How do I know if I’m in Labor?
hostagent2018-04-08T05:06:41+00:00Unfortunately, no one can tell you the exact time you will go into labor. However, there are a few things you may experience as labor approaches. Lightning: This is when the baby "drops" down into the birth canal. With a first pregnant mother, this can happen 2-3 weeks before labor begins. You may suddenly find [...]
Cesarean Birth (C-Section)
hostagent2018-04-08T05:03:55+00:00Cesarean birth or c-section is the birth of a baby through surgical incisions made in the abdomen and uterus. There are many reasons why a c-section may be used to deliver your baby. A cesarean delivery may be planned in advance when certain conditions are known. In most cases, if problems arise, the decision is [...]
Comfort Measures for Labor
hostagent2018-04-08T05:00:57+00:00WHAT IT IS HOW IT HELPS COMMENTS Relaxation The goal of most of the other measures is to help you relax, as this is the most important thing you can do to be more comfortable. Birthing muscles relax. Raises pain threshold. Conserves energy, reducing exhaustion. Passive relaxation can be done by yourself. Touch relaxation has [...]
Fetal Kick Counts
hostagent2018-04-08T04:58:57+00:00Most expectant mothers will feel their baby move by the 20th week of pregnancy. Fetal movement is an indicator of fetal well being. One way for you to know if your baby is doing well is to record your baby's movements. This is called a fetal kick count. Kick counts work best after the 27th [...]
Breech Presentation
hostagent2018-04-08T04:50:46+00:00With a breech presentation, your baby is in a buttocks or feet first presentation. A breech presentation can make it hard for the baby's head to fit through the birth canal during a vaginal delivery. This can cause a lack of oxygen or nerve damage in your baby. How will I know if my baby [...]
Non-Stress Test (NST)
hostagent2018-04-08T04:47:44+00:00Performing a non-stress test is a simple, painless, and non-invasive way to assess the well being of your baby. What Should I Expect? This test is usually done in the doctors office. You will need to be reclining or lying down for the test. You will have 2 belts strapped around your abdomen, one to [...]
Gestational Diabetes
hostagent2018-04-08T04:46:23+00:00What is Gestational Diabetes? This is a type of diabetes that happens only during pregnancy. This occurs when your body is unable to make and use all of the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Am I At Risk for Developing Gestational Diabetes? According to the American Diabetes Association, you are considered at high risk for [...]
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy (Preeclampsia)
hostagent2018-04-08T04:43:26+00:00What is Preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is a condition that develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. There is high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia is also called toxemia or pregnancy induced hypertension. If preeclampsia is not identified and managed appropriately, it can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. How [...]
Nausea & Vomiting (“Morning Sickness”)
hostagent2018-04-08T04:41:13+00:00In the early months of pregnancy, you may experience some nausea and vomiting, which can occur any time during the day or night. This is believed to be caused by hormonal changes that slow the digestive system. This can be a serious medical problem if not controlled as it can leat to dehydration. Not everyone [...]