Pregnancy

Inequities in maternal health caused by chronic systemic social injustice contribute directly to higher rates of maternal death among Black and indigenous people and people of color. Maternal justice is a model of culturally sensitive care that aims to dismantle inequities in maternity care and maximize maternal health and well-being.

If you are pregnant, naturally you have concerns about COVID-19 and its potential effects on you and your fetus or newborn. Although there is limited data on the new coronavirus and pregnancy, some questions can be answered.

Thinking about becoming pregnant? Already pregnant? It helps to be aware of which vaccines to consider getting, and the timing for these. Some vaccinations for women also help protect newborns.

Preeclampsia is a dangerous condition marked by hypertension that affects some women during late pregnancy or early weeks after birth. Rising rates of high blood pressure and maternal age increase risk for it. A recent study finds monitoring blood pressure at home may help.

The three trimesters of pregnancy are well known. But what happens to women in the 12 weeks after birth: the fourth trimester? During this critical time, women often get far less support and healthcare than they need. Fortunately, attitudes are changing.

During early months of pregnancy, many women experience nausea and vomiting (morning sickness). A small percentage struggle with persistent, severe nausea and vomiting, a condition called hyperemesis. Certain treatments –– or time –– sometimes help.

From the time of conception until the second year of life, appropriate bacteria colonization of the digestive tract affects long-term health and plays a role in whether a person will be healthy or will develop a chronic disease.

First-ever recommendations from US Preventive Services Task Force aim to help women who experience depression during pregnancy or after childbirth.

What do the new government guidelines for exercise and physical activity mean for you? It depends on your age and ability, but overall, move more, sit less.

A large study of first-time mothers compared inducing labor with waiting for labor to begin. Under certain circumstances, it found inducing labor may be safer for some women. A pregnant woman considering induction should discuss the option with her doctors and providers.