Pregnancy, IVF & Parenting Blog
Practical, in-depth guides for every stage — from trying to conceive and IVF through pregnancy week by week to life with your newborn.
Latest Pregnancy, IVF & Parenting Articles
New guides published regularly — filter by topic to find what you need.
Is Hibiscus Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
Hibiscus tea is not recommended in pregnancy: no safe dose is established and it may affect hormones and blood pressure. Learn the evidence and safer drinks.
How to Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Better Sleep
A pregnancy pillow works when it supports your bump, knees, and back at once. Learn U, C, and wedge shapes, side-sleeping positions, and mistakes to avoid.
What Is Considered Full Term for a Pregnancy?
Full term means 39 weeks and 0 days to 40 weeks and 6 days. Learn the four term bands, why 39 weeks is the ideal window, and what happens after 41 weeks.
What Is Considered a Geriatric Pregnancy?
A geriatric pregnancy means pregnancy at age 35 or older at delivery. Learn why 35 is the cutoff, which risks rise, and what screening to expect.
Is Omeprazole Safe During Pregnancy? Evidence
Omeprazole is generally considered safe in pregnancy when needed: large studies found no increased birth-defect risk, and it is the most studied PPI.
How Many Weeks Is 5 Months Pregnant? Explained
Five months pregnant means weeks 18 to 22, with week 20 at the midpoint. The anatomy scan falls in this window, and month 6 begins at week 23.
Can an Ovulation Test Determine Pregnancy? The LH Answer
An ovulation test cannot reliably detect pregnancy: it measures LH, not hCG. A positive result can mean ovulation, PCOS, or hCG cross-reactivity.
When Do Stretch Marks Appear in Pregnancy? Timeline
Stretch marks usually appear between weeks 13 and 21 of pregnancy, start pink or purple, and fade to pale lines over 6 to 12 months after birth.
What Is Nesting in Pregnancy? The Urge Explained
Nesting in pregnancy is the urge to clean and prepare for baby at 36-38 weeks. Learn what it means, how long it lasts, and why it is not a labour sign.
What Is DPO in Pregnancy? Days Past Ovulation Explained
DPO — days past ovulation — is the count of days since ovulation. This guide explains how to count it, the implantation window, and when testing makes sense.
Is 100 mg of Vitamin B6 Safe During Pregnancy?
100 mg of vitamin B6 is at the US upper limit: fine short-term for nausea under a provider's direction, but not a routine daily dose in pregnancy.
When Does Frequent Urination Start in Pregnancy?
Frequent urination usually starts around week 6-8 in pregnancy, eases in the second trimester, and returns late. Here is what is normal and what needs a call.
Is Matcha Safe During Pregnancy?
Matcha is safe in pregnancy at about 1 serving a day: at 60–70 mg of caffeine it fits ACOG's 200 mg limit — if you count it as two cups of green tea.
How Do I Read a Clearblue Pregnancy Test?
Two lines means pregnant on a Clearblue line test; Digital tests spell it out in words. How to read both, what faint lines mean, and when to retest.
What Does Pregnancy Spotting Look Like?
Pregnancy spotting looks like light pink or brown drops on a liner, lasting hours to 1–2 days — far lighter than a period, often around implantation.
Is Green Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
Green tea is safe in pregnancy at 1–2 brewed cups a day: within ACOG's 200 mg caffeine limit, but keep it away from iron-rich meals and skip extracts.
Is Peppermint Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
Peppermint tea is generally safe in pregnancy at 1–2 brewed cups a day: caffeine-free and low in menthol — but it can worsen heartburn, and oil is not tea.
Is Delivery by 37 Weeks Necessary for Cholestasis?
Is delivery by 37 weeks necessary for cholestasis? Timing depends on bile acids, symptoms and fetal testing — see how guidelines differ and what to ask.
When Were the First Sonograms Performed for Pregnancy?
From Dussik in 1942 to Ian Donald in Glasgow in 1958, trace how the first pregnancy sonograms led to the routine anatomy scans used today.
What Is Cryptic Pregnancy? Why It Goes Unnoticed
A cryptic pregnancy goes unrecognized for weeks or months. Learn why tests can be negative, the risks, and what to do if you suspect one.
How Long Is a Rabbit Pregnant? Gestation Explained
A rabbit is pregnant for about 31-32 days, within a normal range of 28-35 days. Learn the signs, litter size, nesting behaviour, and false pregnancy.
When Should You Stop Sleeping on Your Stomach in Pregnancy?
Most people stop sleeping on their stomach at around 20 weeks in pregnancy. Learn why side sleeping is recommended and how to switch comfortably.
Is Unisom Safe in Pregnancy? Sleep, Nausea & Dosage Guide
Unisom's doxylamine formula has been used by millions of pregnant women since the 1950s with no significant increase in birth defects. Doses, evidence, and which box to avoid.
