Pregnancy Health

Oh, to live in a world where we could control every variable to our liking! From choosing our future child's gender to cherry-picking his or her genetic makeup, the idea of deciding so much of our lives seems a bit more science fiction than reality. That is, except where the actual delivery is concerned.For decades, women and their doctors have been deciding when to birth … [Read more...] about Why your baby’s worth the wait

At each prenatal appointment, you'll notice the nurse taking and recording your blood pressure. Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will monitor your pressure, making sure the top and bottom numbers don't rise above 140 and 90 respectively.What's all the fuss?Whether you had high blood pressure prior to conceiving, or it's cropped up now that … [Read more...] about Why high blood pressure in pregnancy matters

Worried about how you'll manage the pain of childbirth? Your doctor or midwife may prescribe more sunshine. Recent research from the American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests vitamin D may help ease labor pains.For years, the medical world has tied vitamin D deficiency to higher rates of depression, anxiety and pain. But now, this new study correlates low vitamin D … [Read more...] about Breaking news: Ease labor pain with vitamin D

No woman in her right mind would enter into an episiotomy willingly. But that's precisely the problem - in the throes of labor, no woman is in her right mind. Blame it on adrenaline, the intense vulnerability of childbirth or the hunger for an end to labor. No matter the reason behind a woman's consent of it, data show doctors performing this controversial snip on more than … [Read more...] about Episiotomy: The ‘little snip’ you probably don’t need

Short of breath? It's time to get that asthma in check. For a woman who has a history of this disease, the key to a healthy pregnancy is managing her symptoms under a doctor's care. Asthma is common, treatable and poses no additional risks to your developing baby - just as long as you're fastidious about treatment. Why treatment matters You may be well accustomed to shortness … [Read more...] about Asthma and pregnancy: Why treatment can’t wait