During pregnancy, your uterus tightens and relaxes as it prepares for delivery. These tightenings are called contractions, and they can start well before your baby is ready to be born. Some are just practice. Others are true labor contractions. Knowing the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor can help you feel more confident…
DetailsFirst trimester bleeding is any vaginal bleeding that occurs during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is relatively common, and in many cases, it does not mean something is wrong. However, because bleeding can sometimes signal a problem that requires prompt medical attention, it is important to understand the possible causes, know what your…
DetailsThe second trimester of pregnancy covers weeks 13 through 27 and is often considered the most comfortable. Early symptoms like nausea and fatigue tend to ease, and many women notice a return of energy and appetite. At the same time, your baby is growing rapidly, your body is adjusting to support that growth, and your…
DetailsVaginal infections are among the most common reasons women seek care from an OB/GYN. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can all cause itching, burning, discharge changes, and irritation. The challenge is that their symptoms overlap significantly, which makes self-diagnosis unreliable and self-treatment risky. Getting the right diagnosis matters because each…
DetailsWhat causes morning sickness? Several hormonal and physical changes contribute to pregnancy nausea. Rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen play a major role. New research shows that morning sickness may also be linked to GDF15, a hormone produced in the placenta that increases substantially during pregnancy. Progesterone also relaxes smooth muscle tissue,…
DetailsAn irregular period is any change from what’s typical for your cycle. That could mean periods that come too frequently, too far apart, or that are unpredictable. It can also refer to bleeding that’s heavier than usual, lighter than expected, or accompanied by spotting between cycles. While many people think of a “normal” cycle as…
DetailsA Pap smear and a pelvic exam are two different things, even though they often happen at the same visit. A Pap smear is a screening test that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. A pelvic exam is a physical evaluation of your reproductive organs, including the vulva,…
DetailsHormones do much more than regulate your menstrual cycle. They influence your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, skin, weight, fertility, and how your body responds to stress. When hormones are working well, most women feel steady. When they shift or fall out of balance, symptoms can show up in subtle ways that are easy to blame…
DetailsHow Does Gestational Diabetes Develop? Insulin is the hormone that moves sugar from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. During pregnancy, your body naturally becomes more insulin resistant so that extra glucose is available to support your baby’s growth. For many women, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. When it cannot keep up,…
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