Health News

Early Delivery Decisions Should be 'Mom-focused'
Not all women’s bodies act the same before early labor. One small study reports that race as well as the presence of specific bacteria are two factors that play a role in preterm delivery.
Non-Invasive Fetal Test Detects Down Syndrome
Many pregnant mothers are concerned about fetal tests to detect serious conditions in the baby. They fear that such tests could endanger the baby’s health.
Children Exposed to Chemotherapy Develop Normally
Pregnant women undergoing cancer therapy worry that the treatment will hurt their baby's health. But rest assured, chemotherapy does not put a growing baby at risk of health problems, reports a new study.
Surgery Before Birth Improves Outcomes
Caring for a child with spina bifida can be costly from emotional, psychological and financial perspectives. Having surgery before birth relieves at least one of these.
Like Brother, Like Sister
Women who give birth early to their first child can expect their second child to be smaller than average at birth - even if the next child arrives on time.
Hispanic Women at Risk of Early Delivery
Pregnant women should watch for signs of early labor. And if you’re Hispanic, you should take extra care: A new study says that Hispanic-Americans are at greater risk of preterm delivery. 
Breast is Best - But So is Planning
Even for mothers who planned to breastfeed longer, the ones who planned to get pregnant had an easier time with nursing than those whose babies were surprises.
Getting to the First Birthday
Preemies with low birth weights have a higher risk of dying before age 1, but researchers haven't known the risk factors affecting the babies' survival after they leave the NICU .
Risky Business: Diabetic and Pregnant
Before getting pregnant, women should make sure that they are in good health. An unhealthy mother is more likely to have an unhealthy baby. This may be especially true for women with diabetes.
Optional Early Baby Delivery Rates Drop
The rate of elective births before 39 weeks has dropped 3 percent since last year among U.S. hospitals, though rates vary dramatically, from under 5 percent to as high as 40 percent.