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In new research published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online, both American and Belgian researchers found that reduced costs and simplified IVF methods may mark a new era for IVF treatments. Yep, that’s right: IVF will probably never again be as cost-crippling or drawn out as it is now. Both the American and Belgian teams outlined the first results of a study performed in Genk, Belgium. They reported that the results of the study (which included a simple, reduced-cost IVF procedure) would not alter the need for surgical egg retrieval, embryo transfer, laboratory staffing and egg/embryo freezing....

It’s important to know that multiples have a much higher rate of prematurity than singletons. And with premature labor comes the risk that your babies won’t be fully developed – which means they will need special care in the NICU before they can go home. Of course, how long they stay in the NICU will depend on a number of factors, including gestation at delivery, weight, any complications that have occurred, and the overall health of the babies....

My due date is 11 days away. I have no infant car seat, no double stroller, no childcare plan, no middle name picked out and, frankly, no idea how my husband and I are going to simultaneously keep two children alive—especially when I go back to work. As I anticipate the birth of our second baby, I’ve realized there’s a common misconception that parents who already have a child have everything they need (hand-me-downs!...

And the Winner Is: Hatch You may be one of those pregnant women who glows from the inside out and loves sporting a bump. Or you could find it hard to feel like yourself with all the changes happening to your body. Maybe you feel it all—hormones, right? That’s why we love Hatch. This mama-founded brand focuses on designing pieces that are meant to be worn during every stage of pregnancy and beyond....

The birth of my first child made me a mother. The birth of my second child made me an advocate. It’s a road I never in a million years expected to be on, but one that I believe I was called for. My second child, Chloe, has achondroplasia which is the most common form of dwarfism. We don’t have a family history, so when I was seeing my MFM at 31 weeks for a routine growth scan (I had gestational diabetes and am “advanced maternal age” so these scans were typical), I never thought I was going to walk out of that appointment with the word “achondroplasia” ringing in my head (and yes, I ran straight to Dr....

If there’s one thing every parent knows is true, it’s that babies don’t keep. It may seem as if one day you’re looking at baby’s sweet gummy smile and the next you’re negotiating how many stories your (now) toddler gets before bedtime. While you’re undoubtedly wondering where the time went, you may also be wondering what you can look forward to as baby becomes a toddler. Below, we break down what you can expect during the toddler ages and how long the toddler age range lasts....

If you’re undergoing fertility treatments, consider yourself lucky. In the early days of assisted reproduction, most of the medications had to be delivered into the butt or thigh muscles in what’s known as intramuscular (IM) injections. Today the vast majority of fertility drugs can be delivered just below the skin ( subcutaneously), with much smaller needles and a lot less discomfort. If you do end up having IM shots, know that they’re a little awkward to self-administer, so you may have to call upon your partner or a friend to lend a helping hand....

Now that you’re well into your pregnancy, you’re probably spending a solid chunk of time researching the major signs that you’re about to go into labor. And, at some point, you’ve probably come across the term “bloody show.” It may sound like the latest Quentin Tarantino movie, but the bloody show is really just nature’s way of telling you that things are kicking into gear. Suffice to say, it’s harmless. But the less-than-benign name may still stir some feelings of apprehension....

A guy I once dated in college told me he knew I’d be an amazing mother, and even at 19, when other girls were fixated on their figure, it was the greatest compliment I’d ever been given. I’ve always loved little kids. In high school I’d spend my free period visiting the pre-K classroom my mother taught in while my friends relaxed in the lounge. I babysat—a side career I had started at the ripe old age of eight—alongside my burgeoning publishing career until I was 25, not because I needed the money (although I did) but because I loved it....

If you’ve decided to breastfeed your new arrival, chances are you’ll need to add some nursing-friendly clothing to your maternity wardrobe. Sure, you could just lift your regular old top up when it’s time to breastfeed baby. But as a new mom, maybe (just maybe) you don’t want half your tummy hanging out for the world to see as you nourish your child. Maybe you don’t want to stretch out that super-cute top that still fits and flatters....

