Motherhood Channel (Audio)

Ina Stelzer, Ph.D., explores how the maternal immune system adapts to support a healthy pregnancy and how disruptions can lead to complications like preterm birth. Her lab identifies early immune changes linked to spontaneous preterm birth and investigates the role of the maternal brain in regulating immune responses. Stelzer uses advanced technologies like mass cytometry and spatial proteomics to map immune and molecular changes in pregnancy, integrating these data with transcriptomics and mouse models. Her team studies how antidepressants affect immune signaling during pregnancy and examines the impact of social and behavioral factors. These insights may reveal biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving maternal and fetal health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40773]

Sarah Banks, Ph.D. explores why Alzheimer's disease affects women differently than men, emphasizing distinct patterns in tau pathology, cognitive testing bias, and treatment response. She explains how women tend to show a rapid buildup of tau during early cognitive decline, which may contribute to their higher prevalence of Alzheimer's. Banks also highlights how common diagnostic tools may overlook symptoms in women and how approved treatments may offer less benefit for them. Her research at UC San Diego investigates key sex-based differences in risk factors, including sleep apnea, diabetes, and exercise. One study reveals that over 70% of participating women had undiagnosed sleep apnea. Another focuses on Black women, using blood biomarkers to identify overlooked risks and improve care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40768]

Louise Laurent, M.D., Ph.D., presents new insights into placental biology using cutting-edge molecular and imaging technologies. As part of the NIH-funded Human Biomolecular Atlas Program, her research focuses on mapping the structure and function of the placenta across gestation. By combining bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and imaging mass cytometry, Laurent and collaborators identify key differences in cell types and gene expression associated with pregnancy stages and labor. Her team highlights how specific cells like syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts evolve over time and interact with maternal tissue. This integrated approach offers an unprecedented view of placental development and lays the groundwork for understanding reproductive health and disease. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40670]

Lars Bode, Ph.D., presents the Human Milk Institute at UC San Diego, the world's first research center dedicated entirely to human milk. Established in 2022, the institute connects molecular research with clinical practice, community outreach, and public health. It unites multiple programs under one umbrella, including a milk bank for preterm infants, a biorepository, lactation education, and a rapid response team that helped inform WHO breastfeeding guidelines during COVID-19. The institute promotes collaboration across disciplines such as biology, engineering, social science, and public health. Through initiatives like the Human Milk Analytics Core, it advances maternal and infant health while highlighting the broader public health importance of breastfeeding. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40770]

Jennifer Anger, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. investigates interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome, with a focus on improving care through research on sex, gender, and health disparities. Using Veterans Affairs (VA) data, Anger challenges the outdated belief that IC predominantly affects women. She explores how comorbidities such as PTSD and depression, common among veterans, influence bladder pain, and examines how factors like exercisJennifer Anger, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. uses VA data to study interstitial cystitis.. She examines links between bladder pain, PTSD, depression, diet, and disparities to improve care across all gender identities.e, diet, and neighborhood deprivation impact symptoms. By including both cis and trans women as well as men, Anger seeks to advance more inclusive, data-driven understanding and treatment of IC across all populations. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40675]

Gladys (Sandy) Ramos, M.D. outlines the comprehensive maternal care services at UC San Diego, emphasizing clinical excellence, innovation, and community impact. She highlights programs in diabetes and pregnancy, high-risk obstetrics, postpartum and HIV care, and maternal mental health. Ramos describes cutting-edge capabilities in fetal and placental imaging, including expertise in placenta accreta and genetic counseling. A fetal surgery program is launching soon, expanding access to specialized care and research. The department's patient population closely reflects San Diego County's demographics, which informs both clinical care and research priorities. Ramos also details a collaborative structure with multidisciplinary conferences and welcomes partnerships in research related to maternal, placental, and fetal health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40669]

Sheng Zhong, Ph.D. pioneers technologies that advance women's reproductive health. Zhong develops a minimally invasive method to analyze extracellular RNA secreted by embryos during IVF. By sequencing tiny samples of spent culture media, they generate comprehensive RNA profiles and use machine learning to identify biomarkers that predict embryo quality with accuracy comparable to traditional imaging. This breakthrough offers a gentler, data-driven alternative for assessing embryo viability, with the potential to improve live birth rates and support families navigating infertility. Zhong's research highlights the power of molecular innovation to transform fertility care and address critical challenges in women's health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40676]

Antoni J. Duleba, M.D. outlines the broad scope of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, emphasizing care across a woman's lifespan—from adolescence through menopause. He explains common endocrine conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and menstrual disorders, all of which can affect fertility and overall health. Duleba highlights advances in fertility preservation, especially for patients undergoing cancer treatment, and notes the rising need for such services as more women delay childbearing. He also addresses efforts to improve hormonal therapies, IVF outcomes, and treatments that target inflammation and the microbiome. In addition to medical innovation, he points to social and financial barriers that continue to limit access to reproductive care. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40672]

