Women’s Health

August 10, 2020

Miscarriage risk increases each week alcohol is used in early pregnancy

Each week a woman consumes alcohol during the first five to 10 weeks of pregnancy is associated with an incremental 8% increase in risk of miscarriage, according to a study published this week by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers.

By Kelsey Herbers
July 30, 2020

Memory complaints linked to changes in brain structure in postmenopausal women

Memory complaints in younger postmenopausal women are associated with differences in brain structure and may serve as an early marker for risk of future cognitive decline, according to a study published June 22 in Menopause by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers.

By Kelsey Herbers
June 11, 2020

My daughter was born in the middle of the pandemic. She is going to get very tired of hearing that story when she’s older.

I can already picture Natalie rolling her eyes when she’s 16.

By Matt Batcheldor
Pregnant woman holding pill pack
June 9, 2020

Opioid prescriptions after childbirth linked to increased risk of overdose, persistent use

Women who are prescribed opioids after childbirth have an increased risk of persistent opioid use or other serious opioid-related events, including overdose, in their first year postpartum, according to a new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers. This is true regardless of whether the woman had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section.

By Kelsey Herbers
May 27, 2020

Target trials support drug safety in pregnant women

Out of concern for fetal safety, pregnant people have typically been excluded from drug trials. And when human health is on the line, drug studies assessing fetal safety in animal models may be viewed as far from definitive.

By Paul Govern
May 18, 2020

Women in criminal justice system less likely to receive evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder

Pregnant women involved in the criminal justice system are disproportionately not receiving medications for opioid use disorder, as compared to their peers, according to a Vanderbilt-led study published today in PLOS Medicine.

By Jake Lowary
March 30, 2020

Researcher explores coronavirus risks for pregnant women

The novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, is raising concern about the impact of the illness on pregnant women.
By Jessica Pasley
March 10, 2020

Vanderbilt University Medical Center to acquire Nashville location of Baby+Company

To provide additional maternity care and a full spectrum of birthing experience options for patients, Vanderbilt University Medical Center has announced plans to acquire the Nashville location of Baby+Company, a freestanding birthing center that emphasizes a family-centered, low-intervention approach to delivery for uncomplicated pregnancies.
By Kelsey Herbers
March 4, 2020

Bundled maternity plan offered to VUMC, MNPS employees

Hearing that she could deliver her second child with no out-of-pocket expense convinced Vanderbilt University Medical Center employee Amy New to enroll in the new MyMaternityHealth Bundle offered by Vanderbilt Health, and she quickly learned the program’s advantages didn’t stop there.
By Jill Clendening
February 12, 2020

Study seeks link between menopause, Alzheimer’s

Beginning this month, researchers from VUMC and the University of Vermont are launching a study to examine whether cognitive changes that occur at menopause for some women are related to an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.
By Kelsey Herbers
October 24, 2019

Retiring the wallpaper

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology recently kicked off the first phase of renovations for the Labor and Delivery unit. Staff from the department helped “retire” the wallpaper in the current delivery rooms by tearing it off the walls.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 29, 2019

New tool helps predict patients’ opioid needs after cesarean section

Most women who undergo a cesarean section are sent home with more opioids than they need, but a significant proportion of women use all opioids and report unmet pain needs, according to Sarah Osmundson, MD, MS, assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
By Kelsey Herbers
August 8, 2019

Low-level alcohol use increases miscarriage risk

Women who consume alcohol during pregnancy — even in small amounts — have a 19% greater risk of miscarriage than women who don’t use alcohol.
By Kelsey Herbers