Women's Health

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.

More Plant Protein May Support Weight Management After Menopause

A small secondary analysis found that postmenopausal women maintained their overall protein intake while shifting toward plant-based sources and losing weight.

Many Women Still Miss a Key Nutrient Before Pregnancy

A large U.S. study found that women without health insurance were less likely to report taking folic acid supplements, highlighting gaps in access to a proven birth-defect prevention strategy.

Protein-Rich Foods May Help Support Strength as Adults Age

In a large study of older adults, lower intake of protein-rich foods was linked with higher odds of reduced grip strength and difficulty with everyday activities.

Early Support May Help Women Reach Healthier Pregnancy Weight Gain

A systematic review of studies in low- and middle-income countries found that nutrition, counseling and physical activity programs may help reduce both too little and too much weight gain during pregnancy.

Could Guava Juice Help with Iron Levels? What the Evidence Shows

A new review suggests guava juice may boost hemoglobin when paired with iron supplements, but experts say it is not a replacement for anemia treatment.

Low Vitamin D Tied to More Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery

A prospective observational study found vitamin D deficiency was associated with more moderate postoperative pain and greater opioid use, but it cannot prove supplements would reduce pain.

Vitamin D During Pregnancy May Be Linked to Children’s Memory Years Later

A follow-up analysis of a Danish clinical trial found children whose mothers received higher-dose vitamin D3 during pregnancy performed better on some memory tests at age 10, but researchers say the findings should be interpreted carefully.

Study Links Abdominal Obesity to More Severe Menopause Symptoms

Research from a large U.S. women’s health dataset found women with more abdominal fat reported worse menopause symptoms, though the study does not prove belly fat directly caused them.

Can Cranberry Juice Help Fight UTIs?

A new lab study suggests cranberry juice compounds may help certain antibiotics work better against some UTI-causing bacteria, but researchers say human benefits remain unproven.

Why GLP-1 Weight Loss May Not Be Enough to Protect Muscle

A new JAMA perspective argues that while GLP-1 drugs can dramatically reduce appetite and body weight, exercise may still play a critical role in preserving muscle, supporting metabolic health and helping people maintain results long term.