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I am 23 and have one child already. My husband and I have been active in trying to conceive again since Dec. I have always had very normal periods- never skipping. I have all the symptoms of early pregnancy- even missing my period this month (I am at the least, one week late). But I have yet to test postive using a HPT. My doctor says to wait until next month to see if I start. What could be the cause of missing a period and having all the right symptoms- but NOT being pregnant?
Question by Crystal from Houston |
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Missed periods do sometimes occur for such simple reasons as added stress in your life. Your physician's advice to wait a little longer is appropriate. Since you do feel you have other symptoms of pregnancy, you may also want to repeat your pregnancy test in the near future, as the hormone level may have been too low yet to record as positive when you did it previously. Remember when achieving pregnancy to take prenatal vitamins.
Answered by Dr. Richman on 03/27/2003 |
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I am 48 3/12 years old. Gravida 4- Para 0. The miscarriages occured between the ages of 40-43 and I have not been pregnant since, to my knowledge. We have a DQ Alpha compatability problem for which I received treatment in 1999. Only one tube is patent. I have over the years taken my temperature to chart my cycles and determine when I would ovulate and start my periods. These temperatures have remained reliable including when I was 4 days late last month and my temp was low and dropping. I am now 7 days late and temp is still up (98.3-98.6) each morning before arising. I hesitate to buy and take a pregnancy test for fear that this is just a perimenopausal symtom and I will be sadly disappointed. (We are in the process of finding a baby to adopt, so I am not in danger of depression :-) ) My main question is: Does the temperature stay up during the passage to menopause or should I consider the possibility of pregnancy?
I need to know because if I am pregnant, I will need to take Lovenox for anti-phospholipid antibody syndrom, crinone gel (I'm allergic to my own progesterone, as well as the drugstore variety), and prozac for some previously pregnancy induced severe auto-immune reactions.
I appreciate your time and consideration of this question, as I feel silly calling my doctor to ask when this is probably just a perimenopause thing.
Question by Twyla from Knoxville, Tennessee |
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If trying to determine menopause, a blood test called FSH can be ordered to show menopause. Your thyroid levels could also be checked. Please discuss this testing with your physician. We are not aware of any studies showing a temperature relationship with menopause. The feeling of being warm in menopause is hormonal, not temperature related to our knowledge.
Answered by Dr. Betts on 03/27/2003 |
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Hello I have two question I would like to know if you may answer it.
Well, me and my man have been having sex all month march 3,10,15,18,20,22. The method that we use is the withdrawal method. what is my possibility of getting pregnant? My last period was February 24, 2003, at 28 days.
2) When my period is coming or here I have no signs. I don't get cramps, or anything to that nature, is there something wrong with me that I don't get any symptoms? Is there anything wrong if I get sharp pains in my vagina from time to time?
Question by kimmie from new york |
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1) The withdrawal method is 82% effective with typical use and 96% effective with perfect use. However, a small amount of fluid that is released before ejaculation may contain some sperm.
2) Some women do not have premenstrual symptoms and this is okay, as are occasional sharp pains in the vagina.
Answered by Dr. Onuigbo on 03/27/2003 |
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About a month ago I had surgery because I had a tubal pregancy. I'm 19 and the doctor saved my tube. I'm scared because I don't know what reactions my body has taken. How will my body react in the coming months?
Question by Laura from Tulsa |
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The early diagnosis and prevention of the tube from rupturing were the greatest threat to your health and these are now in the past. At 19 you should anticipate your recovery to be rapid. A common complaint after any surgery is being tired and this should be anticipated. After a tubal pregnancy, scarring in the tube may interfere with future pregnancies. Successful pregnancy rates vary from 60-100% depending on the amount of damage to the tube. Your other tube, however, can easily compensate and allow pregnancy to occur.
Answered by Dr. Richman on 03/27/2003 |
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I am 3 months pregnant and I have an uncle, and 2 cousins, all on my dad's side that were born slow, they are not completely retarded, but they are slow.
What is the change that my baby is born like that?
Question by Rita from springfield, MA |
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It would be very difficult to offer any advise regarding your chances of having a child which would be "slow" unless you knew the causes for your relatives "slowness". If it is something genetic there are tests available to project some diseases. Most frequently, such testing occurs at "University Hospitals". You may wish to check with the nearest hosiptal to you.
Answered by Dr. Stanford on 03/26/2003 |
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I have just recently quit taking the birth control pill Alesse 28 (I quit in early February of 2003) I just started trying to conceive in March. I had a normal period that came and went as usual so I began to try asap. I just read that trying to conceive shortly after quitting birth
control can increase the risk of miscarriage and fetal malformations. I was told by all of my GYN's that the birth control I am on is an
extremely low dosage. I am not sure if I am pregnant since I just finished intercourse during my most fertile period. Is it possible that I could
have harmed my possible unborn child by trying to conceive so quickly? Also I am 19 and my husband is 21. I was wondering what our odds of
conceiving in any given month are. We are non smokers and non drinkers, we exercise and are in good health.
