pregnancy

More than 20,000 babies in the U.S. were born with congenital rubella syndrome during an outbreak of rubella in 1964-65. A vaccine developed in 1969 helped curb the virus's spread but hasn't eliminated it worldwide.

Lessons From Rubella Suggest Zika's Impact Could Linger

4:08pm March 22, 2016

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Forty-seven years after a vaccine against rubella was created, the virus still harms about 300 newborns every day, worldwide. Even a cheap vaccine can be a financial burden for poorer countries.

A team of Cleveland Clinic transplant surgeons and gynecological surgeons perform the nation's first uterus transplant during a nine-hour surgery in Cleveland last month.

1st U.S. Uterus Transplant Fails Amid 'Sudden Complication'

6:22pm March 10, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

The 26-year-old patient is recovering, and the Cleveland Clinic says it will continue its clinical study that is meant to involve 10 women with uterine factor infertility.

A medical researcher prepares tests for various diseases including Zika.

How Best To Test For Zika Virus?

5:38pm March 10, 2016

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Getting an accurate diagnosis is a big hurdle in the current outbreak of Zika virus. There are three kinds of tests for Zika, and each has problems. Scientists are working hard to improve diagnosis.

Cleveland Clinic Performs First Successful Uterus Transplant In The U.S.

9:19pm February 26, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

It could be another path to parenthood besides surrogacy or adoption for U.S. women who do not have a uterus, or who have a uterus that does not function.

Scientists say they still have a lot to learn about Zika before they'll have a vaccine ready for people.

Why Scientists Hope To Inject Some People With Zika Virus

6:55pm February 25, 2016

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

There's no vaccine yet, but Zika researchers are racing to find a good candidate. After testing it in animals, checking for effectiveness in humans might include injecting Zika into healthy people.

Queue Listen Now

Most women get prenatal care from the doctor they expect will deliver the baby, which can make it difficult if the doctor and hospital are far away.

More Rural Hospitals Are Closing Their Maternity Units

11:37am February 24, 2016

by Michelle Andrews

Facilities for delivering babies are expensive to run and hard to staff. But when small rural hospitals close their birthing units, pregnant women must travel much farther for care.

Women Blast CDC's Advice To Use Birth Control If Drinking Alcohol

8:07pm February 04, 2016

by Allison Aubrey

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is getting flamed for saying that sexually active women should be on birth control if they drink alcohol, or stop drinking before getting pregnant.

Queue Listen Now

Untreated depression can harm the health of mothers and their children.

Depression Screening Recommended For All Pregnant Women, New Mothers

4:36pm January 26, 2016

by Joanne Silberner

Depression is common in women during pregnancy and postpartum, posing risks to both mother and child. More effort is needed to get women screened and treated, a federal advisory panel says.

Sex Won't Make You Dance Better; Sex In A Pool Won't Prevent Pregnancy

10:35am January 25, 2016

by Jane Otai

That's what health care educator Jane Otai had to tell a group of teenage girls to correct their mistaken ideas about being sexually active.

Losing a pregnancy after 20 weeks is more common in the U.S. than in other developed countries.

U.S. Lags Behind Other Countries In Reducing Stillbirths

3:09pm January 22, 2016

by Katherine Hobson

When a fetus dies late in pregnancy, doctors often don't investigate. And the U.S. isn't making much progress in reducing the risk of these tragic losses.