About 7.5 million American children under the age of 18 live with a parent who's struggled with alcohol abuse over the past year, a new government report finds.
Babies can understand many words sooner than they can actually say them, a new study indicates.
The FDA said Tuesday that it was cautiously optimistic that a feared shortage of a life-saving drug used to treat a form of childhood leukemia will be averted.
Mothers whose kids went to high-quality day care were more involved in their children's schools later on than the moms of kids in poorer quality day care or no day care, new research finds.
Close to 4,600 kids in the United States were hospitalized as a result of child abuse in one recent year, and 300 of them died, a new study shows.
Child abuse and neglect cost the United States $124 billion a year, which is comparable to the costs of other major public health problems, a new government study shows.
Women who are both overweight and smoke during pregnancy could damage their baby's developing heart, a new study warns.
A dramatic rise in newborns experiencing drug withdrawal after being exposed in the womb poses challenges for clinicians on how to detox these tiny victims, a new report indicates.
Infant boys exposed to high levels of the male hormone testosterone before birth have double the risk for language delay as females, according to a new study.
Some families that can't afford enough infant formula resort to risky "formula stretching," watering down infant formula or skipping feedings, researchers say.
t's known that drinking during pregnancy leaves babies vulnerable to a spectrum of abnormalities called fetal alcohol syndrome. Now, a new study pinpoints the latter half of the first trimester as a critical time in the development of some of the syndrome's most telling physical characteristics.
Women who use antidepressants called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac and Celexa during pregnancy run a slight risk of having an infant with high blood pressure in the lungs, a new Swedish study finds.
Giving antibiotics to pregnant women at risk of streptococcus B infection greatly reduces infection rates in newborns, according to a new study.
Does your teen often disagree with your views -- and let you know exactly why he or she knows you're wrong? Is your teen able to make well-reasoned, albeit annoying, arguments for being able to stay out later, or not cleaning the bedroom?
It's prudent to limit the use of over-the-counter cold and flu medications during pregnancy, experts say.
Each year in the United States, one of every 150 two-year-olds visits an emergency room for treatment of an accidental medication overdose, a new government report shows.
Children of parents who survived childhood cancer are unlikely to suffer from birth defects, finds a new study that should allay some concerns about long-term effects of treatment.
For most Americans, attending the theater is just one more form of entertainment. But for Katie Sweeney and her family, a recent trip to Broadway was true cause for celebration.
A stressful early pregnancy could lower a woman's odds for delivering a boy and raise her risk for premature delivery, a new study suggests.
Children with epilepsy do not appear to face an increased risk for seizures while watching 3-D TV, a new German-Austrian study suggests.
The gap between the least healthy and most healthy people has increased substantially among young American adults, new research suggests.
TUESDAY, Nov. 29 (HealthDay News) --When a friend lets them down, girls may take it harder than boys do, a new study suggests.
Mistrust of childhood vaccines is causing some parents to request "alternative" schedules from doctors, either delaying or skipping some shots.
Today's kindergarteners are heavier than kids brought up in the 1970s and 1980s and appear to be on the road to becoming overweight and obese in the years to come, a new study finds.
For the first time in more than a decade, the rate of cesarean deliveries has dropped, a new U.S. government report shows.
Brainy children are at increased risk for illegal drug use when they're young adults, a new study says.
Tragic stories appear in the media about seemingly healthy young athletes dying on the playing field due to an undetected heart problem.
When something's been scientifically proven as good for the body -- nourishing, boosting disease-fighting ability and more -- you might think Americans would clamor to adopt it, especially when the bodies it helps are...
Pregnancy is safe for most women with stable lupus, a new study indicates.
The legalization of medical marijuana in some states has raised concerns that it will increase the availability and appeal of the drug among youth, but new research suggests no such link.
U.S. health authorities on Tuesday recommended that young males be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that causes most cervical cancers.
Girls who are exposed to high levels of bisphenol A (BPA) while in their mother's womb may be more likely to show signs of behavioral and emotional problems as toddlers, new research finds.
Getting a seasonal flu vaccination while pregnant protects newborns from the flu for months after birth and won't cause a miscarriage.
Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics say breast-feeding and proper immunizations can both lower baby's risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous spike in blood pressure during pregnancy, may be due to a microscopic battle going on within the placenta between cells directed by the father's genes and those directed by the...
Chest pains that send children to health clinics are usually triggered by strained muscles, asthma, or even spicy pizza, and rarely by what parents fear most -- a life-threatening heart condition, a pediatric study reports.
Children younger than 2 who undergo multiple surgeries requiring general anesthesia may be up to three times more likely than other children to develop speech and language problems as they grow up, a new study suggests.
Women whose first baby died within a year of birth are at increased risk for stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies, and the risk is especially high among black women, researchers report.
Pregnant women should get a flu shot to protect themselves and even their newborn from the flu, experts say.
Many new mothers feel a bit anxious about caring for their infant. But sometimes that concern develops into an obsession over all the things that can go wrong.
A flame retardant that was phased out of use but is still present in older furnishings is linked to lower birth weights in newborns of women exposed to it during pregnancy, a new study suggests.
Exclusive breast-feeding of infants for four months or longer does not protect them against developing the itchy skin disorder known as eczema in childhood, new research shows.
Less than 4 percent of U.S. hospitals offer the full range of support services that new mothers need to master breast-feeding, a new government report shows.
When women take a supplement of the omega 3 fatty acid DHA during pregnancy, their babies have fewer cold symptoms and shorter illnesses, new research indicates.
As many kids with asthma get ready to head back to school this fall, the American Lung Association urged parents to prepare a detailed action plan to manage their child's condition and help ease their transition back to the classroom.
Parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have one more worry to add to their list: Kids younger than 10 years old with ADHD may be unable to cross the street safely on their own.
The varicella vaccine has nearly wiped out deaths from chickenpox in the United States, a new study shows.
Babies who are exclusively breast-fed for six months or more are less likely to develop symptoms of asthma in early childhood, new research suggests.
Between 2002 and 2009, the number of cesarean deliveries rose significantly, from 27 percent of births to 34 percent, finds a new report based on information from 19 U.S. states.
Children of women who experience anxiety and depression during pregnancy may be at greater risk for asthma, according to new research.
Giving flu shots to pregnant women also protects their newborns, researchers say.
Pregnancy is generally safe for women with multiple sclerosis, a new study says.
Children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy have lower levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, which may increase their risk of heart attack and stroke later in life, a new study suggests.
Breast-feeding appears to reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 73 percent, especially when babies are exclusively breast-fed, a new study suggests.
Black and other minority children in the United States spend far more time than white children watching TV and videos, listening to music, using computers and playing video games, new research shows.
Women who gain an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy tend to have chubbier babies, a possible risk factor for childhood obesity, new research suggests.
Use of the Menactra vaccine has been expanded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent meningitis and other forms of meningococcal disease in children as young as 9 months, the agency said in a news release.
Fennel extract, herbal tea and sugar water relieved colic in some infants better than a placebo, according to a new study that reviewed clinical trials of alternative remedies for colic.
Children are best kept in rear-facing car seats until age two or until they have reached the height and weight maximums set by the car seat manufacturer, according to new recommendations from a pediatricians' group.
The pacifier is possibly the smallest item you will need for your newborn. And in the world of mega-travel systems and digital video monitors, it is arguably the least expensive "necessity" you will buy.
Have trouble getting your kids to slow down and eat a healthy breakfast? Here's help on how to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
Worried about your child's first dental visit? Finding the right dentist and preparing your child can help make the experience pleasant.
Experts say that breast-feeding, when possible, is the best nutritional option for you and your baby.
Some over-the-counter meds aren't safe for kids younger than 4 years old. Learn how to protect your child from medication side effects and overdose.
Countering the belief that you have to be "older" to suffer from mental illness, a new report says there's actually no lowest-age limit.
Babies born to women who smoke in the first trimester of pregnancy are more likely to have a congenital heart defect than are the offspring of mothers who don't smoke, a new study shows.
By analyzing patterns in the brain's electrical activity, researchers say they've been able to assess autism risk in children as young as 6 months of age.
Making homemade baby food is easy and economical. Here's what you need to know about choosing and safely storing foods.
Do you really need to eat for two when you're pregnant? Read on for some helpful guidelines for a healthy pregnancy diet.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in overweight kids. Learn about signs and symptoms, and how you can help your child manage this condition.
