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Week by Week

Ask A Nurse
Pregnancy

Pregnancy

I think I'm having Braxton Hicks contractions, or is it the baby kicking my cervix?
My uterus is measuring large, is it twins?
Why do I have to lie on my left side?
Will laying on my back hurt the baby?
I have these pains in my side...
Are nosebleeds common during pregnancy?
Can I lay in a tanning bed or lay out?
Am I going bald?
I hear this popping noise when the baby moves, is that okay?
Can I take a bath while pregnant?
I'm tired and also looking for good books?
Is discharge normal in pregnancy?
When should I feel the baby move?

Pregnancy Complications

Should I be concerned about roseola in pregnancy? What about other diseases?
What is edema?
What can I do about constipation?
What effects will alcohol and tanning beds have on my baby?
Will caffeine harm my pregnancy?
Will I be a diabetic forever?
Does smoking affect pregnancy?
Do I have an irritable uterus?
Does a large for dates baby mean a cesarean, especially if mom is overweight?
What effects will marijuana have on my baby?
Is cramping normal or does it mean I'm about to start my period?
Is smoking harmful during pregnancy?

Twins or more!

How can I tell if the twins are fraternal or identical at 3 months?
My uterus is measuring large, is it twins?

Preparing for Labor

Will massage help prevent episiotomy?
What is a mucous plug?
How can I tell if my water is broken?
My baby is breech at 7 months, is there a chance he will turn?

35 & Over

How old is too old to have a baby?

Shirley Wingate, RNC, CD, is an OB/GYN nurse with 12 years experience as an obstetrical nurse and childbirth educator. She is certified as a specialist in women's health and is an experienced labor and postpartum doula in private practice. She is the founder and director of "Birth Matters Inc." a prenatal and parenting resource and support center. Throughout her career she has been involved in developing, teaching and expanding services in the community to educate families and support them as they face the changes, challenges and choices that childbearing brings.

She feels that childbirth is a normal, natural and wondrous occasion and has confidence in a woman's ability to listen to her body and trust her instincts during childbirth. She believes that a laboring mothers thoughts, ideas and concerns should be given the utmost respect and feels that all women are entitled to a positive birth experience with rich rewards and feelings of accomplishment. She has been published in "The International Journal of Childbirth Education" and was a contributor to Polly Perez and Deaun Thelan's book on doula programs. She is also on the advisory council for the guidebook "Having Children, The Best Resources to Help You Prepare." She lives in the Midwest with her husband of 21 years and has a daughter and two sons.