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Routine Tests Done in Second Trimester
Though the specific testing you will be offered during your second trimester depends on your unique situation, below is a list of the most common tests performed during the 2nd trimester. It’s always ok to ask your provider what each proposed test is for, and to make sure you understand all the results. Blood tests…
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Managing Swelling During Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, and Relief Strategies
It’s common to have some swelling in pregnancy, especially in your feet, ankles and legs (the clinical term for swelling is edema). Some people will also have swelling in the hands and face. It’s most common to have these symptoms in later pregnancy, in the second and third trimester. What causes swelling in pregnancy? A…
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Bleeding Gums in Pregnancy: Normal or Cause for Concern?
Common yes, but not necessarily “normal.” Pregnancy gingivitis affects around 50% of pregnant people. This mild form of gum disease is caused in part by hormonal changes, making gums more susceptible to bacteria. Characterized by inflammation, it is common with gingivitis to experience bleeding when you brush or floss. Since severe gum disease may pose…
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Pregnancy Brain Fog: Is it real?
If you ask any pregnant momma or anyone with kids, the resounding answer to this question is yes, pregnancy brain is real. Although there is no evidence to support a change in brain function or mental capacity during pregnancy, there are many factors that contribute to the common symptoms of forgetfulness and brain fog. Everyone’s…
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Clumsiness in Pregnancy: What’s Considered Normal?
With a new center of gravity, changing hormones and a lack of sleep, some people describe feeling more clumsy than usual during pregnancy. If you were not one to regularly drop your keys or miss a step, this might be a new and confusing symptom. “Clumsiness” that leads to falls during pregnancy should be avoided…
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Spider Veins in Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention & Treatment
As you move into the second trimester of pregnancy, you might notice tiny red veins, known as spider veins, appear on your skin. Due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume, the blood flow to your skin increases greatly. This can lead to blood pooling near the surface of the skin, making vessels more visible.…
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Fevers in Pregnancy: Risks & Management
A fever is defined as a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Research has shown that fevers in the first trimester, and especially during the first 8 weeks, can lead to birth defects in the fetus. We suspect that the severity of the fever, how high your temperature gets and how long the…
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An Introduction Into Fetal Movement
The flutters of early fetal movement, known as quickening, typically begin at some point during the second trimester. For first time pregnancies, fetal movement can be hard to distinguish, and the feeling of your baby swimming around can be mistaken for digestive tract rumbles. As baby grows bigger and stronger the difference between gas and…
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Fetal Kick Counts: A Method to Track Movement
Fetal movement is a reassuring sign that baby is healthy and doing well. While movement can be inconsistent in the 2nd trimester, by the 3rd (28+ weeks) you should be feeling consistent movement throughout the day. Babies tend to be less active during their sleep cycles, which occur throughout the day and typically last anywhere…
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“Showing” in Pregnancy: When Will I Pop
A noticeably growing belly can bring on feelings of excitement and nervousness. As your belly expands, a reality of your new role and your journey to parenthood sets in. It is not uncommon for pregnant people to struggle with feelings of attachment during the first trimester when you are nauseous, fatigued and feeling very pregnant…