She’s thrilled about the new gig, and hopes to use it to advance transparency in science and support junior researchers. She’s not as thrilled it took so long for a woman to be hired for the job. “A big part of me wishes I wasn’t the first female editor,” Skipper said. “It is a little bit odd for my X chromosome to have acquired so much attention all of the sudden. It really shouldn’t matter whether I’m female or male.”

Of the thousands of research studies in the U.S. recruiting women right now, just a few dozen specifically include pregnant women. And while the other trials technically could enroll pregnant women — after meeting certain requirements — they often don’t. “It’s absolutely possible to do studies in pregnant women,” Dr. Catherine Spong, an obstetrician who is leading the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development task force. The task force will present its recommendations to the federal health department next year.