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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?
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.
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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?
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Sutter Health
I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?
From 1,200-1,500 mg of calcium is recommended every day during pregnancy. If you are lactose intolerant, you will need to look for other good sources of calcium, such as legumes (starchy beans), dark green vege... continue reading about I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?
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Sutter Health
What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?
One of the most common questions asked of an obstetrician is, “ Is it safe to take medication during pregnancy?” The answer is yes, for most over-the-counter drugs, even though they may contain the ... continue reading about What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My partner and I have been trying to get pregnant for a while. Are there any non-medical approaches, such as relaxation or meditation techniques, that could improve my chances of becoming pregnant?
That question is best answered at an individual level. Infertility can be the result of a number of impairments of varying nature and severity. For this reason, we recommend a basic evaluation and individualize... continue reading about My partner and I have been trying to get pregnant for a while. Are there any non-medical approaches, such as relaxation or meditation techniques, that could improve my chances of becoming 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
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
My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and I have a few questions that I'm kind of embarrassed to ask our doctor. Does an orgasm help you get pregnant? Should I try and keep the sperm in for awhile, and is there a best sex position for conception?
It is not clear if having a orgasm increases the chance of conception. Contractions of the muscles and elevation of the cervix may indeed enhance efficiency of sperm transport. We do know with certainty that or... continue reading about My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and I have a few questions that I'm kind of embarrassed to ask our doctor. Does an orgasm help you get pregnant? Should I try and keep the sperm in for awhile, and is there a best sex position for conception?
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