Health News

Depression Rx Might Pose Smaller Risk in Moms-to-Be
Many moms-to-be who take antidepressants may assume that weaning themselves off their meds is the safest thing for their baby, but the truth may not be so simple.
What Babies Eat May Affect Leukemia Risk
Childhood cancer is rare, but it is still a leading health threat to children and adolescents — surpassed only by accidents. However, babies who are breastfed may be at a lower risk for developing one type of blood cancer in childhood.
Baby's Gender May Bump up Mom's Diabetes Risk
Expecting moms face a list of possible health concerns, including the risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy. But for those having baby boys, the odds may be even higher.
Depressed New Moms Might Benefit from This Rx
Welcoming a new baby brings joy, but it can also bring a time of stress, worry and depression. New evidence suggests that medications might help new moms with depression.
Good News After Cancer Scares for Hopeful Moms-to-Be
Getting abnormal Pap smear results can be scary — a fear that is sometimes compounded by a fear that follow-up procedures may reduce fertility. New evidence suggests, however, that many women who undergo these procedures can expect joyful surprises later in life.
Big Cut to Childbirth Surgery Rate
Giving birth is hard enough, so why add a surgery to the mix? A surgery once common during childbirth may be going extinct for routine births.
US Birth Rate Hits All-Time Low
Birth announcements and baby shower invitations may not be as common as they once were in US mailboxes. The US hasn't been in a baby boom for a few years, and last year saw a particularly low birth rate.
Tdap Vaccine Was Safe Overall for Mom and Fetus
Since 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has suggested that all pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine, even if they were vaccinated earlier in life. And new research found that Tdap was safe for both mom and baby.
PTSD May Raise Risk of Premature Birth
Premature birth can lead to serious health consequences for newborns. And new research shows that the mother's mental health status may raise the risk of early delivery.
Mother’s Iron Level Tied to Child’s Autism Risk
Iron deficiency has been associated with autism in past studies, such as one published in Pediatrics in 2012. And children of mothers who have too little iron during pregnancy may also have a higher risk of getting this condition.