Summary: The consequences of lead exposure may take six decades to fully manifest. A remarkable study has linked lead exposure during the second trimester of pregnancy to lower cognitive performance…
Tag: Pregnancy
Antidepressants May Safeguard Against Preterm Birth Risks
Summary: An extensive population-based study involving over 1.2 million births has clarified the complex impact of SSRI antidepressant use during pregnancy. The research found that while SSRIs are associated with…
How one Florida program reduced preterm births – and how it could serve as a model for other communities
One in 10 babies in the U.S. – nearly 374,000 infants – were born preterm in 2023, meaning before 37 weeks of pregnancy. More than 15% were very preterm, meaning…
Doulas play essential roles in reproductive health care – and more states are beginning to recognize it
A growing share of Americans, especially in rural areas, are losing access to reproductive health care. At the same time, American women are dying during or after pregnancy at higher…
Hormones reflect the impacts of reproductive rest on subsequent pregnancy in a marine predator – Functional Ecologists
In this ‘Behind the Paper’ blog post, we’re doing things the Weddell seal way! In her recently published paper: “Hormones reflect the impacts of reproductive rest on subsequent pregnancy in…
As an OB-GYN, I see firsthand how misleading statements on acetaminophen leave expectant parents confused, fearful and lacking in options
When President Donald Trump adamantly proclaimed in a press conference on Sept. 22, 2025, that pregnant women should not take Tylenol, I immediately thought about my own experiences during my…
What parents need to know about Tylenol, autism and the difference between finding a link and finding a cause in scientific research
Claims from the Trump White House about links between use of the painkiller acetaminophen – often sold under the brand name Tylenol in the U.S. – during pregnancy and development…
Fetal Movements Boost Maternal Attachment
Summary: A new study shows that fetal movement frequency in late pregnancy is directly tied to stronger maternal-fetal attachment. Using an actocardiograph, researchers objectively measured movements and found that higher…
Pregnant women face tough choices about medication use due to lack of safety data − here’s why medical research cuts will make it worse
A panel convened in July 2025 by the Food and Drug Administration sparked controversy by casting doubt about the safety of commonly used antidepressants during pregnancy. But it also raised…
Pregnancy brings unique challenges for people with autoimmune diseases – but with early planning, pregnancy outcomes can be greatly improved
Only a few decades ago, a diagnosis of lupus could mean giving up the dream of having children. Women with systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus were warned that pregnancy was…
