Pregnancy Nutrition, Labor Induction, and Postpartum Recovery

What are the essential dietary restrictions, hormonal markers, and physical recovery strategies for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum transition?

Pregnant woman

Healthy Fruit Juices During Pregnancy

Drinking enough fluids during pregnancy can be challenging. Pregnant women should drink eight to 10 cups of fluids daily. Adding fruit juice to your diet can be a convenient and delicious way of reaching your fluid goal while also meeting your daily fruit group requirements of 2 cups set by the USDA.

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Health Issues with Induction Cooktops

Induction cooking is a type of electric cooking that uses magnetic coils to heat cookware sitting atop the induction unit. The coil itself does not get hot. Induction cooktops are often used in commercial kitchens, because they cook food faster than regular electric or gas cooktops.

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Is Fresh Ginger Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

Ginger is a member of the herb family, and the root of the plant is edible. Adding a spicy zip to recipes such as stir-fries and baked goods, ginger is low in fat and calories and contains small amounts of key nutrients you need during pregnancy.

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Mid section of African American holding pregnant belly

Safe Way to Lose Weight While Pregnant

Weight gain during pregnancy is a normal and healthy occurrence, providing nutritional support for your growing baby. If you are overweight and become pregnant, you and your doctor can discuss whether you should try to maintain your weight or lose pounds during your pregnancy.

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Woman Eating Fresh Salad At Home

Weight Loss After Losing a Pregnancy

Losing a pregnancy at any point can be upsetting and disappointing. Between 10 to 20 percent of recognized pregnancies are lost due to miscarriage before the 20th week. About 80 percent of pregnancy losses occur before the 12th week, according to Baby Center.

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What Is hCG for Men?

Human chorionic gonadotropin, also known as hCG, is a hormone which plays different roles in male and female sexual development. In women, hCG affects ovulation and fertility. In men, physicians may prescribe hCG to increase or restore testosterone production.

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low angle view of a pregnant woman holding a glass of water

Can I Drink Ginger Ale While Pregnant?

If you enjoy soda and want to avoid additional caffeine during pregnancy, you can safely enjoy a glass of ginger ale. It is a caffeine-free alternative to many caffeine-laden sodas. Ginger-ale may help you avoid the nausea and vomiting that is often associated with pregnancy.

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Close up of a cute pregnant belly and junk food

Should You Eat Fast Foods While Pregnant?

During pregnancy, providing a growing baby with the nutrients that it needs to thrive is crucial. However, cravings for certain items -- such as fast food -- can be hard to ignore.

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Healthy pregnancy - exercising outdoor

Safe Pregnancy Exercises During the 2nd Trimester

By the second trimester of pregnancy, most women have shaken the exhaustion and morning sickness of their first trimester and entered the golden period where they feel good, have plenty of energy and are showing the first signs of their baby bumps.

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Happy overweight woman stretching

Can You Lose Weight With Exercise While Pregnant?

Pregnancy is usually a joyous time in a woman's life. Despite this joy, you might worry about gaining too much weight during your pregnancy. If you were overweight before becoming pregnant, you might be especially motivated to control your weight gain in order to have a healthier pregnancy.

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Back Pain While Losing Weight

Since losing excess weight is beneficial for improving health and fitness levels, it would be surprising to discover that it may be the source of health problems such as back pain. Developing back pain with weight loss may be the result of several factors.

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Pregnant Girl is laying on a sofa

Rogaine & Pregnancy

Rogaine, also known as minoxidil topical, is a medication that helps treat hair loss. It is unknown how Rogaine works, but it may dilate blood vessels to stimulate hair growth. This medication is typically used for male pattern baldness and can be used on both men and women.

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Can I Eat Yogurt During Pregnancy?

If you're pregnant, you probably often find yourself wondering whether a particular food that you typically eat -- or are craving now that you're pregnant -- is safe. Yogurt is an example of a food that, within certain restrictions, is not only safe to eat, but also has health benefits for you and your baby.

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Balance and harmony.

Propel Fitness Water & Pregnancy

Propel Fitness Water was developed by Gatorade as a low-calorie water alternative to sports drinks. Propel contains a light flavor with additional essential vitamins to maximize hydration.

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How Long Does Breast Tenderness Last During Pregnancy?

Breast tenderness is one of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy. How long it lasts varies from woman to woman. In general, breast tenderness is common during both the first and last trimesters of pregnancy, due to the physical (and hormonal) changes the body is going through during those times.

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Pregnant woman on beach

Glucosamine & Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many women are justifiably concerned about the potential effects of pharmaceutical medications. For women with painful conditions such as osteoarthritis, naturopathic supplements such as glucosamine may seem like a safe and viable alternative to prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers.

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Pregnant woman resting at home

Pregnancy & B12 Level

Vitamin B-12, an essential nutrient required for the production of red blood cells and normal function of the nervous system, assists in fetal growth and development during pregnancy. A lack of B-12 causes anemia and nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord.

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young women on a rowing machine

Rowing Machine Use During Pregnancy

When you're exhausted and getting bigger by the day, exercise may not be on the top of your to-do list. But exercising during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby.

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