Pregnancy

Prenatal care can make a huge difference to the long-term health of both the parent and baby. Every state offers health coverage to lower-income pregnant women who might otherwise go uninsured.

The “expectant mother parking permit” allows pregnant women to obtain disabled parking placards at any point in their pregnancies.

The decision said a 1993 state law about sperm donors relinquishing rights was designed to address situations involving the use of assisted reproductive technology, like in vitro fertilization.

Demand for temporary permits could rise by nearly 20 percent if every pregnant women in Florida applied, since there are about 225,000 births each year in the state, according to a lawsuit.

The goal of the rankings, in their fifth year, is to help expectant parents make informed decisions in consultation with their prenatal care providers.

A federal lawsuit filed last week alleges the parking permits for pregnant women violate the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and other protections.

More anti-abortion pregnancy centers have been offering medical services such as testing for sexually transmitted infections. With coming changes to Medicaid, more women are expected to be uninsured or lack access to clinics

Agricultural workers recount working in extreme heat while expecting. Advocates say more protections are needed to ensure the health and well-being of the expectant moms and their babies.

A study finds that expectant cockroaches deprived of sleep produce less milk and have longer pregnancies, offering surprising insight into how sleep loss can disrupt reproduction — even in humans.

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola and Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast are teaming with the Florida Department of Health to expand their maternit care program.

The health system expects to hire people this fall who will provide information about how to access lactation support and nutrition counseling as well as car seat installation training and stress management.

From the looming Medicaid cuts to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans, big changes are on the horizon for health care in the Sunshine State.