Pregnancy and parturition are sensitive phases of the production cycle in the sow. Indeed, production diseases such as post partum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) and vaginal discharge syndrome (VDS) appear in the peri- or postpartum period. Social stress and seasonal disruption of pregnancy in group housing seem to be linked, while contemporary research on infective agents threatening pregnancy reveals emergence of viral newcomers such as the PCV-3. Infectious reproductive diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and leptospirosis typically threaten pregnancy during the last trimester. While litter size goes on rising, duration of farrowing appears to be extending, creating welfare concerns and problems for transfer of immunity. Transfer of immunity from sow to gilt is therefore essential and interesting new information on interaction between farrowing management and microbiota has emerged. The new findings may bring light to management issues that should be under focus for future research.