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• June 9, 2008 7:40 a.m.

  My daughter has epilepsy. She has been taking the drug Zonegran. I have not found much information on whether or not she should be careful about getting pregnant with this drug. She is 27 and in good health. She is presently seeing a doctor specializing in "research" and I am not comfortable with his wait and see approach. She was initially diagnosed with epilepsy at Mayo Clinic around 14 years ago. My wife and I are suggesting that her and her husband go to Mayo Clinic to get some pre-pregnancy counseling to more fully understand whether or not she should be on another drug, or possibly another consideration. Thanks for your time and consideration.

  - Walter Slingsby

• May 27, 2008 9:01 a.m.

  can you get pregneat well breastfeeding?

  - Denise

• May 25, 2008 3:13 a.m.

  Janine you did nothing that caused your baby harm. The lifting and other activities wouldn't have done anything to the baby's hips. It is possible he was breech for a long time. Please try not to feel guilty about your sons hips. It was out of your control.

  - Mary Murry Mayoclinic.com

• May 23, 2008 7:24 p.m.

  Yolanda, You asked if it is possible to get pregnant while on the pill? Yes!! I have been on several different types from the pill to the patch and I have taken them as close to perfect as I can. I have gotten pregnant three times while on them. Guess it is time for a more permanent fix.

  - Jennifer

• May 22, 2008 2:31 p.m.

  When my son was born his legs were notin their hip sockets. He was full term, delivered by a planned C-section. C-section was reccomended because his head was large and the umbilical cord was around his neck and he was a footling breach. I thought it was all my fault because I foolishly put in a brick patio when I was in my last weeks of pregnancy. I was lifting fifty pound bags of sand, working on my hands and knees, and it took half a pallet of bricks to complete the project. I did feel pressure below my rib cage and my belly felt tight. I would take breaks until this feelings passed. My question is, did I cause distress to my son and did I cause the complications of the pregnancy?

  - Janine

• April 19, 2008 2:26 p.m.

  This is in response to Roberta's question: I had two wisdom teeth pulled during my pregnancy one at 6 months the other at 8 months (I still need another pulled). Its perfectly ok. The dentist/x-rayer should put a double apron over your belly for extra protection and they'll at least need a note from your doctor explaining what drugs they can prescribe (for example antibiotics/pain killers). My babies fine...even more than fine (8lbs at 9 months). So go for it but be sure to check with your doctor 1st. Dental problems, like a bad tooth (which I've had), could cause preterm labor. So if its necessary do it, if its a wisdom tooth they're try to save go on a head and get it pulled....wisdom teeth are in part extra teeth and the hardest to maintain since they're way in the back. Good Luck :)

  - Jennie

• April 15, 2008 8:54 p.m.

  where can i find a good "do and don't" list for being pregnant?

  - No name given

• April 14, 2008 1:44 a.m.

  My husband recently had a vasectomy reversal and I was wondering if anyone else out their has experienced this and what their experience was like. The surgeon said that everything went great and that we shouldn't have a problem, which we are exstatic about! Just wondering if anyone had any encouraging thoughts or stories about pregnancy after a vasectomy reversal, or any tips on how to concieve afterward! Thanks!

  - Melissa

• April 14, 2008 1:15 a.m.

  Currently 12 weeks pregnant - have had spotting for last 5 days (vary between light brown and light pink colour), lower abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain (heart burn), the noisiest tummy in town (so much wind but can't release it), and constipation. Had 12 week ultrasound on Friday and was told the baby was perfectly healthy, no abnormalities, heartbeat 164. I have a doctor's appointment this week to have it checked out and I was in hospital last week getting the spotting and cramps checked out. I was just told to rest as cervix was closed. Has anyone else had these experiences? Just curious - Don't worry I am always at hospital or doctors getting checked out!

  - Kelly

• April 13, 2008 2:45 p.m.

  I think I'm in the right place for information :-). In my past I have had a history of sensitivity to birth control pills, they always make me nauseous. I recently quit taking them because I got really sick one night. I figured my period would be coming soon. It has been 7 days since I last took them. To my surprise I have been exhibiting signs of pregnancy. The nausea never went away, my breasts have been really sore, I have been light headed and fatiued and still no sign of my period. So, my question is can you get pregnant while taking birth control and if so, how long should I wait to take a test or go to the doctor?

  - Yolanda

• March 30, 2008 12:54 a.m.

  I find all these posts so interesting! I'm 38 and expecting my 6th girl - yes, you read right!My oldest daughter is 12 and my youngest will be 2 in 3 weeks. The point I'd like to bring home to all you ladies, especially you newer mommies-to-be, is to choose your health care provider carefully. After all the ob/gyn's I've had, I recommend considering going with a midwife! Be scrutinizing and careful in who you choose and the facility you choose, even if you're considering a homebirth, and explore all your options. It can make a big difference in your and your baby's outcome. God bless you all!

  - Laura

• March 26, 2008 1:30 p.m.

  Thank you Bonnie and Julie for your positive feedback. I agree that time will make all the difference. My daughter still isn't thrilled with the idea of diapers and diaper bags, but that will change in time. There is 4 years difference in the childrens ages, so the 4 year old can be a real "helper". I am one of 5 children, the last 3, including me, were not planned and all just 16-18 months apart. My mom and I talked about that a couple of weeks ago. She considered it God's will and took it all in stride. Lucky for the last 3 of us!

