Breathing problems are most likely to develop among infants born by elective Cesarean section, a study showed.

This is because the babies are unable to undergo hormonal and psychological changes, such as the draining of their lung fluid, they experience during labor. These changes aid in maturing the lungs, BBC News reported

American scientists are testing the chemicals in hot sauce for their benefits in relieving the pain of surgery.

Ultra-purified version of capsaicin is directly poured into open wounds during knee replacement and a few other highly painful operations as the volunteers are under anesthesia to see its effect in numbing the pain

The mortality rates of pregnant women in developing countries is still on the rise, a United Nations report issued on Friday said. More than half a million women die in pregnancy or childbirth each year, a little change from 20 years ago, the report said.

And 20 million unsafe abortions, a major factor in maternal deaths and illness, are done annually. The number of deaths is being reduced too slowly to achieve United Nations-set goals set by the Millennium Development Goals

A new British study suggests that mothers who cradle their baby on their right side are more likely to show signs of extreme stress and depression.

The study by Durham University researchers also said that maternal depression can have a negative effect on a baby's mental and emotional well-being

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is going to take measures to ensure the healthcare for 60,000 flood-affected expectant mothers across Bangladesh for their safe childbirth.

The assurance came when the newly appointed UNFPA representative Arthur Erken meet with Foreign Affairs Advisor of Bangladesh Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at his office in the capital, Dhaka, Wednesday