Contraception, Health News, Health Policy, Newborn and Infant Health, Pregnancy, Women's Health

Maternal death reviews get political as state officials intrude

Every state has a committee of medical and public health experts tasked with investigating deaths that occur during and after pregnancy. But as data paints a clearer picture of the impact that state policies such as abortion bans and Medicaid expansion can have on maternal health, leaders in some states are rushing to limit their review committee’s work — or halt it altogether.

Pregnancy, Rural Health, Rural Hospitals, Women's Health

For Many Rural Women, Finding Maternity Care Outweighs Concerns About Abortion Access

A study that examined nearly 5,000 acute care hospitals found that by 2022, 52% of rural hospitals lacked obstetrics care after more than a decade of unit closures. The health implications of those closures for young women, the population most likely to need pregnancy care, and their babies can be significant. Research has shown that added distance between a patient and obstetric care increases the likelihood the baby will be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU.

Endocrinology, Menstruation, Mental Health, Women's Health

What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder? And how is it different to PMS?

Periods can feel like an unwanted guest, bringing cramps, mood swings and exhaustion.

But how do you know if what you are experiencing is standard premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or something more severe?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and the premenstrual exacerbation of an existing mental illness can also occur in the lead up to your period.