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Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
With all the advances in fertility treatments, how old is too old for a woman to try to get pregnant?
There is not a universally accepted single age at which pregnancy is not recommended. Advanced maternal age is traditionally defined as pregnancy at or over the age of 35. Not only does it become harder for wom... continue reading about With all the advances in fertility treatments, how old is too old for a woman to try to get pregnant?
Katarina Lanner-Cusin, M.D.
After a C-section birth, how long will I have to wait before I can bond with my child (breastfeeding, skin-on-skin contact, holding my baby)?
The answer may depend on the reason for your C-section birth, as each situation brings its own unique recovery needs. Many times moms can have what is referred to as a Family Centered C-section Birth. That mean... continue reading about After a C-section birth, how long will I have to wait before I can bond with my child (breastfeeding, skin-on-skin contact, holding my baby)?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the risks of having a baby when you're overweight? I need to lose weight, but I'm worried I'll never have a baby if I hold off until I've lost weight.
Ideally, a woman will want to start her pregnancy at a healthy weight for her height, to minimize complications during her pregnancy.Several studies have been done to understand the effect that being overweight... continue reading about What are the risks of having a baby when you're overweight? I need to lose weight, but I'm worried I'll never have a baby if I hold off until I've lost weight.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Is a woman undergoing fertility treatments at higher risk of getting cancer than a woman of the same age who has not taken these drugs?
Most of the studies on the use of fertility drugs have examined hormonally sensitive tumors such as breast, ovarian and uterine malignancies. There does not appear to be any association between fertility drugs ... continue reading about Is a woman undergoing fertility treatments at higher risk of getting cancer than a woman of the same age who has not taken these drugs?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Do women experience a surge in fertility at any point in perimenopause or just before menopause?
The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 years of age. Unfortunately, the fertility potential in women declines well in advance of this time. But to what extent and how quickly? There are few, if... continue reading about Do women experience a surge in fertility at any point in perimenopause or just before menopause?
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I am 22 weeks pregnant. How normal are contractions of the uterus? Is this something I should contact my doctor about?
Uterine contractions can be normal in pregnancy. However there are many circumstances where they may be concerning, for example if you have a history of a preterm delivery, shortened cervix or placenta previa. ... continue reading about I am 22 weeks pregnant. How normal are contractions of the uterus? Is this something I should contact my doctor about?
Robert Altman, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
If I have a C-section with my first pregnancy, does that mean I will have to have one for any future pregnancies?
A trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) is reasonable for many women who have undergone a prior C-section. Research indicates that 60-80 percent of women have a successful vaginal birth after having a s... continue reading about If I have a C-section with my first pregnancy, does that mean I will have to have one for any future pregnancies?
Jodi J. Winemiller, CNM, R.N.
SPMF San Francisco HMO Network
What is postpartum care and why is it important?
The postpartum (after birth) period, sometimes called the fourth trimester, is the time your body recovers from pregnancy, labor and delivery. It typically lasts six to eight weeks but can last longer.“Th... continue reading about What is postpartum care and why is it important?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
I am a new mom, college student and still nursing my daughter. I use a pump but my production keeps going down. I drink herbal teas. What can I do to keep my production from dropping? My daughter is five months old and I hope to nurse for one year.
First, congratulations on your efforts to continue school and continue trying to feed your baby breast milk! It sounds like you are very busy. As new moms return to work and school, it can be hard to keep up wi... continue reading about I am a new mom, college student and still nursing my daughter. I use a pump but my production keeps going down. I drink herbal teas. What can I do to keep my production from dropping? My daughter is five months old and I hope to nurse for one year.
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