Hyperprolactinemia – What is it?
When you have too much of prolactin in your blood, you can develop hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, an organ the size of a pencil eraser at the base of the brain. The hormone plays a crucial role in breast development during...
Is it Safe to Fly While Pregnant?
Whether you’re flying for a business trip or a babymoon, air travel while pregnant is considered safe for most women. And with a bit of prep, you can have a safe, comfortable flight without any additional stress. For women who have healthy pregnancies, most medical...
Preterm Labor and Premature Babies: Signs, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
Premature birth—babies born before 37 weeks—is a complicated problem with no single solution. About 380,000 babies are born prematurely annually in the U.S. Premature babies may face long-term health problems. Even women without risk factors can still have preterm...
Pregnancy and Obesity: What Should I Expect During My Pregnancy?
Are you concerned about pregnancy and obesity? If so, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, one in four of pregnant women in the U.S. are considered overweight (a BMI between 25 and 29.9), at the beginning of pregnancy. Another quarter (25%) are considered obese (a...
Do You Know Enough About Ovarian Cancer? Most Women Don’t.
Ovarian cancer is more treatable, and possibly curable, in its early stages. A recent study by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition asked 1,531 women diagnosed with the disease to share their experience before and after diagnosis. Yet in all 44 countries surveyed, very...
What Does a Nurse-Midwife Do Exactly?
Midwives do more than deliver babies. The motto of the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) is “Today’s Midwife: With Women, for a Lifetime.” Nurse-midwives support women during pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum and afterward. Typically, they learn about the...
Why is Taking Folic Acid so Important? Everything You Need to Know
Why is Taking Folic Acid so Important? Everyone needs folic acid. It helps red blood cells form and grow as well as makes and repairs DNA. For prenatal care, taking folic acid is essential for the growth of the spinal cord in the womb. Because the spinal cord is one...
Five Types of Non-Cancerous Benign Breast Conditions
Five Types of Non-Cancerous Benign Breast Conditions Does finding a lump in your breast always mean cancer? No, most breast changes—even lumps—are benign (non-cancerous). Some breast changes can cause symptoms that are like those from breast cancer, so it can be hard...
Toxic Shock Syndrome: Facts, Causes, and Symptoms You Need to Know
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome? A 16-year-old teenager died on a school field trip from toxic shock syndrome (TSS) in March 2017. The death appears to be linked to the teen’s tampon use. But what is toxic shock syndrome? And why is it linked to tampons? The young...
Hormone Replacement Therapy: What is it and is it Right For Me?
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy? Hot flashes. Insomnia. Vaginal dryness. Incontinence. Are you looking for relief from these common menopause symptoms? During menopause, your estrogen levels fall. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—which is also known...