Pregnancy weight gain is the expected, healthy increase in body weight that supports a growing baby. It is not extra fat to be shed. Most of it is the baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, a larger uterus and breasts, and a big jump in blood volume. How much you should gain depends mostly on where…
Light bleeding, or spotting, in early pregnancy is more common than many people know. “Spotting” refers to small amounts of blood, often noticed when wiping or as a few drops on your underwear. Studies suggest that a large share of pregnant women experience some spotting in the first trimester, and in many cases the pregnancy…
If your obstetrician has mentioned labor induction, you probably have questions. Labor induction is the process of using medical techniques to start labor before it begins on its own. It is one of the most common procedures in obstetrics, and understanding why it happens and what it involves can help you feel more prepared as…
Hormonal shifts are a normal part of being a woman, but that does not make the visible changes any less frustrating. Hair loss, acne flare-ups, and skin changes are common complaints tied to fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. These shifts happen most often during the postpartum period, perimenopause, and in women living…
If you are planning on having children, labor is one of the most physically demanding experiences you will have. If you’re expecting, you’ve probably already started thinking about how you want to manage pain during delivery. An epidural is one of the most common options, but there is conflicting and false information to be aware…
In the third trimester, your provider will probably test you for Group B Strep, or GBS, as part of routine prenatal care. It is a common part of late pregnancy care, but it can raise questions, especially if your test comes back positive. Many patients worry that it means something is wrong or that they…
What causes morning sickness? Several hormonal and physical changes contribute to pregnancy nausea. Rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen play a major role. New research shows that morning sickness may also be linked to GDF15, a hormone produced in the placenta that increases substantially during pregnancy. Progesterone also relaxes smooth muscle tissue,…
Pregnancy changes your body in major ways, including how your heart and blood vessels work. During pregnancy, blood volume increases, your heart works harder, and your blood pressure can shift from trimester to trimester. For many people, blood pressure stays in a healthy range. For others, it rises and needs close attention. High blood pressure…
The third trimester of pregnancy is an exciting milestone. You are nearing the finish line, and soon you will meet your baby. At the same time, the last weeks of pregnancy often bring a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Between doctor’s appointments, physical changes, and planning for labor, it can feel like there is a…
Pregnancy is a time of excitement and change, but it is also a time when many women are balancing work, family obligations, and personal plans. For some, that includes traveling—whether it is a vacation, a business trip, or a visit to loved ones. If you are pregnant, you may wonder if travel is safe, when…