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Ask an Expert
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I was on the Depo Provera shot for about two years, then switched to birth control pill. I'm trying to get pregnant but I'm having irregular periods. I think my uterine lining is thin. What else can I do to get pregnant?
Both the birth control pill and Depo Provera work by temporarily “turning off” the ovaries. By doing so, the ovaries no longer produce eggs and therefore conception is not possible. A side benefit i... continue reading about I was on the Depo Provera shot for about two years, then switched to birth control pill. I'm trying to get pregnant but I'm having irregular periods. I think my uterine lining is thin. What else can I do to get pregnant?
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I am 51 years old. What is my chance of still getting pregnant, and how should I handle birth control as I move through menopause?
Women commonly believe that after a certain age they cannot conceive because they are too old. That is not entirely true. As a woman ages her fertility declines. A 45-year-old woman is less likely to conceive t... continue reading about I am 51 years old. What is my chance of still getting pregnant, and how should I handle birth control as I move through menopause?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How can I get relief from morning sickness?
Morning sickness is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of the day, despite its name. It usually resolves after 16 weeks of pregnancy. Here are some tips to... continue reading about How can I get relief from morning sickness?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the proper steps to take when researching unexplained infertility?
Infertility may be called unexplained only after the standard evaluation yields no obvious cause. The three major factors causing infertility are: 1. sperm abnormalities; 2. disorders of ovulation; 3. anatomic ... continue reading about What are the proper steps to take when researching unexplained infertility?
Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Are birth plans necessary?
Formal, written birth plans are not necessary. It is important to think through your wishes for your labor and delivery, but remember that the course of labor can turn out to be quite different than what you ex... continue reading about Are birth plans necessary?
Jill D. Foley, M.D., FACOG
Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Good question. The terms tubal ligation, tubes tied, tubal sterilization, and female sterilization can all be used interchangeably to describe the same process. In the U.S., up to one third of women use sterili... continue reading about How likely is it for a woman to get pregnant after having her tubes tied?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I want to have a natural birth. What are some reasons my doctor might recommend I have a C-section delivery?
A natural labor and delivery, with a normal vaginal birth, is the ideal for most women. However it may not be possible for some. A C-section, or surgical birth, delivers the baby through an incision in the abdo... continue reading about I want to have a natural birth. What are some reasons my doctor might recommend I have a C-section delivery?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What should I do if I am gaining too much weight during my pregnancy?
Preventing excessive weight gain during your pregnancy will help minimize delivery risks and protect your health. To keep within your recommended weight gain:Eliminate sugars and sweets, which provide lots of c... continue reading about What should I do if I am gaining too much weight during my pregnancy?
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