Eve, 50 from California asks...
I was told my grandson has urinary crystals? What are they, what problems will that cause and how can it be cured?

Stacy Says...
Urinary crystals are, for lack of better terminology, the precursors to urinary or kidney stones. Just like adults, kids can get this too. Typically, they will occur when the urine becomes supersaturated. Sometimes it can be an inherited problem--the tendency to develop these crystals/stones, or it can be a random occurence. Well, not so much random. Alot of factors can cause these crystals but two of the biggies are dehydration and medications.

When your body is dehydrated, the urine becomes super concentrated (more urea/wastes, less water). This is when crystals love to form. Also, certain medications, especially antibiotics, tend to increase the likelihood of crystals developing. Treating the crystals is similar to what is done for adults. First, the cause needs to be determined (tests like ultrasound, urinalysis, etc might be run) to map out the best course of treatment. Sometimes the crystals/stones resolve on their own, sometimes interventions need to be done. I know with adults laser-treatment is used to break down the stones without any invasive procedure, but I'm not sure with children. The doctor that discovered these crystals should direct the care accordingly based on the history and how affected your grandson is. I hope that helped!

Tampra, 20 from Brooklyn, NY asks...
I just recently found out that I am pregnant. (I'm sure it's no more than 7 or 8 weeks). I've been having some cramping and a little upset stomach lately. Does that mean that I'm having a miscarriage???

Stacy Says...
Probably not. Miscarriages are typically accompanied by pain, either abdominal, pelvic or lower back and bleeding. The cramping you're feeling is because there's alot going on down there right now. Muscles are being moved and blood and fluids rushing to the area to make the uterus cushy for the baby. It feels like cramping but just the anatomy moving around.

As far as the upset stomach--blame the hormones. They are RAGING the first trimester and love to cause indigestion, nausea, even vomiting. Try herbal teas (chamomille, ginger, non-caffeinated), dry crackers, bland foods to get past it.

Lindsey, 24 asks...
I am 32 weeks pregnant with my second child and have vericose veins in my vagina. I understand this is caused by pressure of the baby, however, just recently it has gotten very bad sometimes sore and painful. Can I do anthing to help ease the swelling of can this cause any problems for my baby now and during the birth?

Stacy Says...
Ah, blue twinkies. Ya know, no one ever told me about this joy before I got pregnant. I feel your pain, Lindsey. Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot you can do. The best thing is to get off your feet to relieve the pressure, although with another child runnning around, that's kinda hard to do. My doctor had suggested tight workout-type pants. But just the thought of anything tight hurt me, so I didn't do it. Swimming or relaxing in the pool can help relieve the pressure and soreness not only in that area but your back, feet and legs. The pressure of the water helps to reduce swelling. When the pain got to be too much for me, I opted for ice packs. Wonderful relief, and in the middle of the summer, a great way to cool off!

It shouldn't cause any problems for the baby either now or during birth, but unfortunately there's no way to predict that. But it might permanently change the...um....shape of the area, if ya know what I mean. But then again, does the vericose veins do that or just the fact that baby is coming out--who knows?

Christine, 27 from Phx AZ asks...
Hi, this is a little wierd for me; This is my fourth pregnancy and I have never had the joys of "oh my god, my water broke..." I have always had to be induced. I am 31 weeks and I lost my mucous plug earlier tonight and now I am spotting... VERY LITTLE... no gush of fluids. Is this normal? Can you give me some words of advice please ? Just for once I would like to experience the excitement. Thanks.

Stacy Says...
You very well could be going into labor. Or, it could be false labor. You MUST call your doctor though! She/he might want you to come into the office or ER to be checked out (See if you're contracting, dilated, do a fern test, etc)

However, this actually happened to a co-worker of mine the other day. She had forgotten to drink water while working and became dehydrated and started spotting and having minor contractions. If you live in Phoenix you are DEFINITELY at risk for dehydration. Be sure to drink lots of fluids to prevent preterm labor! But in your case, Christine, I'd be calling the doctor!

