Sequoyah, 28, asks...
I already have a little girl, age 5, and I want to have one more baby!! My boyfriend and I had sex the day before and the day of my ovulation. Is there a chance that I could be pregnant? Also, it has been seven days since my ovulation and I took a blood test at work,which was negative. Did I do it too soon or does that mean I am not pregnant? I do have a little abdominal pain and My breast have been tender. Is that also too soon to tell if I am pregnant or not. Just so you know, My cycles are normal. I am very anxious to find out if I am pregnant so is there some way to know if I am pregnant so soon or not? Thanks so much, Sequoyah.

Stacy Says...
Why on earth would you want to have a baby with your BOYFRIEND?!?!? Not husband, not even fiance? Why oh why with your boyfriend?

Besides the obvious answer of YES you can be pregnant (Unprotected sex=chance of being pregnant)...ask this question when you are MARRIED!!!!!

Pat, 69 from Ohio asks...
We have recently adoped our 13 & 14th children. That is after having 10 bio kids. We fostered 33 years. # 14 is 2 1/2 & has a terrible temper & has recently started screaming at the top of her lungs. I try to ingnore it but it is ear piercing & she doesn't stop. She does not stop when told no when doing something she shouldn't. She is beautiful & the joy of our life. After raising all these kids I feel I am failing w/ her. My children were given spankings and the are all very successful and have never had to get counseling. They either own their own business or are in supervisory positions. I want the same for Arianna but feel I am not doing a good job getting her there. I have swatted her on the but w/ my hand & it breaks her heart that momma would do that. I know it won't ruin her life but don't feel I am getting anyway w/ her. Can you give this mom of 24 any advice dealing w/ this 2 year old.

Stacy Says...
WOW...14!!!! I have no idea how you do it...but obviously you're doing something right.

At 2 1/2 and being in foster care, I must ask what happened? Was there an abusive situation? If so, she might already feel the effects of it. And just because spanking worked for your other children--each child is unique. Arianna might just be more sensitive. I remember there came a point when I was little when all my dad had to say was he was disappointed in me and my heart broke--no spanking needed. I felt soooo bad.

Try talking with her (as much as you can with a 2 year old). Send her in a time-out place. Take away a toy. But whatever you do, tell her you love her. Repeatedly tell her she cannot act like that and repeatedly tell her you love her. She might just be a whole lot more stubborn than your others. Don't feel like you're failing her--she's just dealing with alot right now. Have patience. This too shall pass...

Julie, 41, from Hoyt, KS asks...
I have had one ectopic pregnancy and 2 ectopic/abnormal pregnancies. I just took a home pregnancy test and it is positive. We are so excited. My youngest daughter has Downs Syndrome and is the love of our lives. I had her at age 35. How far along do you have to be before you can have the HCG test done to check for DS? I plan to go to my OB/GYN on Tuesday and start the blood tests. Thanks for listening.

Stacy Says...
First of all, congradulations! I applaud your unconditional love and committment to your daughter!

As fasr as testing goes, I'm not sure what "HCG" test you're talking about. HCG is the hormone that's in your urine when you are pregnant. However, there are two different types of tests. Screening and Diagnostic. Screening Tests include:

• Nuchal translucency testing. This is performed between 11 and 14 weeks and measure the amounts of clear space in the folds of tissue behind the baby's neck. Added with the mother's age and baby's gestational age, this is an accurate "guess" 80% of the time.
  
• The triple screen (also called the multiple marker test) and the alpha fetoprotein plus. This is doen between 15-20 weeks and measure different substances in the mother's blood.

• A detailed ultrasound. This is often performed in conjunction with the blood tests, and it checks the fetus for some of the physical traits associated with Down syndrome. However, these screening tests are only about 60% accurate and often lead to false-positive or false-negative readings.If any of these are "positive" then diagnostic testing can be done. More than likely, with your age and previous birth, chances are they will do more diagnostic testing.

Diagnostic testing includes:

• Amniocentesis, Chronic Villus Sampling (CVS) and Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS). For the msot part, all of these tests are done between 2-5 months of pregnancy and involve taking samples of amniotic fluid or the placenta to test for chromosomal abnormalities. However, they carry with them the risk of preterm labor or miscarriage.

