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

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.

'Wandering' contraceptive implant travels to woman's lung in rare case
By Emily Cooke published
A woman's contraceptive implant ended up in her lung; doctors believe the device migrated because it wasn't inserted in her upper arm properly.

Scientists are building an ultimate atlas of the vagina. Here's why.
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Scientists are studying the vaginal microbiome in populations all around the world to see how it might differ in different people and in health and disease.

Infant mortality is on the rise in the US — experts point to stricter abortion laws as reasons why
By Almut Winterstein, Sonja Rasmussen published
The new study reinforces warnings from doctors about abortion laws with limited or no exceptions.

Chinese scientists created mice with 2 dads — and they survived to adulthood
By Nicoletta Lanese published
By modifying 20 regions of the genome, scientists successfully bred mice with two male parents and raised them to maturity.

Sperm cells carry traces of childhood stress, epigenetic study finds
By Marianne Guenot published
Fathers exposed to high stress in childhood had different epigenetic markers that may affect their offspring, though more research is needed.

'Red balloon' sprouts from baby's back due to birth defect
By Emily Cooke published
The newborn had a birth defect that left a gap in his lower spine, through which tissue pushed out and formed a giant, red, balloon-like structure.

The gut 'remodels' itself during pregnancy, study finds
By Emily Cooke published
The inner lining of the small intestine nearly doubles in size during pregnancy and breastfeeding, according to new research in mice and human tissue.
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