Pregnancy

New research is elucidating the effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on fetal development. The research is finding links between a mother's stress levels during pregnancy and several birth outcomes including brain development and a baby’s sex.

Research finds significant differences in gut bacterial diversity between babies born by caesarean and those born vaginally.

A study linking autism with c-section births is criticized by experts calling it an example of correlation not equaling causation.

A new study has found a correlation between fluoride levels in a pregnant woman's urine, and the IQ of their offspring measured several years later.

Why do some extremely premature babies fail to grow while others prosper, despite similar diets? New research suggests these metabolic differences are underpinned by specific gut microbiome alterations that leave some preterm infants in a physiological state similar to fasting.

Identifying one's fertility window is critical for many women trying to get pregnant – and those wanting to avoid it – but it can be a difficult, inaccurate process. Yono, an earbud-like device takes the data collection and analysis off your hands, while adding significant improvements in accuracy.

​The vast majority of neural growth for a baby occurs during the last trimester of a pregnancy. An exciting new study has demonstrated how specially composed music can aid brain growth in premature babies, resulting in neural development similar to that of full-term infants.​

​Zulresso, also known as brexanolone, has just been approved to treat postpartum depression by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the first drug ever approved to specifically assist women suffering from this mood disorder..​

Twins born in Queensland, Australia have been found to belong to an extremely rare in-between type known as “semi-identical” twins. This is only the second known case in the world, and the first time it was identified during pregnancy using genetic testing.

The placenta may be one of the least understood organs, but it’s important to study its effects on the health of a developing fetus. Researchers at Iowa State University have used microfluidic models of the organ, a placenta-on-a-chip, to see if, and how much, caffeine can cross from mother to baby.

Low birth weight is one of the leading causes of infant mortality, and it's more common in impoverished regions where pregnant women may not receive enough nutrition. A recent study, however, suggests that an inexpensive dietary supplement could be used to address the problem.

A new study has revealed an intriguing link between babies born with a vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. Although the discovery stems from observational research, the scientists suggest vitamin D plays a major role in fetal brain development.