pregnancy and childbirth

pregnant belly
April 10, 2026

Weekly buprenorphine injection proves more effective for pregnant women with opioid use disorder

Vanderbilt Health’s Firefly program continues to lead the way in caring for pregnant women with substance use disorder.

By Jessica Pasley
October 24, 2025

VUMC, Tennessee Donor Services celebrate birth tissue donation partnership

Membranes and cellular components of the umbilical cord and placenta are used across many medical disciplines.

By Danny Bonvissuto
October 21, 2025

From steakhouse to sanctuary: Vanderbilt Birth Center celebrates 10 years

More than 2,792 babies have been born in the freestanding, midwifery-led facility dedicated to low-risk, unmedicated birth experiences.

By Danny Bonvissuto
September 10, 2025

Study reveals new evidence, cost savings for common treatments for opioid use disorder in mothers and infants

Researchers found that while established medications for opioid use disorder in mothers are both superior and cost saving compared to alternative treatment pathways, buprenorphine produced the greatest health gains and cost savings for mothers and infants.

By Jake Lowary
Alexandra Sundermann, MD, PhD, poses for a photo with an ultrasound machine. (photo by Donn Jones)
August 29, 2025

Discrepancies in gestational dating can inform miscarriage risk: study

Investigators measured whether gestational dating determined by ultrasound lagged what the last menstrual period predicted. The bigger the lag, the higher risk of the pregnancy ending in a loss, they found.

By Bill Snyder
Greg and Monica Barton at home with their sons, Carter, left, and triplets Matthew, John and Weston.
July 31, 2025

Turn left for the plan, turn right for the miracle: When triplets couldn’t wait for Nashville

Triplets decided to enter the world at 26 weeks. The plan was Nashville, but it was a left turn and an hour away. Would choosing the local hospital be right?

By Danny Bonvissuto