Placenta previa is a pregnancy condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the birth canal, so when the placenta sits too low, it can block the baby’s path for delivery. Placenta previa is found in roughly 1…
If you’ve had a cesarean delivery in the past, you might be wondering whether you can deliver vaginally with your next pregnancy. The answer for many women is yes. A vaginal birth after cesarean, commonly called VBAC, is when you deliver your baby through the birth canal after a previous C-section. VBAC has become a…
Egg freezing is a fertility preservation option that allows women to store their eggs at a younger age for possible use later in life. It does not pause or reverse the biological clock, but it can give women more flexibility when it comes to family planning. Whether you are focused on your career, waiting for…
Preterm labor is defined as labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. It involves regular uterine contractions that cause the cervix to thin or open earlier than expected. Not every episode of early contractions leads to an early delivery, but preterm labor always deserves prompt evaluation because babies born too early can face serious…
Non-invasive prenatal testing, commonly called NIPT, is a blood test that screens for certain chromosomal conditions during pregnancy. It analyzes small fragments of DNA from the placenta circulating in the pregnant patient’s bloodstream, often referred to as cell-free DNA. Because it only requires a standard blood draw, NIPT carries none of the miscarriage risk associated…
Preparing to welcome a new baby is one of the most exciting times in life, but it can also bring questions about what labor and delivery will look like. A birth plan is a tool that helps expectant mothers communicate their preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. It is not a rigid script, but…
Discovering you are pregnant is a moment filled with excitement, joy, and often many questions. One of the most important steps in starting your pregnancy journey is scheduling your first prenatal visit. This appointment sets the stage for your pregnancy care and gives you the opportunity to meet with your provider, review your health, and…
Bringing a baby into the world is a powerful experience. But once the excitement of birth begins to settle, many new mothers are surprised by how challenging the recovery period can be, physically, emotionally, and mentally. There’s no single “normal,” but there are patterns and symptoms we expect to see. This guide can help you…
Deciding to start or grow your family is an exciting step. While many people think of pregnancy planning as something that begins after a positive test, the truth is that your journey starts well before conception. Preparing your body and mind ahead of time can improve your chances of getting pregnant, support a healthy pregnancy,…
More women today are choosing to start or grow their families later in life. Whether it’s due to career goals, personal readiness, or life circumstances, having a baby after age 35 is becoming increasingly common. While it’s true that pregnancy after 35 comes with a few more medical considerations, it’s also true that many women…