Latest news with #KarenTang
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How soon do pregnancy symptoms start? Here's what experts say.
Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this story misstated how to calculate pregnancy duration. It has since been updated. If you think there's a chance you might be pregnant, you want to know as soon as possible. But how soon can symptoms be attributed to a new pregnancy, rather than other ailments or conditions? It's helpful first to know how to actually measure pregnancy duration: It's calculated from the first day of your last period, not the actual day of conception, says Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)." And symptoms could begin to arise sooner than you might think. Here's what gynecological experts want you to know about early pregnancy symptoms and detection. How does IVF work? Plus what the process is like and how much it costs. Pregnancy (or "morning sickness") symptoms can begin to show within four to eight weeks, experts say. Symptoms including nausea, fatigue, moodiness, breast tenderness, light bleeding and mild pelvic cramping. Food cravings or aversions are common. But not everyone experiences those symptoms in that timeframe – and not everyone who experiences those symptoms is pregnant. It's rare, but in some cases, false negative tests occur. "Some people never notice symptoms, which is why pregnancies are detected at all different gestational ages, even sometimes in the third trimester," Tang says. "Some of the symptoms of pregnancy can be the same as what people experience in PMS, because they're also caused by a hormone called progesterone that rises in both the luteal phase before your period, and as the placenta develops. You could also think you have a virus because of feeling nauseated, tired and achy." Noted: Can you actually get pregnant during your period? What an OB/GYN needs you to know. The "most sensitive" drugstore tests can detect pregnancy as early as three or four weeks after your period date, Tang says. In those first few weeks, pregnancy hormones are on the rise every day. If you take a test early on that turns up negative but you still believe you may be pregnant, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends testing again in a week. Getting a blood test done by a medical professional also may be helpful, as blood tests are able to detect pregnancy before urine tests and ultrasounds. "You should take a test as soon as you are worried you might be pregnant, but most over-the-counter tests may not turn positive until around the time that you'd be due for or missing your period," she adds. "Pregnancy hormone (HCG) is most concentrated in the first morning urine, so that may have the best chance of showing a positive, but obviously take the test whenever in the day you're able to." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When do pregnancy symptoms start? Expert thoughts on morning sickness
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How to safely have sex while pregnant, according to health experts
Being pregnant doesn't have to put a pause on your sex life. Sure, it may change your sex drive or comfort levels. But from a health and safety perspective, the good news is that "most people can safely have sex while pregnant," says Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)." For the record, health experts say it's completely normal if you or your partner don't feel like having sex while pregnant, for any reason. The key is keeping an open dialogue about how you're feeling, and any worries about how the current pregnancy could impact your sex life as a couple. But if you are interested in learning the dos and don'ts of having sex while pregnant, Tang is answering your FAQs. 'Pregnancy nose' videos go viral. Here's the problem with the trend. In most cases, there's no need to worry about vaginal penetration, sperm or orgasms hurting a "normally-developing pregnancy," she adds. The uterine muscles and amniotic fluid are there to protect the baby, according to the Mayo Clinic. But there are certain cases in which a doctor might suggest putting a pause on bedroom activity. Conditions that might lead an OB/GYN to recommend against having sex, according to Tang, include an early cervical dilation or weakening, concern about risk of uterine infection, placenta covering the opening of the cervix, a history of early labor, leaking amniotic fluid or experiencing vaginal bleeding. Folate is crucial for prenatal care. But it could also prolong your life. As long as your doctor has said you don't have any of the aforementioned conditions that could make sex during pregnancy unsafe, you're fine to have sex throughout your pregnancy, experts say. Ultimately, pregnancy sex should be discussed on a personal basis with your doctor, who can offer guidance depending on your unique situation, Tang says. Condoms obviously aren't needed to prevent pregnancy if you already are pregnant, but the Mayo Clinic notes that condom usage is vital if your partner has a sexually transmitted infection, or if either of you have sex with a new partner while pregnant, as an STI can cause serious health issues for you and the baby. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can you have sex while pregnant? You likely won't hurt the baby.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
How to safely have sex while pregnant, according to health experts
How to safely have sex while pregnant, according to health experts Show Caption Hide Caption Preeclampsia: Symptoms, causes and treatments Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that develops during pregnancy. Self Improved Being pregnant doesn't have to put a pause on your sex life. Sure, it may change your sex drive or comfort levels. But from a health and safety perspective, the good news is that "most people can safely have sex while pregnant," says Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)." For the record, health experts say it's completely normal if you or your partner don't feel like having sex while pregnant, for any reason. The key is keeping an open dialogue about how you're feeling, and any worries about how the current pregnancy could impact your sex life as a couple. But if you are interested in learning the dos and don'ts of having sex while pregnant, Tang is answering your FAQs. 'Pregnancy nose' videos go viral. Here's the problem with the trend. Can you have sex during pregnancy? In most cases, there's no need to worry about vaginal penetration, sperm or orgasms hurting a "normally-developing pregnancy," she adds. The uterine muscles and amniotic fluid are there to protect the baby, according to the Mayo Clinic. But there are certain cases in which a doctor might suggest putting a pause on bedroom activity. Conditions that might lead an OB/GYN to recommend against having sex, according to Tang, include an early cervical dilation or weakening, concern about risk of uterine infection, placenta covering the opening of the cervix, a history of early labor, leaking amniotic fluid or experiencing vaginal bleeding. Folate is crucial for prenatal care. But it could also prolong your life. When to stop sex during pregnancy As long as your doctor has said you don't have any of the aforementioned conditions that could make sex during pregnancy unsafe, you're fine to have sex throughout your pregnancy, experts say. Ultimately, pregnancy sex should be discussed on a personal basis with your doctor, who can offer guidance depending on your unique situation, Tang says. Condoms obviously aren't needed to prevent pregnancy if you already are pregnant, but the Mayo Clinic notes that condom usage is vital if your partner has a sexually transmitted infection, or if either of you have sex with a new partner while pregnant, as an STI can cause serious health issues for you and the baby.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
When should you take a pregnancy test? Here's what experts recommend.
