Dr. Ruth's Pregnancy Guide for Couples: Love, Sex and Medical Facts

by Westheimer,Dr. Ruth K.

• ISBN13: 9780415919722
• ISBN10: 041591972X
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1999-04-23
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The world's best known sex therapist joins her unique brand of advice with the expertise of a highly regarded obstetrician/gynecologist to bring expectant couples a combination of sound medical information and advice on intimacy and sex throughout pregnancy and after. Pregnancy is a time of excitement and enormous change, and many couples have questions about sex during pregnancy. These questions, along with the pressures of impending parenthood, can lead to a decline in physical and emotional intimacy. Starting before conception, Drs. Westheimer and Grunebaum advise couples on how to take the first serious steps towards parenthood; offer suggestions on how to make conception fun and stress-free; explore the physical and emotional changes of each trimester; and offer advice on maintaining a good emotional and sexual relationship throughout the pregnancy. The authors cover issues such as pre-conception health tips for both parents, sexual positions for optimal comfort in each trimester, problempregnancies, creating a birth plan and choosing a hospital. Reassuring, honest and forthright,Dr. Ruth's Pregnancy Guide for Coupleswill help new families adjust to the enormous changes a new baby can bring, and allow parents the chance to enjoy each other, as well as their children, for years to come.

Author Biography

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer, world-renowned psychosexual therapist, is the author of fifteen books, including Grandparenthood (Routledge 1998), Dr. Ruth's Guide to Good Sex, Sex for Dummies, The Art of Arousal, Dr. Ruth Talks about Grandparents, and Dr. Ruth's Guide for Married Lovers. Join the millions who visit her website at www.drruth.com. She lives and practices in New York City. Amos Grunebaum, MD, FACOG is Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York and Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Table of Contents

Introduction	xix
Get Ready, Get Set, Before You Get Pregnant	1	(22)
Thinking Ahead about Parenthood	3	(2)
Taking an Emotional Inventory	5	(3)
Ask Dr. Ruth	6	(1)
From Our Files	7	(1)
Preparing Your Body	8	(13)
Preconception Care	9	(1)
From Our Files	9	(2)
Preexisting Conditions	11	(1)
Inherited Diseases	11	(1)
Maternal Age	11	(3)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases	14	(1)
Other Infections	15	(2)
Chronic Medical Conditions	17	(1)
Rb Disease	17	(1)
Medications to Avoid	17	(1)
Prescription Medications	18	(1)
Over-the-Counter Medications	18	(1)
Substances to Avoid	19	(1)
Alcohol	19	(1)
Tobacco	19	(1)
Tip	20	(1)
Caffeine	20	(1)
Tip	20	(1)
Cocaine, Marijuana, and Other Illegal Drugs	20	(1)
You're Ready, You're Set	21	(2)
Got Making the Most Out of Making a Baby	23	(38)
Tip	24	(1)
Taking the Plunge -- Putting Away Your Contraceptives	24	(3)
Ask Dr. Ruth	26	(1)
Having Second Thoughts?	27	(1)
From Our Files	27	(1)
Experiencing Sex in a New Way	28	(1)
Don't Worry, Be Happy	29	(2)
Tip	29	(1)
Ask Dr. Ruth	30	(1)
When Timing Is Everything: Determining When You Ovulate	31	(7)
Tip	31	(1)
Your Menstrual Cycle	32	(3)
