All articles tagged: Obstetrics & gynaecology

Until now, COVID vaccines have been available to pregnant women as part of the twice-yearly booster program, but this offer is being withdrawn.

Loughborough University researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that identifies the key human factors influencing maternity care outcomes, supporting ongoing efforts to improve safety for mothers and babies.

Doctors have long known that lead exposure during pregnancy poses significant health risks for both mothers and newborns, but universal screening is not mandated in New Jersey or nationwide.

In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN's office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered.

Use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and illicit drugs is dangerous in pregnancy, increasing risks of stroke, miscarriage, preterm delivery, low birth weight and infant neurodevelopmental problems. Yet according to the 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, more than 20% of pregnant women in the United States report using one or more of these substances. Public health experts agree on the need

With declining birthrate becoming a social problem, the number of couples in Japan suffering from subfertility due to male factors is reported to be one in 10.

A new study by researchers at Kumamoto University sheds light on a potential link between exposure to certain everyday chemicals during pregnancy and the development of asthma in children. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 mother-child pairs as part of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a large-scale nationwide research project.

In low-risk pregnancies, mothers and children are just as safe with a planned home birth as they are with a planned birth center birth, a national study led by Oregon State University researchers has shown.

In the two counties around nurse practitioner Samantha Marsee's clinic in rural northeastern Maryland, there's not a single clinic that provides abortions. And until recently, Marsee herself wasn't trained to treat patients who wanted to end a pregnancy.

Cannabis use causes cellular damage that increases the risk of highly cancerous tumors, according to a paper published in Addiction Biology. The paper describes cannabis as a "genotoxic" substance because it damages a cell's genetic information, which can lead to DNA mutations, accelerated aging, and cancer.

When Briony and her husband embarked on their journey to start a family, they didn't think artificial intelligence (AI) would play a role.

A new study led by the University of California, Irvine, found that exposure to fine particulate matter, 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, known as PM2.5 and related elements, such as black carbon and nitrates, during pregnancy significantly increase the odds of spontaneous preterm birth, a major threat to maternal and fetal health.

Could the incidence of preterm births be lowered by chewing gum? New research suggests yes. Results from a study in Malawi showed that chewing gum containing xylitol, a naturally occurring alcohol sugar, was associated with a 24% reduction in preterm birth. The findings were published Nov. 13 in Med.

With the increased legalization of recreational cannabis, as many as 1 in 5 pregnant women in the U.S. are now using the drug to help with morning sickness, lower back pain or anxiety. Evidence has been growing, however, to suggest that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, poses risks to the developing fetus by impacting brain development. Now a new study finds

Many young girls in low- and middle-income countries become pregnant early, which can be dangerous for them and for their babies. Studies show that girls who stay in school are less likely to get pregnant at a young age. Financial support can encourage girls to stay in school and delay pregnancy and marriage in some settings.

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology demonstrates that when the diabetes drug metformin is given to the mother during pregnancy, fetus growth is restricted, including a slowed maturing of the kidneys, which has been linked to a higher risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.

So, you're about to have a baby. You've been to the birth classes—you learned how being upright and moving around can help you be as comfortable as possible. Perhaps you've even learned some acupressure or hypnotherapy to help with pain management.

Current guidelines recommend that pregnant people receive a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—which typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most adults but can be deadly for infants—during weeks 32–36 of pregnancy. New research led by investigators at Mass General Brigham suggests that vaccination earlier in that timeframe, closer to 32 weeks, could provide the best protection

A new AI-based software has been developed that can be integrated with an ultrasound device to "guide" childbirth by providing precise, real-time information on the baby's head position. It can clearly indicate to operators—using a traffic light system—whether to proceed with a natural descent in the birth canal, whether to use a vacuum extractor, or even whether an emergency cesarean is needed.

Fewer and fewer twins and triplets are being born through IVF in Australia, bringing IVF and overall Australian multiple birth rates closer together, a new report by UNSW Sydney medical researchers shows.

The largest systematic review of its kind assesses 198 studies across 66 countries for the impact of heat on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health. This landmark study comes as world leaders prepare for COP29. It provides open-access insights that highlight the urgent need for health-focused climate policies.

Researchers have been unable to explain why after giving birth, Black patients are two to three times as likely to retain or gain additional weight compared to their white counterparts, even when pre-pregnancy weight and gestational-weight trajectories are comparable.

Researchers at Monash University have developed a light-emitting microchip that can safely measure the energy produced by embryos, a key indicator of embryo health.

