Health Tip: Signs of an Unhealthy Menstrual Cycle
A regular, healthy menstrual cycle is a good indicator of a woman's reproductive health. If you have problems with your period, see your doctor.
Here's a list of warning signs that something may be wrong, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
* If you have no menstrual cycle by age 15, or within three years of breast development.
* If you have no period for more than 90 days.
* If you suddenly have irregular periods after having had regular periods consistently.
* If you have periods very often (21 days or less since the prior one) or very infrequently (45 days or more since the prior one).
* If you have periods that last longer than seven days.
* If you have abnormally heavy bleeding, or bleed or spot between periods.
* If you have severe pain, sickness or fever during your period or after using tampons.
Health Tip: Caring for a Newborn's Umbilical Cord
Once a newborn's umbilical cord is cut just after birth, the remaining piece needs proper care to prevent infection.
The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions:
* Keep the area around the cord clean. Ask your doctor what is recommended -- perhaps cleaning regularly with rubbing alcohol, or just water and a gentle cleanser.
* Make sure the cord area stays dry. Use a newborn diaper with an area cut out to expose the cord. Also, let your baby wear a short t-shirt and a diaper when possible to help air get to the area.
* Don't give your baby a full, submerged bath -- just a sponge bath -- until after the cord has fallen off.
* Never pick or pull at the remaining cord, but let it fall off on its own.
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