Constipation in Pregnancy Constipation is yet another uncomfortable symptom that is very common in pregnancy. We can blame our hormones for this one too. Progesterone circulates at an all time high during pregnancy and plays a major role in bloating and constipation. How do hormones cause constipation? Progesterone slows down the motility of the intestines. This means
With all the appointments and tests that occur during pregnancy, it’s hard to keep track of everything and easy to question, “Is all of this really necessary?” One question that patients have asked me is “Do I Really Need Folic Acid for Pregnancy?” The answer is YES! Folic acid is a B vitamin that is
Before medical school I thought I was going to have all of my children before the age of 30. Then real life happened. Studying, residency, work, and soon I was 29 years old and not pregnant. My Mom’s comments about my “biological clock ticking” were now driving me bonkers! I was very blessed and able
Childbirth is an incredible physical accomplishment for the female body! Women work hard to grow, carry and birth their babies and approximately 1 in 4 women experience pelvic floor symptoms because of it. In a vaginal birth, the work of pushing brings the baby down from the uterus, through the vaginal opening in the pelvic
Our daughter Madi has been the center of my husband’s and my life since the day she was born. Our family, friends and nanny have commented about the significant adjustment that Madi will have once our baby boy arrives. I asked a friend and colleague Dr. Sarah Nunes, who is a mother of 4 and
Mastitis is a painful complication of breastfeeding. It is defined as inflammation of the mammary gland, which causes the breast to become painful, swollen, and red. It is most common in the first three months of breastfeeding, but it can occur at any time. What Causes Mastitis? Mastitis is usually caused by poor milk drainage, like
The stretching out and thinning of the abdominal muscles and connective tissue allows a woman’s belly to grow into the beautiful, round shape of pregnancy. An understandable concern for a woman is how pregnancy will change the function and appearance of her abdomen postpartum. Pregnancy affects the abdominal wall muscles, often causing them to weaken
There comes a time when a mother and child’s breastfeeding relationship will come to an end. This is a very personal decision that a mother must make for her and her child. This decision can come with a lot of mixed emotions – but rest assured, this is completely normal! When to Wean There is no right
During my first pregnancy with Madi, I did not need to get the pertussis vaccine. However, immunization guidelines during pregnancy were updated after I had Madi. During my pregnancy with George, it was recommended that I receive a pertussis booster vaccine. Because of this change, I wanted to review the guidelines and evidence for why the pertussis
It is standard of care that all pregnant women get screened for Group B Streptococcus (GBS). The recommended time to get screened by your primary care provider is between 36 weeks and 37 weeks 6 days of gestation. Even women who are having a planned Caesarian section will likely be screened. How is Screening Done? Screening for GBS is completed by the