Mature egg cells, or oocytes, are essential for fertilization in assisted reproductive technologies. However, some 'denuded' oocytes, or those lacking the protective granulosa cell layer, fail to mature. Now, in a study by researchers at Shinshu University, the team has developed a method to culture mature oocytes from these denuded oocytes in the lab. This innovative approach holds promise for ov

One piece left out of the abortion debate is the high transportation and medical bills facing women forced to leave their state to obtain the procedure.

Intrauterine devices are one of the most effective reversible forms of birth control, despite the pain many go through during the insertion.

Clinics and hospitals currently defer medication abortion until ultrasound confirms a pregnancy inside the uterus. However, a large international study led by researchers from Karolinska Institutet now indicates that treatment can be equally effective and safe even before the sixth week of pregnancy. The study is published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Uterine fibroids are a common condition that affects up to 80% of women in their lifetime. Nearly half of those women will experience symptoms that affect their quality of life and fertility, including severe pain and anemia. Uterine fibroids are the major reason for the removal of the uterus by hysterectomy.

The cost of childbirth and postpartum health care results in significant, ongoing financial hardship, particularly for lower-income families with commercial insurance according to a Columbia University study. About half of people who give birth in the United States are covered by commercial health insurance, which typically requires cost-sharing in the form of deductibles, copayments, and coinsura

Children whose mothers took extra vitamin D during pregnancy continue to have stronger bones at age seven, according to new research led by the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

The implementation of recreational cannabis legalization (RCL) in California was associated with an increase in prenatal cannabis use, according to a study published online Nov. 1 in JAMA Health Forum.

Weight loss interventions are associated with improvement in some features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a study published online Nov. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs)—chemicals found in everyday products that use plastics and flame retardants—during pregnancy may have varying effects on the risks of childhood obesity, according to a new study.

Whether lying on their back, all-fours position, sitting upright or squatting—women adopt different birthing positions during childbirth. What has not yet been researched is how the respective final birthing position affects the satisfaction of the woman giving birth. Researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn and the University of Cologne have now investigated pre

From 1998 to 2023, there was a decline in the triplet and higher-order birth rate, according to an October data brief published by the National Center for Health Statistics.

New research published Nov. 1 shows that UK Government "austerity" policies since 2010 are associated with striking increases in rates of preterm and low birthweight babies, particularly among those living in the poorest neighborhoods.

Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are an established therapy for pregnant women at risk of preterm birth to help mature the fetus's lungs and reduce the chances of serious health issues. However, researchers at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine have found evidence that babies treated with ACS have smaller volumes of two key brain areas, the bilateral amygdale and caudate nuclei, which ar

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity are at a higher risk of giving birth to smaller babies in terms of birth weight, length, and head circumference, according to a recent study conducted at NTNU.

A new study from the University of Georgia College of Public Health found that about 6% of pregnant women reported using marijuana during the last month, and many did not associate it with health risks. The study highlights the importance of education surrounding marijuana use during pregnancy, said lead researcher Mohammad Rifat Haider.

These days, half of what was the first nonprofit clinic in the nation to house a birthing center and provide abortions is empty.

Recurrent pregnancy loss can be devastating and exert a major impact on women, their partners, and society more broadly, but currently there are few options for effective therapies. Over several years, there has been mounting evidence that a deficiency in special immune cells called T-regulatory (Treg) cells, which are essential for preparing the uterus for receptive embryo implantation, are a fac

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a growing public health problem among pregnant and parenting people in the U.S. Between 1999 and 2014, the number of pregnant women with OUD increased by more than four times. This trend also coincides with a rise in pregnancy-associated maternal overdose mortality.

Research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has called for greater recognition of the needs of neurodivergent mothers during perinatal care.

Fourteen of Michigan's leading health networks and institutions gathered on October 28 to announce a collaboration to decrease the state's maternal and infant mortality rates.

Lifestyle management in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) needs to reduce weight stigma, because for some people living with it, overly focusing on weight loss can negatively impact their mental health and well-being, a Monash University-led systematic review has found.

In a letter to the editor of the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, doctoral student Nicola Tavella and team argue for using social vulnerability to predict obstetric health outcomes, rather than using race and ethnicity as biological determinants.

The 2022 news that the US Supreme Court had overturned Roe v Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion sent shockwaves around the world.

Women are more likely to receive good care during pregnancy where AI and other clinical software tools are used, a large review of research has found.

Twice a month, a 40-foot-long truck transformed into a mobile clinic travels the Rio Grande Valley to provide rural Texans with women's health care, including birth control.

A new report shows the number of women getting abortions in the United States has actually increased since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

A new artificial intelligence-based system can accurately assess the chromosomal status of in vitro-fertilized (IVF) embryos using only time-lapse video images of the embryos and maternal age, according to a study from investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Experiments in sheep are hinting that doses of caffeine given to women in pregnancy, as well as their newborns after birth, could prevent cerebral palsy.