Is Pepcid Safe During Pregnancy? What the Evidence Says
Pepcid (famotidine) is among the best-studied heartburn drugs in pregnancy: 50,000+ pregnancies studied, no increased birth-defect risk. Dose and timing here.
Miscarriage After IVF: Rates by Age, Fresh vs Frozen Transfer
Miscarriage after IVF happens in 10–25% of clinical pregnancies. See rates by age, fresh vs frozen transfer, and how risk falls after a heartbeat.
Can Cats and Dogs Sense Pregnancy?
Can your dog or cat really sense your pregnancy? We look at the scent science, hormones, and behavior for the honest answer — plus safety tips.
Miscarriage Odds After Seeing a Heartbeat at 6, 7, 8 or 9 Weeks
A heartbeat changes everything: miscarriage risk falls from 9.4% at 6 weeks to 0.5% at 9 weeks. The study numbers, explained week by week.
Miscarriage Risk by Age: 20s, 30s, 40s and Over 45
How miscarriage risk changes with age: 9.7% in your late 20s, 33.2% at 40-44 - plus why the curve is J-shaped and the reassuring side of the numbers.
When Do You Start Showing in a First Pregnancy?
First pregnancies usually show between weeks 12 and 16. Learn the week-by-week timeline, why first-time moms show later, and the factors that shift it.
Miscarriage Risk by Week: Your Odds From Week 4 to Week 20
Miscarriage risk by week falls from 20% at week 4 to under 1% by week 12. See the full odds table and the reassuring chance of continuing.
Is Cloudy Pee a Sign of Pregnancy? The Honest Answer
No — cloudy pee can't tell you you're pregnant. Learn the real causes (dehydration, UTIs, proteinuria after 20 weeks), when it matters, and the actual early signs to watch for.
Are Dollar-Store Pregnancy Tests Accurate? (2026)
Are dollar-store pregnancy tests accurate? Most detect hCG at 25 mIU/mL with FDA clearance and ~99% accuracy from your missed period. Timing matters more than brand.
What Is a Nonstress Test in Pregnancy? NST Explained
A nonstress test watches your baby's heart rate speed up with movement over 20-40 minutes. What counts as reactive, when NSTs start, and why a nonreactive result usually just means napping.
Can You Get Piercings During Pregnancy? Safety Guide
Earlobe piercings are generally low-risk in pregnancy, but navel and nipple piercings are best postponed. Healing timelines, infection warning signs, and how to choose a safe studio.
Is Miralax Safe in Pregnancy? What the Evidence Shows
Miralax (PEG 3350) is generally considered safe in pregnancy — less than 0.2% is absorbed. How to dose it, why water decides how well it works, and what to avoid.
Are Tums Safe in Pregnancy? Evidence & Dosage Limits
Tums (calcium carbonate) is generally considered safe in pregnancy — a first-line heartburn option per ACOG. Key dosage limits and the calcium ceiling explained.
IUI Success Rates by Age: The Real Numbers (Under 35 vs Over 40)
IUI success rates by age: ~15–20% per cycle under 35, ~10% at 35–37, single digits after 40. What the numbers mean — and what else moves your odds.
7 Early Signs of Pregnancy After IUI (and What's Just Progesterone)
After IUI, every twinge feels meaningful — but progesterone mimics pregnancy almost perfectly. Here are 7 early signs, what they really mean, and when to test.
What Does an Ectopic Pregnancy Feel Like? Warning Signs to Know
An ectopic pregnancy typically feels like sharp or dull pain on one side of the pelvis around weeks 6–8, often with spotting. Here is how it differs from normal cramping.
When Does Pregnancy Discharge Start? A Week-by-Week Guide
Pregnancy discharge (leukorrhea) usually begins around the time of a missed period, weeks 4–6. Here is the week-by-week timeline, what is normal, and warning signs.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test After IUI: Exact Day by Trigger
When can you trust a pregnancy test after IUI? Exact test day by trigger type, plus why the hCG shot causes false positives for 10-14 days.
When Does Pregnancy Brain Start? A Research-Backed Timeline
Pregnancy brain usually starts in the first trimester, peaks in the third, and fades after birth. What meta-analyses and brain scans say about the timeline.
Will the Pregnancy Test Be Positive With an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Will a pregnancy test be positive with ectopic pregnancy? Usually yes — the egg still makes hCG. But hCG rises slower, and a test can't show its location.
How Many Weeks in 8 Months of Pregnancy? The Real Answer
Eight months pregnant means weeks 32-35, but the answer depends on how you count. Here’s the full month-to-week chart and why doctors use weeks.
What Does Early Pregnancy Discharge Look Like?
Thin, milky-white, mild-smelling discharge (leukorrhea) is one of the earliest pregnancy signs. Here’s what it looks like — and 5 warning signs to watch for.
When to Announce Pregnancy: The 12-Week Rule
Most people announce pregnancy at 12–13 weeks, but no medical rule sets that date. The 12-week convention, early vs late pros and cons, explained.
