Health & Baby News & Features
Surprising Number of Women Using Marijuana During Pregnancy
- Heat Waves Raise the Risk of Early and Preterm Births
May 31, 2024 — The finding is timely because a very hot summer is expected this year, following a 2023 summer that had record-breaking temperatures.
- Tylenol During Pregnancy Not Linked to Higher Risk of ADHD, Autism
April 12, 2024 — New findings should bring comfort to pregnant people who need pain relief, given that full-dose aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to pose serious risks to pregnant patients.
- Maternal Mortality Still High, But Maybe Better Than Thought
March 13, 2024 — Despite the revised figures, Black women continue to experience pregnancy-related deaths far more than other groups, researchers said.
- Chemicals Common in Food Packaging Linked to Preterm Birth
February 7, 2024 — Chemicals used to make everyday plastic items like food containers and cosmetic packages may be linked to the rise in preterm births, according to a new study.
- Native American Pregnant Women’s Heart Health: Expert’s View
American Indian/Alaska Native women have heart health risks during pregnancy. Jason Deen, MD, explains what helps.
- New Study Reveals Cause of Morning Sickness
December 14, 2023 — Most pregnant people have nausea and vomiting, sometimes to a life-threatening degree. Researchers have now discovered why, and their new study in the renowned journal Nature suggests prevention and treatment options.
- 1 in 3 Women Have Lasting Health Problems After Giving Birth: Study
December 8, 2023 — More than 1 in 3 women worldwide (at least 40 million women) annually experience lasting health problems in the months or years following childbirth, according to a new study published in The Lancet Global Health.
- Study Says Avoid Microwaving Plastic Baby Food Containers
September 8, 2023 — Results from recent laboratory experiments show that microwaving water- and milk-based beverages in common baby food containers releases levels of microplastics and nanoplastics that could potentially be toxic over time.
- 1 in 5 Women Report Mistreatment During Maternity Care: CDC
August 24, 2023 — One in five women report mistreatment from medical professionals during pregnancy and childbirth – an issue people of color face at even higher rates, according to a survey released Tuesday by the CDC.
- Study Links Preterm Births to Mother's Poor Mental Health
August 16, 2023 — Women with mental health issues are 50% more likely to give birth to a premature baby, according to a new study of 2 million pregnancies in England.
- Millions of American Women Lack Access to Maternity Care
August 1, 2023 — Millions of women in America don’t have adequate access to maternity health care and that number is growing, according to an annual report by the March of Dimes.
- Woman With Transplanted Uterus Gives Birth to Boy
July 27, 2023 — A woman who was born without a uterus has given birth to a boy in Alabama.
- New Study Links Maternal THC Use to Autism, ADHD
July 7, 2023 — Researchers have found that consuming THC, the active ingredient in marijuana and cannabis products, during pregnancy can lead to genetic changes during a baby’s growth in the womb that are consistent with those seen in people with autism spectrum and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.
- Preventable Deaths, Including Maternal, Increase Sharply
June 22, 2023 — An annual scorecard that ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia on 58 measures of health outcomes, equity, and affordability shows a sharp increase in preventable deaths. For the first time, the report also included information on reproductive care and women’s health.
- Olympic Star Tori Bowie Died From Childbirth Complications
June 14, 2023 — American track star Tori Bowie, who was found dead in Orange County, FL, earlier this year, died while in labor, according to a recently release autopsy report. She was 32 and 8 months pregnant at the time.
- The Wisdom of Morrie: An Antidote to Today’s Loneliness Epidemic
June 1, 2023 — Rob Schwartz, the son of the man made famous in the book Tuesday's with Morrie, has published a new volume of his late father's writings on life, love and joy.
- Study Finds COVID-19 Boosters Don’t Increase Miscarriage Risk
May 23, 2023 — COVID-19 boosters are not linked to an increased chance of miscarriage, according to a new study in JAMA Network Open.
- Scheduled Childbirth Can Reduce Preeclampsia, Study Says
April 10, 2023 — C-sections and other forms of scheduled childbirth may greatly reduce the number of cases of preeclampsia that occur during the late stages of pregnancy, according to a study published Monday in Hypertension, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
- More Pregnant People Are Overdosing, and Stigma Plays a Role
March 30, 2023 — The introduction of fentanyl into the drug supply has been driving an increase in overdose deaths among the entire population, and pregnant people show these same patterns of addiction.
- Consistent Blood Pressure Monitoring Called For During Pregnancy
February 8, 2023 — Doctors should screen for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which can cause serious and fatal complications for both the mother and baby, according to a new recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
- Baby Formula Manufacturer Faces Criminal Investigation
January 22, 2023 — The company at the center of last year’s baby formula recall, Abbott Laboratories, is under federal criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.
