| Q: I’ve heard that women who give birth naturally can have problems with loss of control of bowel movements later. Why are women affected?
A: The loss of control of bowel movements (fecal incontinence) happens when muscles around the anus are not working properly. More >>
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| Q: I recently found out I’m pregnant. If I’m taking the antidepressant Paxil, will this drug harm my fetus?
A: The Food and Drug Administration recently changed the classification of Paxil (paroxetine) from a category 'C' to a category 'D.' In a category 'C,' no well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women that show a risk of harm to the fetus. More >>
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| Q: I'm considering breastfeeding. What are the benefits for me and my child?
A: Breastfeeding is wonderful for both you and your baby. It provides a unique bonding experience, is healthier for your baby than formula, and protects you and your child from illnesses. More >>
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| Q: Why is it recommended that all pregnant women have an HIV test?
A: A woman with HIV has a 1-in-4 chance of infecting her unborn child. More >>
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| Q: Does In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Cause Birth Defects?
A: A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, indicated a 9% risk of a birth defect in a child born through IVF vs. a 4.2% risk faced by the general population. More >>
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| Q: I am HIV positive and pregnant. Can I infect my baby?
A: Having a baby can be stressful. But, if you’re pregnant and infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), you have even more worries. You can rest easier knowing it’s possible for women with HIV to give birth to healthy, uninfected babies. More >>
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| Q: I’m pregnant and congenital heart disease runs in my family. What is my risk of having a baby with a heart defect?
A: Heart defects are the most common of all birth defects, affecting about 8 of 1,000 babies. Your family history of congenital (which means present at birth) heart disease raises your risk of having a baby with this condition and varies depending on how many people in your family were born with a heart defect. More >>
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| Q: I’ve heard that breastfeeding might reduce my risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Is this true?
A: You heard correctly! According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), each year of breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of developing diabetes by 15 percent. More >>
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| Q: I knew that gaining too much weight during pregnancy was unhealthy, but now a study shows women who gained weight between pregnancies increased their risk of complications. Can you tell me more about this?
A: The study examined the health records of 150,000 women in Sweden who gave birth to their first and second children between 1992 and 2001. Women who gained even as little as seven pounds increased their risk for complications during pregnancy and delivery. More >>
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| Q: I’ve heard that there are new recommendations to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). What do I need to know to protect my baby?
A: You’re right. This October, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expanded its recommendations made in 1992. There are three things you need to know. More >>
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| Q: I've had a dull pain in my lower tummy for the past year. Should I see a doctor?
Yes, you should. Chronic pelvic pain – defined as discomfort below the navel lasting for greater than 6 months affects 15 percent of women during their lifetime. More >>
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