Pregnancy, Fertility and Childbirth

Recently Answered
Q How can pregnant women avoid heartburn?
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Frances Largeman-Roth, Nutrition & Dietetics
Here are some tips on avoiding heartburn during pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association: Lay off spicy foods. Try not to eat a large meal right before going to bed (no later than two hours before bedtime). Prop yourself up on... Full Answer
Q How can I prevent gas while I'm pregnant?
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Frances Largeman-Roth, Nutrition & Dietetics
To stifle gas when pregnant: Avoid the foods that make it worse. If cabbage and other cruciferous veggies (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower) make your belly expand, avoid them, deal with the consequences, or cook the crunch out of them.... Full Answer
Q How do I regain a healthy weight and shape after delivery?
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Both pregnancy and labor can affect a woman's body. After giving birth you will lose about 10 pounds right away and a little more as body fluid levels decrease. Don't expect or try to lose additional pregnancy weight right away. Gradual weight loss over... Full Answer
Q How does a pregnancy affect my back?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, Cardiology
Pregnancy can strain your back as your baby grows. Watch as Dr. Oz discusses how a growing baby can affect your spine and posture in this video. Full Answer
Q Where can I learn about the effects of taking medication during pregnancy?
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There are several ways to find out more about the effects a medication might have when taken during pregnancy: The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS): The Organization of Teratology Information Specialists gives information... Full Answer
Q Are medications tested to see if they are safe to use during pregnancy?
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates medications to ensure their general safety and effectiveness. All prescription and over-the-counter medications are tested to see if they are safe and effective before they become available to... Full Answer
Q What medications should I avoid if I'm pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
Here's a list of medications you should avoid while pregnant: Accutane for acne. Aspirin - In rare cases, baby aspirin may be recommended in the first trimester to moms who have repeated miscarriages. Once outside of the first trimester, aspirin and... Full Answer
Q What exercises help eliminate diastasis recti?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
These are some exercises that will help tighten your core and eliminate the separation in your abdominal muscles some women have after giving birth (called a diastasis recti). And ultimately, this can be your lifelong program for strengthening and... Full Answer
Q Why are twin births becoming more common?
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Dr. Michele Borba, Psychology
The twin birth rate in the U.S. has more than doubled over the last decades. Reasons for the increase include more women delaying having a family until over 30 (and for some reason, moms in their 30s are more likely to have twins than younger or... Full Answer
Q Who should have an amniocentesis test?
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A doctor may recommend that you undergo amniocentesis during your pregnancy in the following situations: You will be age 35 or older at the time of delivery; You have had a previous child with certain birth defects or genetic... Full Answer