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Pregnancy Archive

Articles

Mediterranean diet may help ward off a dangerous pregnancy complication

A 2022 study found that pregnant women who ate a diet rich in foods typical of a Mediterranean-style eating plan were significantly less likely to develop the potentially serious pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia.

Pregnancy's lasting toll

Pregnancy and childbirth effects on the body can linger or develop years or decades after the birth. Muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the pelvis can be damaged, leading to urine or stool leakage or sagging pelvic organs. Treatment approaches include a pessary, various surgical procedures, or pelvic floor physical therapy. Women can protect their pelvic floor from weakening further by maintaining a healthy weight, preventing constipation, and managing conditions that contribute to chronic cough.

Inflammatory bowel disease and family planning: What you need to know

Inflammatory bowel disease is commonly diagnosed at a point in life when many people are planning families. People who have been diagnosed with IBD are likely to have questions and concerns regarding fertility, conception, pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.

Why do I itch more at night?

Nighttime skin itching can stem from dry skin, hormone changes, certain medications and skin care products, and rarely, a more serious illness. It can help to change bedding or pajamas, take short baths or showers, apply moisturizer liberally, and use a humidifier.

Considering pregnancy and have lupus? Plan ahead

In the past, people with lupus were advised to avoid pregnancy because doctors believed it was too risky. That's no longer true: in most cases, following expert guidelines can make a successful pregnancy possible. It's wise to think ahead, and to be aware of some important issues.

Paths to parenting: Choosing single parenthood through pregnancy

Choosing to become pregnant and parent without a partner is increasingly common and more widely accepted than in the past, but deciding to pursue this path can be lonely. Additionally, there are important questions about financial security and the support of family and friends that a prospective single parent needs to consider.

Can breastfeeding really prevent pregnancy?

New parents might want to wait awhile before considering having another child, and breastfeeding prevents ovulation, so some people use it as a natural birth control method during the early months of an infant's life. However, it's effective only if a mother is breastfeeding frequently and an infant is receiving only breast milk as food.

Paths to parenthood: Receiving an embryo donation

Paths to parenthood vary and people thinking about a pregnancy achieved with donated embryos or with donated eggs or sperm might also be considering adoption. Here are some key questions and issues to consider when thinking about these decisions.

Embryo donation: One possible path after IVF

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped countless people who were unable to conceive to have children. Frequently, the process results in additional embryos remaining, eventually leading to the question of what to do with them. Embryo donation is one of several options and deciding which path to pursue may not be easy.

Wondering about COVID-19 vaccines if you're pregnant or considering pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, you may have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Get informed by consulting trusted health sources, and talking with your medical providers.

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