Bhawna, age from Omaha, NE asks...
I am pregnant and this is my initial three month period. My problem is that I don't feel like having anything like food or milk. I feel that as if I will vomit it out. Is it normal?

Stacy Says...
COMEPLETELY normal. Unfortunately. The first trimester, with all the hormones, reak havoc on every part of your body. Try to find something you like, and stick with it. Herbal teas worked for me, at least for awhile, then they made me nauseous. Crackers, toast...for a while I wanted nothing but milkshakes and pancakes--and that's what I would have for dinner. You need to eat something so try to nibble throughout the day (big meals aren't the best way to go) and stick with bland foods. And remember, this will get better!

Del, 22, from Staffordshire asks...
Hi, I'm 17 weeks pregnant and have been bleeding all through my pregnancy so far with no clear days. On my last scan they said I have backward tilting uterus and my womb is nearly divided into 2. The half of my womb that has no baby in keeps shedding the lining as no baby is present but then reproduces again. This has caused some heamoraging. And to top it all my midwife found a 3.2 by 1.4cm tear under the baby. They say it's not actually messing with the baby. It hasn't so far shrank in size or the bleeding got any lighter. I have already lost a baby girl at 21 weeks 2 years ago. Will it happen all over again? Is my baby and myself going to be safe as we get bigger. (sorry that was long) Thank You

Stacy Says...
Del, I'm sorry but I really do not know enough about this condition to intelligently comment on it. I have no idea if this will happen again. Please ask your doctor these questions and ask if there are any resources for you to research. Good luck!

Susan, 28 from Nashville, TN asks...
I am expecting my 3rd child. I think I am about 7 weeks. I go to the doctor in a week. I have been having alot of signs like sore breast, sick at my stomach after I eat, and going to restroom alot. But today I dont feel anything is that something I should worry about?

Stacy Says...
Unless you've had severe abdominal cramping, bleeding abdominal pain (signs of a miscarriage), it sounds like you're just having a good day! Enjoy it--I bet it won't last long and by tomorrow you'll be feeling it again!

Pam, 21 from Sunderland asks...
Went for my 2nd scan today I am 20 weeks, doctor told me that my baby's tummy is smaller than it should be but the main concern is that the scan showed a white shadow on the bowel. I can't get to see a consultation untill the 3rd ofJuly. Please can you tell me what could be wrong with my baby I am so worried.

Stacy Says...
Pam, I'm sorry, but I really don't know. These are questions you really need to speak to your doctor about. Didn't your doctor say anything about what it could be?? Call the doctor or the nurse and ask a bazillion questions--that's their job! I hope everything goes well. Sorry I can't help more.

Beth, 35 from Stockport asks...
I am 18 weeks and 4 days pregnant-should I be feeling any movement yet? Also would doing alot of bending at work do any harm? Going for second scan next week, heard it's little heart beat last week, so I know he is alright.

Stacy Says...
I actually had to look back in my journal to see when I first felt my baby. I felt that little butterflies-in-my-stomach at 20 weeks (5 months) but she didn't really start to noticeably move until 22 weeks. And it always depends on their sleep/wake cycle. If the baby is like you, up during the day and you have a busy job, you might never feel it moving around. If the baby is up at night, you might be begging it to go to sleep so you can sleep. So don't be alarmed if you aren't feeling any movement yet, the baby still is teeny tiny compared to the womb and has plenty of room to swim around in.

At work, bending shouldn't be much of a problem as long as you use proper body mechanics. Bend at the legs when picking something up. Or when you lean over, kick a leg back so you look kinda like a see-saw. And personally, I don't know what the limit is of poundage you can pick up, I'd just try to stay away from lifting anything heavy.

Mikkir, 23, from Minnesota asks...
My 7 month old son refuses his bottle, he absolutly hates it. This is quite a change because he used to love his feedings. He looks at his bottle and absolutly screams. I don't know what to do. I can tell that he is hungry and I know that it will make him feel better if he just takes it, but he won't. HELP.