Personally, I wouldn't risk the diagnostic testing. If you know you would do nothing different with the pregnancy, if you know that if you had another child with Down's Syndrome nothing would change your feelings for the baby--why risk injuring it? I had the option of several different kinds of testing, being diabetic my chances of birth defects were increased. I turned them all down. If anything was "wrong" with the baby, I wouldn't change my mind about the baby, so what did it really matter? Talk with your doctor, talk with your husband, do what you feel is right for your child.

Shakara, 16, from Mosspoint MS asks...
Hello im back again!!!Well you said if im gettin periods im not pregnant well!!!It might be spotting im not sure!!! I get it every month and it lasts 4 days!!!!I need help FAST!!!im suppose to be movin back to alaska with my mother!!Cuz im currently livin with my antie and uncle and im hidin it from them!!!they suspected i was pregnant but i told them i wasnt!!!My hips are gettin bigger is that normal!!!i dont know ne thing about pregnancy!!!but my mother went through the same thing at 16 n its goin to hurt her!!!i told my sister and she said she will help me!!!!but other people i asked if u can gt ur period wen ur pregnant n they said yes!!!!i just need the truth IM SCARED N ALONE PLEASE HELP!!!im so stressed out i feel like killin myself or droppin out of school!!!!

Stacy Says...
Shakara, first of all, don't kill yourself or drop out of school. You are stressed and hormonal--completely natural for what you're going through. Here's what you need to do:

1. TELL your auntie, uncle and mom. Give them some credit. If they already suspect you're pregnant, they won't be shocked when they find out you really are. Simply tell them the truth. Try something like, "Auntie, uncle, remember when you asked if I was pregnant? Well, I am. I know it was irresponsible, but I'm really scared and I need your help." Yes, it might really hurt your mom, but the sooner you tell her, the better you'll feel. My best friend in high school got pregnant her senior year. Her mom was upset, but when she realized my friend was scared and needed help, that's what she did. These people love you and should help you.

2. I'm confused as to why you live with your auntie and uncle and are moving to Alaska with your mom. But you need to tell all of them NOW! Ask your sister to be with you for support.

3. Are you seeing a doctor???? Planned Parenthood of the Health Department would know of programs in your area to get free medical help while you're pregnant. You HAVE to get this. Prenatal care is sooooo important when you're a teenager.

4. If you are pregnant, you DO NOT get your period!! Whoever is telling you this is wrong. Spotting is common (as long as it's dark red or brown, NOT bright red) but getting your period doesn't happen. Have you taken a pregnancy test? Hips getting bigger is normal, especially at 4 months. Your whole body starts getting bigger. Look at babyzone.com or search for pregnancy websites to get more information. Look into parenting classes offered by your health department.

5. Calm down, take deep breaths, ask for help! You need support right now and your family needs to know.

Carmen, 50 from Sacramento asks...
My 9th grandchild was born on June 3rd. She is constipated. She has pain and strains where my daughter needs to help her. My daughter asked me if there is any thing that can be done for a baby's constipation. I don't know! Does anyone know?

Stacy Says...
Unfortunately, constipation is quite common in babies since their digestive tract is so immature. If your daughter is breastfeeding, try to encourage that more since something about the breast milk makes babies go. If not, try to encourage more fluids (I would make the formula with just a little more water than normal) to get some extra water in her. I gave my daughter some of the anti-gas medicine (like Mylicon) and that helper her. I've heard of some women putting Karo syrup in the bottle--but I'm not so sure that's a good idea. If nothing works, I'd check with the doctor before doing anything else.

Kathy, 34 from England asks...
My 2 yr old son has lately been having terrible tantrums over food, he constantly wants to eat food, he trams it in his mouth, just greed wanting more before he has even eaten it, normally its food that i dont want him having much off, chocolate, buscuits, etc, its gotten very embarassing as he throws food, any ideas???

Stacy Says...
Sounds like a typical 2 year old. Ever heard the expression "Terrible Twos"? That's why. Being greedy and cramming it in his mouth--he does that because he still doesn't understand the concept of taking a dainty bite, chewing it completely, then swallowing. My one-year old does this all the time. Watch him carefully and maybe put only a little on his plate. And he's scarfing down the chocolate and the biscuits because it tastes good!

