Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes changes in vaginal discharge, which can vary in color, texture, and volume. An increase in vaginal discharge is often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Some changes in color are also normal, while others may indicate infection or another problem. Color is one of the most noticeable changes that can occur. Discharge

Acupressure practitioners say that applying pressure to these specific points on the body can change the body’s energy, called qi or chi. Some people believe that acupressure may help induce labor in women who are at the end of their third trimester. Acupressure draws upon the same concepts as acupuncture, but it uses firm massage

New research shows how a normal mechanism that helps the breast adapt to breastfeeding could lead to the accumulation of premalignant breast cells. Some of the mechanisms that enable breasts to lactate could also lead to the accumulation of abnormal breast cells. The link between breastfeeding and breast cancer has been the subject of several

A subchorionic bleed is also called a subchorionic hemorrhage. It refers to a collection of blood that can develop between the gestational membranes, such as the placenta, and the uterus during pregnancy. This blood can lead to vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. This article will look at the causes and risks of a subchorionic hemorrhage (SCH),

It is common for a woman’s period to change after having a baby. Some women experience heavier or more painful periods, while others find that their periods become easier. In the months after giving birth, periods may be irregular but may return to normal over time. There is no way to predict how giving birth

Myths about postpartum fertility are widespread. From rumors that it is impossible to get pregnant while breastfeeding to beliefs that the body will not get pregnant until it is “ready,” it can be hard to get the facts. While unlikely, it is possible to get pregnant less than 6 weeks after having a baby. However,

Some people use evening primrose oil as a natural remedy for inducing labor. But does it work, and is it safe? The final weeks of pregnancy can be difficult. Backaches, sleepless nights, exhaustion, and a desire to finally hold the baby can all inspire people to seek help from natural remedies. Lots of people advocate

Having a cesarean delivery, which people also often refer to as a C-section, can have a big impact on a mother’s mental and physical health in the weeks afterward. To speed up their recovery, people can try various lifestyle and wellness methods that may help. Cesarean deliveries are common, accounting for an estimated 31.9 percent

Women experience polyhydramnios when too much amniotic fluid surrounds the fetus in the womb. This excess fluid can slightly increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. As a result, doctors usually monitor fluid levels regularly until a woman is ready to give birth. The amount of amniotic fluid in the womb steadily increases

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are increasing in popularity. There are several IUDs available, each of which will suit different people. About 10 percent of people on birth control use IUDs. These devices significantly reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and remove the possibility of human error that comes with taking a pill every day or using

Many women experience gas during pregnancy. It usually goes away on its own, but home remedies can help ease discomfort and reduce the quantity of gas. Raised levels of the hormone progesterone relax the intestines during pregnancy. This relaxation slows digestion, making constipation more likely and often leading to bloating, belching, and flatulence. A woman

Many of the early signs of pregnancy can be nonspecific and easily mistaken for other causes. For this reason, it may be difficult to know when or whether to take a pregnancy test. In this article, we list 10 early signs that can indicate a person should take a pregnancy test. 1. Missed period A

Premenstrual syndrome causes several symptoms that closely resemble those of early pregnancy. As a result, some women have difficulty determining if they are pregnant or if their period is about to start. Symptoms of both premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy can vary from person to person, but they often include tenderness in the breasts, cramping,

Women with rheumatoid arthritis often notice changes in their symptoms during pregnancy. Many women with this condition have fewer symptoms when they are pregnant, but some may experience a flare during this period. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that primarily affects the joints, causing them to swell, stiffen, lose function, and ache. People

During pregnancy, the developing baby moves into several different positions. As labor approaches, some positions are safer than others. The ideal position for a fetus just before labor is the anterior position. In this position, the fetus’s head points toward the ground and they are facing the woman’s back. Most fetuses settle into this position