Your child's pediatrician should do a routine developmental check at each well-child visit in the second year. We explain what the screenings check for.
If your little one is spending time with an imaginary friend, should you worry? Or should you take pride in your child's creativity?
The road to lifelong healthy habits is a long one. How you approach the subject with your overweight son or daughter can set them up for success - or failure. Use these tips to help get them on the right path.
Many newborns develop jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Learn how to treat it.
Your child is overweight. Do you put him on a strict diet? Ban all junk foods? Success depends on using the right approach.
Kids love to be outdoors during the summer, but the sun and heat can pose serious dangers. Learn how to protect your children from intense summer weather.
Here are some common physical symptoms you might encounter during pregnancy.
You don't have to be a swimmer to experience the pain and itchiness that signal swimmer's ear, or otitis externa.
Scoliosis - an abnormal curvature of the spine - is often noticeable in the preteen and teen years. Learn the symptoms and what to do if you think your child has scoliosis.
Exercising after the birth of your baby can you give a much needed energy-boost and mood-lift and can also help you shed pregnancy weight. Here's how to get started.
Is your child struggling with a weight problem? Try these simple diet and exercise strategies. Your whole family will benefit.
Here is a snapshot of how your baby develops and how your body changes during each trimester of pregnancy.
When your baby keeps crying and you don't know how to get him to stop, try these tips.
Many parents feel that a well-placed smack on the tush is an acceptable way to discipline children. Learn what the experts say about spanking.
It's heartbreaking when your child is being bullied at school. But what if your child is the bully?
Getting a full night's sleep and napping during the day are essential to your baby's development. Learn why the quality of your child's sleep is so important.
Secondhand smoke is a threat to you and your unborn baby during pregnancy. Read about the hazards and learn the facts, then convince those around you not to smoke.
Parenting a child with Asperger syndrome can be challenging. Learning about autism spectrum disorders will help you provide your child with support.
Finding a good obstetrician-gynecologist you're comfortable with is crucial for all your women's health needs. Take these steps to find the right ob-gyn for you.
Stuck in bed until your baby is born? Learn how to deal with the daily struggles of bed rest.
Returning to work after having a baby can be an emotional time for the whole family. Here's how to make the transition easier.
Although this genetic condition is common, it's not always easily diagnosed. Learn what to do if you think your son might be affected.
When your child needs surgery, it's scary for both of you. Here's how to ease your own mind so you can reassure your child.
Group B strep (GBS) is a bacterium that can be passed from mother to child during birth. It can cause life-threatening infection in the newborn. Find out about testing and how you can protect your baby.
If you feel your child's bedwetting is a serious problem, talk to your doctor about these treatment options.
You've heard about cord blood banking, but is it a good choice for your family? Learn more about the pros and cons of this relatively new practice.
Ask the Experts: At what age can kids start brushing their own teeth?
All children love to run and jump. Here's a sport that lets them do that.
Childbirth education classes are an important part of pregnancy. Fathers can use them to calm their fears and learn how to best assist during delivery.
A birthing class, such as Lamaze or the Bradley Method, is a great way to get answers to your childbirth questions and to help labor and delivery go smoothly.
As your baby gets older, you may start seeing signs of teething. Learn what to look for and how to ease your baby's discomfort.
Did you know that certain medications - even birth control and antibiotics - can make it harder for your body to absorb folic acid supplements?
Depression during pregnancy poses serious risks for both mother and baby. Luckily, effective treatments are available.
Earaches and ear infections are common in children. Here's a step-by-step guide for what to do.
Risks for getting pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Perinatologists provide specialized care to help you safely get through a complicated or high-risk pregnancy.
A child coughing like a barking seal can sound scary. Find out more about croup, when you can treat it safely at home and when to get help.
Learn how to stay safe and comfortable when you travel during pregnancy.
When you'd like a little extra help during labor, a doula may be the perfect answer.
The mistletoe, the holly, the tinsel on the tree: they may seem magical to children ... but they can also be toxic. Learn which holiday decorations to keep safely out of the reach of children and pets.
You've noticed your child is stuttering. Is it a passing phase - or should you seek help?
