Pregnancy

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?

That question is best answered at an individual level. Infertility can be the result of a number of impairments of varying nature and severity. For this reason, we recommend a basic evaluation and individualize... continue reading  about  My partner and I have been trying to get pregnant for a while. Are there any non-medical approaches, such as relaxation or meditation techniques, that could improve my chances of becoming pregnant?

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?

It is normal to be apprehensive about childbirth, whether by vaginal or C-section delivery, especially if you are a first-time mom. A vaginal birth will be supported by nurses and your midwife or your physician... continue reading  about  I am afraid of having a vaginal birth. Can I request a C-section delivery?

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?

From 1,200-1,500 mg of calcium is recommended every day during pregnancy. If you are lactose intolerant, you will need to look for other good sources of calcium, such as legumes (starchy beans), dark green vege... continue reading  about  I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?

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?

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?

About 10 percent of all pregnancies occur in women 35 or older. The age of 35 being defined as "advanced maternal age" was created to describe when the risk of a having a fetus with Down syndrome surpasses the ... continue reading  about  What are the risks of having a baby if I am 35 or older?