Exposure to PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ can reduce women’s fertility by 40%
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(Meghan Holohan/ Today) — Many couples with infertility wonder why they struggle to become pregnant. A new study reveals one possible cause after it found that women with PFAS — also called “forever chemicals” — in their blood might experience difficulty becoming pregnant.

“What our data showed is that those who might   …

7 things to know before your first appointment with a fertility doctor
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(Robin Elise Weiss/ Very Well Family) — You’ve been trying to have a baby for some time with no success. Should you see a fertility doctor? If you’re under 35 and have been actively trying to conceive for 12 months or more without success, make an appointment with a fertility doctor, or reproductive endocrinologist  …

What is postpartum psychosis, a serious mental illness impacting new mothers
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(Nathalie Slivinski/ Web MD) — It’s not uncommon for women to get the “baby blues” after giving birth. You might feel down, sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed. Half or more of new mothers might go through it.

But in very rare cases, changes surrounding giving birth can bring on a very serious mental disorder called postpartum  …

Mediterranean diet during pregnancy may lower risk of preeclampsia
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(Jessica Norris/ Medical News Today) — A new study suggests adhering to a Mediterranean diet during early pregnancy may lower the risk of adverse outcomes, especially for people over 35.

Dietary recommendations during pregnancy continue to evolve as researchers gain new insights into the best nutrition for a pregnant  …

What to say when someone has a miscarriage
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(Alex Hazlett/ Parents) — Nearly one in five women will experience a miscarriage in their lifetimes, making the issue relatively widespread. It’s “one of the most common forms of trauma that many women go through, but it’s often unrecognized and unreported,” says Cecille Maria Ahrens, a therapist  …

Breast Cancer: Researchers say it’s OK to pause long-term treatment for pregnancy
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(Eileen Bailey/ Healthline) — Women in their childbearing years diagnosed with breast cancer typically take long-term medications that can prevent or delay getting pregnant.

Now, new research shows they might be able to pause their treatment for up to two years to get pregnant, have the baby, and breastfeed without  …

How to talk about miscarriage
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(Chantelle Pattemore/ Shondaland) — An estimated one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Earlier this year, mine became one of them. From the moment I knew what was happening, everything felt overwhelming. I retreated to the sofa for 48 hours to rest my body and numb my thoughts with Netflix while my husband   …

Canada significantly undercounts maternal deaths, and doctors are concerned
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(Chelsea Gomez, Tara Carmen/ CBC News) — At five months pregnant, Claudia Wong knew it was normal to be uncomfortable some of the time. But she couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong.

The Pickering, Ont., woman had already gained about 14 pounds, significant on her small frame. She’d become so swollen  …

Cramping during pregnancy: normal or something more?
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(Coleen De Bellefonds/ What To Expect) — Pregnancy gets you accustomed to a small amount of discomfort all over, from tender breasts to an achy back. But if you experience abdominal cramps and pain at any point when you’re expecting, you might be a bit concerned.

Some abdominal discomfort during pregnancy is normal, but   …

Women choosing to have kids later in life stigmatized by medical guidelines
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(The Canadian Press/ CTV News) — As more and more Canadian women choose to have children later in life, a recent study suggests that pregnant women aged 35 and older tend to be stigmatized by medical guidelines and public policies.

“There’s a lot of emphasis on biomedical risks,” said research co-author  …

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