Back pain during pregnancy is common. Although it's much more typical to have back pain during the second and third trimester, some women feel it earlier. The Mayo Clinic urges women to call their doctor if the back pain becomes severe or is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, which could be a sign of an underlying medical issue.
Pregnancy is fraught with worry--especially in the beginning. The first trimester screen is available between weeks 11 and 13 and will quickly provide information about your baby's potential risk of many abnormalities.
By the 39th week of pregnancy, most expectant mothers are uncomfortable and anxious for their baby to arrive. Many OB/GYN's will begin to think about induction at this point if the mother is interested and if there are any medical concerns for either the mother or unborn baby.
For many couples unable to have a child on their own, using a surrogate mother is an excellent option. Although there are a number of financial and legal requirements for the couple and surrogate, surrogate agencies can help simplify the process by ensuring that the rights of the parents and the surrogate are honored and protected.
Just because you are pregnant doesn't mean you have to cancel that much-anticipated vacation or important business trip. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, flying while pregnant in most cases is perfectly safe. Keep in the mind the following tips for smooth sailing throughout the flight.
While some degree of bleeding is common for many pregnant women, bleeding typically only occurs within the first trimester. Contact your doctor if vaginal bleeding is heavier than your usual menstruation, if it lasts longer than a day, if it is accompanied by severe abdominal cramps or if you experience it in the second or third trimester. These are all possible signs of a more serious complication.
Until further study, pregnant women are generally not recommended to take sleeping pills. Your doctor will likely only prescribe sleeping medications that have been tested on pregnant women and are proven safe, or if the health benefits outweigh any risk. If you are pregnant and experiencing insomnia or having trouble sleeping, always talk to your doctor before using any type of sleep aid to make sure it will not affect your baby.
The benefits of exercising during pregnancy are well-known: Exercise helps reduce to swelling, backaches, constipation and bolsters energy, posture and strength. It also helps you sleep. But what about the risks? Here's what you should know about exercising during pregnancy and the potential risks.
The first trimester is a time of mixed emotions for many expectant mothers; dealing with morning sickness, excited about a new baby, wondering what the coming months will bring. When she experiences bleeding or spotting, one of the first thoughts is, miscarriage. While miscarriage---or potential miscarriage---can cause bleeding, there are other reasons a woman would bleed in the first trimester and some are benign. The mother's obstetrician should always be informed immediately; he can determine the reason for any bleeding and what can be done.
Being pregnant can bring with it many questions and concerns. What foods should I eat? What foods should I avoid? How much should I eat? Can I exercise? Although the answers to these questions may not be cut and dried, the question of whether walking is healthy during pregnancy is as clear as the two lines on your pregnancy test.
