We know you have a lot of questions. That's why we've asked OhioHealth physicians to provide expert answers to some of the things that many women want to know.  These answers should be considered a general guide. Every pregnancy and experience is unique. For personal information and medical advice, see your doctor.

Featured "Ask A Doctor" Question & Answer

Q. When should I wean my newborn and what is the best way?

A. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast milk feedings for the first 6 months of an infant's life and continued, along with the introduction of appropriate solid foods, until 12 months of age. Breast-feeding beyond 12 months is associated with ongoing physical & emotional health benefits for both toddler and mother. Read more.

Shirley Evans, RN, IBCLC, RLC
Lactation Services
Doctors Hospital
5100 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43228
Phone (614) 544-2111

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Baby Maybe

We're ready to start a family. How can I tell if I'm ovulating and how (and why) should I chart my ovulation cycle?
Answered by Komal Narula, MD

How quickly would pregnancy be possible after stopping the many kinds of birth control?
Answered by Hariklia Louvakis, MD

Is it safe to use birth control pills continuously?
Answered by Ann M. Wurst, MD 

Home pregnancy tests - how to choose?
Mollie Ezzie, MD & Christina Charles, MD

What is gestational diabetes? How does having gestational diabetes affect my pregnancy? 
Answered by David A. Ruedrich MD

What is a prolapsed uterus? What causes it or how can it be prevented? How is it treated?
Answered by Joseph M. Novi, DO, FACOG 

After a miscarriage, how long should I wait to try to conceive again?
Answered by Matthew J. Mingione, MD 

Can a miscarriage be prevented?
Answered by James F. Beattie, MD

First Trimester

Gestational diabetes – what is it and can it be prevented?
Answered by Karin Moorma, MD

What is a miscarriage and what are the signs?
Answered by Kevin J. Hackett, MD

What causes morning sickness and what can be done about it?
Answered by James J. Perez, DO

What causes morning sickness and how do I keep it in check? When do I need to call my doctor?
Answered by Mark S. Brown, MD

What are prenatal tests and what do they mean?
Answered by Ngozi Osuagwu-Bosah, MD, FACOG

What is a high risk pregnancy and what can my doctor do to help me and my baby?
Answered by David B. Fox, MD

Second Trimester

Why do women have elective C-sections and what are the risks to mom or baby?
Answered by Tamara Thompson, MD

What is a birth plan? Should I have one?
Answered by Bonnie Corley, MD

Why are some births induced? What are the benefits/weaknesses of this versus going into labor naturally?
Answered by Elizabeth Sabol, MD

Comparing pregnancies - are there differences in the second pregnancy?
Answered by William B. Hammett, MD

Third Trimester

What is External Cephalic Version (Breech) and what do I need to know?
Answered by Jennifer L. Papp, DO 

What is back labor?
Answered by Melissa Boyles, MD

What is an epidural and what are the risks associated with it?
Answered by Bonnie Corley, MD 

What is the safest position for sleeping while pregnant?
Answered by Tiffany Davis, MD

What are Braxton Hicks contractions and when should I go to the hospital?
Answered by Suzanne H. Lin, DO

What is happening when my water breaks at home and what should I do?
Answered by Thomas Harmon, MD

Should baby boys be circumcised?  
Answered by Maureen P. Kollar, DO

Me & Baby

What are the pros and cons of pacifiers?
Answered by Donna L. Sterling, MD

What is the "soft spot"?
Answered by Craig W. Anderson, MD  

When can I expect my baby to sleep through the night and what can I do to help?
Answered by Dana Hamilton, DO

Why do newborns cry without tears?
Answered by Apurwa Naik, MD

Are insect repellants and sprays safe for my children?
Answered by Salvatore DiCarlo, MD

Are vitamins and other supplements okay to use if I'm breastfeeding?
Answered by Jennifer A. Roncone, DO

Summer skin protection for babies and children: What can I do?
Answered by Stephen J. Hersey, MD

What are growth charts and what do they mean?
Answered by Kathleen Costlow, MD

My baby has acid reflux. What can I do? 
Answered by Amy D. McBee, MD

Disclaimer
Information provided on this website is designed for educational purposes only and is not provided as professional service or as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional service or as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical care.