OB/Gyn, Midwife or Doula?
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Prenatal Trimester Checklist
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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
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?
In general, tubal ligation is a very safe procedure associated with the small risks of laparoscopy and anesthesia in a healthy woman, regardless of her age. However, other permanent methods of tubal steril... continue reading about What are the risks of getting your tubes tied? Are your early 20s too soon to get this procedure done?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Is a woman undergoing fertility treatments at higher risk of getting cancer than a woman of the same age who has not taken these drugs?
Most of the studies on the use of fertility drugs have examined hormonally sensitive tumors such as breast, ovarian and uterine malignancies. There does not appear to be any association between fertility drugs ... continue reading about Is a woman undergoing fertility treatments at higher risk of getting cancer than a woman of the same age who has not taken these drugs?
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?
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?
Katarina Lanner-Cusin, M.D.
I am afraid of having a vaginal birth. Can I request a C-section delivery?
It is normal to be apprehensive about childbirth, whether by vaginal or C-section delivery, especially if you are a first-time mom. A vaginal birth will be supported by nurses and your midwife or your physician... continue reading about I am afraid of having a vaginal birth. Can I request a C-section delivery?
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
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?
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?
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