Period products fall into two groups: those that catch blood outside the body, like pads and period underwear, and those that collect it inside, like tampons, menstrual cups, and discs. None is medically better than the others. The right choice depends on how heavy your flow is, what you do during the day, how your…
Pregnancy vaccines are a small set of shots that protect two people at once. You make antibodies in response to each vaccine, and those antibodies cross the placenta to inoculate your baby. Newborns cannot get most vaccines for weeks to months, so what you pass along covers that gap. In 2026, four vaccines are part…
Migraine is a neurological condition, not just a bad headache, and it is strongly influenced by estrogen. That connection explains something many women in their 40s notice with frustration: migraines that were once predictable start occurring more often, last longer, and respond less reliably to the medication that used to work. Some women get their…
Pregnancy-related leg cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the calf or foot muscle that lock the muscle tight for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. They are one of the most common complaints of the second and third trimesters, and studies suggest somewhere between a third and a half of pregnant women…
Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting that many women experience during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Despite the name, it can strike at any time of day, and for some women it lasts from morning until night. It is caused largely by the rapid rise in pregnancy hormones, and while it is a…
Pregnancy cravings are strong, sometimes sudden, urges to eat certain foods. Just as common are aversions, when foods you once loved suddenly turn your stomach. These shifts in appetite are one of the most well-known parts of pregnancy, and for most women, they are a normal response to a body that is changing quickly. Cravings…
Wanting to know whether you are having a boy or a girl is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy for many parents. There are several reliable ways to find out, and how early you can get an answer depends on which method you choose. Prenatal tests identify your baby’s sex, the biological traits…
Pregnancy apps can be a helpful tool during your nine months. They track your baby’s growth week by week, log symptoms, time contractions, and help you stay on top of appointments. With dozens of options in the app store, it can be hard to know which ones are actually useful and which are filled with…
Pregnancy brings a long list of changes to your body, and some of them show up in unexpected places. Your mouth is one of them. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive, swollen, and prone to bleeding. This condition is so common that it has its own name: pregnancy gingivitis. It affects…
A colposcopy is a simple, in-office procedure that lets your provider get a closer look at your cervix. It is usually recommended after an abnormal Pap smear or a positive HPV (human papillomavirus) test result. While hearing that you need follow-up testing can feel stressful, a colposcopy is a routine diagnostic step that helps your…