Latest posts
-
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Diagnostic Criteria, Treatment Options and Fertility Considerations
What Is PCOS and How Is It Diagnosed? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone disorder diagnosed when a woman has at least two of three features: irregular ovulation, higher-than-typical androgen (“male”) hormone levels, and a polycystic pattern on ovarian ultrasound. It’s diagnosed by ruling out other conditions first, and it’s one of the most…
-
Placenta Previa: Diagnosis, Activity Restrictions and Delivery Planning
What Is Placenta Previa? Placenta previa happens when the placenta sits low in the uterus and partly or fully covers the cervix. This can block the baby’s usual path out during birth, and it’s usually found on a routine ultrasound before it causes any symptoms. Diagnosis is confirmed with ultrasound, activity guidance depends on your…
-
Ectopic Pregnancy: Early Detection Signs, Treatment Options and Future Fertility
Seek Emergency Care First If You Notice These Signs If you have a positive pregnancy test and you feel sudden, severe belly pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, one-sided shoulder pain, dizziness, or fainting, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. These can be signs that a fallopian tube has ruptured, which is…
-
Postpartum Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline
What Is Postpartum Thyroiditis? Postpartum thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland that develops within the first year after delivery in someone who had normal thyroid function before pregnancy. It happens because the immune system, which shifts during pregnancy and then rebounds afterward, can briefly attack thyroid tissue. Research shows it affects roughly 5% to…
-
Cervical Insufficiency: Diagnosis, Cerclage Procedures and Monitoring Protocols
What Is Cervical Insufficiency? Cervical insufficiency, once called an “incompetent cervix,” happens when the cervix opens too early in pregnancy without contractions or labor pain. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) describes it as the cervix’s inability to hold a pregnancy through the second trimester. Because it often causes no pain, cervical insufficiency…
-
Preeclampsia: Warning Signs, Risk Factors and Current Treatment Approaches
What Is Preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by new high blood pressure along with signs that other organs, like the kidneys or liver, are under strain. It typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, often in the third trimester, though it can also appear after childbirth. Knowing the warning signs and risk factors…
-
Gestational Diabetes: Screening Timeline, Management Options and Long-Term Health Implications
What Is Gestational Diabetes and When Are You Screened? Gestational diabetes is a type of high blood sugar that starts during pregnancy in someone who did not have diabetes before. Most pregnant people are screened between 24 and 28 weeks using a glucose test. If you have certain risk factors, your provider may test you…
-
Uterine Septum: How It Affects Pregnancy and When Surgery Is Recommended
What Is a Uterine Septum? A uterine septum is a band of tissue that divides part or all of the inside of the uterus into two sections. It forms before birth, when the uterus does not fully join together the way it normally does. It is the most common congenital (present-from-birth) uterine anomaly, and many…
-
Uterine Septum: How It Affects Pregnancy and When Surgery Is Recommended
A uterine septum is a band of tissue that divides part of the uterus into two sections instead of one open space. It’s a condition you’re born with, not something that develops later in life. Many people never know they have one until they’re evaluated for a miscarriage or trouble getting pregnant. This article explains…
-
Asherman Syndrome: Intrauterine Adhesions, Causes and Treatment
Asherman syndrome is scar tissue, called adhesions, that forms inside the uterine cavity. It most often develops after uterine surgery, especially repeated dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures. The scar tissue can partially or fully block the space inside the uterus, which can affect periods and fertility. Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only.…