Condoms are an effective method for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Most brands are very safe, but some offer less protection than others. Condoms are a popular barrier method of conception. Condoms made of latex, polyisoprene, or polyurethane effectively prevent pregnancy and the transmission of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most commercial brands of

Many guidelines recommend avoiding sushi during pregnancy, but sushi lovers will be pleased to learn that they can enjoy this food again after the baby is born. Although sushi is suitable to eat while breastfeeding, women should continue to avoid certain types of fish that are high in mercury. Many other types of fish, both

Tubal ligation is when a woman has her “tubes tied” to prevent pregnancy. It is still possible to become pregnant after undergoing the procedure, but tubal ligation is usually highly effective. The surgery involves cutting and tying off the fallopian tubes to prevent an egg from entering the uterus. Undergoing tubal ligation increases the risk

A transvaginal ultrasound, or endovaginal ultrasound, is a safe and straightforward procedure that doctors use to examine the internal organs in the female pelvic region. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of internal organs. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound scanning techniques do not use radiation, which means that they have no harmful side

When the body’s levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) rise, it triggers the start of ovulation, and the most fertile period of the menstrual cycle occurs. Tracking the surge in luteinizing hormone levels can help people to plan intercourse and increase the chances of becoming pregnant. Understanding what LH is, when levels of the hormone rise,

When trying to conceive, it can be helpful to know when ovulation occurs and when a person is most fertile. Some people may wish to track their fertile window to avoid pregnancy. Females are most fertile within a day or two of ovulation, which is when the ovaries release an egg. But, it is possible

Many women complain of itchy nipples while breastfeeding. It may be a sign of minor infection or just a transitional symptom as the body adjusts to breastfeeding. A lactation consultant or doctor who is knowledgeable about breastfeeding can help, but home treatments are often effective. In this article, learn about the causes of itchy nipples

Amenorrhea means an absence of menstruation. The term also applies to people who have not started their period by the age of 16, which is called primary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea occurs in people who have missed 3 months of periods. This article explores possible reasons for an absence of menstruation. It also covers when to

Human papillomavirus or HPV is a sexually transmitted infection or STI with links to some types of cancer, including cervical and throat cancer. Breastfeeding women may worry about spreading the virus to babies through breast milk. But, for most women with HPV, breastfeeding is safe, and the benefits outweigh any potential risks. In this article,

The breasts contain a series of ducts that carry milk from the mammary glands to the nipples when a woman is breastfeeding. A clogged duct can cause intense pain, swelling, and itchiness. A 2011 study of 117 breastfeeding women found that 4.5 percent experienced clogged ducts at some point during the first year of breastfeeding.

A Foley bulb induction is when a doctor inserts a small balloon into the cervix to help it dilate faster. This procedure is one of several ways to induce labor. An estimated 23.3 percent of women in the United States had an induced labor in 2012. In this article, we discuss how a Foley bulb

People often get stomach upsets and diarrhea during pregnancy, but is it safe to take Pepto-Bismol for these symptoms when pregnant or breastfeeding? Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve an upset stomach, heartburn, and diarrhea. It is usually safe to use when not pregnant. However, many medications can cross the placenta, making them

Many breastfeeding women who are recovering from childbirth will experience aches and pains, such as uterine cramps and muscle soreness. Ibuprofen may help relieve these pains. Some types of medication are not suitable to take while breastfeeding, so women may wonder whether or not taking pain relievers is risky. In most cases, ibuprofen is safe

While taking a home pregnancy test is quite simple, sometimes the result can cause confusion. One typical situation is when a person gets a faint positive line. Even if the line is faint, it is likely that pregnancy has occurred. Home pregnancy tests are a fairly accurate way to detect a pregnancy. Some tests are

Lactation is common after a woman has given birth, and it can sometimes occur during pregnancy too. However, it is possible for both women and men to produce a milky discharge from one or both nipples without being pregnant or breastfeeding. This form of lactation is called galactorrhea. Galactorrhea is unrelated to the milk that