Emily Carter For many women, the second trimester of pregnancy brings a welcome shift in energy and comfort after the often-difficult first trimester. Morning sickness frequently eases, energy levels often improve, and — for some women — sleep quality enters a brief, relatively better phase. Yet for others, new sleep challenges emerge as the body continues its … Ler mais
Late in the third trimester of pregnancy, most women are offered a routine test for Group B Streptococcus (GBS)—a type of bacteria that naturally lives in the digestive and genital tracts of many healthy adults. For most women, GBS causes no symptoms and poses no health risk. During pregnancy, however, understanding whether GBS is present … Ler mais
Around the midpoint of pregnancy, most women are offered a detailed ultrasound known as the anatomy scan, mid-pregnancy ultrasound, or level 2 ultrasound. Typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks, this appointment can feel like a significant milestone—it’s often the first time a detailed look at the baby’s development is possible, and for many women … Ler mais
Physical activity during pregnancy has come a long way from the days when pregnant women were advised to rest and avoid exertion. Current evidence strongly supports moderate exercise as beneficial for most pregnant women—and this holds true for women over 35. Yet questions about what is safe, what is beneficial, and what changes as pregnancy … Ler mais
The word “perimenopause” often conjures images of women in their late 40s managing intense symptoms. But for a meaningful number of women, the hormonal transition that precedes menopause begins earlier—sometimes in the mid-to-late 30s. This earlier phase, sometimes called early perimenopause or premenopause, can be subtle enough that many women attribute its signs to stress, … Ler mais
Last updated: June 2026. Many women expect early pregnancy fatigue—the bone-deep exhaustion that often characterizes the first trimester is well documented and widely discussed. But persistent or returning tiredness in the second trimester can feel surprising and, for women over 35, sometimes worrying. The second trimester is popularly described as the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy, … Ler mais
Progesterone is one of the key hormones in the female reproductive system, and its levels can shift meaningfully as women move through their mid-thirties and into perimenopause. While estrogen tends to get more of the public spotlight, progesterone plays a nuanced and important role in menstrual cycle regularity, fertility, early pregnancy support, sleep quality, and … Ler mais
Among the nutritional factors studied in relation to reproductive health, folate—and its synthetic form, folic acid—has one of the most robust bodies of research behind it. Most women are familiar with recommendations to take folic acid before and during pregnancy to support neural tube development in the fetus. But the role of folate in reproductive … Ler mais
Pregnancy is a time filled with anticipation, hope, and — for many women — a significant measure of anxiety. For those conceiving after 35, this anxiety can feel particularly pronounced. The landscape of information about “advanced maternal age,” the heightened awareness of risk that often accompanies a longer journey to conception, and the very real … Ler mais
If your menstrual cycle has started to feel unpredictable in your mid-to-late 30s, you’re not imagining things. Changes in cycle length, flow, and frequency are among the earliest and most common signs that hormonal shifts associated with perimenopause may be underway. For many women, this transition begins well before the commonly expected age of 40, … Ler mais