U.S. babies died at a higher rate in the months following the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision, and infant mortality was highest among those born with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, new research has found.

Gynecologic exams might not top the list of things you look forward to, but whether it's for a wellness visit or a new concern, such exams are critical for detecting gynecologic cancers early when they are most treatable. Gynecologic cancers include endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer.

The much-touted arrival of "precision medicine" promises tailored technologies that help individuals and may also reduce health care costs. New research shows how pregnancy screening can meet both of these objectives, but the findings also highlight how precision medicine must be matched well with patients to save money.

Emotional eating and uncontrolled eating are more common in middle-aged women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In particular, psychological distress increased the long-term risk of disordered eating behavior. This finding is highlighted in a study by the University of Oulu and ODL Sports Clinic.

A study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology has found that nearly all pregnant women ingest the fungal toxin zearalenone (ZEN), which mimics estrogen in the body and hinders reproduction in some animals.

Miscarriage, or early pregnancy loss, can have devastating emotional effects, but it is poorly managed in Canada. A review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal provides guidance to physicians on how to diagnose and manage this condition and calls for referral to outpatient early pregnancy assessment clinics (EPACs) as well as a compassionate approach.

As a urogynecologist I care exclusively for women with pelvic floor problems. These are the women with leaking bladders and weak supporting tissues allowing the vaginal walls to bulge outside.

A study of more than 28,000 pregnancies from 2022 has found that the majority of pregnant people received the COVID-19 vaccine during its initial release.

An ultrasound test that detected 96% of ovarian cancers in postmenopausal women should replace the current standard of care test in the UK according to a new study.

From 1999 to 2020, there was a decrease in menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use among postmenopausal women, according to a study published online Sept. 27 in JAMA Health Forum.

A sociological investigation has estimated the effects of Alaska's universal cash transfer program on newborn health outcomes using data spanning 28 years. The study revealed that while a cash payment during pregnancy had minimal impact on birthweight, it may provide other significant benefits for birthing people and families, such as reducing financial strain or supporting reproductive autonomy.

Exposure to vape and e-cigarette residue on surfaces while pregnant could put unborn babies at risk of immune system damage, new research suggests.

Preterm births have increased by more than 10% over the past decade, with racial and socioeconomic disparities persisting over time, according to a new study analyzing more than five million births.

One in three adolescents who have visited a pediatric emergency department report difficulties in accessing menstruation products, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition at the Orange County Convention Center from Sept. 27–Oct. 1.

Pregnant women who do not get enough sleep may be at higher risk of having children with neurodevelopmental delays, according to new research published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, titled "Association of maternal short sleep duration with neurodevelopmental delay in offspring: a prospective cohort study."

Among women who experience recurrent pregnancy loss, around 20% test positive for a specific antibody that targets the mother's own body. A Kobe University-led research team has now found a treatment that drastically increases these women's chances of carrying to full-term without complications.

For women and men, body mass index (BMI) outside of the normal range is associated with increased time to pregnancy and odds of miscarriage, according to a study published online Sept. 19 in JAMA Network Open.

Maternal influenza infection during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for seizures and febrile convulsions in offspring, according to a study published online Sept. 23 in JAMA Network Open.

A new study from Canada has found women who agree to carry and birth babies in surrogacy arrangements face a higher risk of complications than other pregnant women.

Some states and hospital systems have updated their policies on drug testing for pregnant women and newborns, aiming to better support patients' treatment and recovery from substance use disorder and combat racial disparities in testing and reporting.

People who are gestational carriers (or "surrogates") may have a higher risk of severe complications during pregnancy and early postpartum, hypertension in pregnancy, and postpartum hemorrhage, compared to people who conceive without assistance or with IVF, according to research from ICES and Queen's University.

Preterm birth rates are lower than the national average for white women and higher for Black and Asian women, and women living in the most deprived areas, according to a new University of Bristol-led study published in BMC Medicine.

Patients insured by Medicaid are less likely to get prenatal diagnosis of heart defects than those with private insurance, and this disparity can be partly attributed to lower rates of 20-week ultrasound in pregnant people with public insurance, according to a study led by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago in collaboration with Advocate Christ Children's Hospital. The study was

Florey researchers have shown, for the first time, that a father's gut health plays a role in offspring physiology and behavior.

Influenza vaccination in successive pregnancies is not associated with increased risk for prespecified adverse perinatal outcomes, according to a study published online Sept. 19 in JAMA Network Open.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious condition where a woman experiences significant blood loss after giving birth. It affects about 4–6% of new mothers and can lead to severe complications if not managed properly. Traditional treatments for PPH include medications to contract the uterus, physical compression, and using a balloon device inside the uterus to stop the bleeding.