Your Cervical Mucus	35	(1)
Basal Body Temperature	35	(2)
Ovulation Detection Kits	37	(1)
It Takes Two	38	(2)
From Our Files	38	(1)
The Ejaculate	38	(1)
Producing Quality Sperm	39	(1)
The Youth Factor	39	(1)
Quantity as Well as Quality	40	(1)
The Final Step: Fertilizing the Egg	40	(2)
From Our Files	40	(2)
Getting Ready for the Big Day	42	(7)
Tip	42	(1)
The Best Positions for Conception	42	(1)
Missionary Position	43	(1)
From our Files	43	(1)
Rear-Entry Position	44	(1)
What to Avoid If You Want to Get Pregnant	45	(1)
Lubricational Foreplay	46	(1)
Oral Sex and Pregnancy	47	(1)
Fellatio	47	(1)
Cunnilingus	48	(1)
Pregnancy	48	(1)
Orgasms	48	(1)
Determining the Baby's Sex	49	(3)
A Short Lesson in Genetics	49	(1)
Helping Nature Choose the Sex	50	(1)
Female Orgasms	51	(1)
Male and Female Sperm	51	(1)
Positions and the Sex of the Baby	51	(1)
Sperm Filtration	52	(1)
What about Twins?	52	(1)
Superfecundation and Superfetation	53	(1)
Infertility and Treatment	53	(6)
When It's Time to See an Expert	55	(1)
Inducing Ovulation	55	(1)
Removing Tubal Obstructions	55	(1)
Advanced Techniques for Becoming Pregnant	56	(1)
Obtaining the Ejaculate and Sperm	56	(3)
The Next Step	59	(2)
Now That You're Pregnant	61	(20)
From Our Files	61	(1)
Taking the Pregnancy Test	62	(4)
Planned Pregnancies	62	(1)
Doing the Test on Your Own	63	(1)
Tip	63	(1)
Doing the Test Together	64	(1)
Unplanned Pregnancies	65	(1)
Ask Dr. Ruth	65	(1)
Miscarriages	66	(1)
The Announcement	66	(2)
Sharing the News with Your Children	67	(1)
Sharing the News at Work	67	(1)
First Things First	68	(3)
Choosing a Hospital	68	(1)
Tip	68	(1)
Birthing Rooms	69	(1)
Anesthesia	69	(1)
Neonatal Intensive Care Units	70	(1)
Birthing Centers	70	(1)
Childbirth at Home	70	(1)
Choosing a Health Care Provider	71	(3)
Tip	73	(1)
Tip	74	(1)
Your Medical Insurance	74	(1)
Tip	75	(1)
The Other Health Care Provider -- You	75	(5)
Weight Gain	75	(1)
From Our Files	76	(1)
A Healthy Diet	76	(2)
Tip	78	(1)
Exercise	78	(1)
Tip	78	(1)
Kegel Exercises	79	(1)
Tip	79	(1)
You're All Set	80	(1)
The First Trimester: The New You	81	(22)
Strengthening the Bond	81	(2)
From Our Files	82	(1)
From Embryo to Fetus	83	(1)
Beginning a Healthy Pregnancy	83	(8)
Tip	84	(1)
Exercise	84	(1)
From Our Files	85	(1)
What to Avoid	85	(1)
Toxic Substances	86	(1)
Hair Grooming Aids	86	(1)
Emissions from Household and Office Equipment	86	(1)
X-rays	87	(1)
Your First Visit and Physical Exam	87	(4)
Estimating Your Due Date	91	(1)
The New Pregnant You	92	(4)
Tip	93	(3)
Making Love	96	(5)
Talking to Your Health Care Provider about Sex	96	(1)
Sex: What's Safe, What's Not	97	(1)
Orgasms	97	(1)
The Clitoris	98	(1)
Oral Sex	98	(1)
Anal Sex	98	(1)
Condoms	99	(1)
From Our Files	99	(1)
Vibrators	100	(1)
Vigorous Sex, Vigorous Exercise	100	(1)
Breasts	100	(1)
Keeping a Positive Attitude	101	(2)
The Second Trimester: Feeling Like Yourself Again	103	(28)
Keeping the Bond Strong	103	(2)
From Our Files	104	(1)
The Growth of Your Baby	105	(1)
Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy	106	(8)
Welcome Changes	106	(1)
Reduction in Nausea	106	(1)
Increased Energy	106	(1)
Increased Hair Growth	106	(1)
Quickening	107	(1)
Tip	107	(1)
Continuing Adjustments	107	(1)
Frequent Urination	107	(1)
From Our Files	108	(1)
Heartburn and Indigestion	109	(1)
Constipation	109	(1)
Backaches	110
