Pregnancy during COVID-19 lockdown: How the pandemic has affected new mothers

Pregnant women's experiences can affect their babies' health, even into adulthood. Researchers know societywide stresses can lead to these long-term consequences – and the pandemic likely fits the bill.

Alyssa Morris, Ph.D. Student in Clinical Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
May 19, 2021 • ~10 min

What causes miscarriages? An expert explains why women shouldn't blame themselves

Miscarriage occurs in 15% to 25% of diagnosed pregnancies, bringing heartache to millions of women, many of whom blame themselves. In most cases, however, miscarriage is due to random genetic errors.

Rochanda Mitchell, Fellow in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Virginia • conversation
May 5, 2021 • ~6 min

Mothers behind bars nurture relationships with visitors in this unusual prison garden

About half of incarcerated women in the United States are mothers to children under age 18. Natural spaces within a prison can help maintain their mother-child bonds.

Julie Stevens, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, Iowa State University • conversation
May 8, 2020 • ~9 min

Why do kids call their parents 'Mom' and 'Dad'?

One anthropologist found 1,072 similar words for 'mom' and 'dad' in the world's languages. It turns out a mix of biology, culture and encouragement from parents explains this phenomenon.

Denise Bodman, Principal Lecturer in Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University • conversation
May 6, 2020 • ~6 min

Newborn babies weigh less today – possibly due to the increased popularity of cesarean sections and induced labor

The decline in US birth weight is somewhat of a puzzle for public health researchers.

Andrea Tilstra, Ph.D. Candidate in Sociology, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
March 11, 2020 • ~4 min

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