A team from Kumamoto University has uncovered a new mechanism that could revolutionize infertility care by promoting embryo implantation. The discovery focuses on prostaglandin (PG) receptors in the uterus that enhance the critical process of decidualization, which is necessary for a successful pregnancy. This finding opens the door to developing new fertility treatments that target these receptor

Over the past years, activists have made important gains in the effort to provide people who menstruate with adequate and free supplies.

As we age, our bones lose density and become more fragile, putting us in danger of breaks and fractures. This is especially a concern among post-menopausal women who generally have much greater losses in bone density than men in their age group.

Contraception for mothers of newborn babies can often be overlooked amidst the focus on the health of the newborn baby and the significant adjustments required following the birth of the child.

A woman's ovaries are like a factory where eggs grow and produce hormones that regulate everything from menstruation and pregnancy to bone density and mood. As she and her factory age, production dwindles, and by the time she hits menopause (age 51, on average), the factory is preparing to shut its doors.

In IVF treatment, embryos are traditionally transferred to the uterus three days after fertilization. Due to improvements in laboratory techniques, this is now also possible after five days. It was assumed that this increases the chance of a successful pregnancy.

Fewer and fewer twins and triplets are being born through IVF in Australia, bringing IVF and overall Australian multiple birth rates closer together, a new report by UNSW Sydney medical researchers shows.

The fetal mortality rate in the United States in 2022 was 5.48 fetal deaths at 20 weeks of gestation or more per 1,000 live births and fetal deaths, which marked a historic low, according to the Sept. 12 National Vital Statistics Reports, a publication from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Surgical sterilization rates among women increased in the United States after a 2022 Supreme Court ruling (Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health) overturned the constitutional right to abortion, found researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

In the two years since the March of Dimes' last report on the state of U.S. maternity care, more than 100 hospitals nationwide have shuttered their obstetric units, leaving more new moms with literally "Nowhere to Go" for care.

Pregnant women who have limited access to affordable, nutritious, and healthy foods have a higher chance of developing both physical and mental health problems.

Supplies of several crucial obstetric medicines are running short in Australia, putting the health of pregnant women at risk and highlighting systemic issues impacting reliable access to safe and effective treatment in pregnancy, according to a new assessment published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA).

Anyone who watched Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher giving her rugby opponents the stiff arm knows she is tough as nails. Yet she recently posted a video on social media exhaling deeply, clutching her stomach and leaning into a tree with the caption, "Connecting with nature before getting my IUD replaced."

For some people, getting pregnant can be challenging. So more and more are turning to in vitro fertilization—or IVF—which offers hope for couples and individuals trying to have a baby.

An ordinary boy who loves sports. This is how 10-year-old Vincent introduced himself when he spoke to leading international uterus transplantation researchers in Gothenburg. Vincent was the first baby to be born from a transplanted uterus.

Young women worldwide face problems like unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The 1.8 billion adolescents and young people (age 15-24) of both sexes worldwide account for 42% of new HIV infections.

One of California's two programs for training nurse-midwives has stopped admitting students while it revamps its curriculum to offer only doctoral degrees, a move that's drawn howls of protest from alumni, health policy experts, and faculty who accuse the University of California of putting profits above public health needs.

Women with higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy may experience long-term weight gain and heart problems later in life, according to new research, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, titled "Early Pregnancy Plasma Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Maternal Midlife Adiposity."

Efforts to rule out bladder tumors and tuberculosis are still essential in the follow-up of patients with suspected interstitial cystitis (IC), according to a study published online Aug. 11 in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics.

A new study has found that Medicaid ACOs in Massachusetts were associated with increases in prenatal and postpartum office visits, postpartum depression screenings, and timely postpartum care.

Heart failure during pregnancy is a dangerous and often under-detected condition because common symptoms—shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and trouble breathing while lying down—are easily mistaken for typical pregnancy discomforts. Late-breaking research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress on a Mayo Clinic study showed an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled digital stetho

A recent study sheds light on the potential long-term neuropsychiatric risks associated with prenatal cannabis exposure.

Heat waves in sub-Saharan Africa are predicted to become more common due to climate change. A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and others, published in Nature Medicine, reveals a worrying correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality.

White women are paid up to eight times more for their eggs than Black women in the U.S., according to data uncovered by the author of a new book which exposes the lesser-known ramifications of egg donation.

It is important for everyone—but especially girls, women and people who menstruate—to understand how ovulation and menstruation work.

The conditions within a person's home, family and community affect their ability to stay healthy. Scientists studying these social determinants of health are trying to understand whether nature or nurture has a stronger effect on a person's ability to fight disease.

