If you’re pregnant and preparing for your baby’s grand arrival, it’s probably safe to say that a COVID-19 pandemic was not part of the birth plan. As global fears around the virus continue, you may be feeling an extra layer of stress about how this will impact your delivery — are you at risk? What … Continue reading Pregnancy and COVID-19: What to expect during your upcoming delivery
How do you go about choosing an OB/GYN? How do you find that person who will truly get you? Who will celebrate with you in joy, comfort you in sorrow, answer all your pregnancy and menopause questions, hold your hand when needed — and look at your vagina and not make it weird? You discuss … Continue reading How to choose the right OB/GYN for you
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? … Continue reading Your guide to high-risk pregnancy
My name is Kyla and I am a heart failure survivor. I am a wife to an amazing husband who is also my high school sweetheart. I am a mom to three beautiful, quirky, fun children who keep me on my toes and going each day. My family is the reason I fought to live … Continue reading How I’m thriving after postpartum heart failure
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 … Continue reading How to deal with nausea, vomiting and other pregnancy side effects
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 … Continue reading What it’s like to have a stroke at 30 and pregnant
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 … Continue reading Geriatric pregnancy: Waiting later in life to have a baby
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 … Continue reading Should you consider a birth plan?
It’s time we talk openly about a condition that affects more women than you might realize — postpartum depression. It often starts something like this… Here you are. Mother of two. Living the dream. Two weeks ago, you delivered your second baby, your newest miracle. Of course, you aren’t sleeping well, but that you … Continue reading How to recognize the signs of postpartum depression
These days, there is so much information on the internet and amongst friends about every aspect of pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Many expectant mothers spend a lot of time thinking about what they will pack in their hospital bag for the big day. During what can be an emotional roller coaster of a time, it … Continue reading Moms-to-be, pack these things in your hospital bag before childbirth
