Latest posts
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Prenatal Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing Explained
Prenatal genetic screening tests estimate the chance that a pregnancy has a genetic condition, using a blood sample and sometimes an ultrasound. Diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), analyze the pregnancy’s own cells to give a definitive answer instead of a probability. A pregnant patient is handed two brochures at the…
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Possible Ectopic Pregnancy: Urgent Warning Signs and What Information to Bring
By ReproductiveHealthCtr.com Health Education Team | Updated September 2026 An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube, and cannot develop safely. Certain warning signs — sudden severe pain, shoulder pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, or faintness — mean you need emergency care right away, not a wait-and-see approach.…
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Contraception Effectiveness Numbers: Typical Use, Perfect Use, and Study Limits
What Do Contraception Effectiveness Numbers Actually Mean? Contraception effectiveness numbers compare how well a birth control method prevents pregnancy under two different conditions: typical use, which reflects real-world habits, and perfect use, which assumes flawless, consistent use every time. Picture comparing methods on a clinic chart — the percentages look simple, but understanding what they…
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Folic Acid on Prenatal Labels: Serving Math, Forms, and Questions to Ask
By ReproductiveHealthCtr.com Health Education Team. Medically reviewed sourcing; last verified September 2026. Folic acid shows up on prenatal labels in two different numbers — a “mcg DFE” figure and a separate folic acid amount in parentheses — and mixing them up is the most common label-reading mistake. This guide explains what each number means and…
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Preconception Visit Checklist: Medicines, Vaccines, Health History, and Questions
What Happens at a Preconception Visit? A preconception visit is an appointment with a healthcare provider, scheduled before you try to conceive, to review your medications, vaccines, health history, and daily habits. It does not commitment any particular pregnancy outcome. It is a chance to organize your questions so you don’t miss anything important. If…
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Vaccination Records Before Pregnancy: What to Review With a Clinician
How to Review Vaccination Records Before Pregnancy Vaccination records before pregnancy should be gathered and reviewed with a clinician at a preconception visit, not decided on alone. A clinician compares what is documented with current recommendations, identifies gaps or unknowns, and orders a titer test if the records cannot be confirmed. Reviewing vaccination records before…
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Miscarriage Follow-Up Care and Where to Find Support
After a miscarriage, follow-up care typically includes a visit to confirm the loss is complete, monitor physical recovery, discuss what caused it if known, and address emotional wellbeing, along with guidance on which symptoms need urgent medical attention and where to find grief support if you want it. A follow-up visit gives your provider a…
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Avoiding Gaps in Birth Control: Refill, Travel and Backup-Planning Questions
Avoiding gaps in birth control access comes down to three habits: requesting refills before supply runs low, confirming pharmacy stock before travel, and knowing which backup questions to ask a clinician ahead of time. None of these steps require choosing or switching a method — they simply keep the method you already use consistently available.…
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Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery: Timing, Nutrition and Monitoring Needs
Urgent warning signs during a post-bariatric pregnancy Call your doctor or go to an emergency room right away if you have severe or constant abdominal pain, ongoing vomiting, a severe headache that will not go away, sudden vision changes, sudden swelling in your face or hands, heavy vaginal bleeding, or a noticeable drop in your…
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Hyperemesis Gravidarum: When Morning Sickness Becomes a Medical Condition
Call your provider right away if you have these warning signs Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant and cannot keep down any fluids for more than 12 hours, see blood in your vomit, have abdominal pain, feel lightheaded or dizzy, notice signs of dehydration like dark urine or dry skin, or have…