Stacy Says...
Is he eating solid food yet? If not, try mixing a little formula/breastmilk with some rice cereal. Start out thin while he gets the hang of it, then go to thicker. If he is eating solid food, he might want the food and not the bottle.

My daughter went through phases around that age. For a couple days in a row, she wouldn't want the bottle--but I knew she needed to get most of her nutrients from the formula so I put a couple scoops of formula in her food. And by the way, if your baby is having a hard time eating cereal, or just isn't crazy about it--try putting some cereal or formula in some applesauce. My daughter LOVED it and then started trying all the new stuff. Just be sure to try and offer liquid--juice or water--so he won't get constipated.

Another reason is he might be teething and the bottle hurts his gums too much. If that's the case just try small, frequent feedings and try more solid foods so he doesn't create so much pressure on his gums. Or give him some infant tylenol or ibuprofen to ease the pain so he can eat. Let us know if any of this works!

Joan, 40 from England asks...
Midwife measures baby at 31 weeks to be only 27 cm. What does this mean?

Stacy Says...
I asked my doc the same thing. 'Why do you measure my belly every week?' He even said, 'We do this because we've always done this.' Apparently, way back when, before they had the technology we do, this (measuring the size of the uterus from the top of the pubis to the fundus of the uterus) was the only way they could determine how the baby is progressing and growing. But now, since we have sonograms and all sorts of technology, measuring the uterus has really become more of a guestimate, not an accurate measuring tool. I measured big my entire pregnancy but my daughter rode high in the uterus until the very end.

If you're talking about the sonogram measuring the baby to be 27 cm, once again accuracy plays a part. While sonograms/ultrasounds are more advanced than measuring the uterus, they are still not 100% accurate.

Basically, these are just tools to intelligent "guess" the size of the baby. And healthy babies come in all lengths and poundage! As long as the midwife is not concerned, I would just relax and enjoy the pregnancy.

The more time I had to ponder your predictament, I realized more needs to be said. If you're looking for a way out of telling the father/partner that he might not be the father--it's impossible. He deserves to know this baby might not be his. The other guy also has to be given the opportunity to know he might be a father. Since you are not married both guys have the responsibility of owning up to their actions and deciding their role. You don't want to wonder after this child is born who the father really is. And the baby deserves to know who her/his daddy is.

This is the time when YOU have to own your actions. This is the product of your actions and you must take responsibility for them. This is why I believe so firmly that sex is meant for ADULTS in a MARRIAGE. When the possibility of being pregnant is joyous and awesome, not a dilemma of wondering who the father is. Suck it up, tell both daddy-possibilities and concentrate on the miracle inside you.

Jane Doe, 23 from Australia asks...
I am 25 weeks pregnant. According to ultrasounds I am due on the 25th september 2006. I am worried that my partner is not the father. I had an affair with another man on the 5th of December 2005. I deeply regret this. Is it possible that these dates coincide?

Stacy Says...
Um, yeah. It's a possibility since determining the age of the baby is not an exact science, especially if your period isn't regular. That being said, chances are that no, the affair-guy is probably not the father, but he could be.

Even if he isn't, I think you need to reexamine the relationship you have with your "partner." You have some bigger-than-just-the-two-of-you issues here and bringing a baby into an unhonest, unhappy relationship is never good for anyone involved. I'm hoping the affair guy is not in the picture anymore so you can concentrate of your baby and it's father. If he the affair guy is still in the picture--get him out. Fast!

Nena, 25 from Chicago, IL asks...
I'm having pressure right above the pubic hair line and it also feels like that I have to go to pee all the time. I'm 4 1/2 weeks along. Is this normal?

