Pregnancy and Parenting

The world's youngest mother, Lina Medina, gave birth to a healthy baby boy at age 5 in 1939. But how could that happen?

By Dave Roos

In most of the world, infant formula is taken for granted. But during a shortage, you start to wonder how mothers got along before it was widespread.

By Alia Hoyt

Parents in the U.S. are spanking their kids much less often than they did in the past. A study looked at the decline between 1993 and 2017.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

For new parents, one of the biggest challenges is getting their newborn to sleep. We talked to an expert to find out the biggest mistakes people make and how to avoid them.

By Wendy Bowman

An Austrian woman who had just given birth began producing milk in breast tissue located in her vulva.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

The dark line that runs down a pregnant woman's belly is completely normal, and it even has a fancy Latin name.

By Jesslyn Shields

Believe it or not, about one in every 2,500 babies is born with a tooth or three.

By Jesslyn Shields

Having a baby? You can name your little bundle of joy anything you want to, right? Well, not so fast — there are some rules.

By Laurie L. Dove

Animals of all stripes lick their babies clean after birth. Why is it that human women don't?

By Stell Simonton

Very little is known about what or how fetuses see. This study shows their vision capabilities are more advanced than previously thought.

By Alia Hoyt

Many latchkey kids remember their time fondly, even though they wouldn't leave their own kids alone.

By Dave Roos

It's extremely rare but not unheard of. So, how does it happen?

By Alia Hoyt

Does an only child exhibit different behavior and personality than one with siblings? Or is this spoiled reputation nothing more than a persistent cultural myth?

By Laurie L. Dove

One study attempted to find out, with a little help from some brain scans.

By John Donovan

Researchers unveil findings that parents of princess-wannabes could find royally alarming. But they shouldn't.

By Alia Hoyt

But researchers are working on a method to boost the microbiota of babies born by C-section.

By Rachel Pendergrass

A trio of economists reports that kids in larger families may have more to worry about than simply sharing a room or dealing with hand-me-downs.

By John Donovan

Why does "Hush, Little Baby" send your wee one off to dreamland? Read on to find out how lullabies affect your baby.

By Bambi Turner

It seems unbelievable that a baby's placenta could cause the mother to break out in a nasty itchy rash, but it happens occasionally. What causes the allergy?

By Alia Hoyt

Pregnancy brings women that lovely glow -- shiny hair, great skin, an aura of happiness. It also brings some not-so-lovely things, like excessive burping and farting. Go ahead, blame the baby! Here's why.

By Laurie L. Dove

Pregnancy is all about celebrating your body. But is it safe to celebrate it permanently -- with a tattoo? Here's what we know.

By Debra Ronca

Are you worried you're becoming your mother? Read on to learn about these inevitable and inheritable genetic traits!

By Jennifer Wolfe

There is no hard, scientific evidence proving that a pedicure -- or foot massage – will help induce labor if you've carried full term. Then again, why not try it?

As far as contraceptives go, intrauterine devices (IUDs) are generally the most effective method short of abstinence. But does highly effective mean fool-proof?

By Jennifer Sellers

When it comes to keeping track of your birth control, Depo-Provera -- administered via injection from your physician every 12 weeks -- seems to eliminate a lot of worry. But how effective is it?

By Jennifer Sellers