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Ask an Expert
Robert Altman, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Do C-section births have increased risks for me and my baby?
Although a Caesarean (C-section) birth is sometimes the best option for the health of mother and baby, there can be additional risks associated with this major surgical procedure. Any major surgery carries the ... continue reading about Do C-section births have increased risks for me and my baby?
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)?
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?
Katarina Lanner-Cusin, M.D.
Are there ways that I can help avoid a C-section delivery?
There are times when a C-section birth is unavoidable, due to medical conditions such as placenta previa or a baby in the breech position. Having said that, here are a few tips that may help a mother with a nor... continue reading about Are there ways that I can help avoid a C-section delivery?
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
While pregnant, should I "eat for two?"
No. It is a myth that a pregnant woman must "eat for two." Although pregnancy increases the body's need for calories and nutrition, the amounts of calories or specific nutrients you need are NOT doubled. About ... continue reading about While pregnant, should I "eat for two?"
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?
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?
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?
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