Pregnancy

Knowing the common myths surrounding pregnancy can help you discover what is right for you and your baby. Much of what people believe about pregnancy is based on old rumors. Fortunately, modern medical research exposes many of the most significant pregnancy myths and facts. Some pregnancy myths are amusing, but others may cause needless worries, and yet others can lead to bad choices that risk fetal health as well as pregnant women’s health. Fortunately, findings from modern fetal research inform us about the realities of pregnancy. The following information is provided to help you dismiss myths about pregnancy and be prepared with facts. Myth 1:  A normal pregnancy is nine months. The term of pregnancy varies by up to five weeks less or more than the generally recognized nine-month mark. A normal term of pregnancy  is 37-41 weeks. The median length of pregnancy is 38 weeks and 2 days, and only… Read More

What should you know before you become pregnant? Getting ready for pregnancy can take a few months, or significantly longer. This guide is to help answer your questions about how to plan for starting a family. Along with these tips, it is important to visit your Little Rock OB/GYN for checkups and for medical advice about starting a family. 1. Health Pregnancy stresses the immune system and major organs. Get a physical exam before pregnancy, and take a list of points you want to discuss with your doctor. Expect to discuss the following. Diet Nutritional supplements Exercises to prepare for pregnancy Lifestyle Medical and family history Medications Past pregnancies 2. Nutrition Proper nutrition is essential to fetal growth and organ development. Most of your nutrients should come from food, vs. supplements. See the USDA food-planning guide to help you make healthier food choices. 3. Lifestyle To reduce risks of birth… Read More

Knowing when pregnancy symptoms are harmless or need medical attention can improve the health of you and your baby. Pregnancy is often a joyous time filled with hope and expectation. The desire to bring a healthy baby into the world can often create questions and anxiety about differentiating between normal pregnancy symptoms and pregnancy complications. Take a look at these three common reasons to call your OB/GYN, and learn a little bit more about why you should give your doctor a call. 1. Early Trimester Bleeding For most women, bleeding during their menstrual cycle is considered a healthy, common occurrence. The result of an unfertilized egg being released by the ovaries into the uterus is an expected part of life and defines the transition of a girl into her childbearing years. However, since a woman’s body no longer is capable of releasing eggs during pregnancy, bleeding can often be an… Read More

Knowing what causes ectopic pregnancies and the different treatment options available is key to both your physical and reproductive health. For many expectant mothers, pregnancy can be a time of tremendous excitement and expectation. Expectant mothers spend time organizing their homes and preparing nurseries while they wait for their bundle of joy to arrive. Simply taking in the whole experience can make pregnancy one of life’s greatest experiences. Having a baby signals a sea of change in the life of a parent. While having a baby is as natural as breathing air, no two pregnancies are the same. Most women will have a smooth pregnancy, while others may experience what is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancy: The Basics Reproduction is a universal experience of all living organisms on Earth. What differs from species to species is how those offspring are produced. For humans, conception occurs through sexual intercourse when… Read More