Pregnancy Health Center

<p>A common form of <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/achondroplasia/article.htm" rel="dt" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">short stature</a>, <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/achondroplasia/article.htm" rel="dt" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">achondroplasia</a> (<a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/achondroplasia/article.htm" rel="dt" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">dwarfism</a>) is a genetic condition causing a disorder of bone growth. Complications of achondroplasia that need monitoring include (this is not all inclusive) stenosis and compression of the <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/low_back_pain_pictures_slideshow/article.htm" rel="slide" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">spinal cord</a>, a large opening under the skull, <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/low_back_pain_pictures_slideshow/article.htm" rel="slide" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">lordosis</a>, <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/kyphosis/article.htm" rel="dt" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">kyphosis</a>, spinal stenosis, <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/hydrocephalus/article.htm" rel="dt" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">hydrocephalus</a>, <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/anatomy_of_an_ear_infection_pictures_slideshow/article.htm" rel="slide" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">middle ear</a> infections, <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/obesity_weight_loss/article.htm" rel="dt" onclick="wmdTrack('embd-lnk');">obesity</a>, and dental crowning. Achondroplasia is caused by mutations of the FGFR3 gene.</p>

How are belly bands used during pregnancy? Learn whether you need belly bands and if they are safe to use during pregnancy.

Around 15-20% of pregnant women experience bleeding during the first trimester. Light bleeding can be normal, but heavy bleeding or clots can indicate something more serious. Always let your doctor or midwife know if you're experiencing any bleeding.

In most births, the baby exits the uterus through the birth canal after a period of labor. C-sections are more complex than vaginal births because they are a form of surgery.

A maternity or a pregnancy pillow is a specially designed body pillow to suit and support the changing curves of the body during pregnancy. This long pillow supports the entire body. And yes, they help reduce back pain of pregnancy to a large extent. Try a full-length pregnancy pillow. Sleep with this pillow on a bed keeping the arms wrapped around it.

Many women experience sharp pains in their stomach during pregnancy. Learn the signs of normal stomach pains in pregnancy, what causes them, what you can do to treat them, and when you should see a doctor for sharp stomach pains during pregnancy.

Bleeding during pregnancy is never normal. Causes of bleeding during the first trimester of a pregnancy may be caused by implantation bleeding, ectopic or tubal pregnancy, subchorionic hemorrhaging, infections, and miscarriage. Bleeding during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors.

Braxton Hicks contractions are also known as false labor pains. Though these irregular uterine contractions may occur in the second trimester, they're more likely to occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. Unlike true labor pains, false labor pains are often irregular, may stop when you walk, rest, or change positions, and the contractions do not get closer together or stronger.

Some pregnant women may mistake Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) for real labor contractions, especially in the first pregnancy. Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain. Braxton Hicks contractions do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return. Braxton Hicks contractions occur in third trimester of pregnancy, however, sometimes can occur in the second trimester. True labor contractions begin around your due date (unless your baby is preterm, in which you will be in preterm labor). So how can you tell the difference? Here are a few similarities and differences between Braxton Hicks contractions and True or real labor contractions.</p><p> <b>Braxton Hicks contractions</b></p><p>Braxton Hicks contractions tend to become more frequent toward the end of pregnancy, and are not as painful as real labor contractions; do not occur in regular intervals; do not become longer over time; and may disappear for a period of time and then return.</p><p><b>Labor contractions<b> </p><p>Frequently one of the early symptoms and signs of true labor is when the contractions begin to occur less than 10 minutes apart. </p><p><b>Real labor </b></p><p>Real labor contractions occur at regular intervals that become progressively shorter; more painful as labor progresses; are described as a tightening, pounding, or stabbing pain; may feel similar to menstrual cramps; and sometimes Braxton Hicks contractions can be triggered by dehydration, sexual intercourse, increased activity of the mother or baby, touching of the pregnant woman's abdomen, or a distended bladder. </p><p> Natural and home remedies to soothe and provide comfort for Braxton Hicks contractions include relaxation exercises like deep breathing or mental relaxation; change positions or take a walk if you have been active and rest; drink a glass of herbal tea or water; eat; or soak in a warm bath for 30 minutes (or less). </p><p><b>Preterm labor signs and symptoms</b>When you have reached 37 weeks, and the contractions are more painful and are increasing in frequency you will have abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping, an increase in pelvic pressure or back pain, and the contractions are more than four contractions an hour. </p><p>

You can breastfeed your baby even if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, you must always consult your doctor before you start the process.

