Expectant and new parents have a lot on their plates: managing all of the changes in their bodies as their new babies grow, handling all of the surprises that pregnancy sometimes brings, becoming physically and emotionally ready for the birth as well as caring for a newborn and herself after giving birth. Sometimes parents-to-be also have other challenges to face that are not frequently discussed or addressed like substance use during or after pregnancy. But expectant parents need to hear that there is no shame in seeking care for pregnancy after or during known substance exposure. Continue reading →

*TRIGGER WARNING: This article discusses sexual assault.

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*TRIGGER WARNING: This article discusses terminating pregnancy as a personal choice and does NOT include medical details or termination clinic information.

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One of the most exciting details parents-to-be want to know is when their new addition will arrive. Due dates are, by their very nature, fluid. But when an expectant mother is given an estimated due date (EDD), it can be difficult to understand why the gestational age reflects a new or different due date. So what is the difference between the two and why are two sometimes different due dates are given to expecting parents? Let’s look at how the EDD and the gestational age are determined and what they mean for soon-to-be parents.

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Being a parent is an amazing gift and experience, yet for some individuals, getting pregnant is a very difficult process. Options such as adoption and foster parenting exist, but many couples may be interested in trying in vitro fertilization as a means of having a child of their own.

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All expecting mothers want their babies to be safe and healthy throughout their pregnancy. However, it can be difficult for mothers to regulate cravings, food consumption, and other intake-related symptoms that pregnancy causes. The myth that weight gain during pregnancy doesn’t count can be harmful. Gaining too much weight can increase certain health risks for the mother, the baby, or both. Continue reading →

Genetic health condition

You may have already noticed at your annual appointments, as well as visits with specialists such as your Ob-Gyn physician during pregnancy, that you are asked to report your family members’ health information. This often includes cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and known genetic conditions. All healthcare providers have some training in recognizing patterns of disease in a family that may suggest a genetic basis. 

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It was not long ago when you took a pregnancy test kit in the bathroom and eagerly waited for its result. You can even still remember how your heartbeat leaped several notches when the two red lines appeared. And this holiday season, you feel more festive because of the soon-to-be new addition to your family. 

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Kindness makes a difference

Kindness should be celebrated every day. It is a gift you can give to everyone, and it is free. Imagine how the world would look like if people would be kind every day. However, people tend to forget how being kind can help someone and themselves too. Blame it on a lot of stress and pressure brought by work and family. Thankfully, one day of the year, kindness is celebrated worldwide; World Kindness Day on November 13. 

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Pregnancy can be an exciting time in a woman’s life and can help teach you different ways to care for your body through both exercise and diet. Eating nutritious foods and limiting caffeine consumption is a helpful way to be healthier in pregnancy. 

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