Can You Have a Healthy Pregnancy With an Autoimmune Disease?

Can You Have a Healthy Pregnancy With an Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease is a condition where your immune system, which normally fights off germs, mistakenly attacks your own body. Common examples include lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease. If you live with one of these and you’re thinking about having a baby, you may wonder whether pregnancy is safe. The encouraging…

When Can You Discover Your Baby's Gender?

When Can You Discover Your Baby’s Gender?

Wanting to know your baby’s sex is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy for many parents. The good news is that there are reliable ways to find out fairly early, depending on which method you choose and how soon you want to know. Before diving in, it helps to understand the difference between…

How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant?

How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant?

For most healthy couples, getting pregnant takes time, and that is completely normal. About 85% of couples who have regular, unprotected sex will conceive within one year, and many succeed in the first six months. If you don’t conceive after a few tries, it does not mean something is wrong. Conception is often a numbers…

Why Do I Get So Many Headaches While Pregnant?

Why Do I Get So Many Headaches While Pregnant?

Headaches during pregnancy are one of the most common complaints women bring up at prenatal visits. They can range from a dull, nagging pressure to full-blown migraines, and they tend to show up most often during the first and third trimesters. The good news is that most pregnancy headaches are harmless and manageable. But in…

What Happens When Labor Is Induced?

What Happens When Labor Is Induced?

If your obstetrician has mentioned labor induction, you probably have questions. Labor induction is the process of using medical techniques to start labor before it begins on its own. It is one of the most common procedures in obstetrics, and understanding why it happens and what it involves can help you feel more prepared as…

What Are My Options for a Natural Birth?

What Are My Options for a Natural Birth?

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…

What is Placenta Previa?

What is Placenta Previa?

Placenta 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…

Is Swelling During Pregnancy Normal?

Is Swelling During Pregnancy Normal?

Swelling 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…

When Should You Start Counting Baby Kicks?

When Should You Start Counting Baby Kicks?

Feeling 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…

How to Get Relief From Morning Sickness

How to Get Relief From Morning Sickness

What causes morning sickness? Several hormonal and physical changes contribute to pregnancy nausea. Rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen play a major role. New research shows that morning sickness may also be linked to GDF15, a hormone produced in the placenta that increases substantially during pregnancy. Progesterone also relaxes smooth muscle tissue,…

Pregnant with an Autoimmune Condition? Here’s What to Expect

Pregnant with an Autoimmune Condition? Here’s What to Expect

Autoimmune 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…

Pregnant With Type 1, Type 2, or Gestational Diabetes? Here’s How to Stay Healthy

Pregnant With Type 1, Type 2, or Gestational Diabetes? Here’s How to Stay Healthy

Diabetes in pregnancy: what’s the difference? If you are pregnant and living with diabetes, or you have been told you have gestational diabetes, you are not alone. Many people manage healthy pregnancies with the right plan and support. Blood sugar, blood pressure, weight changes, sleep, stress, and daily movement all affect how your body handles…

The Latest in Prenatal Genetic Testing: What’s New and What It Means for You

The Latest in Prenatal Genetic Testing: What It Means for You

Genetic 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…

10 Risk Factors for High-Risk Pregnancy

10 Risk Factors for High-Risk Pregnancy

10 Risk Factors for High-Risk Pregnancy Pregnancy is often described as one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life, filled with joy and anticipation. For many, the journey is straightforward and without complication. For others, however, certain medical conditions, lifestyle factors, or pregnancy-related issues can increase the chances of complications. This is what…

Signs of a Healthy Pregnancy

Signs of a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time filled with excitement, questions, and plenty of changes. Whether it’s your first or fifth baby, you want to know that everything is progressing as it should. But how can you tell if your pregnancy is on the right track? While every experience is different, there are several reassuring signs that can…

Manage Maternal Health Concerns

Reduce Your Risk for a High-Risk Pregnancy: Manage Maternal Health Concerns

Every pregnancy carries some degree of risk. For most women, the journey is uncomplicated, but for others, certain health conditions can raise the likelihood of complications. While some risks cannot be completely avoided, many can be reduced with the right preparation and care before conception. Addressing maternal health concerns before pregnancy can significantly improve the…

Pregnancy & Autoimmune Conditions: What Expectant Mothers Need to Know

Pregnancy & Autoimmune Conditions: What Expectant Mothers Need to Know

Navigating pregnancy while managing an autoimmune condition presents unique challenges and considerations. Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, can impact both maternal and fetal health. Understanding these effects and the importance of specialized care is crucial for expectant mothers with such conditions.​ Common Autoimmune Conditions Affecting Pregnancy Systemic Lupus…

Heart Health Awareness: Cardiovascular Considerations in Pregnancy

Heart Health Awareness: Cardiovascular Considerations in Pregnancy

At The High Risk Pregnancy Center (HRPC), we understand that a healthy heart is the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy. For many women, pregnancy represents a time of profound physical and emotional change, but it also places additional demands on the cardiovascular system. Recognizing and managing these challenges is crucial, particularly for those with pre-existing…

https://hrpregnancy.com/genetic-counseling/

The Role of Genetic Counseling in High-Risk Pregnancies

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but for some expectant parents, it can come with added complexities and concerns. High-risk pregnancies—characterized by factors such as advanced maternal age, a family history of genetic conditions, or known risk factors—require specialized care to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby. Genetic counseling plays a crucial role…

Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy During the Holiday Season

Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. However, for expectant mothers navigating a high-risk pregnancy, this season can present unique challenges. Balancing travel, holiday meals, stress, and medical needs requires extra care and thoughtful planning to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy and safe. Holiday Travel: Staying Safe and Comfortable…

Rising Rates of Hypertension During Pregnancy: What Expecting Parents Should Know

Rising Rates of Hypertension During Pregnancy: What Expecting Parents Should Know

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, has become an increasingly common issue among pregnant individuals. A study published in September 2024 in the journal Hypertension highlights a concerning trend: rates of chronic hypertension in pregnancy have doubled, increasing from 1.8% in 2008 to 3.7% in 2021. While this may seem like a small percentage, the increase…

Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor After Childbirth: Practical Tips for Postpartum Recovery

Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor After Childbirth: Practical Tips for Postpartum Recovery

Many women experience changes in their bodies after childbirth, and one of the most significant areas affected is the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor consists of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and they can become weakened during pregnancy and delivery. Rebuilding pelvic floor strength postpartum is essential for preventing incontinence, enhancing sexual…