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Ask an Expert
Robert Altman, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
If I have a C-section with my first pregnancy, does that mean I will have to have one for any future pregnancies?
A trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) is reasonable for many women who have undergone a prior C-section. Research indicates that 60-80 percent of women have a successful vaginal birth after having a s... continue reading about If I have a C-section with my first pregnancy, does that mean I will have to have one for any future pregnancies?
Robert Altman, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Does recovery time after a C-section differ from a vaginal birth?
Yes, the recovery time for C-section births is generally longer than that of vaginal births. For example, time in the hospital for vaginal births is generally between one to two days. On the other hand, C-secti... continue reading about Does recovery time after a C-section differ from a vaginal birth?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?
If your major goal, in addition to reliable contraception, is to reduce the menstrual flow and frequency of periods, then a Mirena IUD, which secretes progesterone-like hormone locally in the uterine cavity wit... continue reading about I'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Do women experience a surge in fertility at any point in perimenopause or just before menopause?
The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 years of age. Unfortunately, the fertility potential in women declines well in advance of this time. But to what extent and how quickly? There are few, if... continue reading about Do women experience a surge in fertility at any point in perimenopause or just before menopause?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How can I get relief from morning sickness?
Morning sickness is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of the day, despite its name. It usually resolves after 16 weeks of pregnancy. Here are some tips to... continue reading about How can I get relief from morning sickness?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What foods should I avoid in pregnancy?
Here are some general guidelines on food intake during pregnancy:Fish/Seafood:Eat no more than 12 oz of cooked fish a weekLimit tuna to once per weekAvoid shark, tile fish, or king mackerelAlcohol:Not recommend... continue reading about What foods should I avoid in pregnancy?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I want to have a natural birth. What are some reasons my doctor might recommend I have a C-section delivery?
A natural labor and delivery, with a normal vaginal birth, is the ideal for most women. However it may not be possible for some. A C-section, or surgical birth, delivers the baby through an incision in the abdo... continue reading about I want to have a natural birth. What are some reasons my doctor might recommend I have a C-section delivery?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the risks of having a baby when you're overweight? I need to lose weight, but I'm worried I'll never have a baby if I hold off until I've lost weight.
Ideally, a woman will want to start her pregnancy at a healthy weight for her height, to minimize complications during her pregnancy.Several studies have been done to understand the effect that being overweight... continue reading about What are the risks of having a baby when you're overweight? I need to lose weight, but I'm worried I'll never have a baby if I hold off until I've lost weight.
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
My friends tell me their sex drive wasn't the same after they had a baby. Is that true?
Having a baby is an overwhelming experience. You will experience changes in your body as well as your emotional state. You will be caring for your baby 24 hours a day, with interrupted sleep for at least the fi... continue reading about My friends tell me their sex drive wasn't the same after they had a baby. Is that true?
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