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.