Prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing are used during pregnancy to check whether a baby may have certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. These tests are offered in the first and second trimesters and range from simple blood draws to more involved procedures. Knowing what each test does and when it is offered can help you…
DetailsItching is common during pregnancy and is usually harmless. Most of the time, it is caused by normal skin stretching, dryness, or hormonal changes. But there is one condition where itching serves as an important warning sign: intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, often shortened to cholestasis. This is a liver condition that develops when bile flow…
DetailsFirst trimester bleeding is any vaginal bleeding that occurs during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is relatively common, and in many cases, it does not mean something is wrong. However, because bleeding can sometimes signal a problem that requires prompt medical attention, it is important to understand the possible causes, know what your…
DetailsHow Does Gestational Diabetes Develop? Insulin is the hormone that moves sugar from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. During pregnancy, your body naturally becomes more insulin resistant so that extra glucose is available to support your baby’s growth. For many women, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. When it cannot keep up,…
DetailsNon-invasive prenatal testing, commonly called NIPT, is a blood test that screens for certain chromosomal conditions during pregnancy. It analyzes small fragments of DNA from the placenta circulating in the pregnant patient’s bloodstream, often referred to as cell-free DNA. Because it only requires a standard blood draw, NIPT carries none of the miscarriage risk associated…
DetailsThe thyroid is a small gland in your neck that helps regulate energy, metabolism, heart function, and brain activity. During pregnancy, thyroid hormone also plays a direct role in fetal growth and development, especially in the first trimester, when your baby relies heavily on your hormone supply. When thyroid levels are too high or too…
DetailsAutoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. During pregnancy, the immune system naturally shifts to support the developing baby. That shift can improve some autoimmune symptoms, but it can also trigger flares or make certain conditions harder to manage. The good…
DetailsFor many women, pregnancy is one of life’s most joyful and transformative experiences. Yet it can also bring uncertainty and concern, particularly if health complications are present. Some women begin pregnancy with chronic medical conditions, while others develop issues along the way. A pregnancy may also be considered higher risk because of maternal age, reproductive…
DetailsGenetic testing has become one of the most powerful tools in modern obstetrics. These tests provide valuable information about your baby’s development and can help identify potential risks early, allowing for more informed decisions and better preparation. For women over the age of 35, those with family histories of genetic conditions, or patients with high-risk…
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