Pregnancy
Having a baby is a wonderful and joyous experience. Learn about the science of pregnancy: how to get pregnant, the stages of pregnancy, what happens to the mother-to-be's body and how the fetus develops.
Latest about Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth

What are ovarian cysts?
By Jess Thomson published
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries for a variety of reasons. Often, they disappear on their own, but sometimes, they can grow very large, burst or cause an ovary to twist.

Is getting an IUD painful?
By Marilyn Perkins published
People experience different amounts of pain during IUD insertion, but there are a number of pain-relief options available to patients getting the contraceptive.

'Useless' female organ may actually support the ovaries, study finds
By Jess Thomson published
The rete ovarii, a poorly understood structure connected to the ovaries, may be much more essential to ovarian function than scientists initially thought.

First baby conceived with remotely operated 'automated IVF' has been born
By Elana Spivack published
Performed remotely in Mexico by engineers and embryologists in New York, an automated fertility treatment resulted in conception and, more recently, a live birth.

Man gets sperm-making stem cell transplant in first-of-its-kind procedure
By Clarissa Brincat published
A man in his early 20s received a transplant of his own sperm-producing stem cells, which had been frozen since his childhood, in an attempt to regain fertility. Doctors are waiting to see if the treatment works.

'Love hormone' oxytocin can pause pregnancy, animal study finds
By Stephanie Pappas published
Oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding behaviors, might also help mice modulate their pregnancies. Someday, this line of research could improve our understanding of human fertility.

'Mini placentas' in a dish reveal key gene for pregnancy
By Skyler Ware published
Different versions of a gene called ACE2 affect how well the placenta grows during pregnancy, a laboratory study finds.

Diagnostic dilemma: Teen's improbable pregnancy occurred after oral sex
By Mindy Weisberger published
A teen girl with abdominal pain learned she was pregnant and had conceived under extremely unusual circumstances.

US abortion bans have driven a surge in infant deaths, study finds
By Emily Cooke published
Researchers estimate that recent abortion bans have driven a rise in infant death rates in affected states, especially among Black children and kids with congenital anomalies.

Scientists reveal surprising factor that may prolong pregnancy
By Emily Cooke published
New research suggests that people who are exposed to higher levels of air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy have longer pregnancies than people who are not exposed to these conditions.
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