Many expecting parents want to know what choices they have when it comes to how they labor and deliver. Beyond the standard hospital experience, there are a number of alternative labor options that can help you feel more comfortable, more in control, and more connected to the birthing process. Understanding your options is the first…
DetailsPlacenta previa is a pregnancy condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the birth canal, so when the placenta sits too low, it can block the baby’s path for delivery. Placenta previa is found in roughly 1…
DetailsPregnancy after a miscarriage or stillbirth is both a hopeful and complicated experience. While many people go on to have healthy pregnancies after these types of loss, pregnancy can feel very different after experiencing a pregnancy loss. The grief does not simply disappear when a new pregnancy begins, and it is completely normal to carry a…
DetailsSwelling during pregnancy is one of the most common experiences for expectant mothers. Medically known as edema, it occurs when your body retains extra fluid to support your growing baby. Most of the time, mild swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands is completely normal. But in some cases, sudden or severe swelling can point…
DetailsIf you’ve had a cesarean delivery in the past, you might be wondering whether you can deliver vaginally with your next pregnancy. The answer for many women is yes. A vaginal birth after cesarean, commonly called VBAC, is when you deliver your baby through the birth canal after a previous C-section. VBAC has become a…
DetailsIf you are planning on having children, labor is one of the most physically demanding experiences you will have. If you’re expecting, you’ve probably already started thinking about how you want to manage pain during delivery. An epidural is one of the most common options, but there is conflicting and false information to be aware…
DetailsFeeling your baby move is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy. Those little flutters, rolls and kicks are more than just sweet moments. They’re actually one of the best ways to check in on your baby’s health between prenatal visits. Fetal movement tracking, sometimes called “kick counts,” is a simple method that helps…
DetailsPerinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a group of mental health conditions that can develop during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth. They go well beyond the “baby blues,” which most new parents experience for a week or two after delivery. PMADs affect up to one in five women and can…
DetailsEgg freezing is a fertility preservation option that allows women to store their eggs at a younger age for possible use later in life. It does not pause or reverse the biological clock, but it can give women more flexibility when it comes to family planning. Whether you are focused on your career, waiting for…
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