MD
Dr. Karla S. Sanchez-Banos is a board-licensed Ob/Gyn in Mexico, specializing in Adolescent Gynecology. She is also trained in Gynecological Endocrinology, granted by AMEGIN (Gynecological Endocrinology Mexican Association). Her experience of 11 years includes scientific research in teen pregnancy and the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods in the adolescent age group. Dr. Karla currently works in two private medical centers in Aguascalientes City, Mexico, and lives with her two kids and a husband. A member of the Aguascalientes Gynecological Association and certified by the Obstetrics and Gynecological Mexican College, she provides long-distance private practice through teleconsulting.
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Pregnancy brings significant changes to a woman’s body. And when considering the well-being of the growing fetus, some things are considered safe, while others are not. For example, the safety of the consumption of rose hip during pregnancy is not yet determined. Some people complain about experiencing certain side effects, such as headache or nausea, after consuming it. Therefore, you should take a doctor’s advice before using rose hip during pregnancy. Read this post to understand more about the side effects of rose hip, times when you should avoid it, and ways to use rose hip oil during pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Is Rose Hip? Rose hip is the fruit that appears on the rose plant. It is usually red or orange, but it can also, sometimes, be dark or purple. Rose hip is also known as rose hep or rose haw. It is categorized as a wild fruit and is endemic to parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Taking its...
A fever during pregnancy may occur in any trimester and may not usually cause any problems. However, high fever along with other signs of illness may raise concerns for maternal and fetal health. In such cases, timely treatment is essential to avoid potential complications, including congenital malformations and even a miscarriage. Thankfully, most expecting mothers may usually recover with timely treatment with no adverse effect on their baby’s health. Read on to know more about fever during pregnancy, its causes, and the signs to note. [mj-toc] What Is Considered A Fever During Pregnancy? A fever is a temporary increase in body temperature. It is not a disease but is a symptom of an underlying illness. The normal body temperature of a human is 98.6°F (37°C). If the temperature increases above 100.4°F (38°C), it is a fever (1). What Can Cause A Fever During Pregnancy? Most causes of fevers during pregnancy are the same as those during any other period of...
Pregnancy may, at times, be difficult to attain for some couples. In such cases, couples may consider IVF and also hear of the term chemical pregnancy. It may lead you to wonder about the difference between a chemical pregnancy and IVF. Those couples with concerns about infertility can go for fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI)i, two medically approved techniques that assist in artificial conception. However, chemical pregnancy after IVF and IUI is common. A positive pregnancy test can be an instant source of joy in most families. Unfortunately, many couples suffer from infertility issues that compel them to resort to medical assistance to fulfill their dream of having a baby. These processes are often tedious and involve an array of diagnostic tests, different hormonal medications, or surgical interventions. However, in the end, these medical techniques may not be a fool-proof solution to a successful pregnancy and come with their own share of adversities. One...
A jelly-like discharge during pregnancy is a vaginal discharge that appears and feels like mucus. Although considered a normal occurrence in pregnant women, it may become concerning if there is a foul smell or change in the consistency and color. Additionally, if the discharge is accompanied by itchiness or blood in the vaginal area, a doctor’s intervention may be necessary. This post will tell you about this type of pregnancy discharge, including its causes and complications. [mj-toc] Is It Normal To Have A Jelly-like Discharge In Pregnancy? A clear and jelly-like vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy. It could also be a sign of early pregnancy that is usually caused by increased levels of progesterone and estrogen. If you notice thick and stretchy white or pink discharge, you should be taking a pregnancy test. In case the result is positive, you should consult a doctor for prenatal care. You are likely to have a jelly-like discharge towards the end of...
During pregnancy, regular moisturization becomes especially important to maintain skin elasticity. Therefore, the use of almond oil for pregnancy may have crossed your mind. Almond oil is mostly used for massaging and can be seen as one of the primary ingredients in lotions or creams. For pregnant women, its regular use can keep the skin moist and may help to prevent stretch marks. However, there are certain precautionary measures that you need to keep in mind while using it. Scroll through to learn more about the oil, including its benefits and side effects for pregnant women. [mj-toc] Closer Look At Almond Oil [caption id="attachment_890240" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Almond oil has various benefits and here is some useful information: The oil is derived from the crunchy edible almond nuts. Almond oil is used as a major component in skin care products, such as belly rubs. It has a light texture and color with a mild nutty aroma. Those which are...
