Women’s Health
Women’s Health covers a range of topics including physical, mental, and emotional well-being, reproductive health, fitness, nutrition, and healthcare issues specific to women.
Is Eating Dates During Pregnancy Safe — and Can It Help Labor?
When seeking a sweet yet wholesome snack during pregnancy, dates are a reliable choice. To be honest, this dried fruit may not be top of mind for many. Still, munching on a few dates delivers more nutrition than people often expect. Below we outline several advantages of consuming dates while pregnant, including how they might influence labor. (img by Mama Natural) Benefits of eating dates during pregnancy Dates bring a…
What’s the Difference Between Endometrial Ablation and Hysterectomy?
Both procedures are employed to address heavy menstrual bleeding and other uterine issues. Endometrial ablation is a less invasive operation that destroys the uterine lining, while a hysterectomy entails removing the entire uterus. More extensive surgeries such as hysterectomies generally involve longer recuperation times and a greater chance of complications. However, research indicates that some people who undergo endometrial ablation later require additional treatment. Put simply, a hysterectomy may be…
Belly Button Piercings When Pregnant: Answers to Your Questions
Belly button piercings are a popular way to express individuality. While piercings are generally safe when performed in a sterile setting, they carry potential risks. So if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you may have some questions. Is it safe to keep a navel piercing during pregnancy? Will it become painful or bothersome as your bump expands? Is it alright to get a piercing while you’re pregnant? Whether…
Why Birth Control Pills Expire
If you use birth control pills, you likely don’t want to gamble with reduced effectiveness. Do birth control pills have an expiration date? And if they do, are they still reliable afterward? Read on to learn more. (img by Teen Vogue) How Birth Control Pills Prevent Pregnancy Birth control pills are a hormonal method of contraception, available as combination pills or progestin-only pills (often called minipills). Combination pills include both…
12 DPO: Testing, Early Symptoms, and More
Some people may be able to get a positive pregnancy test as early as 12 days post ovulation (DPO). It’s also possible to notice early signs, like breast soreness. The two-week wait between ovulation and taking a pregnancy test can feel interminable. To fill the time, you might monitor your post-ovulation symptoms hoping for an indication of whether you’ll see that coveted BFP (big fat positive) this cycle. In those…
What to Expect at 14 DPO
Egg plus sperm equals baby, right? Well, it isn’t always quite that straightforward. Whether you’re new to the two-week wait (TWW) or a seasoned TTC hopeful, you may be wondering how soon you can take a test to see if you’ve scored your big fat positive (BFP). If you’ve reached 14 DPO, there’s promising news — your waiting period could be winding down. Below is a look at common signs…
Can a Twin Be Hidden in an Ultrasound?
You’ve probably heard the tales: A couple goes to the hospital expecting one newborn and walks out with two because — surprise! — there was actually a second baby nobody knew about… not seen on scans, not suspected, like an uninvited guest playing an epic game of hide-and-seek. Does this occur? Yes. That said, it’s far less frequent than many people imagine. With modern imaging advances, it’s increasingly difficult for…
What Are the Benefits and Side Effects of Motherwort?
Also known as lion’s tail, motherwort has a long history in traditional herbal medicine for easing anxiety, supporting heart function, and more. That said, strong scientific proof for these uses is limited. Used by the ancient Greeks to ease anxiety during labor, motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a prickly shrub native to Asia and southeastern Europe. It’s commonly consumed as a tea or tincture for its putative therapeutic effects. (img by…
What Can Cause Large Areolas and Is This Normal?
Areolas vary widely in both size and shade, and it’s quite common for them to alter over time. While surgical procedures and topical treatments can reduce their prominence, having large areolas is not typically a medical problem. If you want to observe typical abs, just look around. If you want to see idealized abs, flip through a magazine. But when it comes to nipples and vulvas, there’s far less standardized…
What You Need to Know About the Speculum
A speculum is a duck-bill–shaped instrument physicians employ to look inside a hollow body cavity and help diagnose or treat medical issues. One frequent application is during vaginal examinations. Gynecologists use it to separate the vaginal walls and inspect the vagina and cervix. (img by ASP Global) Kinds of speculums Speculums are manufactured from stainless steel or plastic. Metal versions are reusable; plastic ones are intended for single use. Vaginal…