Thanking you in advance
Brandy Waldrop
Question by Brandy from Austin |
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80% of couples will conceive within the first year after discontinuing the use of birth control. Your non-use of alcohol and tobacco, and exercising are excellent pre-conception measures. If you have not already done so you should also start a prenatal vitamin daily. These contain folic acid and decrease the chances of a baby being born with a neural tube defect . If you do find yourself already pregnant, it would also be important you seek early prenatal care. Since you report a normal period before conception, you should not consider yourself at any greater risk for miscarriage (1 in 4 pregnancies) or fetal abnormalities than the overall population of women in the childbearing years. Studies show that the use of hormones such as oral contraceptives do not increase the risk of miscarriage, it just makes it more difficult to get a definite due date if you conceive right after going off the pill, as you may ovulate more right after going off birth control.
Answered by Dr. Richman on 03/18/2003 |
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I am 27 years old and on Levlin 28. My husband and I want to have a baby soon. He on the other hand is 43. Will we have a problem getting pregnant after we get off of the birth control. I am also on an anti-seiure medication called neurotin. Will it cause any known birth defects?
Question by kay from indianapolis |
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80% of couples will conceive within one year of going off birth control. With your seizure background, however, it is very important that you have pre-conception counseling with your obstetrician of choice before going off birth control or your seizure medicine.
Answered by Dr. Glascock on 03/13/2003 |
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How long does it take to get pregnant if you have been on birth control for 12 years?
Question by Kay from indianapolis |
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Your fertility varies with what type of birth control. If you were on the pill, fertility can return almost immediately. If you were on something such as Depo-Provera, it may take as much as 18 months. You did not mention your age, which also impacts fertility. Fertility declines about 7% in women at age 30, and 50% by age 40. If you have not had a recent physical, you would also wish to do this when considering pregnancy.
Answered by Dr. Sandy on 03/13/2003 |
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Questions regarding Rh- and RhoGAM sensitivity..... Recently in our office we have had a young lady struggling with miscarriages. She has now had three consecutive miscarriages back-to-back. Her first miscarriage in November 2002, her second the last day or two in December 2002, for which she was diagnosed with Rh- factor and received a RhoGAM shot the first or second day in January, and now another miscarriage the first week in March. Each pregnancy she did get further into the pregnancy. This last pregnancy she was 8-5/7 weeks.
My question and concern is Rh sensitivity and the need for RhoGAM shots. Her OB/GYN explained to her that since she had a RhoGAM shot in January that it was not necessary to have another in March. Apparently it "stays in your system for up to 3 to 4 months" ???
In the nursing work that I have done we always give a RhoGAM shot at the 28th week (for additional pregnancies) and within 72-hours after delivery, miscarriages, abortions, etc. etc. I have never heard that it is not necessary with consecutive miscarriages. I did ask for literature stating this was the case, but nothing has been presented. If you have any information regarding this topic or anything related, I would greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Ms. Janssen
Question by Ms. from Rexburg |
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In theory, the expectation after giving Rhogam at 28 weeks gestation is that it is effective until approx. 40 weeks gestation (a period of 12 weeks or 3 months). The common presence of the Rh antibody in the patient's blood after administration, if considering re-administration would also, in theory, suggest some degree of immunity, although the amount would be unknown. Rh sensitization is not usually a concern in very early gestation as the fetus does not yet have the ability to exchange blood. Our research, however, also can't find any documentation of any of the before mentioned. In proactive, we would suggest consulting with your blood bank pathologist for his/her guidance and recommendation regarding such cases as the one presented.
Answered by Dr. Glascock on 03/13/2003 |
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I have read that sperm can live for up to 5 days in a woman so here is my question. If a woman only has fertile cervical mucus for a day or two each month how do they survive for that long? I have heard that if the mucus is not fertile it kills the sperm. Please advise. Thanks
Question by Morgan from Cedar Falls |
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Seven to eight days before predicted ovulation, normally cloudy mucous becomes clear and slippery and will stretch between your fingers. It is at this time that you are most fertile. You remain fertile during the first 36 hours after ovulation. It is the egg availability (not the mucous) that actually impacts conception. An egg lives only about 24 hours after leaving the ovarian follicle. Sperm can survive 5 or more days in the woman's reproductive tract. If just one of these sperm comes in contact with the egg, pregnancy occurs
Answered by Dr. Glascock on 03/13/2003 |
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I am 35 wks pregnant and work as occupational therapist in long term care with residents who have MRSA. As OT I work closely with residents because I address ADL's. I worked with several residents who had MRSA early in pregnancy. I haven't had any recently, although still several in facility. I was wondering if I contracted MRSA (active or colonized) could it have harmed my baby in anyway and do I need tested?
Question by Amye from Tyner |
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The use of universal precautions does prevent transmission of MRSA for both you and to your baby. A skin culture of yourself followed by a culture and sensitivity would tell if you had the infection and what if any antibiotic could be effective. This close to delivery, you would want to pursue this possibility immediately if desired.
Answered by Dr. Richman on 02/28/2003 |
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how late in life can you become pregnet?