Stacy Says...
Completely. The hormones whirling inside your body for some reason make you have to pee. (The same thing happens towards the end of pregnancy but that's because the weight of the baby is pressing on your bladder). The pressure you're feeling is most likely from all the extra blood and fluids that travel to the uterus to create a cushy, fluid environment for the baby. Also, don't be alarmed to find that sometimes you feel your abdominal muscles stretching and pulling as you get bigger. Your baby is creating space and moving everything around.

Carol, 26 from Cape Town asks...
My baby girl is 3 months old does not want to take a dummy or the bottle whether formula or breastpumped milk. What can I do cause my husband and I can't even go out anymore. Please help.

Stacy Says...
I'm just guessing that a "dummy" is a bottle?? But then you also said bottle, too. So I'm not really sure what that is, sorry. But, fortunately, I never had this problem. My daughter loved the bottle from the beginning and actually preferred it over my breasts. Hmmph. But, there's a great article on how to do this. The gist of it is, try to find a nipple that she likes, the one that's the most like your nipple. Try to give her the bottle BEFORE she gets really hungry. Try having your husband feed her first, so she won't get confused and wonder, 'Why is mommy not giving me her booby?' Try different positions while holding her. This article even suggests trying to give her little bitty sips from a cup. And of course, don't give up completely when she doesn't go for any of it. Wait a few days or week and try again. Babies go through stages really quick and what she can't stand today, by Friday might be okay with her.

Heather, 32 from PA asks...
I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter that is VERY head strong and independent. She has tantrums usually everyday, but occasionally she has "melt-downs". She has had 2 in the last 2 days. The last was just a few minutes ago all over her not being allowed to climb her sister's ladder into her top bunk bed. I pulled her off, ready to read a book that she asked for and that started the kicking, screaming, and crying that lasted for 30 min. or so. We do spank her when she has the tantrums and unfortunatly yell at her, but it does not help. My husband gets frustrated and leaves and then I try to let her scream it out until she is calm enough that I can hold her and talk calmly to her. It sometimes takes 15 min. or so for her to want any comfort from anyone. I finally got her settled and then when she asked for her book and I said no because of her behavior it started it all over again with high pitched screaming. I kept telling her no on the book, and finally got her to compromise on me singing her a song instead, but that took many minutes of coaxing. What else should I do when she is like this? It is so frustrating and this has been going on for about a year, but recently got better, and now we are back to square one it seems like. I feel like I don't know what to do. My older daughter who is 5 NEVER acted like this. Please help, I am desperate for some advice!!!!

Stacy Says...
Sounds like the typical case of the terrible twos. Kids all have different temperments so while your 5 year old was an angel, seems like your youngest is declaring to all the world at an early age what she wants. And obviouly not afraid to endure spankings, time out or other disciplinary tactics to get HER way. The makings of a constant struggle between mother and daughter. (My daughter is heading down the same path)

I think you're doing a great job as far as sticking to your guns and not giving in to her demands. It's exhausting and infuriating but well worth it. You're making it clear to her (even though it might not seem like it now) that YOU and your husband are in control, not her. And she's going to go through stages where she's acting better, then like a terror. That's normal. There are no magic words or actions that can whisk you forward in the future to a time where she doesn't act like a maniac at times. But I think you're doing a wonderful job in how you're handling it, just keep it up.

Nancy, 31 from Nevada asks...
I've just become pregnant (12 weeks) and I'm wondering about natural childbirth. Is the pain THAT horrible? Manageable? Are there any options less invasive then the epidural? Thanks for any advice.

Stacy Says...
Personally, I was never one of those women who wanted to experience natural childbirth. I'm all about the epidural!! However, if it really terrifies you there are some drugs that they can give you intravenously to minimize the pain. BUT, these medications can make you feel extremely...loopy...for lack of a better word. I actaully haven't talked to one woman who liked these drugs. And they are short acting and don't act directly on the pain of contractions and labor.

