Two Types of Pregnancy Tests Most hopeful moms-to-be want to know if they are pregnant. In most cases, you can know for sure as soon as one week after conception. When implantation occurs, the developing placenta begins to produce the hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone is detectable by the different types of pregnancy […]
Choosing an Obstetrician You Can Trust Finding Dr. Right is not always easy. Ideally, you want a doctor who views you as a participant during the birthing process—not as a patient. Before choosing an obstetrician, consider the following: Tips for Finding Dr. Right Talk to friends or other health-care professionals and ask for recommendations. Narrow […]
Choosing a Midwife for Your Birth If your pregnancy begins low-risk and stays that way, you may prefer a choosing a midwife for a high touch, low-tech birth. If you are in good health, had no complications with previous births, and the medical system in your community is set up for midwife-attended births, then this […]
Pros and Cons of an Alpha-Fetoprotein Screen The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screen is the most commonly available prenatal screening test for birth defects. AFP, a natural substance produced by baby’s liver, normally enters the mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy. Maternal levels of AFP are elevated if the mother is carrying a baby with a neural tube defect, […]
Treating Your Asthma During Pregnancy Like most chronic allergic problems, asthma may get better for some women during pregnancy and worse for others. Because the airway is already working overtime during pregnancy (the amount of air you move with each breath increases), asthma can be particularly worrisome at this time. If your airway is compromised […]
Just Say No to Using Drugs While Pregnant Using illegal drugs of any kind during your pregnancy poses significant risks to you and your unborn baby. If you are concerned about using drugs while pregnant, see what they can do to your baby and how to find help to stop using them. Illegal Drugs When […]
A Guide to Understanding Ultrasounds Getting a routine pregnancy ultrasound is a good idea to keep track of baby’s growth and their health in the womb. Learn about this safe and helpful checkup. What is Ultrasound? Ultrasound uses sound waves at frequencies higher than the human ear can hear. The doctor or technician runs the […]
3 Relaxation Techniques for Labor To practice relaxation techniques for labor with your partner, you need to be very comfortable. Collect a bunch of pillows and teach your partner where you like them. Do these exercises in various positions: standing and leaning against your partner, a wall or a piece of furniture, sitting down, lying […]
Answering some Cesarean Birth Questions You may find out you need to go through with a cesarean birth while you’re in labor which doesn’t leave a lot of time for asking detailed questions about the procedure. These common questions about cesarean births will help educate you on what it entails should you have to do […]
Increase Your Chances for a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean A vaginal birth after cesarean is possible, but you need to make sure it will be safe for you and baby. Follow these suggestions to increase your chances for a VBAC. 1. Select VBAC Friendly Birth Attendants and a Birth Place Be sure both your practitioner […]
Options for a Breech Birth Although surgery is often suggested for a breech birth, it is not the only option. Carefully consider these 5 alternatives for how to deliver your breech baby. 1. Your Baby Still Might Turn Consider the possibility that your baby might turn. Around half of all babies start out bottom down […]
Eating Salt While Pregnant Unless advised by your healthcare provider, you should not cut back on eating salt while pregnant. Salt causes your body to retain fluid, which you need more of during pregnancy. Your fluid requirements while pregnant will nearly double to support the 40 percent increase in your blood volume and the constant […]