You have to resign yourself NOT to be embarrassed. Kids will always embarass you. So what if everyone is staring at you?? Let them deal with their own life, you deal with yours. Tell your son forcefully, NO. Or STOP. If it doesn't work, give him a pop on the leg. I've said it before, a little spanking can go a long way. I've already had to pop my daughter once or twice and would't ya know, she listens to me when I say stop! But basically, this is a phase. Try patience, ignoring it, setting a good example and he should grow out of it.

Shakara, 16, from Moss Point, MS asks...
Hello! I have a few questions to ask!!! Anyways, I'm about 4 months pregnant and I still get my periods, is that normal? And every morning I wake up my stomache hurts really bad, is that normal? And everytime I eat something I feel like I have to vomit is that normal?

Stacy Says...
Ok, if you're getting your period, you ARE NOT pregnant. Did you take a pregnancy test? At four months, are you seeing a doctor? Do you mean that you're spotting--a little bit of dark red/brown blood? Because that can be normal at times. Bright red blood, abdominal and/or back pain IS NOT normal and you should call your doctor. You definitely need to receiving regular medical care because at 16, YOUR body is still growing and so you are at risk for low-birth weight baby and preterm labor.

IF you are pregnant, yes--nausea in the morning is normal. That can last all pregnancy. Feeling like you are going to throw up after you eat, that can be normal. My suggestion is to read the book, What to Expect When You Are Expecting. This can clear up alot of questions for you.

Anna, 23 from Inverell asks...
Spotting during my 31st week of pregnancy I'm a bit worried. I have placenta previa which has now moved 4cm but I went to toliet and when I wiped there was a little bit of bright red blood. This is my 3rd child. Can you give me some advice please?

Stacy Says...
Bright red blood is always a reason to call the doctor. especially if you are already at risk for complications with placenta previa (where the placenta, instead of forming at the top of the uterus, forms at the cervix). It might be nothing to worry about--but that should be a decision for the doctor to make. CALL YOUR DOCTOR! NOW!

Sammy, 36 from Australia asks...
This is my second pregnancy. I am 21 weeks pregnant. I have just received the results from my 20 week scan. The conclusion reads: live singleton 20 week fetus. Only a 2 vessel cord demonstrated but no other associated fetal abnormality has been detected. I have read a little over the net and I am now scared to death with this sua thing. Should I find comfort in the fact that no other abnormalities have been noted? I also had the maternal serum testing done at 15 weeks which indicated a low risk of down syndrome, 1 in 1600, and all other testing has come back normal. Please give me your thoughts on this matter. Worried sick.

Stacy Says...
Definitely find comfort in that there are no other abnormalities detected. SUA (single unbilical artery) can occur for many reasons, the exact pathology is unknown. Most typically, the loss of 1 umbilical artery likely occurs secondary to thrombotic atrophy of a previously normal artery. Meaning, there was a clot in the artery that occluded the flow of the artery, damaging it. Also, SUA is seen with congenital abnormalities of the heart, intestines and most commonly the kidneys. It is also seen with abnomalities loike Down's Syndrome.

HOWEVER, sometimes the single artery fuses into two just before entering the placenta. But this can't be detected so early in the pregnancy because the umbilical cord is coiled.

According to some experts, a detailed anatomic survey needs to be performed as well as a fetal echocardiogram to detect for heart abnormalities (this is just like an ultrasound, I had one on my baby). If the ultrasounds come up normal, the an amniocentesis can be performed, but it isn't imperative. Finally, in the third trimester, more detailed tests can be done. Medical miracles are occuring ALL THE TIME. Even if there are abnormalities with the heart or kidneys, more than likely they can be fixed.

Just remember, this child is a blessing from God. There is no 100% can to know what will happen until he/she is born. Just take care of yourself, focus on the baby, and look forward to the love and joy you will have when he/she is born.

Sandra, 20 from California asks...
I just found out I was pregnant about 2 days ago. I'm about 9 weeks pregnant. This is going to be my 2nd child. But I'm worried because at the moment I was still taking my birth control pill. Would this in any way affect my unborn baby?

Stacy Says...
To cover all my bases, I have to say that technically, yes, there is a slight chance it affected your baby. HOWEVER, sooooo many women have been on birth control pills and gotten pregnant and their babies couldn't be healthier. Please, please, please, don't worry about it. I had minor surgery when I didn't know I was pregnant and was taking painkillers (Percocet) and my baby has no defects or health problems. You should be fine!

Celeste, 34 from Florida asks...
I am 8 weeks pregnant and I am having a little bit of bleeding about the same time I would have my period. Is that bad?

