labor & delivery

Overall Preterm Birth Rates in the United States Increased Last Year — And They Rose for Women of Color

Overall Preterm Birth Rates in the United States Increased Last Year — And They Rose for Women of Color

Race and economic status continue to impact birth outcomes for moms and babies

new born baby hand hold mum index finger

Can Living in the U.S. Increase Your Risk of Preterm Birth?

Women in the U.S. are more likely to give birth early compared to women in other developed nations. What makes the U.S. different?

Ashley K Heller

I Recovered From Surgery on My Own Terms

I struggled with side effects from opioids after my first C-section, so I chose to do things differently the second time around

Nurse checking baby in wellness medical exam

Trying to Avoid Racist Health Care, Black Women Seek out Black Obstetricians

In addition to shared culture and values, a Black physician can offer Black patients a sense of safety, validation and trust

Working as a Rainbow Doula Lets Me Be Myself

Working as a Rainbow Doula Lets Me Be Myself

I love creating a safe space in the birthing room, empowering my LGBTQ+ clients and advocating for them during the birth process.

Pregnancy During a Pandemic: the Stress of COVID-19 on Pregnant Women and New Mothers Is Showing

Pregnancy During a Pandemic: the Stress of COVID-19 on Pregnant Women and New Mothers Is Showing

The pandemic has dramatically changed the pregnancy experience and the U.S. may have 500,000 fewer births as a result.

Black Women Turn to Midwives to Avoid COVID and ‘Feel Cared For’

Black Women Turn to Midwives to Avoid COVID and ‘Feel Cared For’

Fear of the pandemic and historically poor outcomes for Black women giving birth in hospitals is fuelling a demand for home births.

New Moms & Babies Are Leaving Maternity Wards Earlier Than Usual Due to Coronavirus

New Moms & Babies Are Leaving Maternity Wards Earlier Than Usual Due to Coronavirus

Here's what you need to know about the COVID-19 pandemic causing moms and newborns to leave the maternity ward earlier than usual.

A Midwife's Take on How Birth Is 'Managed' in the U.S.

A Midwife's Take on How Birth Is 'Managed' in the US

Each labor and delivery is different, so there's no one "right" way to do it. But this midwife thinks it may be time to take a new look at birth practices and interventions in the U.S.

The Surprising Mental-Health Consequences of General Anesthesia During Birth

The Surprising Mental-Health Consequences of General Anesthesia During Birth

A new study finds a strong link between general anesthesia and postpartum depression.

Opioids: An Evolving Health Crisis for Women

Opioids: An Evolving Health Crisis for Women

Opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, continue to harm women and families. Women are at greater risk for OUD because of biologic differences, and women also have higher rates of chronic pain.

Considering a Home Birth? Here's What You Need to Know

Considering a Home Birth? Here's What You Need to Know

A home birth can be a safe and natural way to give birth, but you need to discuss it with your partner, make sure you're a good candidate and be prepared.

Is There a Safer Choice Than Opioids After a C-Section?

Is There a Safer Choice Than Opioids After a C-Section?

Expectant moms often try to plan as many aspects of their upcoming delivery as they can. But one thing they might not consider is what type of pain relief they will choose if they need to have a C-section.

Most First-Time Moms Say Labor Pains Were Manageable

Most First-Time Moms Say Labor Pains Were Manageable

Many first-time mothers have mistaken ideas about managing the pain of childbirth, a new survey reveals.

Serena Williams Shares Childbirth Ordeal

Serena Williams Shares Childbirth Ordeal

Though Serena Williams commands the tennis court with ease when she plays, life-threatening complications following the birth of her daughter sidelined her for six weeks.

Doctors Urged to Discuss Cord Blood Donations Early in Pregnancy

Doctors Urged to Discuss Cord Blood Donations Early in Pregnancy

A leading group of U.S. pediatricians is encouraging parents to donate to public cord blood banks after the birth of their children.

baby being born

Ob/Gyns Warn Against 'Vaginal Seeding' Trend for Newborns

The U.S.'s leading group of obstetricians and gynecologists is warning against a new trend where babies born by C-section are "seeded" via cotton swabs with vaginal microbes from the mother.

Incision Length Linked to Pain After C-Section

Incision Length Linked to Pain After C-Section

How much pain a woman feels after cesarean delivery may depend on the length of the incision, a new study suggests.

Legionnaire’s Disease From Home Water Birth

Newborns May Get Legionnaire’s Disease From Home Water Birth

Two cases in Arizona and one in Texas highlight a little-known danger of "water births" at home.

Opioids Overprescribed After C-Sections

Opioids Overprescribed After C-Sections

Women are routinely prescribed more opioid painkillers than they need after c-sections.

Breastfeeding May Reduce Pain From C-Section

Breastfeeding May Reduce Pain From C-Section

Breastfeeding for a longer time may help women reduce the risk of chronic pain after a cesarean delivery.

pregnant woman holding her belly

Prior C-Section Raises Risk of Complications With Home Birth

Pregnant women who've had a cesarean delivery in the past should not plan a home birth because they face a higher risk for complications, researchers warn.

Should You Bank Your Newborn’s Cord Blood?

Stem cells from cord blood can help save lives, so consider whether you want to use either a private cord blood bank or a public one.