postpartum Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Postpartum Female Preference for Cooler Temperatures Linked to Brain Changes

The AHA! Team — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 05:35:50 +0000

Baylor College of Medicine via EurekAlert! – Mothers experience major metabolic adaptations during pregnancy and lactation to support the development and growth of the new life. Although many metabolic changes have been studied, body temperature regulation and environmental temperature preference during and after pregnancy remain poorly understood. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions show in the journal Molecular Metabolism that postpartum female mice develop new environmental temperature preferences and reveal brain changes mediating these changes. Humans and mice body temperature “In both humans and mice, body temperature increases during early pregnancy, drops to normal temperature during late pregnancy and then goes up again during lactation,” said co-corresponding author Dr. Chunmei Wang, assistant professor of pediatrics at USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor. In this study, Wang and her colleagues investigated what changes occurred in the brain that mediated the new temperature preference. “We worked with mice and found that female mice prefer a cooler environment starting from late pregnancy and persisting in long-term postpartum,” Wang said. “For more than four weeks post-weaning female mice had a lower body temperature and preferred cooler environments; they lost their typical preference for warm environments (30 °C/86 °F) but still avoided cold environments (15 °C/59 °F).” To identify the biological underpinnings of these changes, the researchers studied the preoptic area (POA), a brain region important for sensing and regulating body temperature. “We discovered that the change in temperature preference in postpartum female mice was associated with a significant decrease in a particular group of neurons, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-expressing neurons in the preoptic area of the brain (ERαPOA neurons),” Wang said. Supporting this finding, the researchers found that virgin females in which the estrogen receptor alpha had been deleted in ERαPOA neurons also preferred lower temperatures and avoided warmer locations, mimicking postpartum females. Looking closely into the ERαPOA neurons, the researchers found that these neurons vary in their ability to sense warm or cold temperatures – one group of ERαPOA neurons can directly respond to warmth, while another group responds to cooler temperatures. “Interestingly, compared to female mice that had not been pregnant, ERαPOA neurons of postpartum females had reduced response to warmth and an enhanced response to cold,” Wang said. Together, the results support that the ability of ERαPOA neurons to sense warmth and cold is regulated by reproductive experience and leads to changes in temperature preferences that alter the animal’s warmth-seeking behavior. Currently, the researchers are exploring the function of each group of ERαPOA neurons on the regulation body temperature and thermal preference. Other contributors to this work include Nan Zhang, Meng Yu, Qianru Zhao, Bing Feng, Yue Deng, Jonathan C. Bean, Qingzhuo Liu, Benjamin P. Eappen, Yang He, Kristine M. Conde, Hailan Liu, Yongjie Yang, Longlong Tu, Mengjie Wang, Yongxiang Li, Na Yin, Hesong Liu, Junying Han, Darah Ave Threat, Nathan Xu, Taylor Smiley, Pingwen Xu, Lulu Chen and co-corresponding authors Tianshu Zeng and Yanlin He. The authors are affiliated with one or more of the following institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei Branch of National Center for Clinical Medical Research of Metabolic Diseases, Louisiana State University, South-central Minzu University and the University of Illinois. This work was supported by grants from the USDA/CRIS (3092-51000-062-04(B)S), Pennington Biomedical Research Center institutional funding and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. ### Journal Molecular Metabolism DOI 10.1016/j.molmet.2025.102108 To read the original article click here.

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The Best Postnatal Vitamins for Mom and Baby

