Pregnancy Health & Fitness
Is it Safe to Get a Tattoo During Pregnancy?
Body art has become more popular and commonplace in the past decade, and recent years have seen a trend develop in which expectant mothers celebrate, recognize, and document their impending motherhood by acquiring a tattoo--possib...
Hazards of Smoking During Pregnancy and Beyond, Plus Tips to Quit
If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, it is important to quit smoking as soon as you can. Even if you are not pregnant or considering it, smoking can significantly increase your risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. I...
Are Airport Body Scanners Safe When Pregnant?
If you plan to take a trip while you are pregnant, you have probably given some thought to the safety of airport body scanners, the latest technology TSA (Transportation Security Administration) uses to screen passengers and dete...
Melasma - The Mask of Pregnancy
Melasma, also called the mask of pregnancy, actually affects more than just pregnant women. Even men can get this skin condition as well as those receiving hormone treatments or taking birth control pills or injections. The hormon...
Preventing and Treating Stretch Marks in Pregnancy
Stretch marks are a badge of honor for women who have given birth, at least for half of them. These long marks on the skin vary in color, from pinks to browns or silvers. The shade depends to the most part, on your skin tone. Most...
Should Pregnant Women Get the Flu Shot
Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion. It's that time of year again. But if you're pregnant or have a little one, flu season brings with it another draining side effect - worry. Many new or expectant mothers ask "Shoul...
Pregnant Mothers and BPA
According to several studies over the previous several years, BPA or bisphenol-A exposure can lead to a variety of serious health concerns including cancers and infertility. BPA exposure is especially dangerous for pregnant women ...
Fit and Pregnant: How to Stay on Track
Pregnancy is a thrilling time for both you and your partner. But the early joy of watching your body change and develop with your growing baby can turn into a struggle to stay healthy and fit in the second and third trimester, if ...
Pregnant After 40: Myth vs. Reality
It seems every other pregnant celebrity is 40 or older yet you hear that it's all but impossible to conceive past 35. Do celebrities have extra special eggs or is reality somewhere between miraculous and common? Pregnant After 4...
Pregnancy Lifestyle Don'ts
You've found out it's true; you're going to be a mother and now your mind is jumbled with thoughts of changes you need to make. Where do you start and what's truly important for to avoid or start in order to give baby the best beg...
Pregnancy Lifestyle Do's
Not all the lifestyle changes you make when you find out you're pregnant are eliminating negatives. Some changes involve starting positive routines that will benefit baby, and you. Take Your Prenatal Vitamins Prenatal vitamins ...
Beat the Heat This Summer While Pregnant
Being pregnant in the summer months poses some unique challenges for expectant mothers. Some tips for summer are for comfort while others are to protect you and your growing baby. Keep hydrated. Pregnant women are especially...
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Blood Pressure Basics Blood pressure measures how hard blood presses against your artery walls as it pumps through your body. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The top number, or systolic, measures during the body's pu...
Your First OB/GYN Appointment
You've done the home pregnancy test. Perhaps multiple home pregnancy tests and have come to the unmistakable conclusion; you are pregnant. After telling the important people in your life and shedding tears, hopefully of joy, it's ...
Pregnancy Exercise - What is Safe
People used to believe that pregnant women were fragile and that exercise could harm or steal nutrients from the developing baby. It was also feared that women could bring on premature labor by being physically active. We now know...
The Facts About Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, and is caused when the developing fetus has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. Pregnant women often undergo screening for Down’s syndrome typically a blood test done in t...
Exercising While Pregnant
To drag your body up to do anything when you’re pregnant is hard enough, but to be motivated to exercise – get outta here!! Pregnancy is a time for sitting comfortably on the sofa with your feet firmly OFF the ground and your hand...
H1N1 Flu
What Is H1N1 Flu? The Spread of H1N1 Flu Symptoms of H1N1 Flu H1N1 and Children The H1N1 Flu Vaccine How to Protect Yourself Final Notes Moms Talk About H1N1 H1N1 Resources & Information Unless you've been living under...
Exercise and Pregnancy
I know how exciting it is to finally hear the news that you’re going to have a baby. I’m sure there are many questions going through your head about keeping you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. I’ve gathered a few ...
