As your due date approaches, it’s totally normal to wonder whether you’re experiencing true labor or just another false alarm. Many early symptoms can feel similar, making it difficult to know when it’s go-time. Understanding the signs of labor (and knowing what to do when they start) can help you feel more prepared and confident
If you’ve recently welcomed a baby, birth control might be the last thing on your mind. But fertility can return before your first postpartum period, even while you’re breastfeeding. If you’re not ready for another pregnancy, considering your contraceptive options is an important step. Fortunately, breastfeeding doesn’t mean you have to avoid birth control completely.
Over time, we come to develop an understanding of what a “normal period” means for us. Some women have light periods with next-to-no symptoms, while others have heavier flows and a whole spectrum of symptoms, including cramps, back pain, and headaches. Whatever your period looks like, you probably notice when it changes. If your period
Your 40s can bring a lot of changes to a woman’s body, and some of them get talked about more than others. There’s plenty of online (and in-person!) discussion around weight gain, muscle loss, and even thinning hair. One area that often doesn’t get talked about enough? Pelvic health. Many women notice changes in bladder control,
Seeing blood clots during your period can be alarming, especially if you’ve never noticed them before. Most of the time, small menstrual blood clots are a completely normal part of a heavier flow. However, in some cases, large or frequent blood clots might suggest an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Below, we’re examining what causes period blood clots, plus what’s normal
Whether it’s positive (like starting a new job) or negative (such as dealing with illness), stress shows up in everyone’s life. But when your stress becomes chronic and never seems to let up, it can affect your body in unexpected ways, including your reproductive health. In fact, many women notice changes in their cycles, such
If you’re trying to conceive, the days after ovulation (often called the “two-week wait”) can feel especially long. It’s also when many women start paying closer attention to small changes in their bodies. During this time, your body might produce higher levels of hormones like progesterone and estrogen to support a possible pregnancy. While it’s
Your period might not be a welcome guest, but it’s usually a predictable one. You know what to expect, how heavy it typically is, how long it lasts, and what feels “normal” for you. So when your period suddenly changes and it gets lighter, heavier, shorter, or longer, it can feel unsettling. The good news
Struggling with infertility can feel lonely and isolating, but it’s a more common experience than many people realize. In the United States, millions of couples experience difficulty getting pregnant each year. When pregnancy does not occur after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or after six months for women over 35), healthcare providers may recommend an evaluation
If you’ve been spending any time online lately, you may feel like you’re seeing references to perimenopause just about everywhere. Social media, podcasts, ads, and wellness influencers are all talking about hormones, symptoms, and “fixes.” While awareness can be empowering, it can also feel overwhelming. And sometimes, it can be misleading. Understanding the difference between
