Postnatal depression is also known as postpartum depression. This is a type of depression that happens after having a baby and can affect anyone around the baby, for example, mothers or fathers. Your doctor will ask you about these symptoms at your six-week check, but if you want to speak to someone about it earlier, contact your doctor immediately.  It's always important to seek advice from your doctor if you think you may be experiencing postnatal depression. Postnatal depression can worsen over time without any intervention and persist for months, so getting the right support early for you and your family is very important.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is very common – up to 1 in 10 women of child-bearing age have it. They may only find this out once they start trying for a baby. The combination of a hormonal imbalance and problems with metabolism can make this difficult – but not impossible. It’s one of the most common causes of infertility but also treatable. Let’s talk you through the science of ovary function and what can be done about it in PCOS.

Pregnancy can bring many surprises to your body, and you may not have expected changes to your hair, nails, and skin. Some find their nails become much stronger and longer, while others complain that nails are brittle and break easily. These changes are caused by the changes in hormones in pregnancy, so luckily, they don't last forever and usually revert back to your pre-pregnancy state after delivery. You may notice changes that warrant a trip to the doctor, such as deep grooves that develop on the nails or the nail becoming thickened and lifting from the nail bed (onycholysis).

The best way to increase your production of breast milk is to ensure that baby is nursing frequently and effectively. As milk is drawn down from the breasts, your brain stimulates them to produce more milk to meet the high demand, and your baby will meet this supply, demand more, and so the cycle continues. At some times, it might mean that you will need to nurse every one and a half to two hours in the day, and every three hours at night, in order to re-stimulate your milk supply. It’s just as important that you position baby for an effective latch, so that they are drawing down well from the breast.

If you find yourself pregnant and do not wish to keep the baby, you can seek an abortion to bring the pregnancy to an end. Abortion laws vary by state. It can be difficult, and you may feel confused about the right decision for you. Turning to those that know and love you – friends, family, your partner – can help, but if this is difficult, your doctor can provide a good listening ear, and abortion clinics have counseling services to discuss options with you. An abortion carries less risk the earlier it is carried out. Earlier discussions also allow for more time to think about the right option for you.

You got that all-important positive on the pregnancy test? Congratulations! You’re at least three weeks into your 40 week journey! But where do you go next? Let’s take you through the system, so you’re prepared.

Having hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, requires changes to medication and close monitoring throughout pregnancy and afterward. With the right treatment, you should be able to expect a healthy baby and a healthy you right up to term and delivery.

Pregnancy can bring a torrent of changes both inside and out, with hormones often changing the look and feel of your hair, nails, and skin. Some find that pregnancy brings them luscious, shiny locks, while others notice their hair is drier, frizzier, or oilier. Some may even experience hair loss during pregnancy or in the first few weeks after birth. You may experience more hair growth in unexpected or different parts of your body and face, or it may be darker or thicker. These changes are in response to pregnancy hormones or, in the case of hair loss, possibly stress if you are unwell at the end of pregnancy or during childbirth. Therefore, your usual hair type and condition will likely revert back to their pre-pregnancy state about 6 to 8 months after delivery.

A Caesarean section, or C-section, is a surgery used to deliver a baby by making cuts in the mother’s belly and uterus. It’s a common procedure: about one in four births in the US happen this way. Sometimes, a C-section is planned ahead of time, but it can also be done quickly if problems come up during labor. It’s normal to feel nervous about having a C-section, especially if it wasn’t your first choice. Many mothers worry about surgery, recovery, and their baby’s health. The good news is that C-sections are generally safe, and doctors and nurses work hard to take care of both you and your baby. This guide explains why you might need a C-section, how to get ready, and what to expect before, during, and after the operation.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and begins to grow outside the womb. The most common place that this occurs is in the Fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the womb. Unfortunately, ectopic pregnancies can’t survive, and they can’t be saved. They pose a danger to the mother until they are removed, and this is via medication or surgery. An ectopic pregnancy may cause you no symptoms, but symptoms usually develop between the 4th and 12th week of pregnancy. These include signs of pregnancy, like a missed period, but also lower tummy pain, often to only one side, bleeding or abnormal brown discharge from the vagina, or pain at the tip of your shoulder (relating to pain transferred from the tummy).

Pregnancy can be a minefield of new health concerns – eating the right foods, avoiding the wrong ones, taking essential supplements, keeping up with health checks. You want the best for you and your baby and the COVID-19 pandemic has added a whole new heap of stress to your journey through pregnancy. The vaccine is one such consideration. Whether you have not been vaccinated yet, have received only one dose, or are due for the booster dose, there’s conflicting information out there and it can be tough to work out what’s best. The doctors here at Healthwords follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in advising you that getting fully vaccinated offers the best protection for you and your baby. Real-world data suggests that pregnant women that are unvaccinated are significantly more likely to end up seriously unwell or needing hospital care than those who are vaccinated. Your baby may also risk being born prematurely if you contract COVID-19.

Conception is when a sperm cell from a man joins with an egg cell from a woman. This starts the process of pregnancy. Even though it sounds simple, many things need to happen for conception to work. Sometimes, it can take a while, and each person’s experience is different. For conception to happen, you need: A healthy egg Healthy sperm Good timing The right conditions inside the body Even when everything seems right, it might still take time to get pregnant. Everyone’s body, health, and lifestyle can make a difference.