3D and 4D Pregnancy Ultrasounds
3D and 4D ultrasounds seem to be all the rage as excited parents clamor for the first glimpse of their baby. Many of these same parents do not understand what an ultrasound actually is or what risks are involved. If you are co...
Pregnancy Skin - Get That Pregnancy Glow
During pregnancy some women radiate the glow of pregnancy and their complexions even out. The reason for this is because of increased blood circulation and the existence of high levels of the pregnancy hormone oestrogen. A lu...
Pilates For Pregnancy - The Perfect Exercise Method
Pilates and pregnancy go together incredibly well. This form of exercise considered to be one of the best methods that a pregnant woman can use in order to prepare herself for the birth of her baby. Not only that but Pilates...
Video: Pregnancy Health
Growing a healthy baby is one of the most important jobs of your life. Prenatal health examines proper diet and nutrition to best ensure that you and your baby get all the vitamins, minerals and calories needed for a healt...
Exercise and Pregnancy: Fact Sheet
There are many benefits for women who wish to exercise through their pregnancy. Exercise can: Increase energy levels Help prevent feelings of discomfort, clumsiness, and unattractiveness Improve circulation, reduce...
Exercise and Pregnancy
Q I am a very fit newly pregnant woman. I am in between my fifth and sixth week and have been continuing to exercise regularly. However, I am about getting overheated. I went for a jog/hike this afternoon when the temperatures wer...
Emotional Changes During Pregnancy and Beyond
Q I am going through my first pregnancy and I am worried about the emotions I will be experiencing. A Congratulations on your first pregnancy! Everyone experiences different emotions as they go through pregnancy. The initial react...
Depression During Pregnancy
Q What do you suggest doing for depression while pregnant? I am 24 years old with two children, a 2 year old and a 1 year old. I have been feeling really down lately. Could you give me some advice? Thank you. A I do not know your...
Is there any way to tell when my baby was conceived?
Q I was wondering how do I know when I may have conceived and can the doctor do an ultrasound to see how old the baby is and it show up when I conceived? A You will know when you conceive, when you miss your period. Then you can g...
Going To The Dentist
Q There is a remote possiblity that I might be pregnant and I have to have my wisdom teeth out. I was wondering if the drugs Cephalexin and Dexamethasone would affect the fetus. A It is always better to not have x-rays, surgery, ...
What Is The Chance of Having Twins?
Q What are the odds of having twins (without having them run in the mom's family?) What are the odds of having twins if you're over 35 years of age? A The odds of having twins in the general population are 1 in 70 to 1 in 90. Of c...
Pregnancy and Smoking
Q I'm 22 years old and married. Me and my husband are planning to have kids. But I'm afraid because during my college days I use to smoke, will it effect my embrio? I'm really afraid of this matter,can you please kindly advice wha...
What activities can I still do now that I'm Pregnant?
Q I just found out I am pregnant this morning. I wonder if I can still vacuum the house and rollerblade while pregnant. A The standard rule is that you can do (almost) anything after you get pregnant that you did before you got pr...
Pregnancy after Miscarriage
Q I am 22 years old and am currently 10 weeks pregnant. This is my seventh pregnancy. I had a miscarriage in February, and it was very bad. I started bleeding too much and lost conscience more than three times. How at risk am I fo...
What are the risks associated with birth after 35 years of age?
Q What are the risks associated with birth after 35 years? A The risk of the baby having Downs syndrome rises with maternal age. That is why amniocentisis (a test in which a needle is inserted into the mother's abdomen to gather ...
Pregnancy Hormones
When conception occurs, the body begins a remarkable change. Much of these changes occur over the duration of nine months. Hormones are the main catalyst for the changes. The hormones are like little chemical messengers that run t...
Frequently Asked Questions About Having a Baby in the 21st Century
Question: Is it safe to dye your hair during pregnancy? Answer: Historically, physicians advised women against dying their hair while pregnant because it was thought to be potentially harmful to the fetus. However, today it is ...
Sex Drive During Pregnancy
If you ask a pregnant woman about her sex drive during pregnancy, you may be surprised to hear that she wanted sex more while she was pregnant. To many women, sex feels more pleasurable, and they feel their pregnant bodies are be...