Constipation is a common problem in pregnancy, and so many women want to know about the safety of magnesium citrate in pregnancy. Magnesium citrate is a laxative that helps you relieve constipation. It loosens the stool by drawing water from the intestines through osmosis. However, it is a pregnancy category C drug, so there are no evidence-based human studies. You may treat your gestational constipation by lifestyle modifications such as indulging in physical activity, drinking enough water, and adding more fibers to the diet. However, if these measures are not relieving the issue, seek a doctor’s help for pregnancy-safe laxatives or stool softeners. Read on to know more about the uses and risks of magnesium citrate in pregnancy. [mj-toc] What Is Magnesium Citrate? Magnesium citrate is the salt of magnesium. It is a saline laxative, which increases water content in the small intestine to produce a bowel movement. It is also called an osmotic laxative as it retains water in...
d. Further, no scientific evi Is it safe to use depilatory cream such as Nair during pregnancy? Active hormones in pregnancy can cause an increase in unwanted hair growth. Shaving or plucking them can give you breakouts. Skin is also extra sensitive to many products during pregnancy. You may ask dermatologists before using prenatal hair removal products such as Nair during pregnancy. They may help you to choose suitable products for your skin type. Before visiting the doctor, you may read on to know the safety of Nair during pregnancy and how often you could use hair removal products. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/reasons-why-you-should-shave-pubic-hair-before-delivery_0099826/" title="Shaving When Pregnant: Should You Shave Your Pubic Hair?"] [mj-toc] A Closer Look - Is Nair Safe During Pregnancy? Nair is a hair removing topical agent applied to the skin to get rid of unwanted hair. Nair claims that their product is safe during pregnancy when all the instructions are followed. Further, no scientific evidence states that hair removal...
Every parent wants to conceive a healthy baby, which is their priority. However, it is common to find parents who prefer having a boy or a girl, especially when this is not their first child (1). It is important to understand that there are no assured methods for the sex selection of a baby. In all cases, even in unassisted pregnancies, there is a 50% chance of conceiving a baby of either sex (2). The post informs readers how to conceive a baby boy. However, it does not propose or promote any discrimination between boys and girls. It also does not support any such methods of sex selection. Moreover, even though the meanings of the words sex and gender are evolving into two different concepts, the article uses these words interchangeably to indicate either a boy or a girl. [mj-toc] What Determines The Sex Of A Baby? [caption id="attachment_890991" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The father determines the sex of a...
[mj-toc] How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 8 Weeks? At eight weeks, you are two months pregnant. Momjunction throws light on fetal development, pregnancy tests, and prenatal care tips you can follow during this week of the first trimester. How Big Is Your Baby In This Week? At eight weeks, your baby is about the size of a cranberry bean (1). Babies usually measure around 0.62in (1.1-1.4cm, measured from crown to rump) and weigh less than 0.035oz (1g) (2). Baby Development At 8 Weeks Pregnancy Here is how the baby’s body parts are developing in this week: Body parts Developments Eyes (3) Begin to form with pigmentation of the retina Limbs (4) Growing longer. In hands digital rays are developed, feet look like plates. Brain Developing Lungs Start to form Head (5) Disproportionately large, can be differentiated from abdomen Heart (6) Four chambers are developed Spine The vertebral column is developed Nervous system Electrical activities start inside the brain and...
Detoxification comprises following certain methods and procedures to eliminate toxins from the body. While it is healthy to detox your body occasionally, you may wonder if it is safe to detox during pregnancy. You should be careful about anything you consume or apply externally during pregnancy, as they may directly or indirectly affect the growing fetus. Since detox techniques generally involve over-the-counter (OTC) products, they may or may not be safe for pregnant women. Keep reading this post to learn more about whether it is safe to undergo a detox when pregnant, the types of detox programs, the risks associated with it, and how to do a detox safely. [mj-toc] Detox While Pregnant – A Brief A detox refers to a diet that uses different nutritional guidelines and herbal supplements to remove toxins from the organs and tissues (1). Eliminating toxins from your body may seem like a good idea, but in reality it is not. During pregnancy, a woman...