- COVID Dramatically Increases Death Risk During Pregnancy: Study
January 17, 2023 — Women infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy are seven times more likely to die during childbirth or during the pregnancy than uninfected pregnant women, a new study shows.
- Pregnancy After Breast Cancer Is Safe, Landmark Study Says
January 5, 2023 — Initial results from a new study show women who paused protective post-cancer therapies to get pregnant had no increased risk of their cancer coming back. Nearly 3 in 4 women in the study got pregnant, and 64% had a live birth.
- Why Are Black Mothers at Higher Risk for Miscarriage?
Black mothers have a 43% greater risk for miscarriage. Why? WebMD looks at the biological, social, and cultural factors that play a part.
- How to Find an OB/GYN Supportive of Transgender Pregnancies
Many transgender men and nonbinary people can carry a pregnancy. Here are tips to find an OB/GYN who will offer supportive transgender pregnancy care.
- How Does Stress Affect Pregnancy?
Normal stress is expected during pregnancy, but find help for serious anxiety, which increases the risk of early birth or later problems.
- Hospitals Train to Curb Maternal Deaths
The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is the highest among industrialized nations. And it’s three times as common among Black women as in white women in the U.S. Here’s what one New York hospital is doing to train doctors to respond.
- How to Advocate for Yourself as a Pregnant Woman of Color
The maternal mortality rate for Black women in the U.S. is nearly three times higher than it is for white women. If you’re a pregnant Black woman, what can you do to help protect yourself and your baby?
- Putting the Power of Motherhood in Your Hands
How digital research aims to revolutionize maternal-child health.
- Can You Remove Pregnancy Stretch Marks?
Can you get rid of pregnancy stretch marks? Do stretch marks go away? What works to get rid of stretch marks after you’re pregnant? Learn about pregnancy stretch marks and what you can and can’t do to make them look better.
- Are Depression and Anxiety Meds OK During Pregnancy?
Is it safe to take medications for mood disorders when you’re pregnant? The answer, experts say, is complicated.
- Your Pregnancy Depression Risk
Depression during pregnancy is still often overlooked, even though it happens just as frequently as the postpartum variety.
- Reunited: Babies Visit Hospital Staff Who Cared for Them
More than 90 families of babies who spent time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta reunited in early May to celebrate their progress since they left the hospital.
- Doctor-Approved Tips to Fight Pregnancy Back Pain
From 50% to 70% of women have back pain at some point in their pregnancy. You can ease the ache with these simple tips.
- How Stress Can Hurt Your Chances of Having a Baby
It can be stressful if you can’t seem to get pregnant. But stress itself can hurt your chances of conception.
- The Importance of a Healthy Pregnancy Weight
Before you get pregnant, get as close to a healthy weight as possible to help spare complications for you and your child. Read advice from an OB/GYN.
- Watch: Doctor Flips Pregnant Mom’s Baby Bump
When you’re a mom-to-be, you’re almost guaranteed to feel your growing baby kick or move around some. Then there’s Vanessa Fisher. She felt her unborn son do a complete 180 with a big assist from her doctor.
- Pregnancy: Why Your Favorite Foods Gross You Out
A lot of women have pregnancy cravings, but there’s also a flip side: food aversions.
- Your Safe Summer Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with its own set of physical trials and tribulations. Here's how to stay cool during the summer months.
- Episiotomies: What Your Mom Never Knew
Will you really need an episiotomy, and how long will it take to recover? What to know before you give birth.
- Phone Apps for Your Pregnancy
From getting pregnant to timing contractions during labor, there’s an app for nearly every part of your pregnancy.
- 4 Myths About Miscarriages
A look at common myths about miscarriages and what you really need to know about them.
- 5 Things to Do After a Surprise Pregnancy
There’s no need to panic with an unplanned pregnancy. Here are the first 5 things you need to do.
- Is It OK to Eat Peanuts When You're Pregnant?
Until recently, moms-to-be were advised to stay away from potentially allergy-inducing foods. But times have changed, and so has the thinking about allergy prevention.
- Exercise in Pregnancy: How Much Is Too Much?
Moderate exercise is good, but you can't forget you have a baby on board.
- When Men Get Postpartum Depression
Yes, men too can get depression after baby arrives. Learn to recognize the symptoms.
- Trying to Conceive? Lose Extra Weight First
Overweight and obese mothers are more at risk for pregnancy complications, as well as birth defects.
- Deciding When to Have a Baby
Focus on getting healthy before you decide to get pregnant.
- After Miscarriage: How Long Should You Wait?
Doctors say you can start trying to get pregnant again as soon as you're ready.