Pregnancy and Breastfeeding : 130 Articles

It used to be that when a woman became pregnant, she didn't alter her habits much. But over the past few generations, we've learned that what you eat before and during pregnancy is critical for producing a healthy baby. This section contains sound information for women who are contemplating pregnancy, those who are already expecting, and brand new mothers.

Omega-3 DHA may prevent earliest preemies

For pregnant women, supplements of an omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may help to reduce the likelihood of giving birth very prematurely, according to a new study. The…

Eating junk food while pregnant may make a child crave junk food

Now there's another reason why a healthy diet during pregnancy is critical to the future health of a child. New research from Australia suggests that pregnant mothers who consume junk food…

Low vitamin D levels in pregnancy associated with lower birth weight

Women deficient in vitamin D early in their pregnancies are more likely to deliver babies with lower birth weights, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health research reveals.…

Fewer iron supplements during pregnancy work just as well for preventing anemia

Taking iron supplements one to three times a week instead of every day is just as effective at preventing anemia in pregnant women, according to the findings of a new review. The authors of…

Folic acid during early pregnancy associated with reduced autism risk

New findings from the University of California, Davis suggests that women who consume the recommended daily dosage of folic acid, the synthetic form of the B vitamin called folate, during the…

Obese women can safely limit weight gain during pregnancy

Obese women can safely limit their weight gain during pregnancy by watching what they eat, an analysis of several clinical trials suggests. The study, reported in the journal Obstetrics &…

Women with large waistlines more likely to give birth to big babies

According to UK researchers, women who have large waistlines before pregnancy may be more likely to have a larger-than-normal newborn than women who are trim around the middle. The findings…

Prolonged bottle-feeding may up risk of obesity in kids

According to new study findings from researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia, prolonged bottle-feeding in kids increases their risk of obesity later in life. Researchers found that…

Fish oil supplements during pregnancy no help for babies’ vision

New study findings from Australian researchers suggest that expectant moms who take fish oil supplements may not be doing much to sharpen their babies' vision. The findings contradict…

Maternal diet high in trans fats doubles risk of excess body fat in breastfed babies

A new University of Georgia study suggests that mothers who consume a diet high in trans fats double the likelihood that their infants will have high levels of body fat. Researchers, whose…

Caffeine may not increase preterm birth risk

A new analysis adds to evidence that pregnant women can have a morning cup of coffee without fearing they will raise their risk of preterm delivery. Combining the results of 22 previous…

Diet soda linked to premature birth

Danish researchers are reporting that drinking lots of artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy may be linked with an increased risk of premature birth. To investigate, researchers…

Obesity ups risk of preterm birth

Canadian researchers are reporting that babies born to women who are overweight or obese are more likely to be delivered prematurely. Researchers from McMaster University in Hamilton pooled…

Smoking during pregnancy linked to teen obesity

Study findings released this week from Canadian researchers report that mothers who smoke during pregnancy may be putting their children at increased risk of becoming obese as teenagers.…

Too much weight gain during pregnancy ups obesity risk later in life

New study findings from researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia have found that excess weight gain during pregnancy can have consequences that last well after the pregnancy is…

Mediterranean diet linked to better fertility treatment success

The Mediterranean diet, already linked to lower rates of cancer and heart disease, may have one more benefit according to new research findings.  Dutch researchers are reporting that…

Mom's diet may cut infants' allergies

Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits during pregnancy may lower the chance of having a baby with certain allergies. Greater intake of fruits and vegetables rich in beta carotene (e.g. dark…

Delaying introduction of solid foods in infants may help reduce obesity later in life

Study findings from researchers at the University of Copenhagen suggest that waiting longer to start infants on solid food could make for slimmer adults. The study, which is published in March…

Drinking milk during pregnancy may lower child’s MS risk

Study findings from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston have found that pregnant women who drink plenty of milk may be protecting their child from developing multiple…

Breastfeeding linked to better mental health in kids

Study findings from Australian researchers have found that kids who are breastfed for more than six months are less likely to develop mental health problems later in life, including depression…