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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
P. Adam Dodd, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I've been trying to conceive for three months now and no luck. Is something wrong with me?
No, you don't need to be worried yet. Seventy percent of all couples trying to have a baby don't conceive within the first three months. The standard would normally be to have a medical evaluation after 12 mont... continue reading about I've been trying to conceive for three months now and no luck. Is something wrong with me?
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?
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
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?
Susan Maayah, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I've been on birth control for five years. I did not skip a dose, but I'm having mid-cycle bleeding after having unprotected sex. I took vitamin C for a cold and read that excessive amounts can cause birth control to stop working. Is this true?
Taking vitamin C will not interfere with the efficacy of your birth control pill. You should not be concerned about pregnancy unless you missed your pills or started your pack late. If your mid-cycle bleeding i... continue reading about I've been on birth control for five years. I did not skip a dose, but I'm having mid-cycle bleeding after having unprotected sex. I took vitamin C for a cold and read that excessive amounts can cause birth control to stop working. Is this true?
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
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?
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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