A decline in smoking in the general population, including pregnant people, over the last few decades corresponded with a decline in infants born with a birth defect called gastroschisis, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference & Exhibition at the Colorado Convention Center Sept. 26-30. Authors of an abstract, “A Declining Incidence of Gastroschisis Parallels Trends in Maternal Smoking Rates in the United States,” point to the success of public health efforts to discourage smoking within the general population. Consequently, a decline in maternal smoking prior to conception led to fewer diagnoses of gastroschisis, a condition in a baby is born with their organs outside of their body due to their abdominal wall not forming completely in the womb, according to the study.

Media: Journalists covering the conference must be registered as members of the press. Reporters must apply for press credentials in advance of the conference and meet criteria of Media Guidelines. Attendees can pick up their badge at the Colorado Convention Center registration desk with photo ID. All conference attendees must wear a badge at all times. Masks are optional and are not provided on site. For more information about covering the conference, contact AAP Public Affairs. Information will also be available in the AAP News Room. All attendees must adhere to AAP’s Health & Safety and Code of Conduct policies.

Young adults turning to TikTok for sexual health information are being confronted with misinformation, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference & Exhibition at the Colorado Convention Center from Sept. 26-30. The research, titled “Digital Misinformation and Public Health: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Sexual Health Content on TikTok,” sought to determine the accuracy of medical information posted on the social media platform, whether created by a medical professional or not.