Ask an Expert – Women’s Health Nurse

I'm just about 8 weeks pregnant and started bleeding out of the blue last night. It was red and a lot. This is my first. I'm scared. I called the doctor. She said it could be signs of a miscarriage starting. I have since elevated feet all night. I'm still bleeding this morning but not as much. Please help. I'm scared and freaking out.

Hello Jessica,

     Thank you for your question. I know this is a very scary thing to have happen. You should keep an eye on your bleeding and make sure you report when it stops to your medical provider, they will probably want you to be seen afterward to find out what's going on with you and your pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done for a miscarriage that happens before a baby is viable or able to survive delivery and life outside the womb. The very beginning of viability is 18-weeks gestation.

   Good luck to you and your family.

Phylana

Hey Phylana, I have an 18 month old. I want to know when is the best time to have another baby. I feel like my son needs a playmate other than the friends at daycare and me. As I'm a full time working mom and a student. I'm also a young mom that has raised my son on my own since he was born. I'm in a stable relationship with an amazing man and we have been talking about this. I sometimes worry it is too soon. Thanks

Hello Alison,

    Thank you for your question. When it is time for another baby is a decision that is entirely up to you. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Adding another child to the mix when you are in a "stable relationship" with a man that hasn't committed to you in marriage is risky, unless you don't mind the possibility that you may be raising two children alone. I have seen this question many times with people asking about having children with a boyfriend or significant other. I think if you and your partner are willing and able to talk about children, which is a commitment that can't be ended like a marriage or relationship you should be able to talk about a stronger commitment to each other. If you worry that it's too soon...then it is.

    Good luck to you as you work out what is best for you and your future, and best wishes to you and your family.

Phylana

Lately, my 10 month old son has wanted ALL of my attention. If I put him down he screams and cries. This is becoming a problem when there is laundry, dishes, and other household chores I need to get finished. If I put him down, he will follow me through the house crying and screaming and when I stop long enough, he grabs onto my legs. Even though I continually pick him up and reassure him I'm not leaving, he continues to cry when I put him back down. This can last for HOURS! How can I complete my chores without feeling like I'm a horrible mom because my son is crying.

Hello Kimberly,

    Thank you for your question. You are going to have to make a choice; either listen to some crying while your baby adjusts to you being there and not holding him all the time or you can get a carrier and carry him around all day while you get things done. Just note that the second option may make it harder for you later when it is impossible to carry him around all day because of his weight or some other reason and you can't continue to hold him. You could also do a mixture of both, just know that eventually he is going to have to spend some time by himself, so if he could get used to seeing you and being comforted with that at least for a while, that would help you. Even if you want to carry him around sometimes, you should make it a goal to have him at the point where just seeing you near is okay, and move from there.

  Best wishes to you and your family.

Phylana