Women's Health

Anemia During Pregnancy Was Linked to Differences in Babies’ Brain Growth

Babies born to mothers with anemia had smaller brain volumes by about age 1, but the study does not show that anemia directly caused those differences.

New Guidance Clarifies GLP-1 Use Before and During Pregnancy

Experts say the medications should not be intentionally continued during pregnancy, but accidental early exposure has not been linked to more birth defects in the evidence available so far.

Vitamin B12 Levels in Both Parents Were Linked to Lower Birth Defect Risk

A large study in China found that higher vitamin B12 levels in mothers and fathers before conception were associated with fewer birth defects, suggesting nutrition before pregnancy may matter for both parents.

Antioxidant-Rich Diets Were Linked to Less Cervical Cancer

A new study found an association, but it cannot show that eating more antioxidant-rich foods prevents cervical cancer.

Fluoride in Pregnancy Linked to Lower Scores on Some Cognitive Tests

Higher fluoride exposure during pregnancy was associated with lower scores on some cognitive tests in children, though the study cannot prove fluoride caused the differences.

Strength Training During Pregnancy May Help Lower Diabetes Risk

A randomized trial found that women with overweight or obesity who followed a strength-training program had fewer cases of gestational diabetes, though the difference was not strong enough to rule out chance.

Coffee Intake Linked to Body Composition, Hormone Differences

People who drank more coffee tended to have less body fat, more muscle and different hormone profiles at age 46.

Gestational Diabetes May Signal Broader Health Risks After Pregnancy

More than 1 million women were tracked after pregnancy, with gestational diabetes linked most strongly to later blood sugar problems and more modest increases in several other health risks.

Study Offers New Clue to How Folic Acid Protects Early Brain Development

Experiments in frog embryos and cells suggest folic acid may rely on a vitamin A-related process to help the developing brain and spinal cord form properly.

Endometriosis Was Linked to Higher Type 2 Diabetes Risk

In a study of nearly 3 million women, endometriosis was associated with greater diabetes risk, including among premenopausal women and those without obesity.

Higher Childhood BMI Was Linked to Lower Childbirth Rates

A large Danish study found women with higher childhood BMI patterns were less likely to give birth at some ages but diagnosed infertility rates did not differ.

High Formula Costs Are Pushing Some Families Toward Unsafe Choices

A UK study of financially struggling parents found widespread debt, distress and attempts to stretch formula, though the findings do not represent all formula-feeding families.

Beetroot Juice Shows Early Promise for Pregnant Women with Kidney Disease

A small randomized trial found encouraging safety signals and possible benefits, but it was not designed to prove the supplement improves outcomes.

New Guidance Tackles GLP-1 Use Around Pregnancy

Experts advise against using GLP-1 medications during pregnancy or breastfeeding while offering guidance on birth control, pregnancy planning and accidental exposure.

Alcohol Use During Pregnancy Rose Over the Past Decade

A national survey analysis found increases in reported alcohol use, binge drinking and heavy drinking among pregnant women from 2011 through 2024, though it could not determine whether drinking occurred before or after pregnancy recognition.

Collagen Supplements Changed Some Bone Markers in Female Runners

A four-week pilot trial found changes in certain biomarkers tied to bone formation and inflammation, but it did not show that collagen strengthened bones or prevented injuries.

Small Study Finds Mold-Related Food Chemicals During Pregnancy

Levels were higher after participants ate corn and other grains, but researchers did not determine whether the exposures caused harm.

Healthy Pregnancy Diets May Shape Chemical Exposure

An NIH-supported observational study found that following dietary guidelines was linked to lower exposure to some chemicals, but higher exposure to others found on produce.

Birth Control Pills May Affect Emotional Eating

A daily study found higher emotional eating during active-pill days, but it does not prove birth control causes binge eating.

Pregnancy Weight Patterns May Help Identify Early Obesity Risk

A large U.S. cohort study linked maternal weight before pregnancy and excess pregnancy weight gain with higher odds of children having overweight or obesity by age 3, but the findings do not mean a child’s future is set before birth.

Severe Pregnancy Nausea May Signal Higher Risk for Complications

A large California study found that pregnancies involving hospital care for hyperemesis gravidarum were linked to higher risks of preterm birth, anemia, high blood pressure disorders and other complications.

A Breast Milk Nutrient May Help Shape Early Immune Development

A new study found that trans-vaccenic acid affected immune development in mice, while human samples showed related links that need more research.

Hormone Therapy Studies May Reflect More Than Hormones

A large observational study found differences in diet, strength activity and sleep across menopause and hormone therapy groups, but the results do not show that hormone therapy caused healthier habits.

Birth Control Pills May Affect Emotional Eating for Some Women

A new study found higher emotional eating symptoms during active combined oral contraceptive pills, but the findings should not be read as a reason to stop birth control without medical guidance.

Probiotic Labels May Be Ahead of the Science

A new analysis of more than 350 over-the-counter probiotic supplements found little consistency between the bacteria inside the products and the health claims used to market them.