Sex During Pregnancy -- What's Safe and What's Not
For most women, sex during pregnancy is safe. Unless your physician directs you otherwise, you and your partner can continue to have an active and full sex life. The baby is safely cushioned in an amniotic fluid-filled sac and un...
Ginger For Morning Sickness
So, everyone tells you you're eating for two. The only problem is, you can't keep enough food down for one. Have you considered using ginger? Ginger has long been used as a remedy for nausea, morning sickness, and menstrual cra...
Vitamin B for Morning Sickness
While pregnant, the most unappealing time of the entire pregnancy may be the onset of morning sickness. For some, it may only last a day or two. For others, it may last the entire pregnancy. Regardless of how long it lasts, the ma...
Chicken Pox and Pregnancy
If you are not already immune to chicken pox and you are exposed to it during your pregnancy, there is cause for concern. According to Dr. William Sears in his book, The Pregnancy Book: A Month-by-Month Guide, most women are immun...
Drug free, non-invasive device offers new treatment option.
CARLSBAD, Calif. -- December 14, 1999. Woodside Biomedical, Inc. has received United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to market its ReliefBand® Device as a new drug-free, non-invasive prescription treatment for ...
Yoga - The Perfect Pregnancy Exercise
Yoga has been around for centuries and in some cultures, it is considered the only option for pregnant women. Yoga is a practice - learned relaxation, breathing and exercise to help people to center, relax and strengthen themse...
Get A Good Night's Sleep
Pregnancy has it’s ups and downs. Given the initial excitement of finding out the good news, most women are in for a little shock when it comes to quality of sleeping. Pregnancy can take it’s toll on those nighttime zzzz’s. Here a...
Smoking In Pregnancy
Cigarette smoking is one of the most dangerous activities encountered during pregnancy. It is also the largest preventable cause of death and illness among American women in general. It is estimated that over 22 million women in t...
Pregnant and Fit
Okay, so last January's New Year's resolution to stay fit went out the window, and now you're pregnant! Before you throw caution to the wind and eat another quart of Java Chip, remember that the extra weight you gain now is still ...
Seven Things To Avoid During Pregnancy
Cigarette Smoke Whether firsthand or secondhand smoke, pregnant women serve their babies well by keeping away from it. This isn't some conspiracy against smokers: countless medical studies have reported on the dangers of cigarette...
A Birth Ball Can Make Pregnancy and Birth More Comfortable
More than likely, most people you talk to do not know what a birth ball is or what it is used for. A birth ball is a physical therapy ball that helps women get into positions that help labor progress. It's also great to sit on one...
Travel and Pregnancy
Pregnant? Thinking about a summertime get-away? In most cases, travelling in the summertime is completely safe. However, there are some important things for expectant moms to consider. Assuming your pregnancy is uncomplicated, kee...
Male Bonding
I spent the full nine months of pregnancy bonding with my baby. For her cerebral stimulation, I played Mozart and read aloud from Ralph Waldo Emerson. I regaled her with stories of a family steeped in history (no sense disillusion...
Will This Hurt My Fetus?
During pregnancy, women have many questions about what substances may harm the developing fetus. Teratogens are agents that can cause birth defects when a woman is exposed to them during pregnancy. Other substances, such as tobacc...
Are You Doing Your Kegels?
Kegel Exercises are those exercises that the doctor and nurses tell you to do. But what are they? Not many women know. Kegel exercises are designed to maintain the tone of the pelvic floor muscles that become weakened by the weigh...
Health Tips For Pregnant Women
Medicines: Only take drugs when absolutely necessary. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or midwife first. Alcohol:Try to avoid alcohol for the duration of your pregnancy -- and perhaps even while trying to conceive. more... Smok...
How Can I Prepare My Body for Pregnancy?
Q I am interested in exercises that I can use to prepare my body for pregnancy. Can you help? A I always get so excited when I hear from women who are trying to get in shape *before* pregnancy instead of waiting until they are in ...
The Perfect Doctor For You
I believe that the importance of a good doctor-patient relationship is never more necessary than during pregnancy. I have been through several doctors, and the relationships with each of them differ dramatically. In fact, you c...
Choosing a Doctor or Midwife
The many choices of pregnancy become more involved the further along you are. Undoubtedly by the time you receive your first positive home pregnancy test - you are thinking about who you are going to call - a doctor or a midwife. ...