Signs of Contractions: How Do You Know When You’re Ready to Deliver? Contractions – they’re uncomfortable, in fact, downright painful. On the other hand, if they are true contractions, they’re a sign that your baby is on the way – and that’s a good thing! Contractions come in two varieties – true contractions and false contractions. It’s important to differentiate … [Read more...] about Signs of Contractions: How Do You Know When You’re Ready to Deliver?
Contraceptives after Birth: What Are Your Options?
Contraceptives after Birth: What Are Your Options? After giving birth, it’s time think about what form of contraception to use to prevent future pregnancies. The time until you’re fertile again and able get pregnant is variable, but it’s not likely that you’ll be able to conceive again until your baby is at least 3 weeks old. Still, you need to be ready when your fertility … [Read more...] about Contraceptives after Birth: What Are Your Options?
What Are False Contractions?
You’re waiting to feel those first contractions – a sign that you’re ready to deliver! Yet, before you have your first REAL contractions, you may have false contractions. These contractions are also called Braxton Hicks contractions to distinguish them from the real kind that lead to labor. Think of these contractions as “practice” for the real thing and a sign that … [Read more...] about What Are False Contractions?
Pregnant Over 40: What Are the Health Risks?
Women live longer than men and the average lifespan of both sexes is increasing. That potentially means more time to raise a family. These days, it’s not unusual to see women in their 40s and even 50s carrying a baby. However, pregnancies that happen past the age of 35 are still high risk. Chances are, you’ll have a healthy pregnancy and delivery, yet your risk of developing … [Read more...] about Pregnant Over 40: What Are the Health Risks?
Caring for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord Stump
For the nine long months your baby grows within your womb, the umbilical cord functions as the life-line for him, carrying oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to his body. What happens to the umbilical cord after birth At birth, the cord remains attached to the baby and the placenta, before being cut by the doctor. [1, 2] Once it is cut and clamped on the … [Read more...] about Caring for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord Stump