OB/Gyn, Midwife or Doula?
Explore birthing partners to find the ideal person to support you through delivery.
Prenatal Trimester Checklist
Review this checklist to make sure you’re on track for each trimester.
Do’s and Don’ts During Pregnancy
Check this list of do’s and don’ts for what to do or avoid during pregnancy.
Ask an Expert
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.
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
I'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?
If your major goal, in addition to reliable contraception, is to reduce the menstrual flow and frequency of periods, then a Mirena IUD, which secretes progesterone-like hormone locally in the uterine cavity wit... continue reading about I'm 38 and have been in a relationship for three years. I've been on the pill for 20 years and don't want more kids, but I don't like the melasma side effect of birth control pills. I've considered an IUD but know someone whose device migrated. Options?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How long should a couple attempt to get pregnant before seeking fertility treatments? My husband and I have been trying for over a year.
Infertility has been traditionally defined as an inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. This set-point of what is normal versus what is abnormal was determined decades ago fr... continue reading about How long should a couple attempt to get pregnant before seeking fertility treatments? My husband and I have been trying for over a year.
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've heard that you can't get pregnant during your period. Is this just an old wives tale? Should I be concerned about protection during this time?
You can get pregnant only around the time of ovulation, which for most women with regular 28-day cycles corresponds to days 12-16. So if your period comes at the expected time and is normal in terms of flow, it... continue reading about I've heard that you can't get pregnant during your period. Is this just an old wives tale? Should I be concerned about protection during this time?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What foods should I avoid in pregnancy?
Here are some general guidelines on food intake during pregnancy:Fish/Seafood:Eat no more than 12 oz of cooked fish a weekLimit tuna to once per weekAvoid shark, tile fish, or king mackerelAlcohol:Not recommend... continue reading about What foods should I avoid in pregnancy?
More Resources
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.