In a survey of parents in metro Chicago, nearly half of Black parents (48%) said they were reluctant to have their kids vaccinated against COVID-19, researchers say. That’s significantly higher than the 33% of Hispanic parents and 26% of white parents who expressed vaccine hesitancy, the findings showed. “As vaccines are becoming available to younger…  read on >  read on >

Pregnant women who receive an epidural to ease their pain during labor aren’t any more likely than others to have kids with autism, two new studies show. Earlier research suggested this practice may increase autism risk in offspring, but the pair of studies should put this concern to rest for good, experts say. “Parents can…  read on >  read on >

Marijuana use by mothers-to-be may have increased by as much as one-quarter during the pandemic, a new study suggests. Researchers found a substantial increase in the number of women in Northern California using pot early in their pregnancies after the pandemic emerged compared to the previous year. “Our previous research has shown that the prevalence…  read on >  read on >

Spend time with babies and you’ll see they pick up items, bang them together and, often, chew on them. That play is key to learning and development, but most research on infant play has taken place in a lab and not on a living room floor — until now. “At a time in development when…  read on >  read on >

Air pollution impacts the youngest humans, with new research linking dirty air to almost 6 million premature births and almost 3 million underweight babies worldwide in 2019. More than 90% of the world’s population lives with polluted outdoor air, a new study points out. And its effects continue through the years: Preemies or children with…  read on >  read on >

More U.S. teens use e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes and marijuana together, posing greater risks to their health and behavior than if they used only one substance, a new study finds. Called “triple users,” this group score high on a profile of psychosocial risk, which includes fighting, risky sexual behavior and behaviors such as not wearing seat…  read on >  read on >

Pregnant women at risk for a serious high blood pressure disorder called preeclampsia should take low-dose aspirin after their first trimester, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The recommendation, announced Sept. 28, updates and is consistent with the task force’s 2014 stance. Marked by a sudden spike in blood pressure, protein in…  read on >  read on >

TUESDAY, Sept. 28, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — COVID-19 can be bad for anyone. For pregnant women, scientific research shows it can be worse: The disease significantly raises their odds of needing ICU care, giving birth prematurely and of dying. Vaccines offer protection. But despite reassurances and encouragement from a wide array of health…  read on >  read on >

The highly contagious Delta variant is the reason more people have decided to get vaccinated against COVID-19, a new poll shows. But the survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation also found that among unvaccinated Americans, nearly 75% say they believe that the need for booster shots proves the vaccines don’t work. Given the diverging viewpoints,…  read on >  read on >