Andrea Z. LaCroix, Ph.D. presents major public health trends affecting women across the lifespan, from rising maternal mortality and chronic disease risks linked to pregnancy complications to the ongoing need for improved menopause care. She highlights innovative research, including digital tools for menopause education, studies on cancer survivorship, and efforts to predict healthy aging using epigenetic clocks and physical activity data. LaCroix shows how decades of research continue to shape strategies for aging with preserved cognitive and physical function, aiming to help more women thrive into their 90s and beyond. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40766]

Emily Lukacz, M.D., M.A.S. presents research from two national networks focused on female pelvic floor disorders. One project studies bladder health in over 3,000 women to identify factors that support wellness rather than disease. Another conducts large-scale clinical trials, including a randomized study comparing two minimally invasive treatments for stress urinary incontinence. Additional trials include the TULIP study, which evaluates postpartum urinary symptom treatments using an app-based device, physical therapy, or educational materials, and a new study testing prescribed physical activity after pelvic surgery. These studies emphasize patient-centered outcomes and generate data available for further research and analysis. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40769]

Gretchen Bandoli, Ph.D., highlights four major research initiatives within her division focused on maternal and child health. The Center for Better Beginnings studies medication and vaccine safety during pregnancy and lactation through ongoing cohort studies. The Mommy's Milk Human Milk Research Biorepository collects breast milk samples to investigate postnatal exposures. The SOMI study links medical records and geolocated data for over 7 million California births to examine maternal-child health outcomes. Bandoli also leads a site for the Healthy Brain and Child Development Study, a national project following 7,500 mother-child pairs over the first ten years of life with neurodevelopmental assessments and biological sampling. All projects welcome collaboration and emphasize long-term outcomes. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40772]

Experts discuss recent advances in how maternal health and immune function during pregnancy affect infant development and long-term outcomes. Research focuses on immune adaptations, complications like preterm birth, and neuroimmune pathways, using techniques such as mass cytometry, spatial proteomics, and chemogenetics to identify biomarkers and mechanisms that guide prevention and treatment strategies. Sandy Ramos, M.D. Clinical Landscape and OGRS Opportunities Louise Laurent, M.D.,Ph.D. Single-Cell and Spatial Multi-Omic Insights into the Human Placenta (HUBMAP) Marni Jacobs, Ph.D. The MOM-Health Study and the MOHD Consortium Lars Bode, Ph.D. Human Milk Institute (HMI) Gretchen Bandoli, Ph.D. MotherToBaby Ina Stelzer, Ph.D. Reproductive Immunology Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40666]

Explore key aspects of aging and menopause, focusing on women's health and how biological changes impact overall well-being. Experts discuss current research on healthy aging, including the role of physical activity, brain health, and hormone changes during menopause. They highlight how sex differences affect diseases like Alzheimer's and emphasize the importance of personalized approaches to treatment and prevention. The presentation also underscores ongoing studies and resources aimed at improving the quality of life for aging women through better understanding and support Linda Brubaker, M.D.,M.S. Clinical Landscape and OGRS Opportunities Amanda Lewis, Ph.D. Glycobiology (GLOW) Andrea LaCroix, Ph.D. Healthy Aging After Menopause Anthony Molina, Ph.D. Stein Institute for Research on Aging Sarah Banks, Ph.D. Alzheimer in Women Emily Lukacz, M.D.,M.A.S. Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium and Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN) Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40668]

Experts highlight innovative research and clinical advances in fertility and infertility. Speakers share new ways to improve IVF outcomes using liquid biopsy and RNA analysis, aiming to predict embryo quality without invasive tests. They also explore how imaging technologies can better detect and monitor reproductive cancers, helping tailor treatments for conditions like ovarian and cervical cancer. Throughout, there's a focus on addressing health disparities, improving care for all genders, and using big data and AI to personalize reproductive health solutions. Antoni Duleba, M.D. Clinical Landscape and OGRS Opportunities Rebecca Rakow Penner, M.D.,Ph.D. Imaging in Gynecologic Disorders Jennifer Anger, M.D.,M.P.H. Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome in Reproductive Age Women Sheng Zhong, Ph.D. Silverseq and Liquid Biopsy Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40667]

Explore the University of California Health Milk Bank with Dr. Julia Cormano and Dr. Lisa Stellwagen. Discover the practicalities of donor milk processing and its significant impact on NICU infants' health and their families' lives. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39083]

When babies, especially those in the NICU, can't breastfeed directly from their mothers, breast milk remains essential for their nutrition and immune support. This is where milk banks step in. Discover the process by which milk banks collect, screen, process, and distribute human breast milk to babies in need, especially premature infants or those facing medical challenges. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39327]

Julia Cormano, M.D., F.A.C.O.G, speaks with Lars Bode, Ph.D., about the significance of human milk, highlighting its diverse benefits for infants and mothers. They explore its unique properties and practical implications for healthcare and society on a global scale. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39317]

Why won't my baby latch? Is my baby getting enough to eat? The early days of breastfeeding are filled with so many questions. Nancy White, RN, IBCLC, a board certified lactation consultant, joins Julia Cormano, MD, FACOG, to talk about basic techniques, the ins and outs of latching, and how to overcome challenges as you start your breastfeeding journey. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38625]

