Postnatal depression: the pressures new mothers face, now more than ever

This week a judge chose not to jail a woman who killed her two young children while suffering from an extreme form of postnatal depression. Such tragedies are rare, but evidence suggests increasing numbers of new mothers are struggling. Why?

Pregnant women warned not to eat game killed with lead shot

Lead in pheasant, deer and grouse could pose serious risk to children and pregnant women, Food Standards Agency says

Whooping cough jab to be offered during pregnancy

Vaccine now available for women in 28th to 38th week of pregnancy in move to halt surge in baby deaths

My husband has not wanted sex since I became pregnant

We kiss and cuddle but haven't made love for five months – does he find me unattractive?

Camp Bastion birth: concealed pregnancy unusual but not unheard of

An absence of physical symptoms and the stress of deployment could have left Camp Bastion mother unaware she was pregnant

The strangest ways to get pregnant

Will hot bricks, needles and blueberry jam really help me conceive? My friends and relatives seem to think so

IVF embryos that were frozen may result in healthier babies

Women pregnant with previously frozen IVF embryos had fewer complications and their babies were less likely to be born early

Meet the momshells: how celebrities make ordinary mums feel guilty

Catwalk culture and the obsession with staying stick-thin can make women feel flabby failures if they are not ready for skinny jeans within weeks of giving birth

Multiple abortions ‘increase chance of premature or underweight births’

Finnish research suggests slightly increased risk of problems for women who have had three or more terminations

Stillbirth: a pain left unspoken

Emma Johnston was devastated by the stillbirth of her daughter. But, she says, the support of friends and family can help parents come to terms with their grief

OurChemist

Our Chemist – Health