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Our experienced panel of experts is here to guide you! Physicians, psychologists, counselors, fitness and nutrition professionals, among many others, bring to this forum vast knowledge and wisdom based on their own education and experience. Here, you can review our database of answers to questions posed by other readers and, if you don't find what you're looking for, ask your own non-urgent question. To find an answer to your question, meet our panelists or to browse previous questions and answers, choose a category below.

• Baby Names
  
  

  • I'm afraid my husband and I are going to argue when we start picking baby names. Any advice?
    Keep an open mind. This is the cardinal rule.
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  • Why are some parents using baby name consultants and how can I find one?
    Some common reasons parents take advantage of hiring a name consultant include the following: Parents are getting too much input from family members or people are telling them the name(s) they've chosen are bad.
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  • My husband wants to name our baby after the city he was conceived in, but I'm not so sure. Is this a popular trend?
    One of the hottest trends in naming is places.
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  • My husband and I have two names for our baby that we absolutely love. How can we pick just one?
    Decisions are difficult – especially big ones, like naming Baby. So why not combine your top two favorites?
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  • I have two middles names picked out for my baby that I love. They both go so well with the first name. Can I use both?
    Yes! With so many parents nowadays putting considerable time into choosing a middle name for their child, middle-naming is developing its own set of trends.
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• Birth Plan Maker
  
  

  • Do you have some tips to help me prepare a good birth plan?
    Having a birth plan is a good thing – being flexible about your plan is an even better thing. Here are some birth plan do's and don'ts: Do write down your ideal labor experience.
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  • I want to include circumcision preferences in my birth plan. Are there any specifics I need to be aware of other than the basic decision of yes or no?
    Discuss these options with your pediatrician prior to delivery.
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  • Can you provide me with some birth plan tips for multiples?
    Remember to include basic information – even if the hospital and doctors already have it.
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• Breastfeeding Basics
  
  

  • I am 15 weeks pregnant and ate a Greek salad with feta cheese. Should I be concerned?
    There is definitely some risk in eating certain foods while pregnant, because you are more susceptible to illness.
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  • I am breastfeeding and do not want to take medication for depression. Are there alternative therapies that can help?
    Alternative therapies, such as yoga, acupuncture, herbs and homeopathy offer support for depression. However, it is recommended that you consult with a primary care provider as well.
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  • Can women with diabetes breastfeed?
    Yes. Women with diabetes can breastfeed, though they may need to check blood sugars more frequently.
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  • Should I massage my breasts to prepare for breastfeeding? Can that cause premature labor?
    Hi, Cherry - Conflicting information about breastfeeding--as well as every other aspect of parenthood -- abounds! You are already doing the best form of preparation for breastfeeding by gathering as much information ahead of time as you can.
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  • Do I need to do anything to prepare my nipples for breastfeeding?
    Not too many years ago, the answer to that question would include a variety of suggestions, all designed to decrease the risk of sore nipples. Pregnant women were told to "toughen" their nipples with towel rubbing and nipple pulling.
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• Complications & Cesareans
  
  

  • How can I best physically prepare myself for a VBAC?
    I have not seen any special protocol for fitness routines for VBACs. The abdominal muscles can be strengthened with typical pregnancy abdominal exercises.
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  • At age 42, what pregnancy problems or complications can I expect?
    The primary risk that a woman who will be older than 35 years of age at the time delivery faces is an increased risk of her infant being born with abnormal chromosomes.
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  • At 30 weeks, what are the chances of turning a breech baby?
    Fetal movement occurs during the entire pregnancy, and as the baby gets larger and longer, his/her movements change. At 30 weeks gestation, you have every good reason to believe that your baby will turn and be head down (cephalic) by 36 weeks.
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  • Should I be concerned about fibroids?
    Fibroids are noted in 30 to 80 percent of women. They are growths of muscle that commonly enlarge during pregnancy because of elevated levels of estrogen.
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  • What could be causing contractions so early on?
    Please call your health care provider immediately to discuss this. Any regular contractions prior to term (38 weeks of pregnancy) require evaluation to rule out premature labor.
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• Dealing with Miscarriage
  
  

