Overview Pre-pregnancy, the cervix is typically four to five inches in length. During pregnancy, the cervix keeps the baby secure in the uterus until it begins to soften and shorten to prepare for labor. When the cervix shortens prematurely, this increases the risk of delivering too soon. The cervix has two main openings. The internal opening, or internal os, is at the top of the cervix, closest to the uterus. The external opening, or external os, is at the bottom of the cervix....

Sheets of paper, 8½ x 11 inches Paper clips How high can you build a tower using only paper and paper clips? Your design should include a firm, broad base and some creative ways to make the tower as tall as possible. Note: This activity can also be done with drinking straws and masking tape.

Among the key sexual maturation changes, the testicles get larger and the scrotum begins to thin and redden. In tandem with these changes is the growth of the penis which can develop at different rates for different people. As sexual awareness increases, concerns about penis size may deepen, particularly if all other signs of puberty (including height, body hair, and changes in voice) are robust. Knowing what to expect—and what an “average” penis size really means—can help alleviate a lot of the stress....

A new study found that kids’ mental health is directly impacted by too much screen time, and not enough physical movement. The study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health notes that when kids spent more time engaged in physical activity, and less time on electronic devices, they had healthier mental wellbeing. Details of the Study Researchers from The University of Queensland conducted a large-scale international study. They culled three rounds of data from surveys for Health Behaviour in School-aged Children....

Level: Easy Time involved: One to two hours, plus several days to a week to dry the leaves Materials: Bag for collecting Assortment of leaves Paper towels Heavy books Newspapers Waxed paper Scissors Copy paper Iron and ironing board Construction paper White glue

Effort: Fairly easy - some sewing Materials: Brown, green, red, or camouflage sweats with hooded sweatshirt Artificial fall-colored leaves (silk, paper, or cut out of felt) Small rake as prop if child is old enough to hold it Face paint Glue or needle and thread Instructions: Stick leaves all over the sweatshirt in a random pattern. Cover the outfit completely. Color cheeks brown, green, and red to camouflage. Tips: If you have to create a larger costume, make your own leaves....

Symptoms Common signs and symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome include: Abnormal hair growth, also known as hirsutism, found on the upper lip, chin, around the nipples, or on the abdomen Acne Amenorrhea (absence of monthly menstrual cycles) or oligomenorrhea (irregular monthly menstrual cycles) Elevated levels of the hormone LH (making at-home ovulation tests difficult to use) High levels of androgens, also known as hyperandrogenism Infertility Insulin resistance Irregular or absent ovulation (anovulation) Male pattern balding Oily skin and hair Obesity (though women with PCOS can be underweight or at a normal weight) Presence of polycystic ovaries during ultrasound examination Recurrent miscarriage...

Here is a look at the most common causes of postpartum abdominal pain. Plus, you’ll learn how to handle it and ease symptoms while caring for your newborn and yourself. Afterpains After delivery, the uterus contracts and shrinks back to its normal size. As this happens, it can cause some lower abdominal cramps that are referred to as afterpains. These pains can feel like menstrual cramps. If they are severe, contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation....

“Regardless of toilet training a boy or girl, potty training is a unique experience for each child and their family,” says Katherine Corvi, PsyD, a pediatric psychologist who works in the toileting clinic at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “Each child learns and uses the potty in their own time and in their own way.” If you are looking for ideas on how best to approach potty training a girl, read on....

Statistically, vegans do have fewer cases of heart disease than meat-eaters, but we have observed that they seem more vulnerable to colds, flus, structural problems such as joint pain, immune-system problems, and lymphoma. A vegetarian diet that incorporates dairy products and eggs is a step closer to the ideal diet, but it still deprives you of one of the most nourishing foods you can eat, especially during pregnancy and postpartum: deepwater fish....

It’s not uncommon to experience pregnancy symptoms in the absence of a positive test. Spend any time on fertility forums or social media sites and you’re bound to hear members refer to “imaginary pregnancy symptoms.” Are these feelings all in your head? Maybe not. Why Do I Get Symptoms After Ovulation If I’m Not Pregnant? Many people experience what seem to be pregnancy symptoms shortly before their period arrives. This happens because the hormone progesterone rises both during early pregnancy and in the premenstrual period....

We reached out to yoga and fitness experts to find out which prenatal yoga poses are the most beneficial. “Poses that build your strength and awareness in areas that you will need for delivery and care-taking of an infant are important,” Leah Keller, the founder of Every Mother and a certified personal trainer tells us. Essential prenatal yoga poses include, “strong standing poses that build strength in the hamstrings, quads, glutes, legs, hips, and core, and balancing poses,” Keller says....

A Harvard Interviewer’s Honest Assessment They come to me with SATs pushing 1600 and more awards than military heroes. The valedictorians. The student leaders. The super-jocks. They are applying to Harvard. They are the children you want your kids to become. For the past 17 years, I’ve been an alumni interviewer for Harvard. As part of its admissions process, Harvard extends applicants an opportunity to meet with one of its alumni....

The benefits of eating breakfast go beyond academics, however. A nutrient-rich breakfast gives children the nutrients they need for growth and development. Other studies have also shown that children who skip breakfast are more likely to have trouble concentrating in the afternoon and they’re more likely to feel fatigued. This is especially true if they’re not receiving adequate nutrition otherwise. You can whip up a quick, satisfying breakfast for your teen in 10 minutes or less—even one they can eat on the go....

20 to 30 minutes Materials Rubber bands4 to 6 empty toilet paper rollsAt least 2 colors of clear plastic food wrap cut into 4-inch squares Directions Extensions Use a different color for each eye and talk about what you see.Trade colors and talk about how each one makes you feel as you look at the things around you.Tape a 12-inch square of the colored wrap on a window for looking outside....

Typical Postpartum Weight Loss Immediately after your baby is born, you will lose about 10 to 12 pounds. That’s a combination of your newborn’s weight plus the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Then, during the next few days, you will lose about 5 more pounds of water weight. After that, it’s typical and healthy to lose approximately 2 pounds a month for the next six months. Losing too much weight too quickly is not good for you or your baby....

30 minutes Materials BleachColored tissue paperQ-tips Directions Extensions Repeat using dark fabric instead of paper.

Even when an intervention is considered routine or “the norm,” you should still learn about it and understand what your rights as a patient are. One such intervention you may encounter is the placement of a saline or heparin lock. Here’s an overview of why it might be needed and what it feels like. What a Saline or Heparin Lock Does The saline or heparin lock is a type of venous access....