Not every person or pregnancy is the same, so it won’t always be safe for a pregnant teenager to give birth naturally. This is a choice that needs to be made on a case-by-case basis.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, fetal death occurs in 15 percent of severe placental abruption instances.

Hydrops can be life-threatening and lead to death in some babies. Check out the center below for more medical references on pregnancy complications, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

There are two types of back pain during pregnancy: lumbar and pelvic. It's thought that one cause of back pain is the position of the baby in the pelvis if the baby presses against the mother's tailbone and spine.

Fallopian tube removal is effective in preventing pregnancy, but it's not entirely reliable. An estimated 1 in every 200 women will get pregnant after tubal ligation.

All relationships take work and commitment. Instead of thinking that having a baby can save your marriage or relationship, it's best to work on your relationship before parenthood to feel happiest and most fulfilled.

Sex allows you to enjoy physical pleasure and intimacy with your partner with little chance of harming your baby. No medical studies definitively indicate that sex in the third trimester of pregnancy can induce labor.

At 17th week of pregnancy, a woman continues to be in the second trimester or 5th month of pregnancy. Both the mother’s body and fetus (baby) continue to grow. The ligaments (called round ligaments) that support the uterus thicken and are stretched. The uterus continues to expand, and the internal organs start repositioning to provide space for the accommodation of the growing fetus.

If you use the pull out method perfectly each time, it has about a 96% success rate. However, it is challenging to do it exactly right every time. So, in reality, it has about a 78% success rate.

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects reproductive-aged women. Having PCOS does not mean natural conception is impossible. PCOS is common and treatable for women with fertility issues.

Depending on the cause of infertility, it can be cured through various fertility treatments, including therapies, medications, IUI or IVF procedures, and more.

Mastitis is defined as the inflammation of the breast that may be associated with an infection. Mastitis is commonly seen in breastfeeding women. Mastitis generally develops in the first 6-12 weeks of starting breastfeeding (lactation). Mastitis can sometimes subside on its own.

The misery of morning sickness can cause physical and psychological effects. This can also cause you to be depressed.

Morning sickness is among the most common signs of pregnancy. Usually, morning sickness starts around the ninth week of conception. But some people experience it sooner.

There's no evidence that pregnancy causes herpes outbreaks, but approximately 75% of pregnant women with herpes will have an outbreak at some point during their pregnancy.

Sperm can survive in a woman’s reproductive system for up to 5 days whether the woman is menstruating or not. Thus, even if a woman has sex during her period, sperm from ejaculation may remain inside her reproductive system and may fertilize the egg if ovulation occurs.

According to some researchers, it isn’t until about 21 weeks of pregnancy that your baby may begin to feel sensations when you rub your belly.

Breech presentation is when the fetus (unborn child) is placed inside the womb with the buttocks or feet closest to the cervix (mouth of the uterus), which is unlike the usual when the head is closest to the cervix. A breech presentation occurs in 3-4% of all deliveries.

Many mothers-to-be are often wondering, how soon can I take a pregnancy test? The best time to take a pregnancy test is on the day you expect to get your period.

At 15 weeks, you have crossed the pesky first-trimester pregnancy woes and are well into the golden trimester or 4th month of pregnancy. If it is your first pregnancy, it will take 20 weeks or longer to feel the baby's movements.

You will mostly start to feel your baby moving around between the 18th and 20th week of your pregnancy. Although seasoned mommies may feel a baby flutter as early as 13 weeks, first-time moms may not feel their baby move until the 25th week.

A common myth is that a woman can’t get pregnant while on her period. This is mostly true, but there is a catch here! Very rarely, a woman can get pregnant if she has unprotected sex on the first day of the period. This may happen if she has a 20-day period cycle.

While women can get pregnant with an MTHFR gene mutation, they may have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, congenital birth defects, and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD).

You can't get pregnant if you are not ovulating because there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize. You can get pregnant if you have unprotected sex anywhere from 5 days before ovulation until 1 day after ovulation. A woman’s complete menstrual cycle is usually 24 to 37 days long, although some women may have somewhat shorter or longer cycles. Ovulation is your fertile phase of each month. During this phase, your ovaries (a woman’s reproductive organs) release an egg (ovum).

Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be performed during Cesarean delivery and is referred to as a Cesarean hysterectomy. It involves the removal of the uterus at the time of Cesarean delivery.

Natural ways of inducing labor aren’t backed by science. While you can try the methods listed here, talk to your doctor about whether they’re right for you.

A fetal ultrasound during pregnancy can show features that are suggestive of trisomy 18, and the detection rate is about 90% during 14-21 weeks of pregnancy. However, an ultrasound may not detect abnormalities until late into the second trimester.

Implantation bleeding is light vaginal bleeding that sometimes occurs very early in pregnancy. If you choose to test as soon as you discover spotting, be aware that the earlier you test, the more likely you are to get a false negative.

While you cannot diagnose a pregnancy by merely looking at a woman’s eyes, pregnancy does cause changes in the body that can affect the eyes.

What to know about traveling in your first trimester of pregnancy. Learn the risks of traveling while pregnant and the considerations for travel during pregnancy.

Learn about the pros and cons of various childbirth methods, such as the Bradley method, C-section, natural childbirth, water birth, Lamaze, and vaginal delivery. Read about birthing centers, hospital and home births, midwives, and doulas.

Conjoined twins are identical twins. In both types of twins, the embryo is supposed to separate during the first two weeks after conception; however, in conjoined twins the embryo does not separate in two. The types of conjoined twins are based on the location of the fusion, and include thoracopagus or xiphopagus, omphalopagus, craniopagus, parapagus, pygopagus, ischiopagus, and rachipagus or rachiopagus. The possibility of surgery for separation, prognosis, and life expectancy of conjoined twins depend on the type.

Babies develop at their own rate, but if your baby was born premature - within 37 weeks of conception, they may develop at a speed different than their peers. Most preemies catch up by age 2.

If you're pregnant with twins, chances are that you can expect to go into labor a little bit sooner than you would if you were carrying just one baby.

When you are pregnant, you tend to sleep more but not as deeply. Many pregnant women experience poor quality sleep and wake up frequently throughout the night.

Your body changes a lot when you're pregnant. Many of those changes return to normal, but every woman is different. Some women may find that some changes to their bodies remain.

During pregnancy, there is a small increase in MCV or mean corpuscular volume, which measures the size of an average red blood cell.

Walking after a cesarean delivery is regarded as an important part of recovery exercise.

Hormonal birth control like Xulane can sometimes cause weight gain. Learn about how Xulane works, including its potential side effects. Check out the center below for more medical references on birth control methods, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

A midwife and doula are not the same thing. A doula's job is to provide non-medical, emotional, and personal support to a woman throughout her pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum experience. A certified nurse midwife is a medical health care professional that manages the overall general health of the mother and baby; for example, performs exams, orders laboratory tests, and procedures, and performs fetal monitoring from the pregnant woman's first prenatal visit to post-partum and aftercare. A midwife can deliver the baby, whereas a doula cannot. A midwife usually tries to minimize the use of unnecessary technological interventions. A midwife cannot perform C-sections, use vacuums or forceps during labor and delivery.

Pregnancy symptoms vary from one woman to another. Women could have none of the symptoms but can still go on to have a perfectly healthy pregnancy. Usually missing a period after conception is considered a sign of pregnancy.

Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and not all women experience the same symptoms. When women do experience pregnancy symptoms they may include symptoms including missed menstrual period, mood changes, headaches, lower back pain, fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and heartburn. Signs and symptoms in late pregnancy include leg swelling and shortness of breath. Options for relief of pregnancy symptoms include exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes.

An early pregnancy test can read positive as soon as 11-15 days after conception, 1 day after a missed period. More accurate results can be obtained 2 days after a missed period.

Every woman's experience with labor and delivery is unique for each woman, and thus "Normal" labor varies from woman to woman. Some of the common signs and symptoms of normal labor include the "baby dropping," increase urination, back pain, contractions, and diarrhea.