Question by sharon from bedford nh |
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Between the ages of 45 and 55 - the average age being 50 - a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs, her hormone production decreases and her menstrual periods end. This is called menopause and ends the reproductive phase of a woman's life cycle (i.e. ability to become pregnant). However, beginning as early as age 34-35 the risk of producing an infant with a chromosome problem such as Downs Syndrome does begin to significantly increase and should also be evaluated in considering pregnancy. There is also a decreased chance of conceiving with increased age.
Answered by Dr. Onuigbo on 02/27/2003 |
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At my 2 week follow up to a D&C my doctor suggestion I take birthcontrol pills for 50 days (omiting the last week of the pills) as soon as I stop my cycle should start and I should take the lowest dosage of clomid?
My history is 8 miscarriage in 10 years. 2 live births 1994 and 1999. I had taken clomid to aid ovulation for all of my pregancies. Each time I did ovulate I did become pregant. With each of my live children I was on the highest dosage of clomid (5 a day for 5 days) in 1997 I was diagonised with PSOS and prescribed the medication Metformin. My most recent pregancy ended at 7 weeks. It was our 3rd month of trying with clomid and metformin. I was up to 4 pills a day for 5 days.
I no longer have infertility coverage on our insurance so our choices of treatment is limited.
Thanks for your input!
Question by Melissa from Lamoni |
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With so many miscarriages, it appears there may be more going on than just a problem with ovulation. Have you been evaluated to find out why there have been so many miscarriages? If not, it would be reasonable to have some further testing to see why this might happen before using infertility drugs to begin another pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your physician about your concerns.
Answered by Dr. Sandy on 02/19/2003 |
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I have been diagnosed with uterine prolapse and are 21 week pregnant. I feel as though everything is hanging out of the vagina area. It can be seen about an inch or so. Can this cause problems with my pregnancy? Can it cause preterm labor? I can't seem to find much info on this subject. My OB doesn't seem overly concerned but she has seem how far is hangs sometimes? Please advise. Thanks
Question by Debbie from Houston |
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A prolapsed uterus is due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Numerous pregnancies, obesity, and constipation are a few of the problems that might lead to uterine prolapse. Your report of "feeling like everything is hanging out of the vagina" is very common. This condition will not hurt your baby. After pregnancy, surgical repair or use of a pessary (a device similar to a diaphragm that holds the uterus in place) might be something you would wish to discuss with your health care provider. While pregnant, avoiding constipation, maintaining a healthy weight gain, or discontinuing smoking (the cough might aggravate the prolapse) could all be useful health care measures.
Answered by Dr. Sandy on 02/18/2003 |
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Last month I did a home pregnancy test and the line was very faint so I repeated it the next day and the line was gone so I came in for a quant test and they told me the level was 12 and they wanted me to return three days later for a repeat. Three days later the level was only 2 and was told it was just an early pregnancy probably that did not take. I did start bleeding and was told it was my period. I have not had a period since then. Is it possible my levels never went back to normal or is 2 normal. This was about 5 weeks ago. I had a friend that her levels never returned down to normal and had to have a D&C.
Question by s from Waterloo |
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Pregnancy test results are based on the presence of a hormone. The amount of hormone present does affect the brightness of the line. Your first quantitative result of 12 would indicate a very early pregnancy loss. The standard followup 3 days later of a level of 2 would be considered in the normal range of 0-10 post pregnancy. Hormone levels requiring D&C are much higher. You should anticipate a normal period very soon. If this does not occur, it would be important to check with your regular health care provider.
Answered by Dr. Sandy on 02/18/2003 |
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Hello, I am 24 weeks pregnant and sometimes having pain around my right ovary. This is my third child and have had an ultrasound. No mention of cysts. The pain lasts for around 5 minutes at a time, possibly from baby moving around. Question is, would I neccessarily be told of a cyst during my ultrasound? I have mentioned the pain to my doctor and was told that I need a maternity belt. If not a cyst, is it normal to feel this kind of pain? It feels like something is getting tight and real ouchy on my right side above my pubic bone. sorry for making a run-on question. Thank you
Question by Michelle from Massillon |
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Since cysts are not uncommon in women of childbearing age, it would not be an unusual ultrasound finding, and therefore, if present, may not have been mentioned out of concern for raising unnecessary fear. The suggestion by your physician that you consider a maternity belt is a common comfort measure for "round ligament pain" often described in a similar manner to your description, normal, and frequently occurs in your pregnancy period. It has to do with the baby "pulling" on the round ligaments and can be experienced on one or both sides of the abdomen.
Answered by Dr. Betts on 02/13/2003 |
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What can I take for constipation while pregnant?
Question by Cally from Fairbank |
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It is safe to take either Fibercon or Metamucil.
Answered by Dr. Richman on 01/09/2003 |
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What can I take that is safe for the baby for a cold?
Question by Susie from Waterloo |
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For colds (no fever) you can take Sudafed, Actifed, Robitussin DM, and nasal sprays may be used for severe congestion.
Answered by Dr. Stanford on 12/17/2002 |
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