PREGNANCY

EastEnders has shone a light on Edwards' syndrome - a rare genetic condition affecting babies.

Lindsay Lohan is expecting her first child.

Two months after Blake Lively confirmed her pregnancy, she appears at the American Cinematheque Awards to honor husband Ryan Reynolds. Hear Blake's moving speech!

More than half of England's maternity units require improvements in safety, BBC analysis finds.

Staff arranged a call so Lesia Husar could introduce her husband, who is still in Ukraine, to their son.

The singer reveals she and personal trainer partner Sam Asghari have "lost our miracle baby".

Controversial influencer Trisha Paytas tweeted nude pictures promoting their OnlyFans account while pregnant, sparking debate.

Last summer, we asked: “Are you or your partner pregnant -- or have you delivered in the past few months?” ... “We want to hear from you.”

Pregnancy: It's not all aches, pains and morning sickness! Carrying a child has been shown to help ease symptoms in some of these cases.

In 2016, Valerie Collignon gave birth at 35 weeks, which resulted in a week-long NICU stay that she described as “traumatizing.”

Hilary Blevins wasn’t sure if she’d ever be a mom.

In writing this series, I’ve enjoyed hearing and learning about what’s been different, how people have been coping and adapting, and think about my own family’s timing and how we’ll manage it all.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Pfizer and BioNTech have begun a clinical trial of their COVID-19 vaccine on pregnant women as they aim to examine the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness among expecting mothers. The drugmakers announced the trials Thursday, saying about 4,000 healthy pregnant women will be part of the months-long study. Besides testing the vaccine’s effects on pregnant women, the study will also evaluate how it affects infants and whether antibodies are passed along from mother to child. “The reality is, you want that protection throughout the whole pregnancy period,” Dr. Reza said. He said pregnant women should speak with their primary doctor and OBGYN about their risk and exposure to the virus.

It certainly wasn’t planned this way, but Claire Nackashi had to deal with almost every aspect of her pregnancy, pandemic-style.

What should I know about COVID-19 vaccines if Im pregnant? AP Illustration/Peter HamlinStudies show pregnant women with severe COVID-19 are at higher risk for hospitalization, ICU admission and ventilation. “Based on peer-reviewed, vigorous scientific evidence that we have in non-pregnant patients, we feel it’s safe for pregnant patients who desire the vaccine to get it,” said Cleveland Clinic OB/GYN Tosin Goje, MD. “Trials in pregnant patients are ongoing right now, so I’m confident that by the time the vaccine is offered to the general pregnant population, we should have some data that will reassure the pregnant patient,” said Dr. Goje. “But, there are no safety signals or concerns right now.”Whether vaccine is accepted, or not, Dr. Goje encourages women to continue to wear a mask, socially distance and wash their hands.

Past studies have shown that women who go through menopause before the age of 45 have an increased risk of early death, cognitive decline, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

In an effort to be proactive about her health, last summer, Julianne C. scheduled a test. She had no idea where it would lead: Namely, to two life-changing discoveries.

Author’s note: This is not MY personal story, per se, (despite the “my pandemic pregnancy” headline), but a story told by our readers, week by week. Today’s is shared by Yvonne.

COVID-19 has changed the way we celebrate big moments — including the birth of a child. Tosin Goje, MD, of Cleveland Clinic, said if you’re expecting a baby during the pandemic — you’ll want a clear understanding of your hospital’s COVID-19 rules and restrictions. “They might realize that by talking about it, it’s not as bad as what they think it is.”In order to prevent COVID-19 transmission, many hospitals require women to wear a face covering upon arrival. Every hospital has their own testing policy for labor and delivery though, so be sure to ask your doctor for details. In addition, the number of people allowed inside during and after delivery is restricted at most hospitals.

When Kayla Molina found out she was pregnant, she felt excited, hopeful and optimistic.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Pregnant women can be at higher risk of complications if they contract the flu because of normal immune system changes that happen during pregnancy, health officials warn. That’s why it’s important for pregnant women to get vaccinated for the flu as soon as possible. It is safe to receive the flu vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy, health care professionals say. The flu mist or nasal spray is not recommended for pregnant women, but the flu shot, which contains inactive virus, is. Flu symptoms may include the following:Fever or feeling feverishChillsBody achesHeadacheFatigueCough or sore throatRunny or stuffy noseAntiviral medication is available by prescription.

When she was six months along in her pregnancy, Patricia Alvarez tested positive for coronavirus.

When Delicia Garza’s newborn daughter underwent surgery, an operation that required an overnight hospital stay, the San Antonio woman said it felt like the walls were closing in on her.

When Hillary Calhoun’s fertility doctor brought her in for a procedure and then a nurse called her just a few short business days later, asking her to come into the office immediately, the now-36-year-old had a hunch something wasn’t right.

Some of those changes make respiratory infections, like COVID-19, especially concerning for a mother-to-be. Cleveland Clinics Tosin Goje, M.D., said recent evidence suggests pregnant women may face more severe illness if infected with COVID-19. Pregnancy changes a womans immune system to protect her growing baby, making it more difficult to fight off infection. Thats why its especially important for pregnant women to protect themselves from the coronavirus. If they work outside the home, clean every high-touch area.Goje adds that its also critical for pregnant women to attend all prenatal appointments.

More on how researchers are simulating trials for pregnant women that could save both mom and baby. New data from the CDC reports that pregnant women are at an increased risk of suffering severe COVID-19 illness. “We don’t have any existing standard of care for pregnant women with COVID-19. Twenty percent of pregnant women with COVID delivered prematurely compared to the national average of ten percent before the COVID pandemic started. Pregnant women are five times more likely to be hospitalized if they contract COVID-19.

Going though in vitro fertilization, or IVF, under normal circumstances, can be a challenge, both mentally and physically -- and for some, that’s phrasing it mildly.

Are you or your partner pregnant -- or have you delivered in the past few months? We want to hear from you.

Whether you’re pregnant now or you were hoping to be in the next few months, this might feel like an overwhelming time, living through the current coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic. Time magazine recently reported that fact in an article this week about COVID-19 and how it relates to pregnant women. Yes, pregnant women are generally more susceptible to viruses, for example, the flu. It’s true that there’s limited information and published literature about exactly how susceptible pregnant women are to COVID-19, and the severity of infection. If you’re pregnant or had been trying for a baby, stay in even better contact with your doctor or health care provider.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says the best advice for pregnant women is to avoid alcohol completely. CBS News' Weijia Jiang reports.