Real contractions, or false alarm?  You've probably heard of Braxton Hicks contractions. They are "practice" contractions that can start in mid-pregnancy and continue up until labor. But how do you distinguish them from the real thing? BRAXTON HICKS CONTRACTIONS:- Come at irregular intervals. - Last less than 30 seconds (typically).- Are uncomfortable, but not painful.- Go away when you change positions or move around.- Can be a sign that you're dehydrated. Drink up! TRUE LABOR CONTRACTIONS:- Come at fairly regular intervals … [Read more...] about Are Your Contractions the Real Deal?

Choosing the right birth control method can be confusing.  These days, there are a lot of options to choose from. How do you decide what's right for you?  Here's what you should consider:  Effectiveness: Birth control may be used for reasons other than preventing pregnancy. But if preventing pregnancy is your goal, you should be aware that some methods are significantly more effective than others.  Ease of use: Some methods are easy for you to use or administer yourself. Others have to be handled by a healthcare … [Read more...] about What To Consider When Choosing a Birth Control Method

What do you need to know about Group B Strep in pregnancy? First of all, it's a completely normal bacteria carried by about 25% of pregnant women, and it's not harmful to the mother.  It is NOT an STD and there is absolutely nothing wrong with testing positive for it. But if you're not treated with antibiotics during labor, it could be passed to your baby during birth. And it can lead to a very serious infection for your little one.  You're typically tested for Group B Strep between 36-38 weeks of your pregnancy. This involves a … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About Group B Strep