Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.

Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at OPM.gov.

A to Z Topics Index

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NICHD's wide-ranging mission to advance knowledge about health through the lifespan means that the Institute studies a broad range of health topics.

Select a topic from the following list to learn more.

Please note that information provided through the NICHD website is not intended as a diagnosis, nor should it replace advice from your health care provider.

Links marked with an asterisk (*) go to information on other federal websites. NICHD provides them as a courtesy.