Pregnancy & Childbirth
Latest Feature Articles
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Preterm Birth Misconceptions
The majority of mothers believe that their baby can safely arrive as early as four weeks before their due date. Experts recommend revision of preterm birth definition.
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Epidural Side Effects
Side effects from an epidural include a drop in the mother's blood pressure and having more difficulty pushing. Find out how to prevent epidural complications.
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Childbirth after Cesarean
Studies show that one factor that helps with VBAC success is to go into labor without being induced. A previous labor that ended at 8 cm or later also helps.
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Epidural for Labor
The number of mothers who choose an epidural during labor might surprise you. Some regions report as high as a 90% epidural rate in the local hospitals.
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Depression in the Postpartum Period
About one out of every seven women experience severe depression during the postpartum period. Treatments for PPD include estradiol, antidepressants and counseling.
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Giving Birth Without an Episiotomy
The clear evidence on episiotomies shows that they often cause more harm than good, so why do care providers still perform them? How you can avoid an episiotomy?
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Pregnancy Benefits Women With MS
There may be an added benefit to having at least one child for women who are diagnosed with MS. Giving birth appears to slow the progression of the disease.
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Benefits of Writing a Birth Plan
Parents can use their birth plan as a way to interview and select a care provider as well as to better communicate their needs to the medical team.
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Water Breaks and No Contractions
About 10% of mothers find that their labor starts with their bag of waters breaking. Acupressure, nipple stimulation and herbs are all ways to induce labor.
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Miscarriage Symptoms
In early pregnancy, some mothers experience light spotting and very often become concerned about the possibilities of miscarriage. What symptoms should you look for?
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Intercourse Pain After Childbirth
It is not unusual to find that intercourse is more painful after you have given birth. From stitches to hormonal changes, sometimes couples need help in the bedroom.
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Labor Pain Relief with Acupressure
Acupressure is a helpful technique during pregnancy to treat morning sickness. It can also help to increase the intensity of contractions or relieve pain.
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Heat Packs for Labor Pain
Heat is an effective tool to reduce labor pain. Making your own heat pack is easy; however, following guidelines about the use of heat packs is essential to avoid burns.
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Ice Packs for Pain Relief
One of the best ways to reduce childbirth pain is to provide cold ice packs. Cold packs can be purchased or made with a few simple ingredients you may have at home.
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Does Labor Hurt the Same for All Mothers?
Childbirth is painful, sometimes from the first contraction to the final stage of birth. Labor may not hurt the same depending on some cultural differences and weight.
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Massage in Childbirth
Touch is a powerful way to provide both reassurance and comfort during the long hours of labor. Mothers may prefer light touch such as effleurage or kneading massage.
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Breathing Exercises
The focus on breathing exercises for different phases of labor has changed over the years. Now the Lamaze method includes many techniques for comfort in labor.
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Pregnancy Symptoms
The symptoms of pregnancy include more than just missing your period. Some women also experience fullness and frequent urination in the early weeks of pregnancy.
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H1N1 Threat Limits Support for Mothers
More hospitals around North America are restricting a laboring mother's access to having labor support by limiting visitors on labor and delivery floors.
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Herpes and Pregnancy
Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases among women. Find out how to keep your baby safe from becoming infected with HSV.
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Vegetables Benefit Baby and Mother
A healthy diet including a variety of healthy vegetables, fruit and lean meats are crucial for pregnancy. New evidence shoes that vegetables may prevent diabetes.
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Preterm Labor Symptoms
Preterm labor occurs in about 1 out of every 10 births. Knowing the signs to look for may help you know when everything is normal versus when to call your care provider.
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Lactose Intolerance and Pregnancy
Getting adequate calcium may be one of the biggest challenges for the pregnant woman with lactose intolerance. Find out what calcium-rich foods you can digest easily.
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