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Restless Legs Syndrome in Pregnancy & Postpartum
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Why It Happens>Risk Factors>Psychiatric Connections>Management What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs that occurs at rest and is relieved by movement, as long as the movement continues. This uncomfortable sensation is typically…
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Migraines in Pregnancy and Postpartum
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Migraine vs. Preeclampsia>Safe Treatment Options>Refractory Migraines>Preventative Treatment>Postpartum Migraines are a specific type of headache disorder that can significantly impact pregnant and postpartum individuals. While ObGyns can help manage some aspects of migraine in pregnancy, it is important to acknowledge that individuals with frequent or severe migraines should be evaluated and treated by…
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy and Postpartum
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Prevalence in Pregnancy>Symptoms>Management & Treatment>Postpartum and Recovery Pregnancy brings an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This condition, characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and wrist, affects many pregnant individuals, with symptoms often peaking in the third trimester. While CTS can be uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating, the…
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Fluid Retention & Swelling in Pregnancy & Postpartum
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>What’s Normal>When Swelling is Concerning>Management>When to Contact Your Provider>The Postpartum Period Pregnancy brings many changes to your body, and swelling—medically known as edema—is one of the most common experiences. While often normal and expected, understanding the difference between typical pregnancy swelling and potentially concerning symptoms can help you navigate this aspect of…
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Deep Dive: Constipation in Pregnancy
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Management Strategies>Medications>When to Contact Your Provider>The Role of Pelvic Floor Constipation is among the most common digestive complaints during pregnancy, affecting 16-39% of pregnant people during each trimester. For many, this uncomfortable condition can persist for 6-12 weeks postpartum, making it an important aspect of pregnancy care that deserves attention and proper…
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Deep Dive: Heartburn and Reflux in Pregnancy
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Management Strategies>Medications>When to Contact Your Provider Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — commonly known as heartburn or acid reflux — affects up to 85% of pregnant people, with symptoms typically increasing from the first trimester to the third and resolving shortly after delivery. While this discomfort can significantly impact quality of life during…
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Gestational Diabetes Nutrition Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Key Nutrition Principles> Carbohydrate Counting and Label Reading>Practical Carbohydrate Counting Tips>Low Glycemic Foods for Gestational Diabetes>Food Choices & Meal Plan>When to Call Your Provider Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in people who didn’t have diabetes before pregnancy. It affects approximately 10-14% of pregnancies and…
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Navigating Gestational Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Managing Gestational Diabetes>Monitoring Your Pregnancy When you’re pregnant, receiving a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can feel overwhelming and often comes with feelings of guilt or shame. Many people mistakenly believe that GDM only affects those who are “unhealthy” or have poor dietary habits. This is simply not true. Gestational diabetes…
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Safe & Beneficial Prenatal Exercises
Core Stabilization on Hands and Knees Enhances abdominal strength while supporting proper posture Position yourself on hands and knees with your weight evenly distributed. Align your hips directly above knees and shoulders above wrists. Maintain a neutral spine position. Take a deep breath in through your nose. As you exhale through your mouth, gently draw…
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Exercise Guidance for Pregnancy
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Exercise Recommendations>Exercises to Avoid>Weight Training>Safety Considerations Pregnancy brings significant changes to the body, and many expectant parents wonder whether exercise is safe and beneficial during this time. The good news is that for most pregnancies, physical activity isn’t just safe—it’s highly recommended. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG),…