An estimated 800 women die every day across the world as a result of pregnancy-related complications. Most deaths (95%) occur in low- and middle-income countries. Two-thirds are in sub-Saharan Africa. For every woman who dies, about 20 others suffer from various pregnancy related complications.

Sports stars like Simone Biles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Katie Ledecky dazzled fans at the recent Paris Olympic Games with their performances. But off the pitch, many athletes also used the Olympics to draw attention to deeply entrenched inequities and challenges facing girls and women in sport, such as body confidence and support for athletes with small children.

Brazilian researchers have investigated the effects of delivery date manipulation to avoid the Carnival holiday. Their findings suggest that Brazilian women are giving birth too early, impairing the health of their babies.

Federal statistics suggesting that maternal mortality rates plummeted after the overturning of Roe v. Wade are "highly misleading" and being misinterpreted by abortion opponents, according to new research published this week in the journal JAMA Network Open.

Smoking harms almost every part of your body. But if you smoke when pregnant, the toxic chemicals in tobacco will also harm your unborn baby, with new research showing that it could lead to reduced academic outcomes at school.

For the first time, a multi-medical society panel has developed and endorsed a uniform lexicon for describing the observations seen on ultrasound during the first trimester of pregnancy. The lexicon, based on scientific evidence, societal guidelines and expert consensus, was published today in Radiology and simultaneously in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The lexicon addresses te

A KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) study on breastfeeding practices reveals that among the women who exclusively breastfed, those with high body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy lost more weight than women with a healthy BMI pre-pregnancy. The findings are published in the journal Nutrients.

Tubal sterilization is thought to be a permanent form of birth control and is the most common method of contraception nationally. But a new study led by UC San Francisco reports that tubal surgery fails often enough that some other forms of birth control are usually more effective.

A 12-week pelvic floor yoga program is not superior to a physical conditioning program for women with daily urinary incontinence, according to a study published online Aug. 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Bridgette Kelly and Trish Ratajczak from Murdoch University's Ngangk Yira Institute for Change are passionate about changing this, with both addressing these gaps in their Accelerated Master's by Research theses.

Research in mouse models has identified a new mechanism for how long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), like omega-3s, are transported from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. The results, published in Nature Communications, could help to identify ways to tackle LC-PUFA deficiency in the developing fetus.

A federal lawsuit in Texas against Planned Parenthood has a web of ties to conservative activist Leonard Leo, whose decades-long effort to steer the U.S. court system to the right overturned Roe v. Wade, yielding the biggest rollback of reproductive health access in half a century.

A study in mice has found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve in the mother's gut during pregnancy supports healthy brain development in the fetus. The results are published in the journal Molecular Metabolism.

Women who conceive through in vitro fertilization and experience a serious pregnancy complication are twice as likely to deliver early (

Federal officials affirmed this month that the pain people might feel when getting an IUD can be more than doctors' promises of "just a pinch."

New research published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology reveals that children born preterm are more likely to screen positive for autism than full-term children.

Even light smoking of just one to two cigarettes a day either before or at any time during pregnancy is significantly associated with major health problems in the newborn, finds research published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

During in vitro fertilization (IVF), a number of different embryos are produced from eggs and sperm. Then, embryologists choose which one of the embryos is most likely to lead to a successful pregnancy and transfer it to the patient.

Final government data finds the number of U.S. births falling by 2% last year compared to 2022, continuing a decades-long decline.

In an editorial published in BMJ, CUNY SPH Senior Associate Dean Terry McGovern and Ph.D. student and adjunct professor Ira Memaj, along with Northeastern University's Samantha Garbers, shed light on the devastating consequences of restrictive abortion laws across the U.S.

The postpartum period is a time of anatomical, physiological and psychological transition. The recent Olympic Games brought to light the exceptional capacity of women after the birth of a child and is a story of success for women athletes globally.

With their primary goal to advance scientific knowledge, most scientists are not trained or incentivized to think through the societal implications of the technologies they are developing. Even in genomic medicine, which is geared toward benefiting future patients, time and funding pressures make real-time ethics oversight difficult.

For people with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), every month involves a struggle: feeling low and hopeless, navigating a minefield of intrusive thoughts and emotions, feeling so tired and overwhelmed that they are reduced to tears. The symptoms—which can also include depressed mood, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating and appetite changes—lift wh

Uterine transplants are relatively rare and recent—the first was performed in 2011, and to date a little more than 100 transplants have been conducted worldwide.

A study looking at the experiences of families and health care professionals following incidents involving NHS maternity care highlights critical factors for improving communication with families.

Giving probiotics to pregnant mice can enhance both the immune system and behavior of the mothers and their offspring, according to a new study led by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine.

Last week, South Australia announced it would offer pregnant women a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from next year for free. It's the first Australian state or territory to do so.