How Long Is Goat Pregnancy? 150-Day Gestation Guide
Goat gestation lasts about 150 days — roughly 5 months. Learn how long goats are pregnant by breed, plus the timeline, feeding tips, and signs of labor.
Can You Take a Pregnancy Test at Night?
Can you take a pregnancy test at night? Yes, but first-morning urine is more reliable. Here is how timing, hydration, and hCG levels affect accuracy.
Does Cramping During Ovulation Mean Pregnancy?
No — cramping during ovulation means ovulation just happened, not pregnancy. Learn the timing difference between mittelschmerz and implantation cramps.
Is Diarrhea a Sign of Early Pregnancy? What the Hormones Do
Diarrhea can be an early pregnancy symptom, but it's uncommon and never diagnostic. Learn the hormonal causes, timing vs PMS, and red flags.
Can Twins Cause a False Negative Pregnancy Test?
Yes — very high hCG from twins can overwhelm a pregnancy test, causing a rare false negative (the hook effect). Updated 2026: timing, numbers, and what to do.
How Long Is Cat Pregnancy? 63-Day Gestation Timeline
A cat pregnancy lasts about 63 days from ovulation (58–72 days normal). Week-by-week signs, litter size, vet milestones, and labor warnings — updated 2026.
What Part of the Breast Hurts in Early Pregnancy?
Breast tenderness is one of the earliest pregnancy signs. The nipples and areolas usually hurt most — here is why it happens, when it peaks, and what is normal.
Can You Get a Wrong Positive Pregnancy Test?
A positive pregnancy test is rarely wrong, but it can be misleading. The 6 real causes — from evaporation lines to chemical pregnancy — and how to confirm.
How Many Ultrasounds During Pregnancy?
In a normal pregnancy, expect 2-3 routine ultrasounds: dating at 8-14 weeks and the anatomy scan at 18-22 weeks, plus extras only if indicated.
How Long Does Nausea in Pregnancy Last? Timeline by Week
Nausea usually starts at weeks 4–6, peaks at 8–12, and fades by weeks 12–14. About 90% of women are symptom-free by week 16; ~10% feel sick longer.
Is Zofran Safe in Pregnancy? What the Research Says
Zofran (ondansetron) is widely prescribed off-label for pregnancy nausea. Large studies found no overall increase in birth defects — here's the full evidence review.
What Does Pregnancy Discharge Look Like? Colours and Warning Signs
Normal pregnancy discharge is thin, milky white or clear, and mild-smelling. Learn how leukorrhea changes by trimester and which colours mean call today.
Can You Do a DNA Test During Pregnancy? Timing, Types and Accuracy
Yes — a DNA test during pregnancy is possible from 7–8 weeks with a simple blood draw. Compare NIPP, NIPT, CVS and amniocentesis timing, accuracy and cost.
Is Cramping Normal in Early Pregnancy? Causes and Warning Signs
Mild cramping is normal in early pregnancy for many people. Learn what normal cramps feel like, when they happen, and the warning signs to call about.
Do Pregnancy Tests Expire? What the Expiration Date Really Means
Yes, pregnancy tests expire in 1–3 years. Learn what the date means, how storage shortens shelf life, and why an expired negative cannot be trusted.
When Does Ectopic Pregnancy Pain Start? Timing & Warning Signs
Ectopic pain usually starts at 6–8 weeks, often as a one-sided pelvic ache. Learn the timing, what it feels like, and the warning signs that need urgent care.
How Long Is an Elephant Pregnant? The 22-Month Gestation Explained
Elephants are pregnant for about 22 months — the longest of any land animal. Here's the month-by-month timeline and how it compares to other animals.
When Do Pregnancy Cravings Start? Timing, Causes & Common Cravings
Pregnancy cravings often start in the first trimester, peak in the second, and ease by the third. Here’s the typical timing and what drives them.
When Do You Start Showing in Pregnancy? When the Bump Appears
Most people start showing between 12 and 20 weeks — but it varies a lot. Here’s what affects your bump timeline and when it becomes visible.
How Long Are Dogs Pregnant? The 63-Day Gestation Guide
Dog pregnancy lasts about 63 days — roughly 9 weeks. Here’s the full gestation timeline, the signs to watch for, and how to prepare for whelping.
What Is a Chemical Pregnancy? Signs, Causes, and What Comes Next
A positive test followed by a period? That may be a chemical pregnancy — a very early loss before week 6. Here’s what it means and what comes next.
8 Weeks Pregnant and Don't Feel Pregnant? Why That's Usually Normal
Eight weeks pregnant with no symptoms? Don't panic. Here's why not feeling pregnant at 8 weeks is completely normal — and the few signs worth calling about.
Can You Feel Baby Move at 14 Weeks? Your First Kicks Timeline
Wondering if those flutters at 14 weeks are your baby? Learn when first movements usually start, what quickening feels like, and what affects the timing.