Before becoming pregnant, you may have adopted good health habits to get ready for your baby. But if you didn't, start today. Read on to learn more.
You've quit smoking because you're pregnant. At first, not smoking may be new and exciting. It's the best sort of change. People will congratulate you. You have a right to be proud, so enjoy it. But then what? How do you stay smoke-free when life goes back to normal? Plan ahead to fight temptation. Be aware of signs that warn of a slip.
Cerclage is a type of surgery. It closes up the cervix. The surgery stops the cervix from widening (dilating) too early during pregnancy.
The first day after you quit smoking, as the nicotine leaves your body, you're likely to notice symptoms of withdrawal. These are signs of your body recovering from smoking. For some people, withdrawal is mild. Others have a harder time. In any case, withdrawal should begin to lessen after the first few days. Use the 4 D's listed here to beat withdrawal.
Stress is a common way to react to life events. Your body may become tense, your mood may shift, or you may feel worried. Stress is 1 of the biggest reasons people smoke. But you can let go of stress without lighting up. Learn how.
Bleeding early in pregnancy isn't uncommon, and in most cases, nothing is wrong. Still, it's a good idea to let your healthcare provider know if it happens.
Placenta previa is a condition that may happen during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It's one of the most common causes of vaginal bleeding during these trimesters.
During ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves pass through your body and your baby. You can't hear the sound waves, but the ultrasound equipment can.
The only way to be sure your blood sugar stays within a normal range is to check it. You may be asked to check your blood sugar at home 1 or more times a day.
Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. You are at risk of developing, or perhaps have already developed, gestational diabetes. Controlling your blood sugar can help prevent problems for you and your baby.
A multiple pregnancy is usually identified early in the pregnancy so that good prenatal care can begin.
When the subject of pain control in labor comes up, most women automatically think of an epidural. While an epidural might provide the most relief, it is not your only choice. There are multiple ways your obstetrics provider can make labor less painful. © TWN (Bundoo)
Learn the difference between an early, full, later, or postterm pregnancy. Also, understand that babies who are not yet 39 weeks still have developing and maturation to do, and that is best done in the womb. © TWN (Bundoo)
Understand that a doula is a type of specialist who has been trained to support a laboring woman before, during, and after her birth. © TWN (Bundoo)
Understand the role of a midwife and that they are professional caregivers trained to help women deliver their babies. © TWN (Bundoo)
Your healthcare provider has either done an episiotomy or repaired tissue that was torn during your baby's birth. Here you will find suggestions to prevent infection and constipation, and to ease pain.
Understand that antenatal depression is depression during pregnancy and learn the treatment options for it that are available. © TWN (Bundoo)
You have been diagnosed with a hydatidiform mole (also called a molar pregnancy). You and your healthcare provider have decided on dilatation and curettage (D & C) to remove the mole. Here are guidelines to follow at home after the procedure.
During active labor, your contractions will be stronger and more rhythmic than with early labor. They peak and subside like waves. They may happen 3 to 5 minutes apart and last about 45 to 60 seconds. Read on to learn more.
You were diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus. Your healthcare provider did a laparoscopic procedure to treat your condition. Here are some instructions for caring for yourself when you are at home.
Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that helps you learn if your baby has genetic problems. Here's what you need to know about this test.
You have had a miscarriage. This is the unplanned end of a pregnancy before the baby can live outside the uterus. You may have had a shock to your system, both physically and emotionally. Here's how to care for yourself at home.
Congratulations on your new baby! Diapers won't be the only thing you'll change in the months ahead. Your sense of yourself and how you relate to your partner will also be different. If you have other children, expect some emotional swings, as you and your family try out your new roles.
You had an amniocentesis. This is a prenatal test. It helps you learn whether a fetus has health problems. The test is most often done between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. It is also done to check the condition of the lungs of a baby who will be delivered several weeks early.
Helping yourself feel fit is one of the best things you can do for your baby. A little exercise will tone your muscles. You'll feel stronger and more energized. You'll also feel more awake and aware. Don't worry about your weight right now. Your goal is to feel healthy. Here are suggestions to help you do so
This prenatal test involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for chromosomal abnormalities and certain other genetic problems.
Your health can affect your baby's growth. Here are some ways to stay healthy.
You had a cesarean section, or C-section. During the C-section, your baby was delivered through a surgical incision in your stomach and uterus. Full recovery after a C-section can take time. It's important to take care of yourself — for your own sake and because your new baby needs you. Here are some guidelines to follow at home.
Certain conditions of pregnancy and childbirth need special care.
Helpful information about taking insulin during your pregnancy. Learn how to give yourself an insulin shot, how to work with your healthcare provider to find the right dosage, and how to treat low blood sugar.
Most women who are pregnant with 2 or more babies have healthy pregnancies. But, the risk of complications is higher than with a single baby. If you are carrying multiples, know the warning signs of possible problems.
Regular exercise can help you adapt to the changes your body is going through during pregnancy. Exercising may help you relax, and it gets you ready for labor and delivery.
Treatment includes IV antibiotics (medicines that help stop infections). If complications develop, other specialized treatments may be needed. Early treatment gives the best chance of a happy outcome.
Researchers are still learning more about how the coronavirus affects pregnant women and their babies. Here is information to help you work with your healthcare team.
Every cigarette you don't smoke is a benefit to you and your baby. Deciding not to smoke can be a tough choice, but you can change. Even if you've tried before, don't give up.
Fetal echocardiography is a tyest that shows pictures of the baby's heart before birth. It is done to check for problems in the baby's heart structure, function, or rhythm.
It's normal to worry about your baby's health. One way you can know your baby's doing well is to record the baby's movements once a day. This is called a kick count.
Even before you become pregnant, your health matters to your future baby. Adopt good health habits today. And take care of any health problems you have before becoming pregnant.
Drinking a small amount of alcohol isn't harmful unless you are pregnant. That's because any alcohol you drink also affects your baby. Sometimes, even a small amount of alcohol may cause birth defects.
After you deliver your baby, you can start to exercise whenever you feel ready. Let your body be your guide. Most women are ready to exercise after 6 weeks, where some women will be ready a few days after delivery. If you've had a cesarean section, you may will need more time. If you've had a cesarean section, ask your healthcare provider when it is safe to begin exercising again.