Your chances of conceiving decrease as you age. It's natural for you to worry about becoming pregnant when you are past what is considered the fertile and reproductive age, which is below 35 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 30% of women between ages 40 and 44 have infertility...
Is it commonly known that alcohol is not conducive to a healthy pregnancy. However, what about when you are trying to conceive a baby? Will merely having some wine before your romantic night-in hamper your chances at procreation? Read along to discover the answer and more. Why is it bad to drink alcohol while pregnant?...
How Long Does It Take for Your Body to Go Back to Normal After Pregnancy? How long it takes for your body to go back to normal may take 6 months to a year, or even longer depending on your health and whether there were any complications during delivery. It’s easy to get the wrong...
Know the signs of preterm labor and what to do if you notice them A typical pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks. Occasionally, however, labor begins prematurely because uterine contractions can cause the cervix to open earlier than normal. Babies born before week 37 of pregnancy are considered premature: Premature: Between 32-37 weeks Very premature:...
Learn more about what to expect during each of the 4 stages of labor Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, you may not be aware of everything that happens to your body during labor. Labor happens in four stages: First stage: Dilation of the cervix (mouth of the uterus) Second stage: Delivery of...
Natural ways of inducing labor aren’t backed by science, so talk to your doctor about whether they're right for you Your due date is an educated guess, based on your last menstrual period and your ultrasound examinations. However, the day you actually go into labor may be two weeks before or after this estimated due...
What is a miscarriage? Signs you may have had a miscarriage include bleeding, discharge, and contractions. Contact your doctor as soon as possible. When a pregnancy ends on its own at some point during the first twenty weeks of gestation, it is referred to as a miscarriage. Research has shown that up to 25% of...
Ultimately, a natural birth may be more painful than a cesarean section. However, the pain after your cesarean section combined with the heightened risks to you and your baby may outweigh the initial pain of childbirth. Over the past twenty years, the amount of women in the U.S. with low-risk births who opt for cesarean...
You should always clear it with your obstetrician before taking any vitamins or supplements while pregnant. Pregnancy is a time to focus on your health and pay attention to what your body needs. You may wonder what vitamins and supplements are healthy during your pregnancy and what to avoid. This article points out some supplements...
Is it safe to travel in your first trimester of pregnancy? Yes. You can choose to travel in the first trimester of pregnancy if you feel well and your pregnancy is healthy. There are, however, important considerations when planning a trip during your pregnancy. In most cases, you can safely travel in your first trimester...