Black cohosh is a flowering plant species native to the eastern region of North America (1). You may have heard of the use of black cohosh for labor induction and may be wondering if it is true. Although there isn’t much research suggesting the positive effects of black cohosh in inducing labor, it is sometimes used for this purpose. According to some studies, this method of inducing labor was used by almost 45% of midwives to induce labor in pregnant women (2). However, it is advised not to disturb the natural process and timing of labor to avoid unforeseen complications for the mother and the baby. Read on to know more about black cohosh, including its use, benefits, and possible side effects that might follow if not used under proper supervision. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/natural-effective-ways-to-speed-up-your-labor_0093408/" title="10 Natural And Effective Ways To Induce Labor At Home"] [mj-toc] What Is Black Cohosh? Black cohosh may act as a uterine tonic. It is believed to...
When 9 weeks pregnant, your hormone levels rapidly increase, bringing several physical, physiological, and emotional changes. While these changes may feel overwhelming, the good news is that you are a week closer to meeting your baby. For those expecting their first child, knowing what changes they and their developing baby will have during this week will help them stay prepared for events, such as their first prenatal checkup visit. So, keep reading this post to learn about the 9th week of pregnancy, including your baby’s development and expected body changes, with valuable tips to stay healthy throughout this week and beyond. [mj-toc] How Many Months Is Nine Weeks Pregnancy? At nine weeks of gestation, you are just starting the third month of your pregnancy (1). Your fetus is developing rapidly at this stage, and you may experience notable physical and emotional changes. In just a month, you will enter the second trimester of your pregnancy and may see several more...
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. This post discusses PCOS in pregnancy and the causes, risk factors, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, and treatment of PCOS. PCOS disrupts normal ovary function and results in irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and multiple enlarged ovarian follicles. These enlarged follicles do not release an egg (ovulation) as usual. Nearly 6-12% of women in the US are affected by PCOS, and it's one of the common causes of female infertility. However, early treatment and lifestyle changes can help prevent PCOS complications in most women (1). [mj-toc] Can You Get Pregnant With PCOS? Having PCOS does not mean a woman cannot get pregnant. Infertility due to PCOS can be treated effectively in most women. Lack of ovulation due to hormonal imbalances causes infertility in PCOS. You should seek medical care if you cannot conceive after trying for several months. Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes and medications that can induce ovulation and increase the chance of pregnancy....
The postpartum belly does not return to its pre-pregnancy shape immediately after childbirth. Soon after delivery, it may look round and appear as if you are six months pregnant. Hormonal changes and involution of the uterus are the two major factors that help in decreasing the size of the postpartum belly. The process is slow, and the tummy tightening may require some time. Uterus involution and postpartum weight loss depend on the body’s calorie requirements and hormone changes during breastfeeding. Gentle exercises and a healthy diet may help hasten this process. Learn more about when the postpartum belly will reduce and some tips to speed up the process. [mj-toc] What Are The Causes Of Postpartum Belly? [caption id="attachment_892623" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Overstretching of abdominal muscles during pregnancy can cause a saggy appearance of the tummy after childbirth. In addition, some women may experience abdominal rectus diastasis, a condition where the outermost abdominal muscles are separated due to forces stretching...
As your due date approaches, you may receive various suggestions to induce labor with natural home remedies. The use of primrose and raspberry tea to induce labor are two such popular methods. These plants have medicinal values and can be consumed directly or in capsule form as you enter your third trimester. However, only do so after consulting your healthcare provider. Additionally, massaging with primrose oil or drinking raspberry tea may induce labor. They have been known to soften the contractions, thus helping to ease you into labor. Go through this post to understand the role of primrose and raspberry tea in inducing labor and their possible side effects. [mj-toc] Evening Primrose Oil [caption id="attachment_893482" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Evening primrose oil is a beneficial herbal oil. Evening primrose oil comes from the [simple_tooltip text="steam distillation" tooltip="A separation process in which dry steam is passed through temperature-sensitive products to purify them." ] of the seeds of the evening primrose plant....
