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Folic Acid Before and During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Folate is a B vitamin that’s essential for healthy cell growth and DNA production. While folate occurs naturally in foods like leafy greens and legumes, folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods. Your body can use both forms, but folic acid is specially designed to be more easily absorbed by…
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RSV Vaccine Breakdown
What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a serious concern for newborns, particularly during their first few months of life. The RSV vaccine during pregnancy offers a way to protect your baby before birth, but timing and personal risk factors play a big role in when to get vaccinated. Here’s a breakdown of what…
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Protein Powder During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
If you’re pregnant and using protein powder to meet your nutritional needs, you may have questions about its safety. A few years ago, a study by the Clean Label Project raised concerns when they tested a variety of protein powders and found some containing potentially harmful substances like heavy metals and pesticides. This has led…
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Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Its Impact when Trying to Conceive
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition affecting about 10% of reproductive-age women. While the exact cause remains unknown, both genetics and environmental factors play significant roles. Diagnosis PCOS typically involves meeting at least two of the following criteria: Irregular ovulation (which may manifest as infrequent periods) Elevated androgen hormone levels The presence of…
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Calm Body + Calm Mind: The Mind Body Connection in Managing Stress & Anxiety with Dr. Sarah Bren
Dr. Sarah Bren joins Dr. Sterling to explore the powerful connection between your mind & body (mental + physical health) and the role stress plays. Dr. Sarah Bren is a licensed clinical psychologist who currently sees clients at her group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group. She is also a course creator, podcaster, and mom of two!…
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Mammograms in Pregnancy
In general, mammograms are not performed during pregnancy for women at low to average risk of breast cancer. However, for those at elevated risk, screening mammograms may be conducted later in pregnancy (after first trimester), as the radiation exposure is minimal. A shield is used on the abdomen to further protect the fetus. It’s important…
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The Ultimate Birth Control Breakdown
What birth control is right for me? This is a question I get often- and something that there seems to be a lot of fear-mongering around these days- contraception. Remember, birth control is highly personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. This guide will help you understand your options, but always consult with your healthcare provider…
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Acetaminophen – Update on Safety in Pregnancy
Overview: Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol or paracetamol, is widely used for pain relief and fever reduction. This resource provides insights from reliable sources about the safety of acetaminophen during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including findings from recent studies. 1. General Safety in Pregnancy: Acetaminophen is commonly considered safe for use during pregnancy when taken at…
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Newborn Hearing Screening: Essential Information for Parents
Dr. Alyx Sondheimer, the Baby Audiologist, shares key insights about newborn hearing screenings. Why Are Newborn Hearing Screenings Important? Mandated by the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act (EHDI) in 2000, these screenings identify hearing loss early in life, crucial for language development during the first five years. Since hearing loss is often invisible, early…
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When to Seek Medical Attention during Pregnancy
Understanding when to contact your OB or seek medical help during pregnancy can be challenging. If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing that doesn’t improve with rest, it’s essential to reach out for assistance, as this could indicate a more serious issue. While shortness of breath can be common in pregnancy, it should feel manageable after mild…
