OHSU Women's Health Information Topics
Pregnancy Basics
Alcohol and Pregnancy
Alcohol consumption by the mother is a leading cause of preventable birth defects in the fetus. In addition, the risk for miscarriage and stillbirth increases with alcohol consumption.
Anatomy: Fetus in Utero
A thin-walled sac surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. The sac is filled with amniotic fluid, which protects the fetus from injury.
Birth Statistics
Statistics relating to birth rates
Bottle-Feeding
Detailed information on bottle-feeding, including information on the different types of baby formula
Breast Milk Is the Best Milk
Your milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, and it contains them in a form most easily used by the human baby's immature body systems.
Calculating a Due Date
First, determine the first day of your last menstrual period. Next, count back three calendar months and add one year and seven days to that date.
Care and Management of Multiple Pregnancy
A woman with a multiple pregnancy needs more calories and nutrients, more frequent prenatal visits, and more rest.
Care of the Baby in the Delivery Room
A newborn baby is wet from the amniotic fluid and can easily become cold. Drying the baby and using warm blankets and heat lamps can help prevent heat loss. Often a knitted hat is placed on the baby's head.
Caring for the Mother: Physically and Emotionally
Nap when your baby naps. Take warm, shallow baths several times a day if you had stitches after delivery. Wear a supportive bra and use warm compresses to help with milk letdown.
Common Discomforts During Pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester, as is fatigue. Other common discomforts are hemorrhoids and heartburn.
Common Tests During Pregnancy
Certain tests and screenings may be scheduled during your pregnancy. Your health care provider will advise you on which tests you'll need.
Complications of Pregnancy
Some of the more common complications of pregnancy are miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and bleeding.
Delivery
In preparation of the delivery, you may be moved into a birthing room or delivery room, or you may remain in the same room for both labor and delivery.
Effective Breastfeeding
Think there’s only one way to breast-feed? Think again! Moms can position their babies in several positions during feeding time that can be comfortable for both.
Effective Sucking
It’s important for your baby’s health to be able to effectively remove milk from your breast during nursing. To do this, your baby must learn the proper way to suck. But how do you know if your baby is actually getting the nutrition he/she needs? Here’s a guide to help you.
Exercise During Pregnancy
If you exercised before pregnancy, you can safely continue exercising. If you were inactive or you have medical complications, talk with your doctor before beginning to exercise.
Flat or Inverted Nipples
Detailed information on breastfeeding and flat or inverted nipples
Getting Started
The first weeks of breastfeeding should be considered a learning period for both you and your baby. Don't expect to work as a coordinated team immediately.
Glossary - Pregnancy and Childbirth
Glossary of terms relating to pregnancy and childbirth
Hormones During Pregnancy
Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles.
How Milk Is Made
Detailed information on how breast milk is made for breastfeeding
Illegal Drug Use and Pregnancy
Almost every drug passes from the mother's bloodstream through the placenta to the fetus. Illicit substances that cause drug dependence and addiction in the mother also cause the fetus to become addicted.
Ineffective Latch-on or Sucking
Detailed information on ineffective latch-on or sucking during breastfeeding
Insufficient or Delayed Milk Production
Detailed information on insufficient or delayed milk production
Labor
Labor usually starts two weeks before or after the estimated date of delivery. No one knows exactly what triggers the onset of labor.
Low Milk Production
Detailed information on breastfeeding and low breast milk production
Mastitis
Detailed information on breastfeeding and mastitis
Medical Conditions and Pregnancy
With proper medical care, most women can enjoy a healthy pregnancy, despite medical challenges such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Medications and Pregnancy
All medications you take affect the fetus, depending on the stage of development, the type and dosage of the medication being taken, and your drug tolerance.
Mismanaged Breastfeeding
Detailed information on mismanaged breastfeeding, including information on breastfeeding positions
Newborn Multiples
Because many multiples are small and born early, they may be initially cared for in a special care nursery called the neonatal intensive care unit.
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Not only is eating nutritious food good for you and your baby, it also can ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy. A balanced diet can help minimize symptoms such as nausea and constipation.
Online Resources - Respiratory Disorders
List of online resources to find additional information on respiratory disorders
Over-Active Let-Down
Many nursing mothers worry if their babies aren’t getting enough milk—but what if the opposite were true? Here’s what you can do to make sure your aren’t overwhelming your baby during feeding time.
Overview of Multiple Pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy with two or more fetuses. In the United States, the multiple birth rate is rising.
Planning a Pregnancy
Planning ahead and taking care of yourself before becoming pregnant is the best thing you can do for you and your baby.
Plugged Milk Ducts
For mothers who breastfeed, some may be more susceptible to plugged ducts than others. Get some quick tips on how to avoid and manage this concern, so you can keep you and your baby happy and healthy!
Sex During Pregnancy
In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your doctor's approval, sexual relations can continue until delivery.
Signs of Pregnancy / The Pregnancy Test
The signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman, but the most obvious sign usually is a missed period.
Sleeping During Pregnancy
The best sleeping position for you is on your side, especially the left side, because it allows for maximum blood flow to the fetus and improves your kidney function.
Slow or Poor Infant Weight Gain
Are you concerned that your little one has slow or poor weight gain? Unsure? This article will help you sort out your questions and concerns.
Smoking and Pregnancy
Don't smoke during your pregnancy and limit how much time you spend in environments where there is secondhand smoke.
Sore Nipples
Detailed information on breastfeeding and sore nipples
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy
Every pregnant woman feels like she’s getting big, but if you’re pregnant with two or more babies, you’ll really be growing fast. Be prepared by learning the signs of a multiple birth.
The First Trimester
A healthy first trimester is crucial to the normal development of your baby. You may not be showing much on the outside, but inside, all the major body organs and systems of the fetus are forming.
The Second Trimester
During this trimester, the weight of your growing baby will multiply more than seven times—and you will start showing more.
The Third Trimester
The third trimester marks the home stretch for your pregnancy. You may feel more uncomfortable now as you continue to gain weight. You also may have false labor contractions (called Braxton-Hicks contractions).
Warning Signs During Pregnancy
Call your health care provider immediately if you have bleeding from the vagina, blurry vision, severe headaches, or other specific symptoms.
Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Average weight gain for women is between 25 and 35 pounds, although slight deviations from this may also be considered normal.
Work and Pregnancy
Most women are able to work safely, in some cases, until the day of delivery, depending on the type of work performed and their condition.
