The pelvic floor is a hammock of muscle and connective tissue that stretches from your pubic bone to your tailbone. It holds up the bladder, uterus, and rectum, controls when you urinate and pass stool, and plays a big role in sexual sensation. When the pelvic floor weakens, it cannot perform those functions as well.…
A prenatal vitamin is a daily supplement designed to deliver the nutrients you need most when pregnant, in amounts that are hard to reach from food alone. It is a safety net for the handful of nutrients where even a good diet tends to fall short: folate, iron, DHA, calcium, vitamin D, and choline. The…
Back pain in pregnancy is caused by a set of changes that begin far earlier than most women expect. Within the first trimester, your body starts producing relaxin, a hormone that loosens the ligaments and joints of your pelvis to prepare for delivery. Progesterone rises sharply and relaxes smooth muscle throughout your body. Blood volume…
The baby blues and postpartum depression are two different conditions, and the difference comes down to timing, intensity, and how long it lasts. The baby blues are a short-lived mood shift caused largely by the sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone after delivery, combined with exhaustion and the enormous adjustment of parenting a newborn. Baby…
Pregnancy headaches are a common part of expecting a baby, and for many women, they begin surprisingly early. Most often, they show up in the first trimester, when hormone levels are changing quickly and your body is adjusting to being pregnant. These headaches are usually harmless, but they can be uncomfortable and sometimes worrying if…
Heavy menstrual bleeding is more than just an inconvenient period. Known medically as menorrhagia, it means bleeding that is heavier or lasts longer than what is typical, to the point that it affects your daily life. Many women assume their heavy periods are simply normal for them, but bleeding that soaks through tampons and pads,…
Irregular periods are menstrual cycles that fall outside the typical range of every 21 to 35 days. Most women experience some changes in their cycle at different points in life, and not every shift is cause for concern. But when you have an irregular period for more than a few months, it often points to…
Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women who had normal blood pressure before. It affects about 6–8% of pregnancies in the United States. Unlike preeclampsia, gestational hypertension does not include protein in the urine or signs of organ damage. Still, it requires close monitoring because it can…
Painful sex, known medically as dyspareunia, is far more common than most people realize. Studies estimate that nearly 75% of women will experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives. Despite how common it is, many women hesitate to bring it up with their doctor. But pain during sex is not something you…
Many expecting parents want to know what choices they have when it comes to how they labor and deliver. Beyond the standard hospital experience, there are a number of alternative labor options that can help you feel more comfortable, more in control, and more connected to the birthing process. Understanding your options is the first…