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.

Are you a pregnant mom who’s planning to use an epidural to relieve the pain? A new study says that taking the painkiller can put your baby’s health at risk.

Moms-to-be who are both overweight and smokers are more than twice as likely to have a baby with a congenital heart defect than women who are either overweight or a smoker but not both.

For many Americans, a jolt of caffeine is a crucial part of a morning regimen. Some babies need caffeine too, as it can help preemies who suffer from a special breathing problem.

A vaginal gel containing progesterone that developers hoped would prevent early birth was rejected by the FDA for lack of adequate evidence that it's effective.

If you're thinking just one beer or just a single glass of wine during pregnancy can't hurt, think again. A new study reveals that every drop counts.

If you’re obese and pregnant, a nutritious diet may not ensure you have an easy pregnancy and a healthy baby. A new study shows that inflammation in your body, caused by obesity, can have harmful health effects for both the mother and child.

More pregnant women may have low thyroid levels than doctors currently realize - over five times more than the currently accepted rate of two to three percent.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes kids who suffer from it to have difficulty focusing and controlling their impulses, which makes it difficult to do well in school and sometimes to get along socially.

We've known for decades that smoking during pregnancy is potentially damaging for the baby, and has been linked to various birth defects, premature birth, underdeveloped lungs, low birthweight and many other problems.