Tag: maternal health
-
Understanding Pregnancy Hormones: A Comprehensive Guide
Read more When you’re expecting, your body undergoes a whirlwind of changes driven by hormones. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these powerful chemicals, as they play a crucial role in your pregnancy journey. What are the Key Pregnancy Hormones? Estrogen: This hormone increases during pregnancy, promoting the growth of the uterine lining and stimulating…
-
Doula and Midwifery Initiatives Supporting Safer Pregnancies for American Indian Moms
Read more American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women face significant challenges during pregnancy, with a much higher risk of complications and related deaths compared to other demographics. Recent reports indicate that AI/AN mothers are around 2.5 times more likely to experience pregnancy-related mortality than their white counterparts. The leading causes of these tragedies include…
-
Staying Active in Your Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Read more Feeling a bit sluggish as you enter the final stretch of your pregnancy? You’re definitely not alone! While it’s common to feel tired, staying active during the third trimester can actually provide a welcome boost to both your physical and mental well-being. You might think that the couch is calling your name, but…
-
What to Do When Your Baby is Overdue: Causes, Risks, and Solutions
Read more Are you counting the days as your baby takes their sweet time to arrive? If your pregnancy has extended past the expected due date, you’re not alone. Many expectant parents find themselves in this situation, feeling a mix of anticipation and impatience. Here’s everything you need to know about overdue pregnancies, including how…
-
How to Hand Express Your Breast Milk
Read more Hand expressing breast milk can be particularly beneficial during the initial stages of breastfeeding. New mothers are advised to start expressing colostrum early on to ensure that their babies receive the essential nutrients and protective benefits it offers. This method is especially crucial when the mother and baby are apart. There are several…
-
Heart Disease and Pregnancy: Navigating Heart Conditions While Expecting
Read more Considering pregnancy when you have a heart condition? It’s essential to understand how heart issues can influence your journey to motherhood. Here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate this important phase. Pregnancy brings about significant changes to your body, particularly your cardiovascular system. From the very first trimester, your blood volume increases…
-
Understanding Mastitis While Breastfeeding: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Read more When you first embark on your breastfeeding journey, it’s normal for your breasts to feel sensitive and swollen as they fill with milk. However, if you experience excessive pain in one breast or start feeling flu-like symptoms, you may be facing mastitis. Mastitis is a breast tissue infection that results in painful, swollen…
-
Do You Really Need to Avoid Antibacterial Products During Pregnancy?
Read more When you’re expecting, you likely prioritize your health and your baby’s well-being. You’ve been making healthier food choices, taking prenatal vitamins, and steering clear of alcohol. But what about those antibacterial products in your home? You might have heard that it’s best to avoid them during pregnancy. The good news is that most…
-
Placenta Previa: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Read more Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta is positioned low in the uterus, partially or fully covering the cervix. This can lead to complications as the cervix dilates during labor, potentially causing the placenta to detach from the uterine wall. How Common Is Placenta Previa? Approximately 1 in 200 pregnant women…