I did not experience alot of the progression of labor naturally because I was induced. It was going extremely slow and they had to do some pretty painful procedures, they offered an epidural early and I took them up on it. I had the epidural for more than 24 hours and so at the end of the labor, during pushing, it was wearing off. I must tell you, the worst pain of my life. I cannot imagine going through the ENTIRE labor with nothing.

And I don't mean to freak you out. Actually, ALL women will tell you their horror stories in an attempt to make you feel better and you will stare at them with terror thinking, 'Why are you telling me this?' It's true. They all will. But each labor is different and each woman is different. Mine was particularly difficult because they induced me due to my diabetes. My body was not ready for labor and just fought the whole process. YOU could be totally different. If you are interested in natural labor, talk to your doctor or midwife about meditation, imagery, aromatherapy, whatever it is you need to make labor easier and where you can go to find out more information.

But since you are asking my opinion. YES labor hurts really, really, bad and NO I haven't forgotten. And there is NO WAY I would ever opt to go through it naturally, but that's just me. However, every agonizing minute was completely worth it. And so while you don't forget it, it's nothing compared to the joy afterwards. So--do your research and find what works best for you. And remember, this is YOUR labor. You have every right to do it EXACTLY the way you want and the freedom to change your mind a million times. You'll do great!

Adam, 23, from West Mids...
Hi I'm a father of one already. And as I write this my girlfriend is in the hospital cause she is 3 days overdue and she is getting contractions. Her feet are very abnormally swollen and the midwife can't get in to break her water. Is this normal as her contractions are 7 mins apart. If she asks can they induce her as she is very uncomfortable and does not want to cause the baby any more harm???

Stacy Says...
I'm hoping that by the time I've answered it, you already have a brand new baby in your arms, but in case you don't...

They can use medicine to induce labor, Pitocin. However, this medicine makes the contractions more intense and last longer (I personally had this as my epidural started wearing off...ouchy mama). But they won't necessarily use this because the mom is uncomfortable. And just because she is uncomfortable, doesn't mean the baby is being harmed. I felt awful the entire time and my baby was happy according to the fetal monitor. And feet sometimes get swollen during labor, but can also be a sign of high blood pressure during the labor

If an emergent situation presents itself, then the midwife can consult with a doctor and discuss the options. This is what I'm hoping is happening. Typically midwives like to let labor progress naturally, but the mom AT ANY POINT has the right to ask/demand for an epidural, pain control or more aggressive options.

I hope everything is okay and congrats!!!

Ebony, 31, from Aussie asks...
My bub is 3 weeks old and I am breast feeding, is it safe to have a drink now? How long does it take for smoke and alcohol to get to my milk? Can she tell, taste any thing? Thank you.

Stacy Says...
If your baby is only 3 weeks old, there are PLENTY of other things to occupy your time with then thinking of when you can drink or smoke. I don't know exactly how long it takes to go to your breast milk--but that's not the point. EVERY THING you take in will go to your baby. Let's say I have a beer. Within 15-30 mintues my body metabolizes it with some of the beer going to my breast milk. The beer is gonna hang out in my boobs until the baby feeds on it. And remember that that little bit of alcohol is ALOT to such a little baby. Do you wanna take that chance?

And don't even get me started on smoking! Smoke simply AROUND the baby leads to increase risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), ear infections, sinus infections, respiratory infections, decreased immunity--and you want to pass it DIRECTLY through the milk. Think about what's best for you AND the baby and don't drink or smoke.

Nicola, 32 from Wales asks...
My period is eight weeks late. I have some very light bleeding. Is this my period? I have been trying for a second baby. I am due to go to the doctors tomorrow for a blood test. Should I still go? What is going on this is so frustrating.

Stacy Says...
OF COURSE go to the doctor's office! Never turn down an already scheduled appointment when you are EIGHT weeks late AND you are TRYING for a baby!! This could be wonderful news for you! Have you taken a home pregnancy test?

It could be your period, it could be spotting from being pregnant, it COULD be lots of things...but take a test to be sure. Good Luck!