Washington: Between 2006 and 2012 in the US, there was a decline in rates of episiotomy, a surgical procedure for widening the outlet of the birth canal to make it easier for the mother to give birth, according to a study in the recent issue of JAMA.

Washington: The menstrual cycle appears to have an effect on nicotine cravings, according to a new study by Adrianna Mendrek of the University of Montreal and its affiliated Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal. 

Philadelphia: Obesity in a pregnant woman may increase the risk that her children will be born with congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract, according to a study that will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2014 November 11-16 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.

New Orleans: Pregnant women with low vitamin D levels experience an increased amount of pain during labor, according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2014 annual meeting.

Washington: It might not be obvious on the scales, but healthy eating and increased physical activity from walking during pregnancy is directly associated with a range of improved outcomes at birth, according to researchers from the University of Adelaide.

Minnepolis: Women with a healthy diet and lifestyle may be less likely to have a stroke by more than half, according to a study published in the recent online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

St. Louis: Teens who received free contraception and were educated about the pros and cons of various birth control methods were dramatically less likely to get pregnant, give birth or get an abortion compared with other sexually active teens, according to a new study.

While shopping for their kitchen upgrade or kitchen remodel, customers often have to make the choice between a gas and electric range. Both options offer differences in price, electricity use and the process by which they cook.

Breastfeeding contributes to emotional and psychological development of infants. It is a key to healthy life and one of the most critical interventions which can help bring down infant mortality.

Chicago: Obese pregnant women who adhere to an intensive nutritional and exercise program starting in the first trimester gain less weight in pregnancy and have fewer pregnancy complications compared with peers who receive standard prenatal care, a new study from China finds.