Caesareans or vaginal births: should mothers or medics have the final say?

More babies are born by C-section than ever, causing alarm at the WHO. But some believe the option should always be offered

Living in a woman’s body: it’s a potent myth that all women want children – but I have experienced other wonders

The lie that all women have a yearning to be a mother can feel like biological gaslighting. I’ve had a different kind of life – and it is meaningful, rewarding, joyous

If you don’t like it, go private: what my maternity clinic said over scans delay

After a raft of prenatal check-ups were cancelled because of Covid staff shortages, one mother asked how other mums fared. The replies shocked her

Newly pregnant? Your life will change – but your skincare need not

Many products spark fear during this period, but few are off-limits. The main thing is not to start a dramatically different routine

Home births in England may be denied if midwives without Covid jab lose jobs

Women could also be unable to give birth at their local hospital as understaffed maternity units face loss of up to 2,000 midwives

Global heating linked to early birth and damage to babies’ health, scientists find

Exclusive: Impacts include premature births and birth defects and affect everybody, everywhere, say researchers

A strategy for women’s health in England: six areas of focus

From gynaecological conditions to healthy ageing, these are expected to be the priorities of the final plan

Jailed women in UK five times more likely to suffer stillbirths, data shows

Call for system overhaul amid increasing concerns for women who give birth while behind bars

El Salvador ‘responsible for death of woman jailed after miscarriage’

Inter-American court of human rights orders Central American country to reform harsh policies on reproductive health

UK health trusts suspend home birth services as midwives shortage deepens

‘Crisis’ in maternity care leaves expectant mothers facing difficult births in hospital or without support at home