Prenatal Basic Exercises
Exercising during pregnancy can help you increase your energy level.
Prenatal Trimester Checklist
Review this checklist to make sure you’re on track for each trimester.
Do’s and Don’ts During Pregnancy
Check this list of do’s and don’ts for what to do or avoid during pregnancy.
Ask an Expert
Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?
In general, tubal ligation is a very safe procedure associated with the small risks of laparoscopy and anesthesia in a healthy woman, regardless of her age. However, other permanent methods of tubal steril... continue reading about What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?
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?
Robert Altman, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Do C-section births have increased risks for me and my baby?
Although a Caesarean (C-section) birth is sometimes the best option for the health of mother and baby, there can be additional risks associated with this major surgical procedure. Any major surgery carries the ... continue reading about Do C-section births have increased risks for me and my baby?
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?
Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
What are the proper steps to take when researching unexplained infertility?
Infertility may be called unexplained only after the standard evaluation yields no obvious cause. The three major factors causing infertility are: 1. sperm abnormalities; 2. disorders of ovulation; 3. anatomic ... continue reading about What are the proper steps to take when researching unexplained infertility?
Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I've heard that you can't get pregnant during your period. Is this just an old wives tale? Should I be concerned about protection during this time?
You can get pregnant only around the time of ovulation, which for most women with regular 28-day cycles corresponds to days 12-16. So if your period comes at the expected time and is normal in terms of flow, it... continue reading about I've heard that you can't get pregnant during your period. Is this just an old wives tale? Should I be concerned about protection during this time?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I've been on birth control for five years. I did not skip a dose, but I'm having mid-cycle bleeding after having unprotected sex. I took vitamin C for a cold and read that excessive amounts can cause birth control to stop working. Is this true?
Taking vitamin C will not interfere with the efficacy of your birth control pill. You should not be concerned about pregnancy unless you missed your pills or started your pack late. If your mid-cycle bleeding i... continue reading about I've been on birth control for five years. I did not skip a dose, but I'm having mid-cycle bleeding after having unprotected sex. I took vitamin C for a cold and read that excessive amounts can cause birth control to stop working. Is this true?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I was on the Depo Provera shot for about two years, then switched to birth control pill. I'm trying to get pregnant but I'm having irregular periods. I think my uterine lining is thin. What else can I do to get pregnant?
Both the birth control pill and Depo Provera work by temporarily “turning off” the ovaries. By doing so, the ovaries no longer produce eggs and therefore conception is not possible. A side benefit i... continue reading about I was on the Depo Provera shot for about two years, then switched to birth control pill. I'm trying to get pregnant but I'm having irregular periods. I think my uterine lining is thin. What else can I do to get pregnant?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
I was recently diagnosed with adenomyosis. How does this affect me if my husband and I want to have a baby? How much chance do I have of getting pregnant?
Adenomyosis refers to a condition where endometrial glands and connective tissue are present within the muscle layer of the uterus. This results in hyperplasia, or overgrowth, of the uterine muscle layer and a ... continue reading about I was recently diagnosed with adenomyosis. How does this affect me if my husband and I want to have a baby? How much chance do I have of getting pregnant?