Female Care

Affecting about 4% of all pregnancies, gestational diabetes is not a common condition but one that should be taken seriously. With about 135,000 new cases of gestational diabetes diagnosed each year, it is enough of a concern that all pregnant women are tested for it between weeks 24 and 28 of their pregnancy. Continue reading »

Once diagnosed with gestational diabetes, treatment for the pregnant woman will begin quickly. The first thing your doctor will do is counsel you to visit with both an endocrinologist or perinatologist and a nutritionist. Your team of specialists will work with you with the ultimate goal of lowering your blood sugar levels to those that are considered in a normal range for pregnancy. Continue reading »

Everybody needs good nutrition but the need for healthy food by pregnant women is more critical. This is because food nourishes both the mother and unborn child. If you are expecting and want to stay healthy for the duration of your pregnancy, you will need to be mindful of what you eat and the sufficiency of the nutrients you are taking in. On the other hand, if you are yet on the planning stage of having a baby, this will be the perfect time to learn about pregnancy nutrition. Eating healthy even before you try conceiving is the best way to prepare your body for pregnancy. It is best for you to work together with your partner in aiming for a healthy pregnancy for your sake and that of your baby. This will ensure that your child will receive the appropriate nourishment for proper growth and development. Continue reading »

Although polycystic ovary syndrome is a serious medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment by a medical professional, understanding the symptoms and causes will make you more informed when you talk to your doctor. Since polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone imbalance, the symptoms can be very obvious. Still, some women have the disease and exhibit few or none of the symptoms, so regular consultation with a doctor is always recommended. Many women with polycystic ovary syndrome are able to lead normal, healthy lives, but there are some health considerations that you should be aware of, such as the potential development of diabetes or other serious conditions. Continue reading »

It seems that our dependence on technology is such nowadays that we’re happy to let it take over the job of Mother Nature – at least when it comes to helping us deliver our babies. Not content to let nature take its course, more and more women are undergoing induced birth with the aid of technological intervention. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of induced births has doubled since 1990, and in 2006 22.5 percent of births in the US were induced.
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Vaginismus is an involuntary tensing of the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening preventing anything from penetrating it. A woman with vaginismus doesn’t control this muscle tensing; it’s an involuntary pelvic response to anything attempting to penetrate the vagina. And for some women it can make sex extremely painful or even impossible.

There are two types of vaginismus: primary and secondary. Primary vaginismus occurs in women the very first time they try to have penetrative sex and on any subsequent occasion they attempt it, while secondary vaginismus occurs suddenly in women who have never previously had any problems with penetration. Continue reading »

The moment you conceive a child your body begins to change. It has to in order to become the safe haven that the baby needs to grow. While the changes can be difficult, they are normal and usually nothing to worry about. You’ll notice different changes for each trimester. Some will be unmistakable, such as the cessation of menstruation, while others are more subtle, coming on slowly over the course of a few days or weeks. The key to taking the new developments in your body in stride, is to understand which changes may occur and when. This makes things much easier. With that in mind, we’ll start with the first trimester. Continue reading »

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful way to bond a new mother and baby.  Unfortunately, breastfeeding can also be a source of frustration if a mother’s milk supply is not enough to satiate the newborn.  Instead of turning to formula, there are some methods that a new mother can use to attempt to increase her milk supply.

Increase fluid intake:  This may be the simplest and easiest solution.  If a mother finds that she’s not producing enough milk, it’s possible that she has overlooked her own hydration needs.  A breastfeeding mom needs to continue with the average of 64 ounces per day of water that she consumed while pregnant.  With a newborn, it’s possible for a mom to find herself too busy with the baby to look after herself, but proper hydration is a necessity.  A healthy mom= a healthy baby. Continue reading »

A missed period is sometimes the first sign a woman has that she may be pregnant. For other women, however, they begin to experience pregnancy symptoms a week or two before a period is even due. It can be nerve wracking to wait and find out whether or not you are pregnant. You are probably asking the question: how soon can I take a pregnancy test?
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Choosing a method of contraception is a personal decision many women face.  The Mirena Hormonal Intra-Uterine Device (IUD) was first introduced in Finland in 1990, and has since become a popular form of birth control in many other countries including the U.S.  While the Mirena IUD is not right for everyone, it can be a highly effective, maintenance free choice for family planning.

The Mirena IUD is a T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the uterus by a physician.  The insertion may cause discomfort for some patients, but once put in place, the IUD should be undetectable.  A thin string from the base of the IUD will protrude from the cervix, allowing for removal.  Women should check for the string once per month to ensure the device is still in proper position.  The string should not be tugged on because this may result in the accidental removal of the IUD.   Continue reading »