A hernia is a hole in the abdominal muscle wall that causes either intestinal or fatty tissue to poke through. Hernias are a common occurrence during pregnancy, and are the result of abdominal muscles stretching or tearing due to increased...
In the moments during and immediately after birth, the delivery room medical staff is alert to the possibility of hypoxia in the newborn. This condition, caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, can be extremely dangerous for the baby and requires...
For an expectant mother, it is imperative to maintain your health throughout your pregnancy. Your usual exercise routine, however, may feel awkward or uncomfortable as your body changes through each trimester. Yoga offers a gentle and relaxing...
After an average of 40 weeks of pregnancy, a woman goes into labor and gives birth. The delivery of a baby involves many choices on the part of the mother-to-be, including decisions about where to give birth, the degree of assistance desired and...
Your pelvic floor consists of muscles and connective tissue that supports your pelvic organs, such as your lower intestines and urinary bladder. These muscles can become weak after a birth delivery, surgery or from having a sedentary lifestyle....
HIV-positive women contemplating pregnancy or who have recently discovered that they are pregnant often have many concerns about how the virus, which causes AIDS, will affect their unborn child. The ultimate goal of most of these women is to have...
Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, is reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most common curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) in young, sexually active women. The disease affects...
The herpes simplex virus is a highly contagious virus that is spread through direct contact with a lesion or sore, or with viral particles that an infected person sheds. The virus can be transmitted via infected bodily fluids, or passed to a fetus...
The calorie count of the foods in your daily diet should reflect your physical activity level. If your intake exceeds what you can burn off through activity and exercise, you'll gain weight, a major factor in premature deaths. The Office of the...
Both herpes simplex virus Type 1, or HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus Type 2, HSV-2, can cause genital herpes, though HSV-2 is most often the cause. A pregnant woman who has genital herpes can transmit the virus to her baby in utero or during...
Postnatal exercise helps you take time for yourself, lose the baby weight and help boost your mood in the weeks after you've had your baby. If you're breastfeeding, you'll need to take certain precautions to make exercise more comfortable and more...
Because your body relies on the foods that you eat to maintain equilibrium, your diet can extend or detract from your life expectancy. Getting adequate nutrition keeps you stronger longer, while poor nutrition and weight gain instead lead to...
Zinc is a naturally occurring essential mineral that is present in some foods and is also widely available as a nutritional supplement, either by itself or combined with other vitamins and minerals. Zinc serves many important roles in both men and...
Traditionally, the decision to deliver a baby by cesarean section (C-section) was made by a woman's obstetrician. It was based purely on medical reasons such as a baby in the "breech" position (head-up, bottom-down) or a cervix that wouldn't fully...
In 1940, up to 44 percent of all mothers in America gave birth to their babies at home or in a nonhospital location, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. However, by 1969, the number of nonhospital births decreased to 1 percent...
If you are a longtime smoker, you've probably heard all about the health risks associated with your habit from a physician or concerned friend: cancer, heart disease, lung disease, infertility, stained teeth, premature wrinkling and death. You may...
Planning a baby delivery involves getting information and then deciding on the best option for you and your baby. Whether you decide to give birth in a hospital setting, a birthing center or in the privacy of your own home, there are several...
Nearly 4 percent of pregnant women in the United States take illicit drugs during pregnancy, the March of Dimes says, and even more are addicted to legal but potentially harmful drugs such as alcohol and nicotine. Most drugs easily cross the...
Pregnant women need to ensure that they drink enough water during pregnancy. Water helps carry vitamins, trace elements, minerals and hormones to your unborn baby. It breaks down waste products and helps flush them from the kidneys. It can help...
Pregnancy causes weight gain that is often difficult to shed after the birth of your child. In addition to all-over weight gain, fat may tend to accumulate in the lower area of your abdomen. To combat this post-pregnancy lower-belly pooch, begin a...
Childbirth is an exciting time for most expectant mothers, a culmination of 40 weeks of pregnancy. Soon the mother will finally be able to hold her precious newborn. However, the birthing process can be challenging and painful, and no two...
Smoking has long been recognized as a leading contributor to death and disease worldwide. Despite the known harmful health effects of smoking, however, the March of Dimes reports that at least 10 percent of pregnant women in the United States...
Giving birth is a wonderful time in many women's lives. The common image of a birth is a woman in a hospital bed, hooked up to multiple machines and giving birth vaginally. However, women have more than one option when giving birth. If she does...
A woman's body will naturally progress through labor and delivery, but if you or someone close to you is pregnant, it is a good idea to know the steps involved in delivering a baby. This information is important if you must help deliver a baby in...
Increased vaginal discharge is a common complaint during pregnancy, and is the result of fluctuating hormones and increased blood circulation in the vaginal area. Heavier discharge can occur throughout pregnancy without concern. A pregnant woman...
Birthing balls are large inflatable balls originally used by physical therapists, but birthing professionals discovered they were also useful during pregnancy and labor. They are available in different sizes, depending on the height of the woman....
Smoking cigarettes raises tobacco users' risks for many health problems and emergencies above the rate for the general nonsmoking public. When combined with individual risk factors, such as genetics and preexisting medical conditions, the chances...
Hypertension is defined by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as blood pressure readings greater than 140/90 mm Hg. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, hypertension occurs in 6 to 8 percent of all...
