Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease can develop and present differently in women compared to men, and studies show that women may downplay their symptoms or delay seeking treatment. In women, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases with age, especially after menopause.

UAB Hospital once again was rated as high-performing in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” 2025 survey, which is the highest possible rating.

When it comes to breast cancer prevention, there are things that women of all ages can educate themselves on and incorporate into their daily lives to help them live the healthiest lives possible.

New mothers may have a range of emotions regarding breastfeeding. Along with looking forward to bonding with their babies, they usually have questions and concerns.

Half of pregnancy-related deaths in Alabama occur in the first six weeks postpartum. Studies show early recognition and treatment of post-birth complications can prevent many of these deaths.

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Every year in the United States, 3,500 infants between the ages of one month and one year die tragically – while sleeping – from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). These deaths are occurring in Black babies at twice the rate of white babies, and Alabama has one of the highest infant death rates in the country.

UAB Hospital was rated as “high-performing” – the highest level possible – in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals for Maternity Care survey for 2022-2023.

UAB Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology was ranked No. 5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This achievement reflects the exceptional quality of care provided to UAB Medicine patients, which is supported by the department’s groundbreaking research and academic excellence.

In April 2021, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team celebrated as Curtis Means was discharged after 275 days in the hospital. Six months later, Curtis and his team held another celebration as he was officially named the world’s most premature infant to survive by Guinness World Records. 

Fetal loss is emotionally traumatic. To make matters worse, women who have a miscarriage or stillbirth also must deal with the stress of procedures necessary to remove the deceased fetus. So the UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) developed a music therapy program to comfort mothers in this situation.

Each Mother’s Day we honor and celebrate the maternal figures in our lives and the positive impact they make. It’s also a good time to recognize that many new and expectant mothers may feel overwhelmed by the challenges motherhood brings. Janeen Arbuckle, MD, PhD, of UAB Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, provides advice that may be helpful for women and their partners as they navigate this exciting phase of life.