When should you take a pregnancy test? Here's what experts recommend. Show Caption Hide Caption Preeclampsia: Symptoms, causes and treatments Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that develops during pregnancy. Self Improved Taking a pregnancy test too early can produce a false negative result. And the prospect of a major life change like pregnancy is a time when you want to make sure you're getting the most accurate information. So how do you know when it's too early to take a pregnancy test, and at what point can you get accurate results? Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)," explains what you need to know about the best times to take a pregnancy test – and signs to look out for that signify you could be pregnant in the first place. Noted: Can you actually get pregnant during your period? What an OB/GYN needs you to know. How early can you take a pregnancy test? The "most sensitive" drugstore tests can detect pregnancy as early as three or four weeks after your missing period date, Tang says. In those first few weeks, pregnancy hormones are on the rise every day. If you take a test early on that turns up negative but you still believe you may be pregnant, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends testing again in a week. Getting a blood test done by a medical professional also may be helpful, as blood tests are able to detect pregnancy before urine tests and ultrasounds. "You should take a test as soon as you are worried you might be pregnant – but most over-the-counter tests may not turn positive until around the time that you'd be due for or missing your period," she adds. "Pregnancy hormone (HCG) is most concentrated in the first morning urine, so that may have the best chance of showing a positive, but obviously take the test whenever in the day you're able to." How does IVF work? Plus what the process is like and how much it costs. And FYI: Pregnancy is actually calculated from the first day of your last period, not the actual day of conception, Tang says.
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
How soon do pregnancy symptoms start? Here's what experts say.
How soon do pregnancy symptoms start? Here's what experts say. Show Caption Hide Caption Preeclampsia: Symptoms, causes and treatments Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure condition that develops during pregnancy. Self Improved If you think there's a chance you might be pregnant, you want to know as soon as possible. But how soon can symptoms be attributed to a new pregnancy, rather than other ailments or conditions? It's helpful first to know how to actually measure pregnancy duration: It's calculated from the first day of your last missed period, not the actual day of conception, says Dr. Karen Tang, author of "It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (But Were Never Told)." And symptoms could begin to arise sooner than you might think. Here's what gynecological experts want you to know about early pregnancy symptoms and detection. How does IVF work? Plus what the process is like and how much it costs. When does morning sickness start? Pregnancy (or "morning sickness") symptoms can begin to show within four to eight weeks, experts say. Symptoms including nausea, fatigue, moodiness, breast tenderness, light bleeding and mild pelvic cramping. Food cravings or aversions are common. But not everyone experiences those symptoms in that timeframe – and not everyone who experiences those symptoms is pregnant. It's rare, but in some cases, false negative tests occur. "Some people never notice symptoms, which is why pregnancies are detected at all different gestational ages, even sometimes in the third trimester," Tang says. "Some of the symptoms of pregnancy can be the same as what people experience in PMS, because they're also caused by a hormone called progesterone that rises in both the luteal phase before your period, and as the placenta develops. You could also think you have a virus because of feeling nauseated, tired and achy." Noted: Can you actually get pregnant during your period? What an OB/GYN needs you to know. How early can you detect pregnancy? The "most sensitive" drugstore tests can detect pregnancy as early as three or four weeks after your missing period date, Tang says. In those first few weeks, pregnancy hormones are on the rise every day. If you take a test early on that turns up negative but you still believe you may be pregnant, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends testing again in a week. Getting a blood test done by a medical professional also may be helpful, as blood tests are able to detect pregnancy before urine tests and ultrasounds. "You should take a test as soon as you are worried you might be pregnant, but most over-the-counter tests may not turn positive until around the time that you'd be due for or missing your period," she adds. "Pregnancy hormone (HCG) is most concentrated in the first morning urine, so that may have the best chance of showing a positive, but obviously take the test whenever in the day you're able to."