<p>An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube. Signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include abdominal pain, lack of menstrual period (amenorrhea), vaginal bleeding, fainting, dizziness, and low blood pressure.</p><p> Treatment options for an ectopic pregnancy include observation, medication, or surgery.</p>

The embryonic stage of pregnancy occurs from the moment of conception until the 11th week pregnancy, or first trimester. During this time the embryo develops major body structures, for example, the organs, heart, and main blood vessels. At this stage the baby&#39;s heart begins to beat. The fetal stage, or second trimester is next, and begins during the 11th week of pregnancy, and continues through to week #40. During this time the baby's organs and structures continue to develop, the fetus' gender can be identified, and fetal movement begins. The fetus is about 2 pounds by the 27th week. During the third trimester the baby is the size, and has the characteristics of a newborn. The greatest risk of miscarriage is during the very early stages of pregnancy before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

Consuming alcohol during pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a group of conditions associated with mental, growth, and physical problems. Children with fetal alcohol syndrome may have a small head, short stature, low IQ, and abnormal facial features. Early intervention programs can lessen the impact of motor, cognitive, and language impairments.

Learning how to avoid gestational diabetes is possible and maintaining a healthy weight and diet before and during pregnancy can help. Discover risk factors, tests and treatments for, and signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes.

When a woman is pregnant, she needs more vitamins, minerals, and other foods in her diet to stay healthy and deliver a healthy baby. A healthy pregnancy diet menu plan should consist of lots of fruits, vegetables, lean meats (unless you are vegan or vegetarian), and dairy. Examples of healthy pregnancy diet meal plans include holistic pregnancy diet, vegan or vegetarian diet, and low-carb diets. Begin your healthy eating plan around three months before you begin trying to conceive, and follow the same eating plan until after you have stopped breastfeeding. If you are overweight or obese, being pregnant is not the right time to try to lose weight. Discuss your options with your health care professional.

Heartburn during pregnancy is quite common. During pregnancy the lower esophageal sphincter muscle becomes weakened , which likely occurs due to the effect of the high levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. Fortunately, this resolves after pregnancy. Management of heartburn during pregnancy are generally involves lifestyle changes and avoiding foods that promote heartburn, for example, don't smoke, avoid tight clothing, eat small, frequent meals, chew gum, or sip liquids.

Cesarean delivery is the surgical delivery of a baby by cutting open the belly and womb. It is a major abdominal surgery performed in situations where a normal vaginal delivery can be dangerous to the health of the mother or baby. The cesarean delivery scar is about a 2- to 3-inch scar over your bikini line.

Do not leave having twins to chance. Increase the chances of getting pregnant with twins by getting pregnant in your 30s or later; finding a partner with a family history of twins; increasing your weight; breastfeeding regularly; consuming dairy products; and getting pregnant repeatedly.

Nausea and vomiting happen during pregnancy and are called morning sickness. Stop vomiting during pregnancy by using ginger, acupressure wristbands, diet management, lifestyle management, vitamin B6 and doxylamine and by managing triggers.

Ovulating days or the most fertile days in a woman that starts around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. However, this may vary from person to person. Ovulation is the female reproductive process of releasing a mature egg from the ovary and transferring it to the fallopian tubes for its union with the sperm.

What is a UTI? Learn what other treatments aside from antibiotics can help to relieve your UTI symptoms while pregnant.

Learn the signs of pregnancy, what causes irregular periods, and when to see a doctor. One common question that teens and women ask is whether they can become pregnant while on their period.

Labor contractions, popularly known as contractions, refer to the tightening of a pregnant woman's uterus (womb). A contraction feels like a gradual tightening of the abdominal muscles that increases in intensity and then relaxes.

While you may not be able to completely get rid of it, here is why tailbone pain happens during pregnancy and what you can do to relieve it.

Some C-sections are medically necessary and can't be avoided. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of needing a C-section if this is your first pregnancy.

What is implantation bleeding? Learn the signs of implantation bleeding, what causes it, how to treat it, and when to see a doctor.

You can bond with your baby before birth. Both parents can sing and talk to your baby, and massage your baby bump. By the time it's born, all of its senses will have developed, so it can feel and hear you.

Gestational age is evaluated by calculating the time between conception and delivery, often using the date of the last menstrual period.

Unfortunately, not every woman is able to get pregnant. There are many ways you can find out if you can become pregnant. Factors to consider include your age, menstrual history, weight, health history, and your use of alcohol and tobacco.

