in children aged 2 to 3 years, primarily through the mother's experiences of post-traumatic stress disorder and postpartum depression. This matters because it highlights the importance of addressing maternal mental health after traumatic births to support healthier child development. Who this helps: This helps mothers who experience traumatic births and their young children.

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This study looked at how exposure to a chemical called DEHP during pregnancy affects children's immune systems and their chances of getting respiratory infections in early childhood. Researchers found that babies exposed to higher levels of DEHP were more likely to have upper respiratory infections, especially boys, where increased biological aging markers were linked to these infections. The findings highlight the need to understand the risks of chemicals like DEHP on child health. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the potential risks of chemical exposure during pregnancy, especially for newborn boys.

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This study looked at the gut bacteria of 248 preschool-aged children to see how it relates to their behaviors, like social skills and ability to adapt to daily activities. Researchers found four different groups of gut bacteria, with one group, which had high levels of certain bacteria, linked to lower scores in social skills and daily living tasks. Understanding these links is important because it could lead to more tailored treatments that help improve children's behavior based on their specific gut microbiota. Who this helps: This benefits parents and healthcare providers working with young children.

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This study looked at whether certain risk factors are linked to spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP) in children born at term. Researchers found that pregnancy complications, maternal health issues, substance use during pregnancy, perinatal infections, delivery by Caesarean section, and perinatal adversity all significantly increased the risk of SDCP. For example, pregnancy complications raised the odds of developing SDCP by over four times (OR = 4.73). Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers by helping them identify at-risk mothers and improve care for term-born children.

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This study looked at the risk factors for perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS), a type of brain injury occurring in babies around the time of birth. Researchers used machine learning to analyze data from over 2,500 newborns, finding that the model could correctly identify risks with about 86.5% accuracy. Key factors linked to PAIS included maternal age, exposure to tobacco or alcohol, and low scores on health assessments right after birth, showing that multiple factors can influence the risk of this condition. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and healthcare providers caring for pregnant women and newborns.

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Researchers studied how exposure to certain environmental chemicals in pregnant women relates to the risk of gestational diabetes. They found that among 420 women, 15 (about 3.6%) were diagnosed with this condition. Specifically, higher mercury levels in the blood increased the likelihood of gestational diabetes, while zinc and a chemical called PFUnA appeared to lower the risk. Understanding these connections can help in developing strategies to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how vitamin B12 intake during pregnancy affects children's brain development and their cognitive, language, and motor skills. Out of 148 studies reviewed, 19 met the criteria for inclusion, but the results were uncertain, indicating that more research is needed to clearly understand the impact of maternal vitamin B12 on children. This matters because knowing the right nutrients for pregnant women can help ensure better brain development for their children. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how antibiotics given during childbirth might affect a child's weight by the time they are 4 years old. Researchers found that children whose mothers received antibiotics during labor had a higher body mass index (BMI) z-score, specifically an increase of 0.12, compared to those whose mothers did not receive such antibiotics. This finding is important because it suggests that antibiotics during delivery may contribute to a greater risk of obesity in early childhood. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the potential impacts of antibiotic use during childbirth on a child's long-term health.

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This study looked at how certain chemicals, bisphenols and phthalates, affect weight gain and fat accumulation in pregnant women, depending on their weight before pregnancy. Researchers examined data from 318 women and found that those with a normal body weight before pregnancy showed less weight gain over time when exposed to certain chemicals, while heavier women experienced more weight retention after giving birth. Understanding these effects is important because it can influence health recommendations for pregnant women regarding chemical exposure. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and healthcare providers in managing health risks associated with chemical exposures during pregnancy.

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This study examined the rates of postpartum depression and anxiety among 386 women just after giving birth in Mwanza, Tanzania. They found that 25.4% of these women experienced symptoms of depression and 37.3% showed signs of anxiety. Complications during delivery and lack of partner support increased the risk of these issues, making early screening and intervention crucial for the well-being of new mothers and their babies. Who this helps: This benefits new mothers and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for early support and mental health screening.

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This study looked at how a mother's weight before pregnancy affects her child's risk of being overweight, specifically focusing on the child's personality traits. Researchers found that higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) in mothers was linked to higher body mass index (zBMI) in their children when they were 4-5 years old. Child temperament, particularly a trait called Surgency, played a role in this relationship; for every one-point increase in Surgency, the child's zBMI increased by 0.14. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and healthcare providers by highlighting the influence of maternal health and child's personality on weight management in early childhood.

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This study looked at how exposure to the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy affects brain development and autism symptoms in boys. Researchers found that higher BPA levels in mothers during pregnancy were linked to more severe autism symptoms in their sons, particularly if those boys had lower activity of a brain enzyme called aromatase. Additionally, treating male mice exposed to BPA with a substance called 10HDA reduced autism-like behaviors and improved brain function. Who this helps: This helps parents of young boys and healthcare providers by highlighting the risks of BPA exposure during pregnancy and potential treatments.

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This study looked at how exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy affects the biological aging of infants. Researchers found that in baby girls, exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) was linked to faster aging, with a notable increase in age acceleration of 0.72 units. For several phthalates, there was a decrease in age acceleration for both boys and girls, suggesting that BPA is significantly impacting biological aging. Who this helps: This research benefits parents, pediatricians, and policymakers by highlighting the risks of certain chemicals during pregnancy.

