Pregnancy
Warning Signs of Premature Labor
Premature labor (also called “preterm” labor) is labor that starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy, or more than 3 weeks before your due date. Premature labor can often be stopped if you catch it early. Check for warning signs every day. Uterine Contraction: If you feel your uterus tightening or the baby “balling up”, this…
Read MoreStress and Pregnancy
Stress In every pregnancy, a woman starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. This is called her background risk. This sheet talks about whether exposure to stress may increase the risk for birth defects over that background risk. This information should not take the place of medical care…
Read MoreMorning Sickness Tips
Below are some tips that might ease the discomfort of morning sickness. Smells and odors sometimes trigger morning sickness. Sprinkle a damp washcloth with lemon or lime and store in a sealed Ziploc bag. This cloth placed over the nose helps with disagreeable odors. Keep your bedroom well ventilated to eliminate odors. Your sense of…
Read MoreAlcohol and Pregnancy
In every pregnancy, a woman starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. This is called her background risk. This sheet talks about whether exposure to alcohol may increase the risk for birth defects over that background risk. This information should not take the place of medical care and…
Read MorePreparing for Breastfeeding
Even though your baby might no come for a while, there are some important things you should know to help get ready for the best breastfeeding experience possible. Here are some frequently asked questions. Q: How can I best learn about breastfeeding? A: Speak with a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for the most up-to-date, evidence-based…
Read MoreGestational Diabetes
Proper healthcare before and during pregnancy will help prevent birth defects and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriage or stillbirth. If your Physician or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) has told you that you have been diagnosed with a condition call Gestational Diabetes, please read on. Although your Physician / CNM has explained to you this…
Read MoreConstipation During Pregnancy
Many pregnant women complain of constipation. Signs of constipation include having hard, dry stools; fewer than three bowel movements per week; and painful bowel movements. This occurs for basically three reasons: Iron – in the prenatal vitamins Mechanically – the uterus puts pressure on the bowels Progesterone – a hormone released during pregnancy slows the…
Read MoreSafe Foods During Pregnancy
See the attached PDF below to find out what Pregnant Women and Parents should know about eating fish. View / Download the PDF
Read MoreExercise During Pregnancy
So, you’re pregnant. Congratulations! Time to put your feet up, find your next Netflix series, and get ready to relax on the couch for the next nine months, right? WRONG! Although many people think that pregnancy is a time to relax and avoid physical activity, it is actually one of the best times in your…
Read MoreFetal Movement Kick Counts
Your provider has asked you to start keeping track of fetal movement. Fetal movement is typically indicative of fetal well-being. In order to track fetal movement, after you have had your evening meal, lay down on your left side. Keep track of fetal movement: kicks, rolls, etc. If there are less than 5 to 6…
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