child birth

Infant mortality rates across the South are by far the worst in the U.S. A look at South Carolina — where multimillion-dollar programs aimed at improving rates over the past 10 years have failed to move the needle — drives home the challenge of finding solutions.

These babies can have withdrawal symptoms because of exposure in the womb. New research shows that those born to opioid users have shorter hospital stays when care includes more parent involvement and a quieter environment.

Amid the pandemic and quarantines, doulas — trained professionals who offer support to expectant mothers — noticed an increased interest in their services.

House Speaker Chris Sprowls wants to extend Medicaid coverage for mothers after giving birth from the current two months to a year.

Nearly 1 in 7 women suffers from depression during pregnancy or postpartum. But very few get treatment. Doctors in Massachusetts have a new way to get them help.

NPR visited the only lab in the world known to be trying to use the powerful gene-editing tool CRISPR to modify the DNA in human sperm. If successful, it could be used to prevent genetic disorders.

Move over, epidurals, here comes nitrous oxide. After enjoying popularity in the U.S. for managing labor pain until the mid-20th century, it was dropped in favor of anesthesia. Now it's back.