Obstetricians consider postpartum care the fourth trimester of pregnancy. In the first six weeks following delivery, your body is returning to its new normal and that involves multiple physical and emotional changes. During the postpartum phase, women experience abrupt changes in hormone levels. These hormonal shifts can trigger mood swings and may even contribute to [...]
Many women continue to work while pregnant. Although it is not unusual for an expectant mom to work right up to the time of labor and delivery, some women choose to reduce work hours or take time off before their due date. The decision of whether or not to work during pregnancy may depend on [...]
Over the past 25 years, labor induction has become much more common and approximately one out of every five pregnant women has their labor induced. A number of methods and medications are used to stimulate contractions, with an ultimate goal of vaginal delivery. Obstetricians may recommend labor induction –the use of medications or other actions [...]
Most women want to do all they can to ensure their baby is born healthy including safely taking medication during pregnancy. Before taking any medication, even those you were taking prior to your pregnancy, talk to your OBGYN. Even medications that seem harmless, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may not be tested for safety [...]
Many women suffer from chronic constipation. In fact, constipation is the most common digestive complaint in the U.S. Constipation is usually defined by three or fewer bowel movements per week, and the condition is considered chronic when it persists for several months. However, the meaning of constipation varies from person to person with some women [...]
The first trimester of pregnancy is an important time in your baby’s development. In the first 13 weeks, many changes take place that will help determine the health of your baby, and some of these changes may occur even before you realize you are pregnant. During the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, the fertilized egg [...]
Sleep problems during pregnancy are a common complaint, with the majority of moms-to-be reporting at least minor sleep disturbances to their obstetrician at some point during pregnancy. Even women who have never had sleep problems before may have trouble falling asleep, a lack of restful sleep, periodic wake-ups in the night or difficulty returning to [...]
Douching is a common practice, but do gynecologists recommend it? Vaginal douching is washing the vagina with water or other fluids. Prepackaged douches often contain vinegar, baking soda, iodine as well as fragrances. Most women are familiar with the prepackaged kits available over-the-counter. These kits contain a small bottle of solution with a nozzle [...]
This year, Sunday, May 15th has been designated as Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, less than 3 percent of pregnant women suffer from the condition but those that do should be monitored carefully. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is an uncommon complication of pregnancy associated with severe, persistent [...]
Many women worry about labor pain and how it can be safely managed. While most women experience some degree of discomfort during labor and childbirth, the amount of pain varies depending on the size and position of the baby, pelvic size, intensity of contractions and emotions of the woman. Understanding the labor process can [...]