Health & Wellness TipsSeptember 3, 2010

Are You Pregnant and Depressed?

Certain factors may increase your risk

Many women become depressed while they are pregnant, or shortly after the baby is born.

The U.S. National Women's Health Information Center says these factors increase the likelihood of developing depression during or after pregnancy:

Recognizing Gallstones

Here are warning signs

Gallstones are stones of varied sizes that form in the gallbladder, and are usually composed of cholesterol or excess bilirubin in the bile. Some gallstones cause no symptoms, while others can cause significant pain.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of gallstone warning signs:

If You Smoke While Pregnant

You and baby are more likely to have problems

If you smoke while pregnant, you're exposing the baby to a host of dangerous chemicals, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says. And the nicotine in tobacco causes less oxygen and nutrients to reach the baby.

The ACOG says these problems are more likely to affect pregnant women who smoke:

Take Medications Safely

Here's a basic checklist

Many medications may seem harmless, but they can still cause harm if not taken correctly.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions to help prevent problems with medications:

Common Immune System Problems as You Age

How aging affects immunity

The inevitable changes brought on by aging include graying hair, wrinkling skin and weakening senses. Even your immune system isn't spared.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of immune system problems that tend to occur more often as people age: