What is happening in my body in each trimester? What should I eat when I’m pregnant? What exercise is best? How can I connect with my baby during this time? We’ll answer these and other pregnancy questions in this section of Step to Health.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that can result from hypertension or kidney damage, among other things. It affects 5-8% of pregnant women and can be really dangerous for both mother and baby. Preeclampsia usually manifests in the last trimester. However,…
Do you know the risks and effects of the morning-after pill? Having unprotected sex carries significant risks. Not only is there the possibility of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but you could also have an unwanted pregnancy. Although it’s best to…
A woman’s first pregnancy is usually overwhelming. She has a lot of expectations and, believe it or not, the most intense emotion she may feel is fear. Her second pregnancy, however, may be calmer. Since women know what to expect…
Choosing between C-section or vaginal delivery is a common question among pregnant women. Some opt for the traditional method and deliver their babies vaginally. However, others prefer to have the largest number of variables under control and therefore choose a…
A cesarean section is a type of surgery. It consists of making an incision in the abdomen and uterus to take out the baby. Nowadays, specialists consider cesarean sections to be the safest procedure to prevent or solve possible complications that may happen…
Bleeding during pregnancy is a lot more common than you may think: 50% of women have vaginal spotting at some point. However, this doesn’t always mean that such abnormalities could harm the baby , even though it’s certainly a concern for…
Perinatal grief is what happens when a baby dies before or a few days after birth. It’s an intense pain that takes the woman, her partner and the family by surprise. The pregnant woman has made up her mind about the…
If you’re pregnant, or if your partner is expecting a baby, you may think that you have to wait to make your baby happy until after he or she is born. However, we have a surprise for you. You don’t…
The changes that a woman’s body undergoes while nourishing the life of another human being also expose her to certain common diseases during pregnancy. These problems usually are resolved after the birth of the baby. While many women suffer from…
One of the first things that couples start to think about when they’re expecting a baby is whether it will be a boy or a girl. As it happens, there are a variety of ways to find out. In this…
Science is forever advancing and developing safer forms of contraception. However, there is still no 100% effective method of protection. A progestin implant is a very reliable method, but just like other forms of contraception, its effectiveness depends on how it’s…
Pregnancy begins from the moment in which fertile ovule is implanted in the uterus and ends at the baby’s birth. While sexual intercourse is normally a means to pregnancy, it’s not the only way to get pregnant. Below, we’ll explain what…
A Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (or VBAC) is a vaginal delivery after a C-section. It’s a valid birthing option only when there are no risks for the mother and baby. Before diving into what VBAC is, we’ll first start by defining…
Every person’s body is different, and pregnancy can involve complications, illnesses, and risks. These could be caused by substance abuse, age, and other causes. If you’re planning on having a baby, it’s important to know about illnesses during pregnancy.
Not many people understand the importance of family support during pregnancy. The thing is, the support family members give the soon-to-be mother helps keep her in a good mood, which benefits the health of the baby. The fact that a…
When you are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant, it is a good time to pack your bags with the things you’ll need to take to hospital to give birth. It’s best not to be taken by surprise if your…
What frightens new mothers? Being a mother is an unforgettable experience. Pregnancy is a stage full of unique sensations. However, if you’re a first-time mom, you probably have many questions and doubts in your head. It’s your first time as…
Getting pregnant, having a baby, and motherhood are momentous moments in life for many women, although it’s not always easy. It’s important to remember that fertility relates to both parties, and that planning to get pregnant affects both people equally.
Women use the postpartum period to recover after childbirth. Women need at least one year to recover from childbirth. The famous “quarantine” is a Latin American postpartum custom that states women need 40 days to recover after giving birth. It’s…
There are women in their forties who are about to have their first child. Although the chances of becoming pregnant are low, it’s important to know the risks of pregnancy after age 40. Women tend to plan their pregnancies between…
