Maryland is joining a growing list of places testing a simple idea: give low-income moms money with no strings attached. The state will work with the Bridge Project, a program started in 2021 that already sends cash to families in ten other cities and states. Unlike typical welfare programs, this on
In the scattered islands of Maluku, Indonesia, having a baby is a team effort—but not every team shows up the same way. Many fathers skip routine prenatal visits, even though their presence could make pregnancy safer for mothers and newborns. The problem isn’t just distance to clinics or rough roads
A quiet gathering at a South Side church turned into an urgent conversation about pregnancy and health. Expecting mothers, future moms, and their friends listened to a panel of doctors, midwives, and advocates who shared how to fight for safer births. The focus was on Black women, whose birth‑relate
Riding electric scooters and bikes seems like a quick way to zip around town. But doctors who treat kids in emergencies see the dark side of these rides. A recent study counted nearly half a million injuries from these vehicles between 2017 and 2023. The numbers keep climbing, especially among young
Japan has long worried about very young mothers and their risks for child abuse. But what about women in their early 20s who become first-time moms? A new study flips the focus by comparing two groups: those under 26 and those 26 or older. Most past research zeroed in on teens, leaving a gap for wom
South Carolina stands out in the U. S. for having some of the biggest gaps in care for Black mothers. These women are twice as likely to die during or after childbirth compared to others. Experts say this isn’t just bad luck—it’s a pattern tied to how healthcare treats people differently based on ra
A recent meeting gathered doctors, researchers, patient groups, regulators and pharma to talk about medicines that stay in the body for weeks or months. The main goal was to make sure pregnant women, nursing mothers and children can safely use these new drugs. Three questions guided the talks:
When a woman has her first child in Ethiopia often shapes not just her own health but also the future of her family and the nation. Babies born to very young mothers face higher chances of health problems right after delivery. Mothers under 18 also tend to have less schooling and fewer job opportuni
The idea that someone would need a professional to help them through childbirth might seem odd to some, but for many Black mothers, it’s a necessity. A doula isn’t just an extra pair of hands—it’s someone who understands the cultural and systemic challenges these women face. One doula, who stepped i
Massachusetts leads in insurance coverage, yet its maternity care falls short. A federal study showed that low‑risk births at freestanding centers cut preterm deliveries and cesarean sections, saving over $2, 000 per family. Only one such center is currently open, and it faces possible closure
