Depression in Pregnancy
... Pregnancy has long been viewed as a period of well being that protected against psychiatric disorders. But depression occurs almost as commonly in pregnant women as it does in non-pregnant women. What...

Genetic Amniocentesis
... During pregnancy, the fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid, a substance that is similar to water. Amniotic fluid contains fetal cells that are normally shed during growth, and other substances, such ...

Ovulation and Conception
... What is ovulation? Ovulation is a phase in the menstrual cycle. It occurs at about day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. Specifically, ovulation is the release of the egg (ovum) from a woman’s ovary. Ea...

Physical Changes after Delivery
... Here are some of the physical changes you can expect: Lochia (vaginal discharge) Lochia is the vaginal discharge you have after a vaginal delivery. It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual discharge....

Episiotomy
... What is an episiotomy? An episiotomy is a procedure in which a small incision is made between the anus and vagina to enlarge the vaginal opening. The procedure is intended to prevent vaginal tears dur...

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy
... Sexually transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs, are infections that are spread by having sex with someone who has an STD. You can get a sexually transmitted disease from sexual activity that invo...

Assisted Delivery Methods
... What is an assisted delivery? While labor can be a straightforward, uncomplicated process, it often may require the assistance of the medical staff. This assistance can vary from use of medications to...

Choosing an Obstetric Health Care Provider
... Choosing who will help care for you during your pregnancy, labor and delivery is very important. There are several types of health care providers who can care for your needs during your pregnancy, lab...

Delaying Pregnancy and the Impact on Infertility
... Declining fertility with age Several studies of populations that don''t use any contraception have shown that there is a clear decrease in fertility as people age. In addition to lower pregnancy rates...

Dental Care During Pregnancy
... It’s vitally important for you to take good care of your oral health while you are pregnant. This is because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk of developing gum disease, and be...

Expecting Twins or Triplets
... How do multiple pregnancies occur? A multiple pregnancy can occur when one egg (ovum) splits before implanting or when separate eggs each are fertilized by a different sperm. Identical twins or triple...

Fetal Positions for Birth
... The position of your baby in your uterus is called the presentation of the fetus. Your health care provider will carefully assess your baby’s position throughout the last month of your pregnancy to ma...

Pregnancy and Oral Health
... How does pregnancy affect my teeth and gums? Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk for developing gingivitis and periodontitis. As a result of varying hormone levels, between 50 pe...

How Smoking Affects You and Your Baby During Pregnancy
... Smoking during pregnancy affects you and your baby''s health before, during, and after your baby is born. The nicotine (the addictive substance in cigarettes), carbon monoxide, and numerous other pois...

Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy
... What is toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii that can threaten the health of an unborn child. You can get the infection from handling soil or...

Vacuum Extraction and Forceps Delivery
... What is a vacuum extraction? A vacuum extraction is an alternative to forceps delivery, and your physician will decide which is more appropriate for your circumstances. In this procedure, the physicia...