There are many myths about how to improve the odds of having twins. Although there are no proven ways to increase the likelihood of conceiving twins, there are certain factors that can make this type of pregnancy more likely. Twins can occur either when two separate eggs become fertilized in the womb or when a

Asthma can affect pregnancy when a woman does not receive the right treatment. Most asthma treatments are safe to use during pregnancy. Asthma is a long-term lung condition that can be well-managed with the right treatment. The risk of pregnancy complications is low when asthma is well-controlled, but otherwise, asthma can increase the risk of

Fever-like symptoms and inflammation around a cesarean delivery, or C-section, wound could be signs of infection. Keeping the wound clean and in a sterile environment can help reduce the risk of infection. Infections following a cesarean delivery, which some people call a C-section, are common. They occur in around 2–15 percent of all C-section surgeries.

Many genetic and environmental factors can affect fertility in men and women. However, it is possible to increase the chances of having a successful pregnancy using natural methods. This article will discuss evidence-based, natural methods for increasing fertility in both men and women. In women, reducing stress and exercising often can boost fertility. In men,

Bloody show is thick vaginal discharge that contains mucus and blood from the cervix. It usually occurs in late pregnancy, as the body prepares for labor. Vaginal discharge is a common symptom throughout pregnancy. Fluctuations in a woman’s hormone levels can cause changes in the consistency, amount, and appearance of vaginal discharge. Women should monitor

Clomid is the former brand name of the drug clomiphene citrate, which doctors use to treat infertility in females. Sometimes, however, they may also prescribe it off-label for males with infertility. Infertility can affect both males and females. According to the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, infertility results from: male reproductive issues

Constipation is a very common symptom that many women experience during pregnancy. Some women have constipation at an early stage of their pregnancy, while it does not affect other women until much later on. In this article, we explain why constipation is common in pregnancy and discuss safe treatments and home remedies that women can

Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in the body, and pregnant women should consider adjusting their eating habits to adapt to these changes. Diet is one of the most important factors that can affect a pregnant woman’s overall health and the health of her child. Important foods to avoid include raw shellfish and undercooked eggs.

Some pain and a small amount of spotting are normal during the second trimester. However, it is essential to know when to see a doctor. For many people, the second trimester marks a moment of calm in pregnancy. The intense symptoms of the first trimester often dissipate, and the exhaustion, muscle pain, and anxiety about

Breast changes are a normal part of pregnancy and occur as a result of hormonal fluctuations. Changes to the breasts can occur as early as 1 week after conception, and they can continue right up until the birth of the baby and beyond. In this article, we discuss the breast changes that are most common

There are many different causes of swollen ankles. In most cases, swelling is due to injury or edema. The term edema means swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid. It is particularly common in the lower leg, ankles, and feet. In this article, we look at 11 causes of swollen ankles and cover some

Real contractions follow a consistent pattern, while Braxton-Hicks contractions vary in duration and frequency. Braxton-Hicks contractions also tend to be less painful and usually only cause discomfort in the front of the abdomen. Braxton-Hicks contractions simulate real contractions to prepare the body for labor. However, they do not lead to labor. Real contractions only occur

Women often have excess gas during pregnancy in addition to morning sickness and fatigue. Gas can cause uncomfortable bloating, cramps, and abdominal pain. This article discusses the causes of gas in the different phases of pregnancy. We also cover treatments and home remedies for gas, and how to tell when abdominal pain is a cause

An obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, is a healthcare professional that specializes in female reproductive health. People trained as OB-GYNs specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology: obstetrics involves working with pregnant women, including delivering babies gynecology involves the female reproductive system, treating a wide range of conditions, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and chronic pain In this

Most people describe round ligament pain as sharp, triggered by movement, and located deep within one or both sides of the lower abdomen or groin. Round ligament pain is a common pregnancy symptom, affecting between 10 and 30 percent of pregnant women. It can be uncomfortable but is harmless. Many women begin to experience it

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, but its exact causes are poorly understood. A new study uncovers how a common acne drug alters the balance of bacteria in our skin. How does a change in the skin microbiome improve acne? Isotretinoin, known by the brand name Accutane, is commonly used

In this Spotlight, we will discuss six examples of self-surgery. The stories that follow are gruesome and unusual. Although they are not for the fainthearted, they are fascinating. Self-surgery is uncommon, thankfully. Surgery is normally a skillful, delicate procedure that involves a surgeon and a patient. However, over the years, for many reasons, one of

Some pregnant women use marijuana, and researchers are still unsure how the drug can affect a fetus. As a result, most medical experts recommend refraining from smoking weed during pregnancy. Marijuana is the illicit drug women most commonly take during pregnancy, and use is increasing in certain areas. As drug laws are relaxing in some

A missed period is when menstruation does not occur or does not follow its usual pattern. A gassy stomach may occur at any time. However, when gas or pressure appears in the abdomen at the same time as experiencing a late or missed period, many people think they may be pregnant. It is normal to

La varicela es una infección bastante contagiosa causada por el virus varicela-zóster. Aunque resulta muy incómodo, la mayoría de las personas la superan en 1 o dos semanas. Se produce una erupción parecida a una ampolla que primero aparece en la cara y en el tronco y, luego, se extiende por el cuerpo. Aunque no

Intestinal worms, or parasitic worms, are simple organisms that feed off the human body. Many people recognize the more common varieties, such as tapeworms and hookworms, but may be less aware of the others. Intestinal worms can cause many symptoms in the body, some of which are similar to the symptoms of other gut disorders.

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when tissue similar to the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus grows in other areas of the body. It commonly develops on the pelvic organs, such as the fallopian tubes but also occurs on the bowel. Bowel endometriosis involves the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue in the intestines. In

A breast infection occurs when bacteria invade the breast, resulting in inflammation. Inflammation of the breast is called mastitis. While many people associate this condition with breastfeeding, people who are not breastfeeding can also get breast infections. This article will explore breast infections in more detail, including their symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Symptoms

A woman can develop high blood pressure, or hypertension, at any point during pregnancy. High blood pressure is affecting more and more pregnant women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of pregnant women who developed high blood pressure in the United States almost doubled between 1993 and 2014. High

LEEP stands for loop electrosurgical excision procedure. Doctors perform them to detect or treat cervical cancer. During a LEEP, an electrical current passes through a loop of wire. A doctor uses the wire to cut abnormal cells from the cervix. They send a sample of these cells to a laboratory to detect signs of cancer

High blood pressure is called a “silent killer” because it rarely causes symptoms until it severely damages a person’s health. High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects around 1 in 3 American adults. The current guidelines and definition mean that close to half of all adults in the United States will be diagnosed with the condition.

Having a cesarean section is a risk factor for endometriosis. Endometriosis following a cesarean delivery remains relatively rare, but it is a potential complication that women should discuss with their doctors. A 2013 study found that women who had undergone cesarean delivery were more likely to receive an in-hospital endometriosis diagnosis. They also found a

Venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in a person’s veins do not work properly. This means that the veins are less able to transport blood back to the heart. Venous insufficiency is fairly common. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, it affects up to 40 percent of people in the United States. It is

Female ejaculation is when a female’s urethra expels fluid during sex. It can happen when a female becomes sexually aroused, but there is not necessarily an association with having an orgasm. Scientists do not fully understand female ejaculation, and there is limited research on how it works and its purpose. Female ejaculation is perfectly normal,

Some women with Crohn’s disease may worry whether being pregnant will affect their condition, while others fear that disease or the medications they are taking will harm the fetus. Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation within the digestive tract. Along with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).