-
Echogenic Intracardiac Focus (EIF: What You Should Know
An echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) is a small bright spot seen on an ultrasound of baby’s heart. This bright spot is located on the fetal cardiac ventricle, which is one of the heart’s chambers. They are most commonly found as a single focus on the left ventricle, but they can occur on the right side,…
-
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
While nothing about being nauseous and vomiting is “normal” it is a very common pregnancy symptom. Most will be able to manage their symptoms with a combination lifestyle modifications (avoiding triggers, hydrating, getting enough sleep), diet changes (small frequent meals), over-the-counter supplements/medications (ginger tablets, vitamin B6), and/or prescription medications.There is a certain degree of nausea…
-
Toxoplasmosis & How to Avoid it
Can I clean the cat litter during pregnancy? Cats and their feces may carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. While it’s rare to get toxoplasmosis from your cat, you should avoid changing cat litter during pregnancy, or wear gloves and wash your hands right after! What is toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is in an infection caused by…
-
Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy: Symptoms & Management
Your urinary tract consists of your urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. An infection of the urinary tract is when bacteria infects a portion or portions of your urinary tract. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common both in and out of pregnancy, though a pregnant person is far more likely to develop a kidney infection (pyelonephritis)…
-
Delayed Cord Clamping After Birth
The umbilical cord is the connection between your placenta and your baby. Throughout pregnancy, the placenta functions as a support system transferring oxygen, hormones and nutrients to your baby and carrying waste products from the baby back to you. After birth, the umbilical cord will be clamped to separate your baby from the placenta, as…
-
Skin to Skin Contact: Understanding the Recommendation
Skin-to-skin contact is the practice of placing a newborn directly on the birthing person or a support person immediately after delivery. This can take place after both vaginal births and during and after a cesarean birth. The baby will be assessed and monitored throughout skin-to-skin contact. As long as both the birthing person and baby…
-
Signs of Labor: What to Expect
The entertainment industry tends to portray people going into labor in a very particular way. Often at the height of an intense exchange, the lead’s water breaks and she is rushed to the hospital to give birth. However, only 15% of pregnant people experience their water breaking (also called membrane rupture) prior to starting contractions.…
-
Signs of Labor: What is Bloody Show?
Often before labor begins, you’ll see vaginal discharge that’s tinged pink or brown. This mucus streaked with blood is an indication that the cervix is thinning and dilating. As the cervix ripens for delivery, small blood vessels rupture. This is a good sign that labor is coming, though it doesn’t always mean labor is coming…
-
Going Past Your Due Date & Considering Induction
As your due date approaches, you’ll probably be filled with both excitement and nerves. However, if your due date passes and you’re still pregnant, often discomfort increases and patience dwindles. You might be begging for any sign of labor! If you are approaching or past your due date, discuss membrane sweeping with your provider. Membrane…
