Food safety guidance during pregnancy exists for two reasons: certain infections cross the placenta, and certain contaminants affect fetal brain development. Pregnancy changes your immune system in ways that make you more vulnerable to foodborne illness. The CDC estimates pregnant women are about 10 times more likely than the general population to get listeriosis, an…
DetailsPlacenta 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…
DetailsIf 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…
DetailsEgg 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…
DetailsPreterm 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…
DetailsNon-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…
DetailsPreparing 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…
DetailsDiscovering 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…
DetailsBringing 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…
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