Group B streptococcal (GBS, or beta strep) bacterial infection during pregnancy can cause preterm birth and life-threatening disease in newborns. The CDC recommends screening for GBS in all near-term women and the administration of antibiotics in...
Dong quai is a plant used primarily for the treatment of a variety of ailments in women's health care. Dong quai has been called the "female ginseng" because of its use in the treatment of female genitourinary symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain...
While pregnant, no known quantity of alcohol is considered safe for the baby, therefore many obstetricians recommend that pregnant women avoid alcohol completely as soon as they know they are pregnant. According to the American Pregnancy...
When pregnant during the summer, it's tempting to take some time to lay out in the sun for the ideal sun-kissed glow. But before you head out with your swimsuit and towel, consider the way that UV rays affect both you and your baby. While only...
Pregnancy often brings stiff and sore muscles, cramps and stretched ligaments, all of which can be alleviated with heat treatments; however, the use of heat wraps and other heat treatments is controversial, with some medical practitioners...
Couples can face many obstacles to starting their families, and infertility is one of them. Thousands of dollars are spent every year on fertility treatments and medications. Once all other options have been exhausted with no luck, some couples...
Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy are responsible for many changes in your skin. Sebum production may increase, causing acne or other blemishes. Pregnancy limits treatment options due to possible transference to your unborn baby. There are...
Red yeast rice is a supplement made by fermenting rice with a certain kind of yeast. These supplements are widely available in markets, health food stores and online. The most popular use for red yeast rice is to treat high cholesterol in place of...
If you were a diet soda pop drinker before pregnancy, you might be wondering whether you need to give it while you're expecting. There are several reasons you might want to consider temporarily ceasing your consumption of diet soda during...
Taking anything during pregnancy should be done with caution. The things you consume while pregnant can reach your placenta, and, ultimately, your unborn baby. Speak with your doctor about any supplements and medications you take, as soon as you...
Aspartame is an alternative to sugar and is often chosen by women who are watching their caloric intake. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame are made from two amino acids called phenylalanine and aspartic acid, Baby Center reports. When you are...
Caffeine boosts your blood pressure, elevates your pulse and induces more frequent urination. None of these physical changes are safe when you're pregnant. Furthermore, caffeine crosses through the placenta and reaches your still-developing baby,...
Prenatal massage not only relaxes a mother-to-be's body, it quiets her mind and helps prepare her body for birth. While it is a complement to standard prenatal care, women should nevertheless discuss prenatal massage with their doctors or...
The beverages you consume while pregnant may support the healthy development of your unborn baby, or they may prevent proper growth if they do not contain key nutrients. Always avoid any alcoholic beverages while expecting, but some drink choices...
Doctors determine your due date by the first day of your missed menstrual cycle, so, though fertilization --- the point at which you're technically pregnant --- won't typically occur until two weeks into your cycle, you're considered two weeks...
Fennel is an herb in the parsley family. It is a plant with yellow flowers and every part of it is edible and has been used for flavoring, including the seeds. Although fennel seed offers some benefits for pregnancy ailments, it is best to be...
Tender breasts during pregnancy, caused by increased levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen, is a common complaint of pregnant women. For many women, coping with tender, painful and swollen breasts during pregnancy starts with a...
Family Planning involves preparing for having children, contraception, sexual education and general birth control. Through better education and planning you can prepare thoroughly for starting a family and can avoid unwanted pregnancy or sexually...
Ayurveda uses herbs and food as a path to wellness. One of Ayurveda's highly beneficial herbs is ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a bush that thrives in the sandy, loamy soils of the drier, more temperate parts of India. Its roots are generally...
A woman's hormones can play a significant role in triggering headaches. Specifically, levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones may affect headache-related chemicals in the brain. Consequently, women often experience "hormonal headaches" before...
Pregnancy affects women differently, but according to Miriam Stoppard, M.D. author of "Conception, Pregnancy and Birth," the vast majority of pregnant women experience either morning sickness, an increase in appetite, or both at some point during...
The body experiences many physical and emotional changes during pregnancy, and focusing on exercise when you may not have much energy to get off the couch can seem daunting. But certain strengthening exercises can help make the pregnancy more...
While women have many birth control options, from pills to implantable devices, men are limited to using condoms, having a vasectomy or practicing the withdrawal method, which is also referred to as coitus interruptus or the pull-out method.
Human chorionic gonadotropin, also called HCG, is a type of hormone that some people try to use to lose weight. Normally, HCG is produced by the placenta among pregnant women and is often measured to confirm pregnancy. Alternatively, some programs...
Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, is a plant commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia and nervous restlessness. Many people use valerian as an alternative to prescription sleep aids. Herbal practitioners also use valerian root for...
The vast majority of pregnant women experience some degree of morning sickness or pregnancy-related nausea, particularly during the first trimester. Since it's best to avoid prescription and over-the-counter drugs during pregnancy, alternative...
Caffeine is both a food additive and a drug that has a stimulating effect on users. When you drink your morning coffee, the stimulating effects of caffeine usually help you feel more awake and focused, but can can have negative side effects for...
You likely pay more attention to what you eat now than before you got pregnant, and you should. The foods you eat while pregnant play a vital role in the health and development of your unborn baby. Certain foods should also be off limits because...
Senna is a herb that is used as an alternative herbal laxative, in place of pharmaceutical drugs. While it is believed that medicines have a harsh effect on the body due to their synthetic nature, senna can be invasive in the body and is usually...
Learn Alternate Warrior for Prenatal Yoga in this free pregnancy exercise video from our expert on fitness for expecting mothers.
