Contraception - condoms for women
The female condom is designed to fit all women and is suitable for all ages. It offers women and men an alternative to the male condom. If used correctly, the female condom is effective in preventing pregnancy and providing a barrier to sexually ... [... more]
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Miscarriage explained
Spontaneous miscarriage is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. It is estimated that one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage. The cause of miscarriage is usually not found, but it is rarely due to something the mother ... [... more]
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Folate for women
If taken before conception and early in pregnancy, the B-group vitamin folate can reduce the risk of neural tube defects, in particular spina bifida. All women of child-bearing age should take extra folate as a matter of course, since around half ... [... more]
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Baby due date
Some of the different ways to estimate your baby's due date include calculating from the date of the first day of your last menstrual period, physical examinations that check the size of your uterus, and pregnancy ultrasounds. The unborn baby ... [... more]
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Contraception - vasectomy
Vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception that involves cutting and blocking off the tubes in the groin (the vas) that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. The chances of pregnancy after a vasectomy are around one in 1,000. Vasectomy ... [... more]
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Placenta previa
During pregnancy, the placenta provides the baby with oxygen and nutrients from the mother's bloodstream. Placenta previa means the placenta has implanted at the bottom of the uterus, over the cervix, and the baby can't be born vaginally. During ... [... more]
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Reproduction and fertility ... all about
Getting pregnant or avoiding pregnancy can raise problems for women and men. Read about fertility, conceiving a baby and the male and female reproductive systems. Also find information on ovulation, menstruation and the role of sperm. Find out ... [... more]
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Contraception ... all about
Contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy include the pill, condoms for men and women, IUDs and natural fertility control. Emergency contraception, or the morning after pill, is also available. Vasectomy for men and sterilisation for women are ... [... more]
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Abortion pill - RU486 (mifepristone)
Mifepristone, also known as RU486 or 'the abortion pill', is a drug that induces miscarriage if taken in the first three months of pregnancy. It can be used for medical abortion and offers a choice to women who do not want to have a surgical ... [... more]
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Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy characterised by high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling of the hands, feet and face. Most women with pre-eclampsia don't have obvious symptoms, so regular antenatal check-ups are ... [... more]
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Pelvic floor
The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, uterus and bowel. Pregnancy, childbirth, obesity and the straining of chronic constipation can weaken the pelvic floor. These muscles can be strengthened with special exercises. Leaking small amounts ... [... more]
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Diabetes - gestational
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. When gestational diabetes is well controlled, the risks to the baby and mother are greatly reduced. Mothers may be at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes after experiencing gestational ... [... more]
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