In a perfect world, baby would effortlessly slide out during labor and delivery. In reality, they often need a little help making their grand entrance. If the pace of your vaginal delivery stalls or doctors need to get baby out ASAP, they may recommend a forceps delivery. If you think using forceps sounds old-fashioned (and scary), you’re not alone—but doctors say this delivery method is still helpful and necessary in certain situations....

We’ve all had gas pain. It’s that uncomfortable, crampy feeling you get when a gas bubble is trying to work its way through your digestive system. Ouch! No wonder gas pain is often blamed when baby’s fussy and squirmy. But baby gas is far from an official diagnosis, and what a lot of parents think is gas in babies might actually be something else. Here’s what you need to know to figure out if you’re dealing with a gassy baby, or if something else is at play....

We put this question to our Bumpies… Here’s what you had to say: “The style that I find to be the best for me right now (13.5 weeks) is the ‘underbelly’ or ‘no belly’ styles found here. I’ve seen similar styles at gap.com and oldnavy.com.” - JnJ04 “The advice I’ve had from friends is that the full belly panel ends up being the best, so that’s what I’ve gone with. I don’t plan on having seperate second and third trimester clothes....

We’re getting up close and personal with mothers who are savvy innovators and businesswomen and finding out their secrets to success. This time, we got the scoop from a dynamic duo: Melisa Fluhr and Pam Ginocchio, Co-Founders of Project Nursery. The Bump: Tell us all about Project Nursery and what inspired you to start it. Pam: We are eye candy; we like to say we’re eye candy for the pregnant moms....

Not to worry–according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there haven’t been any documented reports so far of pregnancy complications caused by brief high-altitude exposure. Any area over 7,000 feet does have thinner air, though, so try to make the ascent gradually (like going up 2,000 feet a day over several days instead of all 8,000 feet at once). Once you arrive, limit exercise, load up on liquids and shoot for regular, small meals instead of three big ones to make the transition easier....

Having multiples means you should be prepped and ready for a pregnancy that comes along with its own set of rules – and of course, its own set of possible complications. So what’s your first step? As soon as you’re diagnosed with multiples, ask your doctor for a referral to a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist who can perform a higher level of ultrasound. This ultrasound should tell you if you’re carrying identical or fraternal twins....

Where to Buy Maternity Lingerie ASOS: ASOS is a one-stop shop for all sorts of on-trend maternity wear, including maternity lingerie. You’ll find everything from silky nighties to lace maternity bras. Check out the ASOS Maternity line for cute, affordable intimates. Nordstrom: Whether you’re looking for a staple nursing bra or a sexy chemise, odds are you’ll find what you want at Nordstrom. The retailer’s site carries a range of styles from popular lingerie brands such as Cake Maternity and Cache Coeur....

With COVID-19 wreaking havoc, staying at home is the new normal these days—but that doesn’t mean that you should succumb to the couch, especially if you’re pregnant. “It’s important to keep moving because as your body changes, you want to make sure you’re aware of the changes in your movement,” says Rachel Welch, a certified health and wellness coach and founder of Revolution Motherhood, a doctor-recommended fitness method that integrates yoga, pilates, barre and pelvic physical therapy....

Whether you use a daycare, employ a nanny during work days or stay home with your kids, there’s a good chance you’ll need to hire a babysitter at one time or another. Maybe you need someone to pick up your child from a weekend playdate, or watch your little one while you go off on a much-needed date night. When the need arises, finding a trustworthy babysitter can be tough enough (good news: there are apps for that), but figuring out how much to pay a babysitter can feel downright daunting....

Fifty-one percent of moms formula feed by the time baby is 6 months. That could be five to six bottles to mix and prep a day. But the biggest complaint among moms is when they need to give baby a bottle out and about. Either prep a bottle in advance and hope baby drinks up within an hour (the recommended consumption time after formula is mixed with water) or bring water and formula powder in separate compartments and mix it on the go....