Tag: maternal health
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I Took My Breastfeeding Solution to ‘Shark Tank’— Now It’s Helping Thousands of Moms
Read more When my daughter, Mia, was about five months old, I hit a wall. It was August 2022, and we were attending my cousin’s baptism. Mia needed to breastfeed, but the sweltering heat inside the church made it unbearable, even as I wore a lightweight dress. Draping a nursing cover over us felt suffocating,…
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Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome: Understanding Risks and Treatments
Read more Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a serious condition that affects identical twins or higher-order multiples who share a placenta. This occurs when the blood vessels in the shared placenta become connected, leading to unequal blood flow. One twin, referred to as the “recipient,” receives an excessive amount of blood, while the…
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Triple Marker Screening Test
Read more Also referred to as the Triple Test, Multiple Marker Screening, and Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Plus, the triple marker screening test is a maternal blood test that identifies three specific substances: AFP, hCG, and Estriol. AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein): This is a protein produced by the fetus. hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin): This hormone is produced by the…
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Help Me, Lisa! Can You Share Some Tips for Recovering from a C-Section?
Read more Hey there! So, you’re scheduled for a C-section and looking for some insights on the healing process? Let’s dive right in! First off, it’s important to recognize that every journey into motherhood is unique. Just like each pregnancy varies, so does the experience of childbirth. While many women might plan for a vaginal…
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Doulas Support Black Moms for Better Labor and Delivery Experiences
Read more For Black mothers, having a doula can truly transform the childbirth experience. How Doulas Assist Black Moms During Labor Doulas provide invaluable support during labor, offering emotional and physical assistance that can lead to more positive outcomes. They serve as advocates for expectant mothers, ensuring their voices are heard throughout the delivery process.…
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Decreased Fetal Movement: Knowing When to Reach Out to Your Doctor
Read more As you journey through pregnancy, you’ll experience your baby’s kicks and movements starting from the second trimester onward. While feeling those tiny movements can be a joyful experience, it’s important to understand what changes in fetal movement can mean, and when you should consider calling your doctor. When Does Fetal Movement Start? Typically,…
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Acne During Pregnancy
Read more Acne can be a common issue for many women during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. While it can be frustrating, it’s crucial to approach treatment options with caution to ensure both maternal and fetal safety. Common Medications for Acne Accutane: This oral medication, known generically as isotretinoin, is often prescribed for severe acne.…
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Understanding Fetal Growth Restriction
Read more Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is typically defined as a fetal weight that falls below the 10th percentile for the gestational age, as determined through ultrasound assessments. This condition is often referred to as small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Types of Fetal Growth Restriction Fetal growth restriction is classified into two main…
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Breastfeeding with Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER): Symptoms & Causes
Read more If you’ve ever felt a wave of sadness or anxiety during breastfeeding, you may be experiencing a lesser-known condition called Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). While many mothers envision a serene bonding experience during nursing, some encounter a starkly different reality. What is D-MER? D-MER is a phenomenon that can affect certain breastfeeding…
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Common Pregnancy Complications
Read more Pregnancy can come with various complications, some of which are more prevalent than others. Here’s a rundown of the most frequently encountered pregnancy complications: Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. This can result from conditions like a sexually transmitted disease…