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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?
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?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Sutter East Bay Medical Group
How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Good question. The terms tubal ligation, tubes tied, tubal sterilization, and female sterilization can all be used interchangeably to describe the same process. In the U.S., up to one third of women use sterili... continue reading about How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I am 22 weeks pregnant. How normal are contractions of the uterus? Is this something I should contact my doctor about?
Uterine contractions can be normal in pregnancy. However there are many circumstances where they may be concerning, for example if you have a history of a preterm delivery, shortened cervix or placenta previa. ... continue reading about I am 22 weeks pregnant. How normal are contractions of the uterus? Is this something I should contact my doctor about?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Is a woman undergoing fertility treatments at higher risk of getting cancer than a woman of the same age who has not taken these drugs?
Most of the studies on the use of fertility drugs have examined hormonally sensitive tumors such as breast, ovarian and uterine malignancies. There does not appear to be any association between fertility drugs ... continue reading about Is a woman undergoing fertility treatments at higher risk of getting cancer than a woman of the same age who has not taken these drugs?
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'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?
Katarina Lanner-Cusin, M.D.
After a C-section birth, how long will I have to wait before I can bond with my child (breastfeeding, skin-on-skin contact, holding my baby)?
The answer may depend on the reason for your C-section birth, as each situation brings its own unique recovery needs. Many times moms can have what is referred to as a Family Centered C-section Birth. That mean... continue reading about After a C-section birth, how long will I have to wait before I can bond with my child (breastfeeding, skin-on-skin contact, holding my baby)?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
With all the advances in fertility treatments, how old is too old for a woman to try to get pregnant?
There is not a universally accepted single age at which pregnancy is not recommended. Advanced maternal age is traditionally defined as pregnancy at or over the age of 35. Not only does it become harder for wom... continue reading about With all the advances in fertility treatments, how old is too old for a woman to try to get pregnant?
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