It's Science - Expert-Backed Research For Families - Motherly
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It’s Science

From breastmilk to brain development, researchers are making huge strides in understanding the science of motherhood. Get the scoop at Motherly.

girl in school hallway looking serious school suspensions

School suspensions harms kids’ grades and their health, large study shows

Experts say suspensions should be considered “adverse childhood experiences,” because they put students at greater risk for chronic illnesses and mental health conditions.

woman on the bed holding her stomach- periods cause brain changes

Periods cause changes in your brain architecture, landmark study shows

A small study shows that there’s a physiological link between hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and changes in white and gray matter.

mother and young daughter meditating together - mindfulness apps

Study shows mindfulness apps can reduce kids’ stress

Mindfulness training at home helped reduce kids' stress levels and negative emotions.

pregnant woman looking at phone - evening light exposure and gestational diabetes risk

Dimming lights at night may lower risk of gestational diabetes, study shows

Finding ways to limit light at night during pregnancy could reduce your risk.

confident woman at beach with eyes closed - at-home menopause testing

Should you try an at-home menopause test?

We love to see expanded access and innovation in women’s health, but accuracy matters more.

newborn baby yawning - vaginal seeding

What is vaginal seeding? First-of-its-kind study explains benefits for C-section babies

Research is still emerging, but vaginal seeding may soon become a more widely used practice after C-section deliveries.

pregnant woman applying cream to her belly - preterm birth linked to chemicals

Researchers find a chemical link that could help predict the risk of preterm birth

The existence of certain chemicals found in the vagina may be linked to a higher risk for preterm birth.

teenage girl taking a nap while doing homework - teens and sleep

Teens need more sleep—and using bright light therapy could help

Adolescents need 8 to 10 hours of shut-eye for optimal physical health, emotional wellbeing, and strong academic performance.

Woman looking out at sunrise over water possibly contemplating the link between miscarriage risk and extreme heat

Miscarriage risk may be highest in late summer, data shows

A new study highlights the link between miscarriage risk and extreme heat. But more research is needed to understand the correlation.

newborn baby in hospital bassinet - early term birth and adhd

Babies born before 39 weeks may have a higher risk of developing ADHD, study finds

The longer a child stays in the womb is correlated with a lower risk, but ADHD development is related to multiple factors, experts say, not only gestational age at birth.

pregnant woman walking in city holding flowers

We may be able to detect gestational diabetes earlier in pregnancy, study shows

Spotting the disorder sooner could improve outcomes before and after pregnancy.

mom reading with three kids

Science confirms having more than two kids can be hard on your brain

Having three or more children is equivalent to an additional 6.2 years of aging.

couple cuddling in bed

It’s Science: Taking a vitamin C supplement may put you in the mood

One study shows vitamin C may increase the frequency of a certain type of sexual activity.

climate change: mother feeding daughter on the beach with toddler

It’s Science: Climate change is a women’s health issue

Weather shifts and natural disasters hit women and children hardest. Here’s how to help

father holding newborn baby in arms

Diabetes drug in fathers could raise risk of birth defects in babies

While more research is needed, the new study highlights the fact that men’s health before conception matters, too.

male birth control: man holding pill in one hand and glass of water in other hand

Could a real, actual male birth control pill be in our future?

This seems promising: A new animal study showed a non-hormonal male contraceptive was 99% effective.

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