Pregnancy

​

Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg after it’s released from the ovary during ovulation. The fertilized egg then travels down into the uterus, where implantation occurs. A successful implantation results in pregnancy.

On average, a full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. There are many factors that can affect a pregnancy. Women who receive an early pregnancy diagnosis and prenatal care are more likely to experience a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.

Knowing what to expect during the full pregnancy term is important for monitoring both your health and the health of the baby. If you’d like to prevent pregnancy, there are also effective forms of birth control you should keep in mind.

​

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

​

Breastfeeding has both short- and long-term health benefits for the mother and infant. For the baby, these benefits include:

• Reduced infections. There’s a correlation between babies who are breastfed and having fewer childhood infections, such as ear, respiratory, and infections as well as fewer colds.

• Better immunity against viruses and bacteria. Breast milk contains immunoglobulins, or antibodies, from the mother. These proteins help strengthen the infant’s immune system so it can defend itself.

• Reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies have a lower risk for SIDS, both in the first month and first year of the baby’s life.

• A healthier weight. Children who are breastfed may have a lower rate of childhood obesity compared to formula-fed babies.

• Lower risk of diabetes. Breastfeeding reduces a child’s risk for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

• Satisfying changing nutritional needs. Babies require different levels of nutrients at the various phases of year one. A mother’s milk supply will naturally change with the baby’s needs.

​​

The benefits of breastfeeding aren’t for baby alone. Breastfeeding mothers may experience some benefits from breastfeeding as well. These benefits include:

​

• Improved recovery. Breastfeeding releases higher levels of oxytocin. This hormone can help improve uterine contractions That will also help the uterus return to its prepregnancy size.

• Losing pregnancy weight faster. Those who breastfeed exclusively may lose more weight postpartum than those who don’t breastfeed.

• Reduced risk of depression. Mothers may also reduce their risk for postpartum depression by breastfeeding their infants.

• Lower risk of some cancers. The longer a mother spends breastfeeding, the lower their risk for breast and ovarian cancers.

• Lower rates of some medical conditions. Research shows those who breastfeed for one to two years during their lifetime also have a 10 to 50 percent lower risk of certain conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and triglycerides, arthritis, and high blood pressure.