Obstetrics
For some, prenatal care is a community affair
Prenatal care consumes a big part of a pregnant woman’s life. There are the monthly appointments, the tests — all on top of whatever is going on at home. And it can be overwhelming. But a new program, called Centering Pregnancy, tries to ease that burden by putting women in groups for their prenatal care.Prenatal care consumes a big part of a pregnant woman’s life. There are the monthly appointments, the tests — all on top of whatever is going on at home. And it can be overwhelming. But a new program, called Centering Pregnancy, tries to ease that burden by putting women in groups for their prenatal care.
Delaying pregnancy in the US and around the world
In a new report, the CDC has confirmed that the average age at which American women deliver their first babies has increased in the last 40 years. The World and The Forum at the Harvard School of Public Health team up this week to discuss the repercussions of delaying pregnancy and parenthood in the United States and around the world.In a new report, the CDC has confirmed that the average age at which American women deliver their first babies has increased in the last 40 years. The World and The Forum at the Harvard School of Public Health team up this week to discuss the repercussions of delaying pregnancy and parenthood in the United States and around the world.
In Brazil, half of all mothers have C-sections — whether they want it or not
Many women in Brazil want to deliver their babies by Cesarean section — for them, it is convenient, modern and clean. But others say they are forced into delivering their babies through surgery, in a country with one of the highest c-section rates in the world.
Why are Cesarean sections so common when most agree they shouldn’t be?
Last year, Kate Mitchell became one of the 32 percent of US mothers who give birth via Cesarean section. Yet her intention was to avoid a C-section. Guidelines released in February outline steps to avoid unnecessary Cesarean sections, steps that hospitals and practitioners agree with. So why do Cesarean rates remain at all-time highs?Last year, Kate Mitchell became one of the 32 percent of US mothers who give birth via Cesarean section. Yet her intention was to avoid a C-section. Guidelines released in February outline steps to avoid unnecessary Cesarean sections, steps that hospitals and practitioners agree with. So why do Cesarean rates remain at all-time highs?
