There are lots of reasons that any given pregnancy may be considered “high risk.” It might be a medical condition affecting the mom or a fetus with a heart defect or other structural problem. Or maybe you’re having twins or triplets (the more the merrier!). But don’t let the term “high-risk” scare you. While we …
High-risk pregnancy? 5 questions to ask your OB-GYN Read More »
Pregnancy is such an exciting time in one’s life, but it’s also filled with so many questions. How do you know what and whom to believe? Let’s de-bunk some common mommy myths I hear as an OB/GYN. Myth #1: “You can’t exercise while pregnant.” This statement is false — you can and should exercise in …
One afternoon, my mother-in-law and I were visiting when we got on the topic of expanding our family. By something I said, she thought I was telling her I was pregnant — I quickly responded that I WAS NOT! I was not ready for another pregnancy, as my son was one month shy of a …
Our miracle NICU twins: Finding joy outside of the birth plan Read More »
Morning sickness. Heartburn. Tearing up for no reason. Strange food cravings. Most women who have been pregnant know some or all these symptoms well. As an OB/GYN who specializes in maternal-fetal medicine and a mom, I am quite familiar with them myself. I also know that they are generally nothing to worry about. Most pregnant …
Pregnant? 6 abnormal signs you should call your doctor Read More »
Having a baby is unlike any other experience — there is so much joy, emotion, excitement and anticipation built into a delivery. No two experiences are the same, and many women even have different experiences with each delivery. While we cannot completely prepare for what lies ahead during childbirth, knowledge and awareness are essential to …
Nearly every week, I have a patient ask me if they are a “high-risk pregnancy.” Most are fairly concerned if they think the fall into the high risk category, and rightfully so — there are some additional things we need to consider if certain risk factors are at play. But what is a high-risk pregnancy? …
Morning sickness. It should really be called “all day sickness.” At least, that’s how I felt about six weeks into my pregnancy. Prior to being pregnant, I frequently advised my patients to just try some ginger and maybe eat more frequently when they felt nauseated. I mean, it’s just a little nausea, right? Wrong. My …
How to deal with nausea, vomiting and other pregnancy side effects Read More »
Pregnancy is a magical time in any woman’s life, but mine turned out to be quite different from what I had imagined. I was seven months pregnant with my first child when the unexpected happened. What started as a quick trip to the store on the morning of December 14th, 2014, ended with being admitted …
What it’s like to have a stroke at 30 and pregnant Read More »
As a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist for more than two decades, I think the term “geriatric pregnancy” is a bit of an exaggeration. When I think of the word “geriatric,” I think of older ladies enjoying their retirement years after having spent a large portion of their younger years raising families and working. But in the world …
Geriatric pregnancy: Waiting later in life to have a baby Read More »
Birth plans. Let’s go there. I am often asked when a woman should start preparing her birth plan. My answer might surprise you — never. It’s important to note that every woman is different. Some women advocate strongly for having a birth plan, and I get it. With all the unknowns, it may give you …