  - grandma

• March 22, 2008 8:59 p.m.

  I'm 37 and 9 months pregnant. I can't wait to see the article on being over 35 and pregnant. Doctors in the beginning of your pregnancy have so much doom and gloom to share with you when you're over 35! I think the prognosis should be based on your health and family history-not solely your age. This is my first baby. There's no way I would have been ready to fully embrace the responsibility and sacrifice of a baby earlier in my life-but that's me. I'm now in a place in my career and maturity to fully embrace this blessing without remorse. I'm elated! I look forward to reading this blog as much as I can before I deliver Camille.

  - April-Atl.

• March 21, 2008 2:59 p.m.

  Isn't it wonderful to have such a diverse group? I wish I could answer all questions but I still have to make time to deliver babies. I get a lot ideas for future topics from the comments I read. When I find a common thread, I will try to address it. My blog next week will be about pregnancy over 35.

  - Mary MurryMayo.com

• March 19, 2008 1:55 p.m.

  Hi! I have a dental health related question. i'm 12 wks pregnant and i need a root canal. i'm nervous about getting xrays & the medication required. My ob/gyn said that limited xrays are okay with a lead apron and that no vasal constrictors are allowed but that other pain medication is okay. Does anyone have any advice for me?

  - Roberta

• March 18, 2008 5:14 a.m.

  Hi Everyone, I am so glad to have found this forum. I am 5.5 weeks pregnant with my first baby and I am thrilled about it. I must confess that my head is spinning from all the do's and dont's that I have been reading about. Do any of you have some conclusive info on whethee we should or shouldn't dye our hair?

  - Joanne

• March 17, 2008 3:04 p.m.

  I guess I should clarify...I'm actually 4 weeks pregnant. I don't really get it, but I guess the first two weeks of your cycle are counted even though you are not pregnant.

  - Paula - NNY

• March 17, 2008 11:31 a.m.

  Hi, everybody! I'm 2 weeks pregnant, and very excited. I blogged a while ago about me being older (38 years) and my husband having a vasectomy reversed after 8 years. Well, it worked! We are very excited. I knew something was different from my normal cycle. And I was having some of the symptoms, fatigue, breast tenderness, and a strange feeling in my uterine area (it was like a great big mosquito was biting me). Very cool. I've been writing these things down in a day book, so I can always have something to look at.

  - Paula - NNY

• March 14, 2008 11:22 p.m.

  I am 4 weeks pregnant with my second child and I am dealing with hyothyroidism. I had my thyroid removed 8 months ago. My levels are normal but I have been told that they will change again. I have also heard that there can be miscarriage increases and defects. Has anyone gone through a pregnancy with a pre-existing thyroid problem?

  - Becky, AZ

• March 14, 2008 1:15 a.m.

  Hi! So many topics...it's great. I'm only 4 weeks pregnant with my first. So I'm just taking it easy to get through the 1st trimester. I too have been stressed out about work a bit. My husband and I are totally excited, so that makes things easier. I've been concerned with the controversy over immunizations being linked to autism. Does anyone have any ideas of info on this topic? Good luck to all of you!

  - VAL

• March 11, 2008 2:11 p.m.

  I'm currently trying to conceive. My husband and I are dealing with my fertility problem (polycystic ovarian syndrome). I'm searching for ALL the options I can find. Do you have this disorder? I'm currently on Metformin (850mg) to help regulate my insilin levels. What worked for you? This will be my first child (once we conceive) and we've been back and fourth with my Dr. but we have an app. to get a second opinion. Plus I'm overweight and trying to bring it down so I can help my chances. Do you have advise for me?

  - Lauren

• March 10, 2008 8:51 a.m.

  Sally- When done properly, co-sleeping is a wonderful and safe thing. Check out literature from LeLeche League and Dr. Sears. For most people it is safe.

  - Allison

• March 7, 2008 8:01 a.m.

  I'm happy to see there are so many "mature" mothers here. At 43, I am expecting my first baby. In this small, rural community where my husband and I live, I enjoy reminding certain people that my mother was also 43 when I was born - and it worked out well for me!

  - PK

• March 5, 2008 10:55 p.m.

  My daughter is pg and she was taking seizure meds but stop. She is worried about birth defects. This is her 2nd, the 1st., she went off with no problems but now her dr. wants her back on them. She only has had 2 since she was 17 and now 30, should she take them or not? I can't find anything on pros and cons. I really need you advise and I hope you read this every now and then, so you can answer my question. I hope I didn't offend you by that comment but some people start these blogs and never get back to them. We have already talked to the neuro & internist and they have different opinions. The neuro is insisting and if she doesn't , he will take her driver's license away. Anyways, pls help us. I thank-you in advance, Melba

  - Melba W

• March 5, 2008 6:08 a.m.

  Dear Mary, I believe pregnancy should be fun, it's not a disease but a stressful physiological state. You need a good mindset to carry it. i am having my third pregnancy which i planned for; has 2 babies: 5 and 3. This pregnancy appears to be more stressful than the previous ones but i tried to live my normal life though with some physiological slowing down. I count this period as a temporary one and i can't wait to deliver my last baby hopefully.

  - Ayanlowo O