Engineers have developed AI technology that accurately assesses the quality of live sperm in seconds, removing the need for invasive procedures that compromise sperm viability in IVF treatments.

Rates of obesity among pregnant women in Victoria have risen steadily over a decade, new research has shown, sparking concerns for the health implications for both mothers and babies.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects women and girls. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus ends up in other areas of the body. These areas include the ovaries, bladder, bowel and digestive tract.

For those experiencing fertility issues, cost can be a major barrier to becoming a parent.

Women whose fallopian tubes are removed during sterilization via laparoscopy have only marginally more surgical complications than those whose tubes are simply cut, a study shows. The removal, salpingectomy, is a safe procedure that can help protect against future ovarian cancer.

Pregnant and postpartum women with depression and anxiety have a slightly better chance of getting psychotherapy these days, a new study finds. And they are paying less of their own money when they do.

Plenty of women know that having an IUD inserted in their uterus can be an excruciating experience, but new government guidance issued Thursday may soon make the experience less painful for many.

The number of abortions in the United States has actually grown since the Supreme Court allowed states to enact strict bans on the procedure, according to a study released Wednesday.

Rates of heavy drinking in Aotearoa New Zealand are starting to decline, matching trends seen in Europe. This may reflect greater awareness of the harm caused by alcohol, as well as financial pressures and the reduced affordability of alcohol products.

Novice users with no prior training in ultrasonography can accurately estimate gestational age (GA) with an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled device for first-trimester pregnancies, according to a study published online Aug. 1 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Sepsis occurs when one's immune system has an extreme response to an infection. It's a life-threatening condition: globally, it accounts for about 11 million deaths—20% of all deaths per year.

During World Breastfeeding Week, a new international study, published in Microbiome, has revealed that the first drops of breast milk are crucial for healthy growth at birth and can help combat chronic undernutrition, which affects 200 million children and causes more than 3 million deaths annually worldwide.

Australian national data show First Nations women face almost twice the risk of stillbirth or "sorry business babies" compared to non-First Nations women.

Led by Morgan State University, a coalition of colleges across the nation is researching maternal health disparities. The Baltimore university will coordinate its efforts and those of 15 other schools, almost all of which serve a large percentage of minority students.

An innovative co-designed model of care to help elevate the role of nurses in contraceptive and medical abortion care in rural and regional areas has been developed as part of the landmark ORIENT study.

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama revealed in her memoir she had a miscarriage. UK singer-songwriter and actor Lily Allen has gone on the record about her stillbirth.

In a recent study by researchers from the universities of Cologne and Düsseldorf as well as University Hospital Bonn, mothers across Germany were asked how they rated their experiences of "own capacity," "professional support," "perceived safety" and "participation" during their birthing experience eight to 12 months after having given birth.

In the first study of its kind, researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin have shown that it is safe for first-time mothers to spend the first 24 hours of induced low-risk labor in the comfort of their own homes.

In Canada, rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have increased, but the good news is there has been a decline in some related health conditions, according to new research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

Researchers in Australia have found that when women are given accurate information about a test that indicates the number of eggs in their ovaries, they have less interest in taking the test compared to women who viewed information available online.

In 2016, President-elect Donald Trump vowed to deport thousands of immigrants. His anti-immigration message vilified foreign-born people living in the U.S. as criminals and rapists. Besides making good on many harsh, immigration-related promises, the years after his election stoked the anxieties of millions of people.

Some private UK biobanks may be misleading expectant parents about the value of storing umbilical cord blood to treat life-threatening diseases that may arise in their child in the future, reveals an investigation by The BMJ.

There's a slight but significant rise in dangerous obstetric complications for pregnant women who use marijuana, new research shows.

The first time Tammy and Jordan Myers held their twins, the premature babies were so fragile that their tiny faces were mostly covered by oxygen masks and tubing. Their little hands rested gently on Tammy's chest as the machines keeping them alive in a neonatal intensive care unit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, beeped and hummed around them.

Rural regions like the one surrounding a southern Iowa town used to have a lot more babies, and many more places to give birth to them.

Jeanine Valrie Logan sat in traffic for nearly two hours while she was in labor with her third child.

Studies show that social distancing and other public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic effectively reduced the spread of the deadly virus. However, they had unanticipated effects such as reduced health care accessibility and utilization, especially in high-risk populations.

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and Dartmouth College have discovered a connection between toddler hair cortisol levels—a long-term stress biomarker—and maternal prenatal depression.

A comprehensive scoping review led by McMaster University researchers provides the first map of the field of Maternal and Infant Health (MIH) research in Morocco over a span of 22 years, from 2000 to 2022 and suggests a different way to study global health.

