From pregnancy to eating disorders: Gavin Francis picks five books on human transformation

The doctor and author recommends some of his favourite books that provide personal and profound insights into pregnancy, the menopause and gender

The pressure to have a second child

There are far easier ways to screw up your kid than by making them an only child, says Eva Wiseman

I don’t want my bosses to know I’m trying for a baby – but they are sending me to a Zika virus zone

Have you got a work-related problem? In this series we invite you to send in a short description of your predicament – so that other readers can offer solutions

Introduce mental health checks for new mothers, ministers told

Six-week checkup would help the 50% of UK mothers with mental health problems

You can smell a new mother’s loneliness. Unless you’re the state

As a new mum, I know loneliness cuts deep – and the lack of services for parent and child plays a large part in this, says the freelance writer Nell Frizzell

Rise of contraceptive apps sparks fears over unwanted pregnancies

Health experts say it’s unclear how effective menstrual trackers are for the average UK woman

Don’t save it for the duchess. All new mothers should be treated like royalty

Rather than treating royal births as mundane events, why don’t we celebrate all the ordinary women who give birth, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff

Abortion clinic buffer zones being considered by more councils

At least eight local authorities in England are examining whether to follow Ealing’s lead

Obese couples could be risking health of future children, studies say

Diet and lifestyle during the ‘pre-conception’ period can profoundly affect the child’s development, researchers find

The secret to… rediscovering sex after having a baby

Book a babysitter, dress up, cuddle and talk