Obstetrics Info

Pregnancy Good Health Before Pregnancy: Preconception Care Screening Tests for Birth Defects Planning Your Pregnancy The Rh Factor: How It Can Affect Your Pregnancy Especially for Fathers Bleeding During Pregnancy Diabetes and Pregnancy Travel During Pregnancy What to Expect After Your Due Date If Your Baby is Breech Hepatitis B Virus in Pregnancy Genetic Disorders Group B Streptococcus and Pregnancy Easing Back Pain During Pregnancy Routine Tests in Pregnancy How Your Baby Grows During Pregnancy Childhood Illness and Pregnancy Screening Tests for Birth Defects You and Your Baby: Prenatal Care, Labor and Delivery, and Postpartum Care Labor, Delivery and Postpartum Care Preterm Labor How to Tell When Labor Begins Cesarean Birth Breastfeeding Your Baby   Newborn Circumcision A layer of skin, the foreskin, covers the glans (head) of the penis. Circumcision is the surgical removal of this foreskin. If it is done, it's usually done soon after birth. Whether to have your son circumcised is your decision. This pamphlet will: How circumcision is done Risks of the procedure How to care for your newborn boy Making the Decision Circumcision is an elective procedure. That means it is the parents’ choice whether to have their son circumcised. It is not required by law or by hospital policy. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery A cesarean birth is the delivery of a baby through an incision (cut) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Doctors used to believe that if a woman had one cesarean delivery, all other babies she had should be born in the same way. Today, doctors know that many women who have had a cesarean delivery can later safely give birth though the vagina. This is called vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) delivery. VBAC can be a safe option for many women. However, it is not the right choice for all women, and there are some risks. This pamphlet will explain: Why you may want to think about trying VBAC What risks are involved Whether VBAC is right for you    Pain Relief During Labor and Delivery Each woman's labor is unique. The amount of pain a woman feels during labor may differ from that felt by another woman. Pain depends on many factors, such as the size and position of the baby and the strength of contractions. Some women take classes to learn breathing and relaxation techniques to help cope with pain during childbirth. Others may find it helpful to use these techniques along with pain medications. This pamphlet explains: Types of pain medications for labor and delivery How they are given How pain relief methods work    Postpartum Depression Having a baby is a joyous time for most women. After childbirth, though, many mothers feel sad, afraid, angry, or anxious. Most new mothers have these feelings in a mild form called postpartum blues. Sometimes these feelings are called "baby blues." Postpartum blues almost always go away in a few days. About 10% of new mothers have a greater problem called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression lasts longer and is more intense. It often requires counseling and treatment. Postpartum depression can occur after any birth, not just the first. This pamphlet will help you learn about: The causes of postpartum depression  What you can do to ease these feelings Getting in Shape After Your Baby is Born A healthy diet and daily exercise will increase your energy level and help you get in shape at any time of life. Having a baby and taking care of a newborn are hard work. It will take a while to regain your strength after the strain of pregnancy and birth. You should allow your body time to recover. But, as soon as you feel up to it, talk to your doctor about when you can start your exercise program. This pamphlet will tell you about: The benefits of exercise Good exercises to get you started Programs to keep you going Nutrition During Pregnancy A balanced diet is a basic part of good health at all times in your life. During pregnancy, your diet is even more important. The foods you eat are the main source of nutrients for your baby. As your baby grows, you will need more of most nutrients. This pamphlet will help you learn more about: Good food choices for you and your baby Nutrients you will need Healthy weight gain Car Safety for You and Your Baby When you are pregnant, you take extra care to eat well and avoid things that might harm your baby. After birth, you still need to protect your baby. The best way to keep you and your baby safe in a car or truck is to use safety belts and child safety seats. Buckle up every time you drive or ride. It takes only a few seconds. This pamphlet will explain: Why you need to use safety belts and child safety seats How to wear a safety belt during your pregnancy How to choose the best safety seat for your baby