Having gas pains during pregnancy is a normal and common thing, but sometimes, it may cause you discomfort and pain. Get rid of pregnancy gas pains by lying on your side, wearing loose clothing, wearing loose clothing, and avoiding stress, chewing gum, and smoking.

What is a miscarriage, and how do you know if you have had one? Learn the signs of a miscarriage and what to do if you suspect that you might be having a miscarriage.

Mastitis is a common issue that affects many breastfeeding mothers. Symptoms and signs of mastitis include tenderness, painful breastfeeding, and flu-like symptoms.

Doctors will usually monitor mild cases of polyhydramnios for several weeks before deciding to treat them. Mild cases most often do not need treatment. Doctors recommend expectant mothers with moderate polyhydramnios to take bed rest. Severe cases of polyhydramnios can be treated by amniocentesis, oral medication or early induction of labor.

What is the difference between preeclampsia and eclampsia? How does preeclampsia turn into eclampsia?

Rh factor is a protein present on the surface of the blood cells. The Rh factor is inherited from either of the parents, and the mismatch of the Rh factor leads to a condition called Rh blood incompatibility.

A Bakri balloon is used in the management of excessive bleeding after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage). Bakri balloon placement is a minimally invasive procedure to control uterine bleeding while conserving the mother’s child-bearing capacity. It is an effective and easy method of controlling uterine bleeding.

Cesarean delivery is the surgical delivery of a baby by making an incision in the mother’s abdominal wall and uterus. Although cesarean delivery is generally safe, it should be performed during certain circumstances. About 30% of all babies in the United States are born through cesarean delivery.

A healthy pregnancy should last for 280 days or 40 weeks. You can calculate your delivery date using either the date of your last menstrual period (LMP) or the date of conception.

Meconium ileus, a serious condition in newborn babies in which the intestines are blocked by the infant’s first stool, often needs surgical intervention and usually indicates the child will struggle with the congenital disease cystic fibrosis throughout their lives.

Postpartum preeclampsia is a condition that affects mothers after giving birth. Learn what it is and how to identify it so you can get immediate help.

What is a late or missed period, and what can cause it other than pregnancy? Ovulation occurs between days 12 and 20 of your cycle and you are most likely to get pregnant during this fertile window. Learn the early signs of pregnancy and when to take a pregnancy test to get accurate results.

Despite having a very high success rate, there are still times when vasectomies fail. This is a rare situation. Less than 1% of vasectomies fail and result in pregnancies.

A woman may only have about 60 hours or less than 2.5 days during the cycle when conception is possible. Once the egg dies, a woman may no longer be fertile, and their period will come to start the next cycle. Eggs are only viable for about 24 hours after they’re released (ovulation).

Many children with spina bifida live long into adulthood, and the median estimated age is 40 years old. Check out the center below for more medical references on spinal problems, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Most trisomy 9 pregnancies end in early miscarriage. About 2.4% of miscarriages occur before the 20th week of pregnancy.

Babies can enjoy extended protection from their mother's immune systems for a great deal longer if they are breastfed.

A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy within the first 20 weeks of conceiving. It’s also called pregnancy loss or spontaneous abortion. Every miscarriage is different, and the experience varies from person to person.

Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG. hCG begins to show up in the urine ten days from the day the woman conceives.

Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy. It takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get your body back after pregnancy and delivery.

The time it takes to go into labor after being induced can take anywhere from a few hours to 2-3 days. Learn what to expect when inducing labor. Check out the center below for more medical references on labor and childbirth, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related diseases, treatment, diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Your body spent months preparing to give birth, and you’ve gone through a lot of physical and emotional stress during both pregnancy and delivery. It makes sense that after your baby’s arrival, your body needs time to heal and recover.

In vitro fertilization is a treatment for infertility that could take several weeks to months before the confirmation of pregnancy. Check out the center below for more medical references on infertility, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.

Labor is the process by which a baby is born. Labor for a first-time moms typically lasts for 12 to 18 hours.

Cesarean deliveries make up for an estimated 31.9 percent of all deliveries in the United States. Recovery after cesarean delivery can take as long as one and a half months.

The first six weeks after giving birth is called the postpartum period. During the postpartum period, the mother experiences several changes including physical and emotional changes.