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This study looked at how prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) affects the brain's structure and reading skills in young children. It involved 135 children, and those exposed to alcohol before birth scored lower in pre-reading tests compared to those who weren't exposed, with 53 out of the children studied having PAE. The findings indicate that changes in the brain may lead to difficulties with reading in these children. Who this helps: This helps children with prenatal alcohol exposure and their families by highlighting the need for targeted support in early reading development.

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This study looked at how prenatal alcohol exposure affects brain function and development in young children, specifically between ages 3 and 8. Researchers found that children who were exposed to alcohol before birth had higher levels of certain brain chemicals related to metabolism and excitability, which were linked to their ability to think and control impulses. For instance, children with higher levels of a compound called total choline showed better executive functioning skills. Who this helps: This information is valuable for parents and healthcare providers working with children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.

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This study looked at how children's brains respond to watching TV shows as they grow from ages 4 to 8. The researchers found that as children age, their brain activity becomes more similar to each other when viewing these clips; specifically, brain areas related to language and face recognition showed stronger shared responses among children, indicating less variability. This matters because understanding how children's brain responses become more typical can help in identifying developmental milestones and detecting potential delays. Who this helps: This research benefits parents, educators, and healthcare providers who work with young children.

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This study looked at how prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) affects brain development related to language skills in young children. Researchers compared 51 children with PAE to 116 children without any exposure and found that those with PAE had significantly lower scores in reading-related skills, showing difficulties in phonological processing and naming. Specifically, children with PAE showed differences in brain structure that corresponded with these language challenges, indicating that their brain development was delayed compared to their peers. Who this helps: This information benefits children with prenatal alcohol exposure and the professionals working with them, including educators and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the bacteria and other substances in the guts of preschool children relate to their overall intelligence. Researchers analyzed stool samples from 245 children and found that those with more diverse gut bacteria tended to have slightly lower verbal comprehension scores. Specifically, higher levels of a caffeine-related substance were also linked to lower verbal comprehension scores, but the connections were weak. Who this helps: This information is valuable for researchers studying child development and gut health.

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This study looked at how much choline pregnant Australian women eat and the levels of choline in their blood. Researchers found that the average daily intake of choline was only 372 mg, while 23% of women met the recommended intake of 440 mg, and only 2.6% took choline supplements. This is important because low choline intake during pregnancy can affect brain development in babies, potentially influencing their cognitive abilities later on. Who this helps: This helps expecting mothers and healthcare providers understand the importance of adequate choline intake during pregnancy.

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This study looked at the effects of specific chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and mercury on the brain development of children in Canada. It found that certain PFAAs, like PFHeptA and PFDoA, were linked to lower cognitive scores at age two, with decreases as much as 2 points for PFDoA and 4.4 points for total PFOS. These results are important because they highlight potential risks of these chemicals during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for further research on their specific forms. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and healthcare providers understand risks to child development from environmental exposures.

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This study looked at how exposure to certain chemicals called phthalates during pregnancy affected the development of children at 2 years old, focusing on whether there were differences between boys and girls. Researchers found that higher levels of a phthalate known as DEHP were linked to lower scores in cognitive, language, and motor skills for boys, while girls showed more difficulties in behaviors like self-control and flexibility. These findings matter because they suggest that prenatal exposure to DEHP can lead to different developmental challenges for boys and girls, highlighting the need for careful examination of chemical exposures during pregnancy. Who this helps: This research helps parents and healthcare professionals understand the potential risks of chemical exposures during pregnancy and their effects on children's development.

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This study looked at how exposure to certain environmental chemicals might lead to pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) in pregnant women. Out of 420 pregnant women in the study, 35 (8.3%) were diagnosed with PIH. Researchers found that higher levels of two specific chemicals, monoethyl phthalate and perfluorononanoic acid, were significantly linked to an increased risk of developing PIH. Who this helps: This research helps pregnant women and healthcare providers by highlighting potentially harmful chemical exposures during pregnancy.

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This study looked at how stress during pregnancy affects the gut bacteria of children when they are 3 to 4 years old. Researchers found that higher levels of anxiety and depression in mothers during the second and third trimesters were linked to both increased diversity and changes in specific gut bacteria in their children. For example, cortisol levels from the first trimester were connected to variations in gut bacteria, suggesting that prenatal stress might have lasting effects on a child's gut health. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the importance of maternal mental health for child gut health.

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This study looked at how the timing of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS)—a treatment for pregnant women at risk of preterm birth—affects the health of their newborns. It found that babies born between 48 hours and 7 days after receiving ACS have a 70% lower risk of dying shortly after birth and a 73% lower risk of developing breathing problems compared to those born within 48 hours of treatment. This matters because administering ACS at the right time can significantly improve survival and health outcomes for premature infants. Who this helps: This benefits mothers of preterm infants and healthcare providers in low-resource settings.

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This study looked at how a mother’s weight before pregnancy and the amount of weight she gains during pregnancy affect her child’s brain development at ages 3 to 5. It found that for every unit increase in the mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), the child’s IQ scores decreased by about 0.48 points. Additionally, if mothers gained too little or too much weight during pregnancy, it also negatively impacted their child's intelligence and language skills. Who this helps: This research benefits mothers and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of healthy weight management before and during pregnancy.