One in every three girls may not have access to menstrual products, something researchers are dubbing “period poverty.” “Our study highlights the widespread nature of period poverty and the need for broad actions — both locally and nationally — to increase the affordability and accessibility of these products for youth,” said study lead author Meleah…  read on >  read on >

Black American infants born with congenital heart disease are less likely to survive to the age of 1, compared to white babies with the condition, a new study finds. The research suggests that Black infants aren’t reaping the same benefit from recent advances against heart defects, the researchers said. From 2005 to 2019, “the death…  read on >  read on >

Read to your little ones. That’s the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) prescription for fostering loving, nurturing relationships during early infancy and early childhood — a time of critical brain development. “Reading together with young children weaves joyful language and rich interactive moments into the fabric of daily life,” said Dr. Perri Klass, a professor…  read on >  read on >

Over the past decade, rates of preterm birth in the United States jumped more than 10%, a new study of more than 5 million births shows. The rise dovetailed with an increase in some factors that make an early delivery more likely, including rates of diabetes, sexually transmitted infections and mental health conditions, along with…  read on >  read on >

Babies conceived through assisted reproductive technology are more likely to be born with a major heart defect, new research shows. That risk was 36% higher in babies conceived through techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some congenital heart defects are life-threatening.  The increased risk is especially pronounced with multiple births, which are more common…  read on >  read on >

Laws that ban assault weapons do indeed protect children from dying in mass shootings, but the same can’t be said for more common types of gun restrictions and regulations, new research shows. “Mass shootings are horrific events. We found that large capacity magazine bans may have the biggest effect on reducing child deaths in mass…  read on >  read on >

Four out of five pregnant women will become deficient in an essential nutrient, iron, by their third trimester, a new study finds. The researchers and other experts are now advocating that iron levels be routinely checked during a pregnancy for the safety of a mother and her baby. Right now, guidelines from the United States…  read on >  read on >