Half of women over 35 who want a child don’t end up having one, or have fewer than they planned, writes Karin Hammarberg. At age 35, one in four Australian women and one in three men were hoping to have a child or more children in...
Just don’t douche! write Naomi Strout and Mathew Leonardi. Researchers in the UK recently discovered a rapid test that checks the vaginal microbiome and can detect risks of preterm birth. Usually, tests to check the microbiome are complicated and it takes a long time to get...
Associate Professor Joshua Vogel, Dr Meghan Bohren , Katherine EddyandRana Islamiah Zahroh, look at why Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are dangerous disorders causing high blood pressure during pregnancy. After haemorrhage, they are the second leading direct cause of death among pregnant or recently pregnant women – accounting...
Researchers Dr Alice Yu, Dr Jade Bilardi and Professor Meredith Temple-Smith report that miscarriage affects thousands of Australian women and their partners each year, leaving grief and heartbreak in its wake.Miscarriage occurs in at least 15 per cent of confirmed pregnancies – however the actual...
IVF success rates have improved significantly over the last 10 years, a new report by UNSW medical researchers has shown. The live birth rate per initiated IVF cycle in women using their own eggs has increased by 18% overall, with even steeper improvements in older age...
The evidence says it’s safe and effective, writes Hannah Dahlen. Having a baby brings enough stress and uncertainty without having to deal with a pandemic. Added to that is the difficult decision to have a recently developed vaccine or not. Recently, pregnant women of all ages were...
One-third of Australian women experience an unintended pregnancy in their lifetime, writes Danielle Mazza, with rates of unintended pregnancy higher among the socio-demographically disadvantaged, and those living in rural areas. One in three of these unintended pregnancies results in abortion, with almost half of women who...
Patricia Lee learns to take nothing for granted as the midwife called for the emergency obstetrician. As I slumped onto the delivery bed, panting and sweating after another contraction, I knew something was wrong. After spending the entire day in labour and pushing for hours, my...
It’s still unclear whether a shorter or longer gap between pregnancies increases the risk of complications. Amanda Henry reports Women often wonder what the “right” length of time is after giving birth before getting pregnant again. A recent Canadian study suggests 12-18 months between pregnancies is...
A major report just released has revealed that many Australian babies are being placed at unnecessary risk because their birth by caesarean section is scheduled too early, without a medical reason. This is despite clear evidence that waiting until 39 weeks – unless there is...