Tip	100	(12)
Varicose Veins	112	(1)
Leg and Foot Cramps	113	(1)
Dizziness	113	(1)
Itchiness	113	(1)
Stretch Marks	113	(1)
Headaches	114	(1)
Your Physical Exams	114	(4)
Routine Procedures	115	(1)
Special Procedures	115	(1)
Sonogram	115	(1)
Maternal-Serum Alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) Test	116	(1)
Glucose Screen	116	(1)
Amniocentesis	117	(1)
Ethical Considerations	117	(1)
The Pregnant You	118	(2)
The Clothes You Wear	118	(1)
Tip	119	(1)
Sharing the News with Your Children	120	(1)
Making Love	121	(9)
Sex: What's Safe, What's Not	121	(1)
Ask Dr. Ruth	121	(3)
Dr. Ruth and Dr. Amos Position	124	(1)
Changes During Sex	125	(1)
Enjoy the Best Sex of Your Life	126	(4)
Get Ready for the Third Trimester	130	(1)
The Third Trimester: Ready and Waiting	131	(24)
Keeping the Bond Strong	131	(2)
The Home Stretch	131	(1)
From Our Files	132	(1)
Making Time for Each Other	133	(1)
Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy	133	(3)
Continuing Changes	134	(1)
Swelling Hands, Ankles, and Feet	134	(1)
Incontinence	134	(1)
Tip	134	(1)
Continuing Adjustments	134	(1)
Shortness of Breath	134	(1)
Sleep and Pregnancy	135	(1)
Tip	135	(1)
Hemorrhoids	135	(1)
Breast Secretions	136	(1)
Clumsiness	136	(1)
Braxton-Hicks Contractions	136	(1)
The Growth of Your Baby	136	(1)
Your Physical Exams	137	(2)
Routine Procedures	137	(1)
Special Procedures	138	(1)
Fetal Kick Count	138	(1)
Nonstress Test	138	(1)
Contraction Stress Test	139	(1)
Biophysical Profile	139	(1)
The Pregnant You	139	(1)
Ask Dr. Ruth	140	(1)
Making Love	140	(6)
Ask Dr. Ruth	141	(1)
Tip	142	(1)
It Won't Be the Same	142	(1)
Finding the Best Positions	142	(2)
Contractions from Orgasms	144	(2)
The Effect of Semen	146	(1)
Declining Interest	146	(1)
Getting Ready for the Big Day	146	(4)
The Birth Plan	147	(1)
Childbirth Classes	148	(1)
From Our Files	148	(2)
The Father-to-Be	150	(1)
The Big Event	151	(4)
Complications of Pregnancy	155	(14)
Complications That May Preclude Sexual Intercourse	156	(6)
From Our Files	156	(1)
Keeping Your Relationship Strong	156	(1)
Specific Conditions	157	(1)
Placenta Previa	157	(1)
Early Effacement and Dilation of the Cervix	158	(1)
History of Premature Labor or Miscarriages	158	(1)
Incompetent Cervix	158	(1)
Multiple Fetuses	159	(1)
Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy	159	(1)
From Our Files	159	(1)
Leaking Amniotic Fluid or Ruptured Membranes	160	(1)
Sexually Transmitted Disease	161	(1)
Alternatives to Intercourse	161	(1)
Ask Dr. Ruth	161	(1)
Additional Complications of Pregnancy	162	(3)
Ectopic Pregnancy	162	(1)
Ask Dr. Ruth	163	(1)
Abruptio Placentae	163	(1)
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia	163	(1)
Diabetes	164	(1)
Miscarriages, Fetal Death, and Stillbirth	165	(2)
Miscarriages	165	(1)
Signs of Miscarriage	165	(1)
Stillbirth	166	(1)
The Psychological Impact of Losing a Pregnancy	166	(1)
Tip	167	(1)
Keep Yourself Informed	167	(2)
Labor: The Time Has Come	169	(14)
The Waiting Game	170	(4)
Ask Dr. Ruth	174	(1)
Your Due Date	174	(4)
Tip	175	(1)
What Are the Signs?	175	(1)
Ripening of the Cervix	175	(1)
Spotting and Increased Vaginal Discharge	175	(1)
Increased Braxton-Hicks Contractions	175	(1)
False Labor	176	(1)
From Our Files	176	(1)
Engagement	177	(1)
Loss of Weight (or No Weight Gain)	178	(1)
Loose Bowels	178	(1)
