Most expectant parents spend time imagining how labor and delivery will unfold. You may have preferences about pain management, who will be present, or how you hope to welcome your baby into the world. But even with careful preparation and a healthy pregnancy,...
Planning for a baby often begins with conversations about timing, family, and what life might look like with a new addition. But one of the most valuable steps you can take happens before pregnancy begins: making sure your health is as well supported as possible....
Most vaginal births progress through contractions and pushing without the need for instruments. Sometimes, however, labor reaches a point when a baby needs additional help moving through the birth canal. In these situations, an obstetrician may recommend an operative...
Learning that you have a cervical polyp can sound concerning, particularly if it was discovered while investigating abnormal bleeding. Fortunately, most cervical polyps are benign, and many can be removed safely during a brief in-office procedure known as a cervical...
Understanding Vaginal and Urinary Changes During Menopause Hot flashes and night sweats may be among the best-known symptoms of menopause, but declining estrogen can also affect the tissues of the vagina, vulva, pelvic floor, bladder, and urinary tract. Vaginal...
What Causes Hot Flashes—and What Can You Do About Them? One minute you feel perfectly comfortable. The next, an intense wave of heat spreads across your chest, neck, and face. You may begin sweating, your heart may feel like it is beating faster, and then, just as...
What Changes, When It Happens, and How to Know Where You Are Hot flashes. Changes in your period. Trouble sleeping. Mood changes. Maybe symptoms that seem to come and go without any obvious pattern. For many women, the transition toward menopause can feel confusing,...
Preparing for pregnancy and childbirth often receives much of the attention during pregnancy, but many new mothers are surprised by how much healing and adjustment takes place after delivery. The weeks following childbirth—commonly known as the fourth trimester—are a...
Heavy menstrual bleeding can affect much more than your monthly cycle. If your periods are causing you to miss work, avoid social activities, constantly worry about leaking through clothing, or leave you feeling exhausted each month, it may be time to consider...
Bone health is easy to overlook—until it becomes a problem. Because osteoporosis often develops gradually without noticeable symptoms, many women do not realize they are experiencing bone loss until a fracture occurs. Taking proactive steps to protect your bone health...