Prenatal care in a group setting offers many advantages - deeper connection to your care team, friendships with other expectant parents, empowerment through education - hand in hand with individualized medical care for you and your baby. Vanessa Wright, CNM, WHNP-BC, sits down with a group of new moms who share their experiences with the Centering Pregnancy program at UC San Diego. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38607]

Many women are becoming pregnant later in life. Providers use the term “advanced maternal age” (AMA) to describe a pregnancy in a person greater than 35 years old. Dr. Julia Cormano explains how being AMA can impact your pregnancy and the steps you can take to optimize your health. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38253]

It may seem surprising to start thinking about birth control even while you're pregnant, but there's no better time than now to start planning if and when you'd like to be pregnant again. Dr. Julia Cormano outlines birth control options from the pill to tubal ligation. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38257]

Having your pregnancy labeled as “high risk” can be frightening, but doesn't need to be. Dr. Julia Cormano explains common reasons a pregnancy could be considered "high risk," the types of care available, considerations for delivery and more. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38255]

Prenatal appointments offer valuable insight into your baby's health. Having those appointments in a group setting can also offer a sense of community. Certified Nurse Midwife Vanessa Wright and ObGyn Dr. Julia Cormano discuss what to expect from a centering pregnancy experience and how to decide if it is right for you. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36957]

Pelvic dysfunction is not something you have to live with. In this frank interview with Julia Cormano,MD, FACOG, Laura Aughinbaugh, DNP, WHNP, CNM discusses the common causes of incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain and how kegel exercises, devices, and medical procedures can help. Whether your issues happened during pregnancy or are genetic, there are solutions to get you through the day to day with confidence. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35780]

Breastfeeding your infant can be a beautiful experience, but good support is essential. Dr. Julia Cormano reviews why breastfeeding is recommended, some common difficulties and tips for success. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36247]

Can I breastfeed if I have COVID-19? Dr. Julia Cormano explains what you need to know to safely breastfeed if you are ill. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36245]

Some women know ahead of time that they will be having a cesarean section, sometimes the need for a cesarean section arises during a vaginal delivery. Dr. Julia Cormano explores the medical reasons for both planned and unplanned C-sections. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 36246]

What is it like to give birth during a global pandemic? Know what to expect when you get to the hospital and learn how your care team will work to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 35995]

Ultrasounds are one of the many tools available to help you have a healthy pregnancy. They can be used to monitor fetal growth, estimate risks for genetic disorders, discover the gender of your baby, and much more. Dr. Julia Cormano discusses the different types of ultrasounds that may be done during your pregnancy and how this technology can provide a unique view of your baby's development. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34773]

You have the option to screen for a number of genetic disorders in pregnancy. How are these tests performed and what can be discovered? Dr. Julia Cormano explains the difference between screening and diagnostic testing, what can be learned from a blood test, as well what to expect from chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33874]

Genetic testing has become a routine part of pregnancy, but what do the results mean? Genetic counselors play a valuable role in interpreting your results and guiding you through the process of what to do with that information. Dr. Julia Cormano sits down with genetic counselors Christina Brock and Andrea Procko to find out how they support patients throughout pregnancy. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34915]

Whether your cesarean section was planned or unexpected this video will prepare you by explaining when you might need the procedure, what the process is like and what "gentle" cesarean means. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34366]

Having a baby is an exciting and special time, but labor can be painful. You have many choices for pain relief during labor. Anesthesiologist Dr. Peter Winfield, talks about what to expect if you choose to have an epidural. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34346]

Learn the steps you can take to optimize your health before you become pregnant. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34247]

Find out what tests your provider will order and why when you are pregnant. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34364]

Getting ready for labor is both exciting and intimidating. Find out what to expect as you prepare to meet your baby. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 34365]

Dr. Chambers is a professor of pediatrics at University of California, San Diego and Director of Clinical Research for the Department of Pediatrics at UCSD and Rady Children's Hospital. She is a perinatal epidemiologist, whose research is focused on environmental exposures in pregnancy and child health outcomes, including birth defects. In this talk she explores the need for better data on medication safety for pregnancy and breast-feeding. Series: "Wellbeing " [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 33937]

There are many kinds of providers who can care for you and your baby during pregnancy. Which one is right for you? Dr. Julia Cormano explains how obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, family medicine physicians, and perinatologists work with you from conception through delivery. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33871]

As you enter your second trimester, it is time to start thinking about prenatal classes. What classes are commonly offered and how can they help you prepare for the birth of your child? Dr. Julia Cormano walks you through some of your options and shares valuable questions you can ask during each class. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33870]

At around 35 weeks into your pregnancy, your provider will order a Group B Strep test. What is Group B strep and how does it affect your baby? Dr. Julia Cormano explains the test, what your results mean, and how it impacts you and your baby during labor and delivery. Series: "Motherhood Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33359]

Miscarriage is more common than most people realize. Dr. Julia Cormano walks you through the common causes of miscarriage and ways to reduce your risk. She also explains the signs and symptoms of miscarriage and when you should call your provider. Series: "UCTV Prime" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 33872]

Kristen Salmeen, MD. Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, UCSF Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 32194]