A randomized controlled trial looked at in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in the UK and Hong Kong. The results, published in The Lancet, provide much-needed evidence that using time-lapse imaging (TLI) does not improve treatment outcomes for someone undergoing fertility treatment.

Ever since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, even more women have struggled to find reproductive care, a new report warns.

Britain's largest ever study of egg freezing, which followed up the outcome of almost 30,000 eggs frozen at the London Women's Clinic, shows that success rates are comparable to those achieved by routine IVF and subject to the same variables of female age and embryo quality.

Neither COVID-19 infection nor vaccination during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with increased risk of major birth defects, finds a study from Scandinavia published by The BMJ today.

Hydrogels have a variety of use cases, including contact lenses, delivering doses of medication within the body, moisturizers, water storage in soil, cleaning polluted water and as gelling and thickening agents. A hydrogel is a gel made of a type of plastic that can bind water.

Immigrants make up nearly 16% of Philadelphia's population of 1.6 million, according to a 2024 report from Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew reports this marks the largest percentage since the 1940s, and above the national percentage of 13.9%.

Despite treatment-related fertility challenges, female patients can become pregnant and give birth to healthy children after undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), according to a study published in Blood.

According to current understanding, menstrual cramps only happen in cycles in which an egg is released, or an ovulatory cycle. But new research from the University of British Columbia (UBC) is challenging this notion.

Women who have close family members with endocrine diseases--including type 2 diabetes, thyroid diseases and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)--are at higher risk of pregnancy loss, a new study has found.

Among women who have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, more than half (53%) were presented with a hysterectomy, while fewer than one in five (20%) were presented with other less invasive options such as over-the-counter NSAIDs (19%), uterine fibroid embolization (17%), oral contraceptives (17%), and endometrial ablation (17%), according to new survey data by The Harris Poll on behalf of the So

Two years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, more Americans think their state should allow a woman to get a legal abortion for any reason, a new poll finds.

Colorado's Medicaid program now covers doula care for all pregnant and postpartum members, but advocates don't expect to see an immediate improvement in maternal health.

Novel research presented at the ESHRE 40th Annual Meeting in Amsterdam reveals significant social disparities in achieving live births following assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Women with a research education (Ph.D.) were over three times more likely to achieve a live birth compared to those with a primary school education, while women in the highest income group were twice as li

Innovative research, presented today at the ESHRE 40th Annual Meeting in Amsterdam, has introduced a novel 3D imaging model designed to identify features of blastocysts—the early stage of development for an implanted embryo—associated with successful pregnancies. This new approach could transform current blastocyst selection methods, and open avenues for increased pregnancy rates.

Women in Europe are receiving more cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), according to data presented today at the ESHRE 40th Annual Meeting in Amsterdam.

Mitochondria are tiny structures in cells that convert the food we eat into the energy our cells need to function.

Vaccinating mothers against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during late pregnancy to protect their newborns is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth or other poor outcomes, according to a study by Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian investigators. Infants are particularly vulnerable to the virus which can cause a serious lower respiratory illness.

A pioneering study, presented at the ESHRE 40th Annual Meeting in Amsterdam, has revealed that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) prior to the retrieval of oocytes (eggs) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) can reduce the odds of achieving a live birth by almost 40%.

Pregnant women enrolled in a federal aid program have better outcomes than those who are struggling to put food on the table, new research shows.

When chemistry professor Samantha Gateman realized there was no non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) on the market without significant side effects, she became inspired to make a change.

Sexually active adolescents seeking care in the emergency department have a high risk for pregnancy, and the emergency department may provide a feasible environment to offer contraception counseling, according to a study published online June 28 in JAMA Network Open.

A 30-minute sauna or warm bubble bath every day might help women of a certain age fend off unwanted weight gain.

When you're an elite athlete, the stakes are high. But add pregnancy to the mix and the challenges can rise—not only from mixed messages about the safety of training while pregnant, but also from a lack of support from coaches, health practitioners, and governing bodies.

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's Center for Mental Health Innovation have identified why increased adiposity, or the amount of fat in the body, during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk for mental health disorders in offspring.

A new technology developed by the "Bioengineering in Reproductive Health" team at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is able to visualize the metabolism of embryos obtained through in vitro fertilization in order to decide which are most likely to implant correctly in the uterus and reaching full-term. It is a more accurate and reliable technique than traditional methods.

Female cyclists have overwhelmingly reported that menstrual symptoms affect their training and competitive performance, but according to new research, these factors are sometimes managed alone and not adequately relayed to and/or considered by coaches and training staff.

Maternal use of quit smoking medicine aligns with current clinical advice, but low completion rates of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may mean that pregnant women need more support to successfully quit smoking, a review of prescription medicine data has revealed.