  • Am I more fertile after having a miscarriage?
    If you conceived quickly, chances are good for a successful pregnancy happening soon. If your miscarriage was preceded by a long time trying to conceive, then it's not much reassurance, and further infertility usually follows.
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  • How long should I wait to TTC after having a miscarriage?
    There is no good information on whether the outcome for a next pregnancy is better if you conceive very quickly or whether it is better to wait a month or two.
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  • How long should I wait after a miscarriage to conceive again? What are the reasons behind the wait?
    There is no good information on whether the outcome for a next pregnancy is better if you conceive very quickly or whether it is better to wait a month or two.
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  • After a miscarriage, how soon can I try for another pregnancy?
    It is always best to consult with your primary care provider who managed you during your recent loss. They have all your personal data which may influence their discussion of appropriate timing and conception.
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  • What effect does stress have on fertility and can stress cause miscarriage?
    You have asked two related questions: 1) What effect does "stress" have on fertility? 2) Can stress cause miscarriage?
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• Fetal Development
  
  

  • What should early fetal movement feel like?
    Fetal movement can be observed on ultrasound as early as 10 weeks of gestation but most women will begin to feel the movements between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. The earlier movements are usually felt as flutters, bubble sensation or waves.
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  • Can tell the baby's sex by its heartbeat or by the way you are carrying it?
    While old wives tales can be amusing, those of us in the medical profession don't use the baby's heart rate as a determiner of sex.
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  • I'm 35 weeks, and my baby's not moving as much now. Is that OK?
    I would recommend that you discuss these changes in the baby's movement with your provider. Although movements may be less pronounced toward term, you should still be getting a minimum of 10 movements in a 12-hour period.
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  • Can my unborn baby get chicken pox?
    Once you have had chicken pox you are immune. Your unborn baby is also protected from that immunity, so no, there is no risk of exposure to the fetus if the pregnant woman is immune.
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  • What does it mean when a person only has two blood vessels in the umbilical cord? Are there any risks?
    The normal fetal umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein. A variation of this is when just one umbilical artery is found, or single umbilical artery (SUA).
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• First Pregnancy
  
  

  • What are some questions I should ask when interviewing an OB/GYN, and what should their C-section rate be?
    You can certainly ask an OB/GYN what their C-section rate for the last year was and ideally that number is under 20 percent, but it can fluctuate a lot from year to year.
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  • I'm 17 and pregnant. What do I do, and how do I tell my family?
    Well, the first thing that needs to happen, and it sounds like it has, is that you face the reality of what is happening in your life.
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  • Is there a way to anticipate an incompetent cervix with a first pregnancy?
    There are three issues raised by your question: 1) What is an incompetent cervix and does this terminology have any relevance to someone with your history?
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  • How soon should I schedule my first prenatal appointment?
    I'm assuming you found out you are pregnant within a few days of missing a period, and so the wait seems very long, however, this is not at all unusual.
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  • How frequently should the baby be moving?
    It is IMPORTANT that you contact your health provider immediately. Any perceived decrease in fetal movement warrants an immediate call to your provider.
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• First Trimester
  
  

  • Any suggestions for terrible morning sickness?
    Please call your health care provider right away. Severe vomiting can lead to dehydration and, on occasion, hospitalization if not addressed early.
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  • How safe is Diclectin and what else should I try for morning sickness?
    After a long search, I finally found Diclectin, and it is not available in the United States. You must live in or close to Canada.
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  • Is severe morning sickness common?
    The amount of nausea and weight loss (or gain) women experience is different from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy.
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  • I'm on my 10th week of pregnancy and I would like to know if it's safe for me to eat fruits containing high percentage of acid like pineapples or green mangos.
    I would think that if pineapples caused miscarriage there would be a quite a lot of press about them and their ill effects on pregnancy.
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  • I am in my first trimester and am experiencing nausea and vomiting. How do I know when it's not "normal"?
    One of the most distressing symptoms of the first half of pregnancy is nausea and vomiting. This is your body's response to the rapidly changing hormone levels in your body.
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• Fitness & Nutrition for Conception
  
  

  • If I am trying to conceive, should I limit the amount of exercise I do? Is running OK to continue while trying to conceive?
    Recent studies have shown that for most healthy women, maintaining their normal exercise routine does not impair their fertility.
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  • I am planning to get pregnant this summer and would like to know what is generally considered a good fitness plan to prepare for pregnancy.
    Make sure you read the ACOG guidelines on PregnancyToday.com for guidelines for exercise during pregnancy.
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  • How can I get myself in the best physical health before attempting pregnancy?
    Get a checkup. I recommend a visit with your health care provider at least 6 months before attempting pregnancy.
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  • Does using the treadmill or the speed I use it at affect my chances of getting pregnant?
    Any exercise is great to continue and will not adversely affect your chances for pregnancy. If anything, regular exercise is a great stress reducer and helps keep women closer to ideal body weight, which enhances the chances of pregnancy.
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  • Should I start taking prenatal vitamins now, or just normal multi-vitamins and B-supplements?
    You need to take a minimum of 0.4 mg folic acid daily.
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• Healthy & Safe Pregnancy
  
