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…
Yeast infections occur when a fungus called candida, which normally lives in small amounts in the vagina, grows out of balance. The result is itching, burning, redness, and a thick white discharge. For many women, a single infection is an annoying one-time event. But for others, these infections keep coming back, sometimes four or more…
Most adult women need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Research suggests women may need slightly more sleep than men, often about 20 minutes more on average. Yet many women fall well short of that mark. Surveys show that more than one in three adults regularly get less than seven hours, and…
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…
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…
If you are a woman in your late 30s or 40s and noticing changes you cannot explain, you are not imagining them. Lighter sleep, mood shifts, irregular periods, and hot flashes are often early signs of perimenopause. Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, and it can last several years. It is a normal…
Stress is part of life, but when it becomes constant, you may experience signs that something is off. You might notice changes in your sleep, appetite, energy, mood, or menstrual cycle. For some women, stress shows up as headaches or stomach issues. For others, it looks like a late period, low libido, or feeling “wired…
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are among the most common infections in women. They can happen at any age, but risk increases during pregnancy, after menopause, and for women with certain chronic illnesses. If you have ever had one, you know how uncomfortable and disruptive they can be. Burning, urgency, and pelvic discomfort can make…
The start of a new year often inspires reflection and change. It is a natural time to think about what worked well in the past year and what you want to improve in the year ahead. For many women, this means focusing on health. By centering your goals on nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and preventive…
Vaginal dryness is a common concern that can affect women at any stage of life. While occasional dryness may not seem serious, persistent symptoms can lead to discomfort, affect intimacy, and impact overall quality of life. Unfortunately, many women are hesitant to bring it up with their healthcare provider, often assuming it is just part…