Some of the most significant changes that can happen to a woman’s body are associated with pregnancy and the birth experience. After delivery of a child, whether it is a vaginal birth or by cesarean section, a new mother can expect a range of physical and psychological changes. This article is intended to provide some general information regarding what is normal and some basic strategies […] Read More
When I joined our practice in 1988, most obstetricians did not have ultrasound machines in the office. The first prenatal visit occurred at 8 or 9 weeks gestation, and included both a thorough history and a physical exam with a uterine evaluation. If everything was in order, patients left with an appointment for a four-week follow-up and a lab slip. At that time, ultrasounds were […] Read More
It can be frustrating and uncomfortable to go past your due date and I am often asked “won’t the baby come when he or she is ready?” Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. Babies can be born prematurely for reasons that are unclear and sometimes labor doesn’t start when it should. Even in very accurately dated pregnancies (using first trimester ultrasound or knowing […] Read More
Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and the placenta once a baby is born and the cord is clamped. Your baby’s cord blood is a rich source for stem cells, the most primitive human cells. Current research involves developing these cells so that they might be used to treat a variety of diseases. Cord blood can be banked privately for a […] Read More
World Immunization Week will be held this year from April 24th-30th. This year’s global campaign focuses on closing the immunization gap and reaching equity in immunization levels by providing universal access to vaccines. Here in the United States, we are lucky to have access to life saving vaccines – many of which are covered by insurance. Many routine immunizations are administered during childhood, and most […] Read More
Placentophagy is the practice of consuming placenta after childbirth. Steaming the placenta, drying it, then grinding and preparing into capsules appears to be the current favorite method of placentophagy. Consuming raw or cooked placenta is also advocated by those who extoll the benefits of this increasing but still rare practice. The placenta is a fascinating organ that serves to support the normal growth and development of the fetus. […] Read More
When couples are first starting out on their journey to parenthood, many will be delightfully surprised at how quickly they conceive. However, for others it doesn’t happen this way and they find themselves questioning their own fecundity, not to mention many phone calls from concerned family members. Approximately 85% of couples will achieve pregnancy within the first year of trying to conceive. A majority of […] Read More
Along with the different blood groups such as A, B, and O, there is the Rh factor. The Rh factor is a type of protein found on the surface of blood cells in about 85% of the general population. 15% of the population does not have this protein on the surface of their blood cells and they are considered Rh negative. At your first prenatal […] Read More
Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft body tissue to enhance a person’s health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy modalities, including Prenatal Massage! Prenatal massage can be a great way to relieve minor aches and pains, help with pregnancy induced insomnia and even help with pregnancy-related edema and water retention. Massage by Trimester First Trimester: There are a lot of questions […] Read More
As the Zika virus continues to spread, the CDC remains the primary source for information regarding updated guidelines on testing for those people who have had potential exposure. Currently in the United States, the only reported cases of mosquito-transmitted cases of Zika have occurred in the state of Florida. In August of this year, mosquito-transmitted Zika was identified in both the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami […] Read More