Increase in Energy	178	(1)
Making Final Plans	178	(1)
Going into Labor	178	(3)
The Stages of Labor	179	(1)
When to Contact Your Health Care Provider	179	(1)
Timing of Contractions	179	(1)
Intensity of Contractions	179	(1)
When Your Water Breaks	179	(2)
Sex After Your Water Has Broken	181	(1)
Going to the Hospital	182	(1)
Tip	182	(1)
Delivery: The Big Day	183	(22)
Know What to Expect	183	(2)
Your Health Care Provider	183	(1)
Labor/Birthing Rooms	183	(1)
Monitoring the Expectant Mother	183	(1)
Monitoring the Fetus	184	(1)
Ask Dr. Ruth	184	(1)
If It's Not Time Yet	185	(1)
Your Partner's Role	185	(1)
From Our Files	185	(1)
Pain Relief During Labor and Delivery	186	(5)
Pain Relief Without Medication	187	(1)
Pain Relief with Medication	187	(1)
Regional Anesthetics	188	(1)
Epidurals	188	(1)
Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia	189	(1)
Spinal Anesthesia	190	(1)
General Anesthesia	190	(1)
Narcotic Pain Relief	190	(1)
Inducing or Stimulating Labor	191	(1)
Stripping the Fetal Membranes	191	(1)
Amniotomy	191	(1)
Prostaglandins	191	(1)
Oxytocin or Pitocin	192	(1)
The Delivery	192	(4)
From Our Files	192	(2)
Positions for Pushing	194	(1)
Birthing Beds	195	(1)
Back Labor	195	(1)
Crowning	195	(1)
Episiotomy	196	(1)
The Birth of Your Baby	196	(3)
Premature Delivery	197	(1)
Tip	197	(1)
Postterm Delivery	197	(1)
From Our Files	198	(1)
When Nature Needs Help	199	(2)
Forceps Delivery	199	(1)
Vacuum Delivery	199	(1)
Cesarean Delivery	200	(1)
Your Baby Has Arrived	201	(4)
Life after Childbirth	205	(16)
Recovery: A Time of Healing and Adjustment	206	(3)
From Our Files	206	(1)
Recovering at the Hospital	206	(1)
Tip	207	(1)
Recovering at Home	208	(1)
When to Call Your Doctor	209	(1)
At Home with the Baby	209	(6)
Tip	210	(1)
Sleeplessness	210	(1)
Breastfeeding	211	(1)
Tip	211	(1)
Tip	212	(1)
Breastfeeding and Weight Loss	212	(1)
Tip	213	(1)
If You Cannot Breastfeed	213	(1)
Breastfeeding and Sex	213	(1)
From Our Files	214	(1)
Tip	214	(1)
Breastfeeding and Contraception	214	(1)
Postpartum Blues and Anxiety	215	(2)
Postpartum Blues	215	(1)
Postpartum Depression	216	(1)
Anxiety	216	(1)
Ask Dr. Ruth	216	(1)
Keeping the Family Bonds Strong	217	(2)
Dad Feels Neglected and Mom Overwhelmed	217	(1)
Take Time Off	218	(1)
Tip	218	(1)
How Do Your Older Children Feel?	218	(1)
Your Extended Family	219	(1)
Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!	219	(2)
Keeping the Romance Alive: Sex after Childern	221	(18)
Physiological Considerations	222	(1)
Tip	223	(1)
Psychological Considerations	223	(5)
Ask Dr. Ruth	224	(1)
Postpartum Blues and Sex	225	(1)
Planning for Sex	226	(1)
The Overnight Vacation	226	(1)
Setting the Mood	227	(1)
From Our Files	227	(1)
Tip	228	(1)
Using Babysitters	228	(1)
Family Planning	228	(9)
Tip	229	(1)
Barrier Methods	229	(1)
Male Condoms	229	(1)
Female Condoms	230	(1)
Diaphragm and Cervical Caps	230	(1)
Vaginal Spermicides	231	(1)
Intrauterine Devices	231	(1)
Hormonal Birth Control	232	(1)
Birth Control Pills	232	(1)
Emergency Contraception	233	(1)
Hormonal Implants	234	(1)
Injectable Contraceptives	234	(1)
Natural Family Planning	234	(1)
Permanent Birth Control	235	(1)
Tubal Ligation	235	(1)
Vasectomy	235	(1)
Birth Control after Delivery	235	(1)
Myths about Birth Control	236	(1)
From Our Files	237	(1)
You've Come Full Circle	237	(2)
Index	239