More than 1,700 pregnant women in South Australia have reportedly been given the wrong "due date" due to a technical error in their computerized medical records. This has prompted concerns some women may have had an early induction of labor as a result.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a highly effective and long-lasting form of birth control placed in the uterus. Research shows that many people who get IUDs experience moderate to intense pain during the insertion. But it wasn't until recently that providers began to acknowledge this and do something about it.

Children conceived by using egg or sperm donors have the same well-being outcomes as non-donor-conceived people. However, they are more likely to have identity difficulties and issues with trust, says a new study.

More than one in 10 households in the United States last year did not have access to adequate and nutritious food, according to the U.S. government. Further, food and nutrition insecurity lead to a higher risk of poor pregnancy outcomes.

A proposed framework by La Trobe University's Judith Lumley Center, in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, is challenging traditional categorizations of coping strategies in a bid to promote autonomy and create empowering childbirth experiences that are aligned to women's individual preferences and values.

Women residing in states with the most restrictive abortion policies after the Supreme Court's reversal of "Roe v Wade" also experienced declines in the use of birth control pills and emergency contraceptives, according to a new USC study evaluating the impact of the decision.

Women experiencing opioid-use disorders may face unique challenges accessing treatment, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. The study—published in the journal Women's Health—provides new insight into how pregnancy and parenting can make getting medications for these disorders particularly difficult.

A program guaranteeing income for pregnant residents of three Philadelphia neighborhoods launched on Monday in a city-led effort to decrease infant mortality rates that are higher here than in any other major city.

More than 85% of women—and more than 300 million people worldwide at any given time—use hormonal contraceptives for at least five years of their life. Although primarily taken for birth control, many people also use hormonal contraceptives to manage a variety of symptoms related to menstruation, from cramps and acne to mood swings.

Though exposure to "trace" (an extremely small amount) elements has been shown to affect ovarian functions in experimental studies, there has been little research on the impact of trace levels of non-essential elements, such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), on female reproduction. Studies have shown that high levels of these non-essential elements may lead to decreased female fertility and reduce th

Following state legislation passed in 2021 that essentially banned abortion in Texas, the rate of infant deaths rose by almost 13%, compared to a much smaller 1.8% rise nationwide, a new study finds.

An unexpectedly versatile and regenerative stem cell in early embryos may be key to creating new effective fertility treatments, suggests a new study in mice from the University of Copenhagen.

A new study reveals inadequacies in menstrual health education provision in English schools. Findings highlight a lack of practical information being offered, pupils being taught too late, and attitudes that perpetuate stigma. The research is published in Women's Reproductive Health.

Abortion care providers in North Carolina report spending more time on administrative tasks, voice frustration with new required consent forms, have feelings of anxiety and burnout, and fear for the future pipeline of providers since the state adopted regulations in 2023 limiting abortion care, according to a new RAND report.

In October 2018, Canada enacted the Cannabis Act in Canada (CAC), which legalized the non-medical use of cannabis. A new study has found that the rate of cannabis-related disorders diagnosed among pregnant women in the Canadian province of Québec increased by more than 20% after the enactment of the CAC, while rates for all other drug- and alcohol-related disorders remained stable. The study is pu

Mothers whose pregnancies span two calendar years could face higher out-of-pocket costs for maternity care simply because of when they became pregnant, according to a USC study published in the American Journal of Managed Care.

Pregnant women who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to have a cesarean section or experience hypertension, according to a study.

New research from Monash University has found substantial variation in prenatal screening across Australia, with health care professionals reporting ongoing challenges in providing equitable access and pretest counseling.

Opioid overdoses for pregnant patients are at an all-time high in the United States, even as overall numbers are improving. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly correlated with substance use disorders, yet treatment protocols to help expecting parents manage opioid use disorders and ADHD together are essentially nonexistent.

Babies born after exposure to famine in-utero show signs of accelerated aging six decades later, according to a study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center. The effects of famine were consistently larger for women and near zero for men. The results are published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Early-stage cervical cancer patients see better survival and decreased recurrence rates after open radical hysterectomy than minimally invasive laparoscopic approaches, according to a five-year study led by Houston Methodist researchers and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

A mother's contribution to the makeup of a newborn baby's microbiota has been well documented. Now a paper published June 12 in Cell Host & Microbe shows the important contributions that fathers make to the composition of microorganisms colonizing a baby's gut as well.

In the United States, an estimated 58,000 pregnant women enter correctional facilities each year, with many presumed innocent while awaiting trial. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has profound implications for them.

New research confirms that for women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, having a waterbirth is as safe as leaving the water before birth. The research, "Maternal and neonatal outcomes among spontaneous vaginal births occurring in or out of water following intrapartum water immersion: The POOL cohort study," was published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.