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Rh Factor in Pregnancy: Guide for Rh-Negative Parents
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Prevention>Testing for Rh>Frequently Asked Questions If you are Rh-negative, you might have questions about what this means for you and your pregnancy. This article will help explain the Rh factor, why it matters during pregnancy, and how modern medicine can protect both you and your baby. What Is the Rh Factor? The…
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Preterm Labor: A Comprehensive Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Risk Factors>Screening & Prevention>Diagnosis>Giving Birth Preterm Pregnancy is a remarkable journey filled with anticipation and hope. For most people, pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, with birth occurring between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. However, approximately 10% of births in the United States occur before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which is defined…
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Breastfeeding Twins: A Comprehensive Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Building Your Supply>NICU Considerations>Positioning with Twins>Considerations & Challenges Bringing twins into the world is both a joy and a challenge. When it comes to feeding your babies, many parents wonder if breastfeeding twins is possible and how to navigate the unique challenges that come with feeding two babies at once. This article…
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Twin Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Types of Twin Pregnancies>What to Expect>Medical Management>Optimizing Outcomes>Delivery Considerations Learning you’re pregnant with twins can trigger a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and, for many, fear. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with evidence-based information about twin pregnancies, what to expect throughout each trimester, how they’re managed medically, and how to prepare…
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Deep Dive: Understanding Amniotic Fluid
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>The Amniotic Fluid Cycle>When Levels are Abnormal>What Happens During Labor If you’ve ever seen an ultrasound of a developing baby, you’ve likely noticed the dark space surrounding them. This is amniotic fluid — the protective liquid environment that cushions and supports your baby throughout pregnancy. This remarkable fluid plays several vital roles…
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Deep Dive Low Amniotic Fluid (Oligohydramnios) in Pregnancy
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Causes>What it means for baby>Management Options Learning that you have low amniotic fluid during pregnancy can be concerning. This condition, known medically as oligohydramnios, affects about 1-5% of pregnancies and is most commonly diagnosed in the third trimester. While this news may feel overwhelming, understanding what it means and the available management…
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Deep Dive Polyhydramnios: When There’s Too Much Amniotic Fluid
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Causes>What it means for pregnancy>Treatment Options Learning that you have too much amniotic fluid during pregnancy can be concerning. This condition, called polyhydramnios (poly-high-dram-nee-os), affects about 1-2% of pregnancies. While it’s natural to worry, understanding what this means can help ease your concerns and prepare you for what comes next. What is…
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Deep Dive Thrombocytopnea: Low Platelets in Pregnancy
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Types of Low Platelets>Will this affect my baby?>What to Expect After Diagnosis>After Delivery If you’ve recently been told that your platelet count is low during your pregnancy, you’re likely concerned about what this means for both you and your baby. This guide aims to provide you with clear, reassuring information about low…
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Deep Dive: Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>How is PPROM Diagnosed?>What Happens After Diagnosis?>What are the risks?>Can it be prevented? When a pregnancy reaches full term, the amniotic sac (also called the membranes) that surrounds and protects the baby typically breaks during labor or just before labor begins – often described as “water breaking.” However, sometimes these membranes rupture…
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When Your Baby is Born Preterm: A Guide to the NICU Journey
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction>Common Challenges>Your Baby’s Development>Parent Involvement>Preparing for Discharge>Life After the NICU>NICU Glossary Having a baby born before full term can be an unexpected and overwhelming experience. Suddenly, your journey into parenthood takes a different path than you had imagined, with your tiny infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) surrounded by medical…
