YourBabyYourWay.com - Preconception

Preconception

Whether you’re pondering pregnancy or already trying to get pregnant, you’ll find a wealth of preconception information here.

Getting Pregnant in Later Years

Most women 35 years and older who are in good health will not have problems during pregnancy, but do face increased risk of complications. This includes increased risk of delivery by c-section according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study found that older mothers with normal, full-term pregnancies—particularly first-time older mothers—were more likely to undergo Caesarean delivery than were younger women with similarly low-risk pregnancies. Read more about what you should know about getting pregnant in later years.

Pondering Pregnancy

Few things change your life more than having a baby. Whether you are just starting to contemplate having a baby or it's the only thing on your mind, Southwest Washington Medical Center's team of obstetrics specialists are here to help. Find an upcoming Pondering Pregnancy class that works for you.

Take a childbirth education class

Birthing classes are an essential part of a good pregnancy experience. The classes will not only teach you techniques on how to deal with the pain associated with labor and delivery, but also about proper diet and exercise during your pregnancy. It is a great opportunity for bonding with your partner as well as meeting other people that are experiencing many of the same physical and emotional changes that are related to pregnancy and a new baby.

It is not unusual to feel apprehensive about the actual birthing process and to wonder what is really going to happen the day of your delivery. Getting education during your pregnancy can serve as a tool to help you prepare for that day. Some women are concerned that they will have no control over their labor and delivery, but with education you will feel much more confident and in control when the actual time arrives! Read the full article >

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Ask the Expert

Q: Last year I lost a child at 24 weeks. I'm considering pregnancy again. What can I do to reduce my risk factors for another premature birth?

A: We're so sorry for your loss. Even if you do everything right, you can still have a baby born too early. You know this is true because you've had a baby born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. You may be thinking about getting pregnant again. And you want your full nine months this time.

No one knows for sure what causes a woman to have a premature baby. But there are some risk factors that make a woman more likely to have her baby too early. A risk factor is a known reason why something could go wrong. For example, smoking is a risk factor for having a premature baby. If you smoke, you're more likely than women who don't smoke to have a premature baby.

Some of the risk factors are things you cannot change, such as already having had a baby born too early. But other risk factors are things you can do something about, such as quitting smoking. Here are some risk factors that you do can something about. Talk to your healthcare provider about these risk factors and to earn more about what you can do. Read the full answer >

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Ask the Expert is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read here.

Book Review:

The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother's Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

by Diana Korte

According to medical journalist Diana Korte, vaginal births after cesarean, or VBACs (pronounced vee-backs), are occurring at a rate six times greater in the 1990s than they were in the previous decade, and with more support from those in the medical profession. This is good news for the many pregnant women who want a vaginal delivery after previously delivering babies by cesarean section. Also good news is The VBAC Companion, a clearly written and thorough guide to lead women step-by-step through the process of planning for a VBAC.

Korte, author of Every Woman's Body, gives firm reasons for VBACs--they are safer for both mother and baby--and backs them up with medical facts. Strong chapters on overcoming fear, planning your VBAC, finding VBAC-friendly doctors and hospitals, and experiencing a VBAC make this book invaluable. The appendices provide fascinating statistics about infant mortality rates and cesarean and VBAC rates around the world, as well as extensive listings of resources.

Buy from Powells.com
Buy from Amazon.com
Get it from the Multnomah County Library

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	Share your story
We want to hear about your preconception experiences. Maybe you had a difficult time conceiving and found a specialist locally who really helped. Or maybe you have a tip to share with other couples who are trying to conceive. Join the community today to share your experiences. Or select a blog from the list below to read other hopeful parents’ stories.