  

  • Is it safe to go on amusement park rides?
    There should not be a problem with the rides at this point of pregnancy. You may feel more nausea or motion sickness, but this should not impact the pregnancy itself.
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  • Are hot tubs off-limits to pregnant women?
    Hot tubs are only safe to use during pregnancy when the temperature is set at 100 degrees and below, especially during the first trimester. Most hot tubs are set between 110 to 120 degrees, which is too high for pregnant women.
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  • Is it safe to use a computer during pregnancy?
    To date there is no research that indicates that using computers during your pregnancy can be harmful. During pregnancy, however, you can be at increased risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
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  • I am expecting my second child. I am concerned about my weight but have little time to exercise. Do you have any suggestions?
    Since you already have a child and your time is probably limited, then walk, walk, walk! Put the baby in the stroller and just go for it.
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  • I am in the best shape of my life and want to know how to maintain that during pregnancy?
    With the approval of your health care provider, you should be able to continue your running until it is no longer comfortable to do so. As a marathon runner I will assume that you are in touch with your body.
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• Home & Water Birth
  
  

  • What are some advantages of having my baby at home?
    First and foremost, you get to keep your baby! The baby won't be taken away for bathing, blood tests, "observation" or any other reason; bonding begins immediately and continues uninterrupted.
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  • I am a diabetic. Could I have a home birth?
    There are several forms of diabetes, presenting varying levels of risk, depending mainly on the degree to which the blood sugar can be controlled. Regular, frequent exercise and proper diet are essential for diabetics (as they are for everyone!
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  • What are the benefits of a home birth?
    Giving birth at home offers many things that a hospital cannot provide, such as privacy, the comfort of your own home and bedroom, the opportunity to sleep in your own bed and to snuggle with your partner.
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  • Is home birth safe?
    The following statistics illustrate the success of home birth. These numbers were compiled from a study of the North American Registry of Midwives and published in the British Medical Journal, June 2005.
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  • Who can have a home birth?
    A good candidate for home birth is a woman who truly wants to give birth at home. Also, she must be considered "low-risk" by the medical establishment.
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• Labor & Delivery
  
  

  • Which anesthetics will make you sleepy?
    It is interesting that labor analgesia is one of the few areas of anesthesiology in which we usually want our patients to be awake. Most other types of anesthesia include sleep or drowsiness as an important goal.
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  • How can I be sure my anesthesiologist knows what he's doing?
    First of all, it is normal to be nervous, anxious and scared about anesthesia. Since you have had anesthesia before, it is likely that you have specific experiences that were difficult or that you are worried about.
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  • How can I avoid an episiotomy or tearing?
    There are many factors which play into whether a woman tears or has an episiotomy. Some of these factors are the mother's prior delivery status, nutritional status, size of the baby, as well as factors at the time of delivery ( i.
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  • I want to keep the cord blood for family use but would also like to donate some. Is there enough in there for both if they are only taking a syringe full?
    As more and more families choose to explore the immense potentials of an infant's cord blood collection, more questions arise as to the options for banking, as well as, the actual process of collecting and donating.
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  • Why do the hospitals only allow laboring women to have ice chips?
    The concern is that having liquids or food will lead to vomiting.
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• Postpartum
  
  

  • How can I get back in shape after being on bed rest?
    Regarding postpartum muscle loss, I would recommend that any woman consult with her physician before beginning an exercise program. Postpartum recovery after bed rest is longer, and often more difficult.
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  • Is it normal to feel tired and depressed during pregnancy?
    There are often difficulties in trying to sort out what is "normal" during the third trimester from what isn't. Many of the symptoms that women go through during this time ARE normal, like the tiredness you are experiencing.
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  • What is postpartum depression and how can it be avoided?
    In the literature, postpartum mood disorders are described along a continuum with postpartum blues at one end and a rare condition at the other end known as postpartum psychosis. Post partum depression falls somewhere in between the two.
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• Preconception - Trying to Conceive
  
  