The AHA! Team — Fri, 17 May 2024 08:11:58 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – You’ve likely read up on the importance of prenatal vitamins and how certain nutrients are needed in higher amounts during pregnancy, but did you know that the same is true even after you’ve given birth? Postnatal vitamins are used to ensure that new moms get the vitamins and minerals they need after giving birth. While eating a healthy, balanced diet is key or maintaining proper macronutrients and micronutrient levels, supplementing with the most important vitamins and minerals can support breastfeeding and recovery after giving birth. What Are Postnatal Vitamins? Postnatal vitamins provide the nutrients that women need during the postpartum period, after giving birth. While it’s important for women to maintain healthy levels of all macro- and micronutrients during this period, some vitamins and minerals play an important role in hormone balance, breast milk supply and healthy energy levels. Typically, a prenatal vitamin can be continued during the months after birth as well. Those nutrients are also needed during breastfeeding and the recovery phase. In essence, these vitamins are beneficial for women during their reproductive years. Best Postnatal Vitamins to Take The nutrients that are most important during pregnancy are also needed after delivery, especially for women who are breastfeeding. Here’s a breakdown of the most important vitamins and minerals for the postnatal period: 1. Iron Iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy and after birth. It helps prevent anemia, which can be exacerbated when a woman loses blood during delivery. If you have low iron levels and you’re taking a pre- or postnatal multivitamin, make sure it includes iron. If not, you can take a separate iron supplement for six to eight weeks after delivery or until your health care provider recommends stopping. The daily recommended intake of iron for women is 18–27 milligrams. 2. Calcium Calcium is needed for mom’s and baby’s bones, so getting enough while breastfeeding is important. Calcium is also needed for the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems to function properly. The recommended daily intake of calcium for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 1,000 milligrams. 3. Vitamin D Research indicates that efforts should be made to optimize vitamin D status in mothers during and after pregnancy to support healthy levels in the infant and mom. Not only do infants need vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth, but the nutrient also impacts women’s brain function, immunity, hormones and mood. Breastfeeding women should get about 600 international units (or 15 micrograms) of vitamin D per day. 4. Choline Choline is a nutrient that plays a role in nerve function, muscle movement, metabolism, energy and several other important body processes. The recommended daily intake for women who are breastfeeding is 550 milligrams of choline. 5. DHA Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fatty acid that needs to be consumed in food or supplement form to maintain healthy levels. It supports infant development, and studies suggest that there are long-term benefits for infants with higher levels of DHA, including faster development of behavioral functions. Deficits in DHA may lead to learning impairments among infants. Babies get DHA through breast milk, so mothers need to make sure they get enough of the fat in food or supplement form. Breastfeeding women need between 300–900 milligrams of combined DHA and EPA (another omega-3 fats acid) per day. How to Take/Dosage Postnatal vitamins are taken after birth, typically for as long as you’re breastfeeding and your body is recovering from pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or midwife for usage and dosage recommendations for your body and lifestyle specifically. Postnatal multivitamins are available online and at health food stores. You can find them in capsule, gummy and powder forms. Look for a reputable brand, ideally with a USDA Certified Organic label and a full list of ingredients and dosage. If you’re going for a multivitamin, make sure to choose one that includes DHA. When you no longer need postnatal vitamins, you can switch over to a standard multivitamin to ensure that you maintain healthy levels of micronutrients, especially if your diet is lacking in certain areas. Food Sources The best way to maintain healthy levels of vitamins and minerals is by eating a diet rich in colorful, fresh foods, just like the pregnancy diet. Some of the foods that are highest in postnatal nutrients and should be incorporated into a woman’s diet after giving birth include: Yogurt Goat cheese Almonds Walnuts Broccoli Cauliflower Brussels sprouts Kale Spinach Swiss chard While beans Black beans Navy beans Chickpeas Split peas Lentils Wild-caught fish Organic poultry Grass-fed beef Cafe-free eggs Portobello mushrooms Pumpkin seeds Chia seeds Flaxseeds Women also need plenty of water during the postpartum period. Staying hydrated supports breast milk supply, energy levels and overall body function. Keep a water bottle close by throughout the day, and opt for drinking about 12–16 cups of water, depending on how often you nurse. Risks and Side Effects When it comes to getting enough micronutrients for optimal health, supplements aren’t a replacement for a healthy diet. They work best when taken as part of a balanced, healthy diet. Supplements can be used to cover any potential gaps in your diet. If you take any medications, check with your health care provider before using vitamin supplements. If you experience adverse reactions or side effects of a supplement, such as nausea, diarrhea, rash or flushing, discontinue use, and speak to your doctor. Conclusion Postnatal vitamins provide the nutrients that women need during the postpartum period, after giving birth. While it’s important for women to maintain healthy levels of all macro- and micronutrients during this period, some vitamins and minerals play an important role in hormone balance, breast milk supply, mood, brain function and healthy energy levels. Some of the most important nutrients during the post-birth period include iron, calcium, vitamin D, choline and DHA. You can get these vitamins and minerals from leafy greens, organic animal meat, dairy products, nuts and seeds, and legumes. Taking a postnatal supplement can help fill any gaps from your diet. To read the original article click here.

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Immune System Irregularities Found in Women With Postpartum Mood Disorders

AHA Publisher — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 08:00:03 +0000

Cedars-Sinai via Newswise – LOS ANGELES (Dec. 2, 2022) — Women with prolonged mental health problems up to three years after childbirth may be suffering from irregular immune system responses, according to new research by Cedars-Sinai investigators. The findings are published in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. “We found that women who had clinically elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) two to three years after delivery had genetic evidence of a higher prevalence of immune system defense mechanism activation,”said Eynav Accortt, PhD, principal investigator of the study and director of the Reproductive Psychology Program at Cedars-Sinai. “These women also appeared to have a reduction in the activity of genes related to antiviral immune responses that can offer the body protection from pathogens,” said Accortt, a clinical psychologist. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 8 women experience significant symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that can interfere with overall health, daily activities and family life. Much of the research into maternal mental health to date has focused on the perinatal period and the first year after childbirth. Cedars-Sinai investigators surveyed 33 women about their mental health over a longer period, two to three years after giving birth. Study participants also provided a blood sample, and scientists performed bioinformatic analyses of differential gene expression. “Delayed or persistent postpartum anxiety, depression and PTSD is an area that is woefully understudied,” said Sarah Kilpatrick, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai and one of the study’s co-authors. “In this preliminary research, we have identified genetic differences related to inflammation when comparing women experiencing prolonged symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders to those who did not report poor mental health. Additional studies will be needed for a deeper dive into the role inflammation may play in postpartum mental illness,” said Kilpatrick. A primary goal of this work is to design a blood test that would detect which women are at the highest risk for serious and prolonged postpartum mood disorders, according to Accortt. “A blood test could help us develop early interventions that provide medical and mental health treatments and support. We want to figure out why some women are at greater risk for depression, anxiety and PTSD. No one should have to suffer for years after childbirth,” said Accortt. To read the original article click here.

