Reproductive Health
Even a completely healthy couple can't expect to get pregnant at the drop of a hat. Only 20 percent of women who want to conceive become pregnant in the first ovulation cycle they try. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a child despite trying for one year. The condition affects about 5.3 million Americans, or 9 percent of the reproductive age population. Here are some of your questions answered.More >>
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Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.More >> Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.More >> Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.More >> Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.More >> Kids who eat fast food at least twice a week are 50 percent less likely to use calorie and nutritional information than kids who eat fast food less often.More >> Kids who eat fast food at least twice a week are 50 percent less likely to use calorie and nutritional information than kids who eat fast food less often.More >> The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.More >> The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.More >> In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.More >> In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.More >>
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Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.More >> Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.More >> The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.More >> The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.More >> When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study. More >> When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study. More >> Pregnant women with specific alterations in two genes may be at increased risk of suffering depression after giving birth, a small new study suggests.More >> Pregnant women with specific alterations in two genes may be at increased risk of suffering depression after giving birth, a small new study suggests.More >> Although spring arrived late this year in parts of the United States, the summer allergy season will still be strong, according to a sinus expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.More >> Although spring arrived late this year in parts of the United States, the summer allergy season will still be strong, according to a sinus expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.More >>
Your baby is on the way, and there is so much to do. You will need baby furniture and clothing for your new son or daughter. Check to make sure that everything is safe - no loose ends, sharp edges or small harmful parts.
One decision you should make is whether you want to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby . There are pros and cons to both of these options, however most doctors believe that breastfeeding is the best and healthiest choice for your baby.
Health care is also something to consider before the arrival of your new baby. Because babies need check-ups and sometimes get sick, you will want to choose a physician to care for your child (pediatrician). You might want to call and request an interview with a few pediatricians; this is commonly done.
Just like you, your baby will need health coverage. If you think you can't afford it, there are programs available to children who would otherwise have no health insurance. Decide on health care and insurance before your child's birth to save a lot of time and ensure that a health care provider will be there when you need them.
For more information:
- Thinking about pregnancy?
- Preparing for delivery
- After the arrival of your baby