Stacy Says...
Spotting is normal throughout pregnancy. I had to wear a pantyliner, pretty much everyday. Bright red bleeding or clots accompanied by abdominal pain or back pain should be seen by a doctor, but other than that--all normal. Being around the time you would have your period--just a coincidence.

Sally, 29 from Nairobi, Kenya asks...
Hi, I have just discovered am pregnant with my 2nd baby, about just a month gone. Unlike my first baby, I have been having really uncomfortable lower back pain that aches the whole day especially today. Is that normal or should I go to the doctor? Thanks.

Stacy Says...
Normal, normal, normal. Even though we are in our same bodies, we cannot compare pregnancies and assume something is wrong because it doesn't *feel* like the first. I had back aches from the very beginning. As long as it isn't accompanied by sharp abdominal pains and bleeding, just relax. Put a heating pad on your lower back, try stretching or prenatal yoga, find a comfy position anything to relieve the pressure.

Carrie, 24 from Okinawa, Japan asks...
I am currently 22 wks pregnant with twins and I have experienced a few feelings of numbness across the front of my belly. This feeling has come about 3 times over the 2 days. The first time I was bending over and then when I stood up it was numb. Then tonight after my walk it was numb again. It feels almost as if it has fallen asleep, like my but did earlier today when I was sitting for about 15 minutes. Is this normal? The OB nurse I talked to today said she never heard of such a thing???

Stacy Says...
When I was pregnant I would always feel my legs go numb every time I bent over. Since my belly was so massive, it would press against the nerves and blood vessels to my legs to temporarily cut off the circulation making me feel numb. And often times, women feel pain in their legs from their sciatic nerve (that's the nerve that runs down the hip/butt/legs) from the weight and changing dimensions of their belly.

That's what sounds like is happening to you. Especially with carrying twins. Plus the fact that your belly is growing on a daily basis, stretching the skin and tingling the nerves. You could just be really in tune to your body and feel all the changes going on. Since it happened after you bent over and after the walk, (when your body is moving the blood around faster but the target for the blood is the lungs, legs, arms--not the belly and gut), I wouldn't be too worried about it. But try frequent changes in position so your body doesn't have the chance to "fall asleep". And remember to take it easy when exercising!

Kathy, 37, Adelaide, Australia asks...
I think I am pregnant for the 1st time ever. I had my last period well over a month ago and thought that I would have my period start in the last couple of weeks or so as I have had all the usual PMT stuff. Anyway, one question I would like to ask is, when a woman falls pregnant for the first time, is it usual or not for her urine to smell slightly different to what it normally would? I drink plenty of water every day - just love the taste!! and am a type 2 Diabetic. Can someone help me out?

Stacy Says...
I'm not quite sure what PMT means...is that pregnancy signs? If so, I would suggest taking a home pregnancy test to see if you're pregnant.

The fact that your urine smells different is not a sign of pregnancy, typically it's a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Foul smelling urine, lower back pain, abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting, frequency, burning when you pee, blood in the urine--you can have one or all of these signs. Being a diabetic makes you more prone to get UTI, too. I'd suggest taking the home pregnancy test--if it's negative, I'd call the doctor to make sure you don't have a UTI. If it's positive, DEFINITELY get in to see the doctor as you are a high-risk pregnancy with diabetes and if you're taking oral medications you need to stop them!

Zilke, 26 from R.S.A. asks... (where is R.S.A.?)
I am 14 weeks pregnant, my last visit to the Doctor confirmed that everything is 100% healthy and normal. Yesterday I went on an outride (horseback) and it was very bumpy - not what I expected and am just a bit concerned that it could have harmed my baby? There are no signs of bleeding, just a bit of lower back pain which I have had since I fell pregnant. As this is my first child, I dont have any experience. I dont want to go on an outride again until I know that It wont or will harm baby????

Stacy Says...
I'm sure everything is still fine. No need to worry. The baby is teeny tiny in that big amniotic sac and so it had lots of cushion. I wouldn't think too much of your lower back pain, especially if it's unchanged from the beginning of pregnancy. If your pain persists, or gets increasingly worse, or if you start bleeding more than normal, notify your doctor.

However, as the baby gets bigger--not so much cushion anymore and I wouldn't recommend riding again. I think you went on your last outride for at least another 6-7 months!