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Ask an Expert
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?
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
While pregnant, should I "eat for two?"
No. It is a myth that a pregnant woman must "eat for two." Although pregnancy increases the body's need for calories and nutrition, the amounts of calories or specific nutrients you need are NOT doubled. About ... continue reading about While pregnant, should I "eat for two?"
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?
One of the most common questions asked of an obstetrician is, “ Is it safe to take medication during pregnancy?” The answer is yes, for most over-the-counter drugs, even though they may contain the ... continue reading about What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?
Katarina Lanner-Cusin, M.D.
I am afraid of having a vaginal birth. Can I request a C-section delivery?
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?
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?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and I have a few questions that I'm kind of embarrassed to ask our doctor. Does an orgasm help you get pregnant? Should I try and keep the sperm in for awhile, and is there a best sex position for conception?
It is not clear if having a orgasm increases the chance of conception. Contractions of the muscles and elevation of the cervix may indeed enhance efficiency of sperm transport. We do know with certainty that or... continue reading about My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and I have a few questions that I'm kind of embarrassed to ask our doctor. Does an orgasm help you get pregnant? Should I try and keep the sperm in for awhile, and is there a best sex position for conception?
Katarina Lanner-Cusin, M.D.
Are there ways that I can help avoid a C-section delivery?
There are times when a C-section birth is unavoidable, due to medical conditions such as placenta previa or a baby in the breech position. Having said that, here are a few tips that may help a mother with a nor... continue reading about Are there ways that I can help avoid a C-section delivery?
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