Most pregnant women experience various side effects, such as itchy skin, increased sweating, fatigue, and body odor, among others. However, these vary from one woman to another as each pregnancy is unique. This post takes you through the condition, increased body odor during pregnancy, its causes, and treatment management. It is likely to cause discomfort, especially in the first trimester when coping with nausea and vomiting (morning sickness). [mj-toc] What Are The Causes Of Body Odor During Pregnancy? Some possible causes of increased body odor in pregnancy are as follows: 1. Increased sweating [caption id="attachment_891061" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Due to the hormonal changes in pregnancy, there is an increased blood supply to the skin. It may make a woman feel warmer and cause sweating. Increased sweat may lead to an increased body odor (1). Pregnancy hormones can cause night sweats in women. Night sweats are episodes described as drenching sleepwear and bedsheets that cause disturbed sleep, which does not...
Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree native to Australia (1). Clinical evidence shows tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can have therapeutic effects (2). It’s the prominent reason why tea tree oil use has been a vital part of complementary and alternative medicine for ages. Despite its usefulness, little is known about the safety of tea tree oil in pregnancy. Besides, its use in sensitive individuals is known to cause skin irritation and allergy. Thus, the use of tea tree oil in pregnancy should be done under expert guidance. Keep reading to know more about the safety, possible benefits, and ways to use tea tree oil in pregnancy safely. [mj-toc] Is Tea Tree Oil Use Safe During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_893426" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] According to the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), tea tree oil is generally regarded as safe for use during pregnancy (3). However, every...
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a pouch-like organ that projects from the [simple_tooltip text="colon" tooltip="The large intestine." ]on the lower right side of the abdomen. The location of pain and other classic symptoms or signs may not be present in appendicitis while pregnant. Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical care for the new onset of abdominal pain during pregnancy to identify and treat the underlying cause. Read this post to know more about the incidence rates, causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of appendicitis during pregnancy. [mj-toc] Is Appendicitis Common During Pregnancy? Appendicitis is rare in pregnancy. However, it is one of the common causes of acute abdomen (abdominal condition requiring urgent treatment) in pregnancy, affecting around one in 1500 pregnancies. The overall incidence of acute appendicitis in pregnant women is 0.05-0.07%. Appendicitis incidence rates in each trimester are (1): 19-36% in the first trimester 27-60% in the second trimester 15-33% in the third trimester...
Soda is a non-alcoholic beverage that many people, including pregnant women, enjoy drinking. The common belief is that sipping soda helps feel refreshed instantaneously and provides energy. Some pregnant women may turn to soda to fight pregnancy fatigue, but regular consumption could be linked with negative health outcomes. So can you drink soda while pregnant, or must you avoid it completely? Read on as we tell you about the safety and side effects of drinking soda during pregnancy. [mj-toc] Is It Okay To Drink Soda During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_889167" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Drinking a glass of soda once in a while during pregnancy is unlikely to harm you or your baby. However, its frequent consumption could be a cause for concern. Soda is a mixture of carbonated water with sweeteners, such as sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, natural flavors, and caffeine (1). Since most of these ingredients can bring negative health outcomes, limiting soda intake is better. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/safe-drink-soft-drinks-pregnancy_0015776/"...
Butt pain during pregnancy may occur for several reasons, including hormonal changes and pressure from the growing baby. The butt pain is often due to painful stimuli from tissues in the region of the lower back or buttocks. The pain is usually common in the second and third trimesters, but some women may experience butt pain even during early pregnancy. If butt pain is persistent or worsens, consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause. The treatment options may vary from medications to surgery if the cause is severe. Read this post to know the various causes, treatments, and preventive measures for butt pain during pregnancy. [mj-toc]What Are The Causes Of Buttock Pain During Pregnancy? The exact cause of buttock pain in pregnancy is difficult to diagnose and may not be pinpointed in some cases. Several theories show that the body’s reactions to implantation, hormonal changes, etc., can cause buttock pain in the early weeks of pregnancy. However, buttock pain...