Doctors generally recommend that you avoid using hot tubs while you are pregnant. During your first trimester, an elevated core body temperature could increase your risk of certain birth defects. Throughout pregnancy, women are more likely to faint, and the risk of fainting can be exacerbate by hot tubs, which can cause your blood vessels to dilate and pool in your lower body … [Read more...] about Is it okay to use a hot tub while pregnant?
Are headaches related to my pregnancy?
Headaches are common in pregnancy. Tension-type headaches – low grade, mild headaches – are the most common kind of headache both in general and during pregnancy. Migraine headaches are common as well. Women with frequent headaches outside of pregnancy are more likely to have headaches during pregnancy. For some women, pregnancy is a time of increased headaches, though some … [Read more...] about Are headaches related to my pregnancy?
Are there any risks to having an epidural?
Receiving an epidural is very safe; however there are side effects for all medications. In certain cases, side effects, though short-lived, may include a drop in blood pressure or itching. Rarer side effects include a spinal headache (a severe headache that may require further treatment) and an extremely small chance of infection or nerve damage. Though usually very effective, … [Read more...] about Are there any risks to having an epidural?
How dangerous is having a cat during pregnancy?
Having a cat during pregnancy is only dangerous if you contract toxoplasmosis, a common infection found in birds, animals, and people. For most people, the disease is not a serious health problem, but for a pregnant woman's growing baby, the disease can cause brain damage and vision loss. In the United States, less than 1 percent of pregnancies are complicated by a maternal … [Read more...] about How dangerous is having a cat during pregnancy?
What’s preeclampsia? And can I get it?
Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and increased levels of protein in the urine. In rare/severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to other problems such as seizures, growth problems in babies, kidney/liver dysfunction, or bleeding. Preeclampsia affects around 5-8 percent of all pregnancies and occurs more often … [Read more...] about What’s preeclampsia? And can I get it?