


Can monitoring blood pressure at home cut maternal mortality?

Huma Farid, MD



The fourth trimester: What you should know

The three trimesters of pregnancy are well known. But what happens to women in the 12 weeks after birth: the fourth trimester? During this critical time, women often get far less support and healthcare than they need. Fortunately, attitudes are changing.

Hyperemesis: (Way) beyond morning sickness

Huma Farid, MD


During early months of pregnancy, many women experience nausea and vomiting (morning sickness). A small percentage struggle with persistent, severe nausea and vomiting, a condition called hyperemesis. Certain treatments –– or time –– sometimes help.

Microbiome: The first 1,000 days

Allan Walker, MD


From the time of conception until the second year of life, appropriate bacteria colonization of the digestive tract affects long-term health and plays a role in whether a person will be healthy or will develop a chronic disease.

Preventing depression in pregnancy: New guidelines


The new exercise guidelines: Any changes for you?

Lauren Elson, MD


What do the new government guidelines for exercise and physical activity mean for you? It depends on your age and ability, but overall, move more, sit less.

Inducing labor at full term: What makes sense?

Toni Golen, MD


A large study of first-time mothers compared inducing labor with waiting for labor to begin. Under certain circumstances, it found inducing labor may be safer for some women. A pregnant woman considering induction should discuss the option with her doctors and providers.

Dark patches on the face may be melasma

The skin condition melasma is associated with pregnancy because it can be triggered by hormones, but women who are not pregnant can also have it (as can men). The most significant causes of melasma are hormone fluctuation and sun exposure.


Since 1990, the maternal mortality rate in the United States, while still relatively low, has risen by 50%. Meanwhile, many other women experience pregnancy-related conditions that cause serious injury, and thousands more struggle with illnesses and a lack of support.