  • What can I do to increase my chances of getting pregnant?
    One of the most important things you and your spouse can do to facilitate a healthy baby is to live a healthy lifestyle prior to conception.
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  • Does it matter how many times you have intercourse when you are trying to conceive?
    Of course, without intercourse your chances of becoming pregnant are zero. Conversely, if you have more frequent intercourse, it's more likely that the sperm and egg timing will match.
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  • After making love, I noticed that a lot of semen leaks out. I lie down for 30 minutes or even overnight, and it still happens. Is this normal? Will this affect my ability to conceive?
    It is normal for semen to leak out of the vagina even the next day after intercourse. Remember, sperm are mobile so they will swim up through the cervical mucous soon after ejaculation.
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  • Do orgasms help, hinder or have no bearing on conception?
    It makes no difference if there is female orgasm for the sperm. They are pretty fast swimmers either way.
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  • I was just wondering if there is anything that can trigger a miscarriage or anything that can avoid it or if it's just what your body decides?
    The incidence of first trimester pregnancy loss varies from about 15 to 35 percent. There are various reasons that predispose couples to recurrent pregnancy loss (two or more first trimester losses).
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• Pregnancy Checkups & Tests
  
  

  • I had two previous pregnancies with gestational diabetes both times. Is it possible to have a natural childbirth with a nurse-midwife with this history?
    Many midwives see women with either a history of preterm labor or gestational diabetes during their pregnancies. The combination of factors in your case may place you in a high-risk category.
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  • What questions should I ask when choosing a doula?
    Below are some questions you should consider discussing with any prospective doula: Have you attended a Doula training workshop?
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  • Is it worth hiring a doula if I am going to have a C-section?
    I believe everyone should have a doula - especially during a cesarean section.
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  • What is an average fee for a Doula? Is this fee often covered by health insurance?
    Only a small portion of doulas receive insurance reimbursement at this time, yet the number seems to be increasing gradually.
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  • My daughter is interested in becoming a doula. Where can we find out about training and salary?
    There are two main certifying bodies for doulas in North America. One is Doulas of North America (DONA) and the other is The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE).
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• Pregnancy Nutrition & Recipes
  
  

  • Do you have a good recipe for eggnog and because of scare of eating raw eggs, is it safe to drink?
    I would never serve raw eggs in any dish for any reason. Although the chances are slim that eggs would be contaminated with salmonella, I still would not take the risk.
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  • What are some meals that freeze well for after the baby arrives?
    There are many meals that your husband can heat in a snap and they won't require too much effort on his part. Soups and many one-dish casseroles are great for the job.
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  • Can I make and freeze my own waffles?
    I almost always prepare extra waffles and then freeze them. When I make a batch of waffles, I allow the extras to first cool on wire racks.
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  • How can I convert recipes to metrics?
    Here is a conversion chart I was able to find. To me your system of metrics is confusing, so I sympathize with your plight.
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  • How does bulimia affect a fetus?
    It's not ridiculous. Bulemia is a serious and all too prevalent eating disorder.
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• Second Trimester
  
  

  • Why is my belly button so sore?
    Either your expanding uterus or the vomiting can be the cause of a sore belly button. If the vomiting was the cause, the tenderness will probably resolve in a day or two.
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  • Is severe morning sickness common?
    The amount of nausea and weight loss (or gain) women experience is different from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy.
    Read the answer >
  • Can I go backpacking at four months?
    If your family is willing to let you set the pace, you should physically be able to do it. If you have not hiked before, take the time to gradually work up to the stamina and pace you will need.
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  • I notice that my tailbone hurts and is changing shape. Is this normal?
    As with many pregnant women, you are probably dealing with lax ligaments of the sacroiliac joints and the joint between the sacrum and your tailbone. You can thank your hormones for that.
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  • I am 26 weeks along and looking for specific exercises to stay toned. Can you suggest some ideas?
    During pregnancy, your body changes to accommodate a growing baby. It is important to strengthen the shoulders and upper back, abdominals and legs.
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• Signs & Symptoms
  
  

  • Any suggestions for combating fatigue?
    Fatigue is a common effect of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. When you consider all the incredible changes your body is experiencing, the mere thought is exhausting.
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  • Why does pregnancy make me have to urinate so often?
    Very soon after pregnancy occurs there is an enlargement of the uterus. The uterus is anatomically in very close proximity to the bladder, therefore producing some pressure from the uterus towards the bladder.
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  • What is implantation spotting? How much blood is there in this spotting? For how long would implantation spotting go on?
    Implantation bleeding, or spotting, occurs approximately eight to 12 days after conception. It occurs when the blastocyst (which develops into the fetus) embeds into the uterine wall.
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  • Is it possible to be pregnant and still get your period? If so, how common is it and how long would it last?
    The term "period" lends itself to much confusion among patients. Menstrual bleeding is a physiologic event in which the uterine lining is shed when conception fails to take place.
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  • What are some early signs that I might be having twins?
    Some signs and symptoms of a multiple birth include excessive morning sickness and exhaustion in the first trimester, measuring or feeling farther along than you are in pregnancy, and hearing two heartbeats.
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• Third Trimester
  
  

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