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Postpartum Sleep Deprivation Associated with Accelerated Biological Aging

AHA Publisher — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 07:00:36 +0000

University of California – Los Angeles via News-Medical – When new mothers complain that all those sleepless nights caring for their newborns are taking years off their life, they just might be right, UCLA research published this summer in the journal Sleep Health suggests. Scientists studied 33 mothers during their pregnancies and the first year of their babies’ lives, analyzing the women’s DNA from blood samples to determine their “biological age,” which can differ from chronological age. They found that a year after giving birth, the biological age of mothers who slept less than seven hours a night at the six-month mark was three to seven years older than those who logged seven hours or more. Mothers who slept less than seven hours also had shorter telomeres in their white blood cells. These small pieces of DNA at the ends of chromosomes act as protective caps, like the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces. Shortened telomeres have been linked to a higher risk of cancers, cardiovascular and other diseases, and earlier death. “The early months of postpartum sleep deprivation could have a lasting effect on physical health. We know from a large body of research that sleeping less than seven hours a night is detrimental to health and increases the risk of age-related diseases.” Judith Carroll, study’s first author, UCLA’s George F. Solomon Professor of Psychobiology While participants’ nightly sleep ranged from five to nine hours, more than half were getting less than seven hours, both six months and one year after giving birth, the researchers report. “We found that with every hour of additional sleep, the mother’s biological age was younger,” said Carroll, a member of the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology at UCLA’s Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. “I, and many other sleep scientists, consider sleep health to be just as vital to overall health as diet and exercise.” Carroll urged new mothers take advantage of opportunities to get a little extra sleep, like taking naps during the day when their baby is asleep, accepting offers of assistance from family and friends, and, when possible, asking their partner to help with the baby during the night or early morning. “Taking care of your sleep needs will help you and your baby in the long run,” she said. Co-author Christine Dunkel Schetter, a distinguished professor of psychology and psychiatry at UCLA, said the study results “and other findings on maternal postpartum mental health provide impetus for better supporting mothers of young infants so that they can get sufficient sleep -; possibly through parental leave so that both parents can bear some of the burden of care, and through programs for families and fathers.” Dunkel Schetter added that while accelerated biological aging linked to sleep loss may increase women’s health risks, it doesn’t automatically cause harm to their bodies. “We don’t want the message to be that mothers are permanently damaged by infant care and loss of sleep,” she emphasized. “We don’t know if these effects are long lasting.” ‘This Aisle Is Closed’: Using Epigenetics to Determine Biological Age The study used the latest scientific methods of analyzing changes in DNA to assess biological aging -; also known as epigenetic aging, Dunkel Schetter said. DNA provides the code for making proteins, which carry out many functions in the cells of our body, and epigenetics focuses on whether regions of this code are “open” or “closed.” “You can think of DNA as a grocery store,” Carroll said, “with lots of basic ingredients to build a meal. If there is a spill in one aisle, it may be closed, and you can’t get an item from that aisle, which might prevent you from making a recipe. When access to DNA code is ‘closed,’ then those genes that code for specific proteins cannot be expressed and are therefore turned off.” Because specific sites within DNA are turned on or off with aging, the process acts as a sort of clock, Carroll said, allowing scientists to estimate individuals’ biological age. The greater an individual’s biological, or epigenetic, age, the greater their risk of disease and earlier death. The study’s cohort -; which included women who ranged in age from 23 to 45 six months after giving birth -; is not a large representative sample of women, the authors said, and more studies are needed to better understand the long-term impact of sleep loss on new mothers, what other factors might contribute to sleep loss and whether the biological aging effects are permanent or reversible. Carroll and Dunkel Schetter reported last year that a mother’s stress prior to giving birth may accelerate her child’s biological aging, which is a form of “intergenerational transfer of health risk,” Dunkel Schetter said. Co-authors of the new study included researchers from the department of psychology, the department of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, and the department of human genetics and biostatistics at UCLA and from the psychology department at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. To read the original article click here.

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