While it is well known that wearing baby in a front carrier helps improve the baby’s emotional development by strengthening the infant-parent bond, some new parents worry whether their baby is physically developing properly. Parents who wear their baby in a baby carrier may wonder, “Is this position good for my baby’s physical development?” Here are answers to some questions I’ve heard from babywearing parents: What are the risk factors for Developmental Dysplasia of the …
There is a lot of talk about Norovirus in the news this season. Norovirus is a type of virus that causes gastroenteritis, also known as the common “stomach flu." It is an unpleasant disease to get, but usually isn’t dangerous to either you or your baby. About 1 in 5 adults get gastroenteritis every year, especially during winter months; half the time, Norovirus is the cause. Typical symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping, and they are usually gone within 2-3 days. You …
A: The fact is all babies are at risk of getting flat head syndrome. The good news is if you’re asking this before you have your baby, and you understand how to prevent it, then the chances of it developing in your baby are significantly lower. Flat head syndrome is a condition in which flat spots form on baby’s skull, often combined with a tight neck muscle due to babies spending up to 16 hours a day on their backs in the first few months of life. Sometimes babies are born with the …
No, they are not. Many vaccines have been carefully tested and monitored for safety among pregnant women. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend that pregnant women get vaccinated for both influenza, the virus that causes “the flu,” and pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough. By receiving vaccinations against these preventable diseases, pregnant women can take an important first step toward having a happy, healthy baby. Expectant mothers …
There could be many reasons, but here are 5 of the most common: 1. PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) - this is a common affliction that disturbs hormone levels and ovulation. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders that can affect women of reproductive age. The diagnosis of PCOS includes oligo-ovulation, signs of hyperandrogenism (excess male hormones), and/or PCO-like appearing ovaries on ultrasound. PCOS most frequently manifests as irregular menstrual periods due to lack of …
Q. Does having preeclampsia or gestational diabetes during pregnancy have long-term implications? Having a complication such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes during pregnancy can be scary, but it's important to remember that even though blood pressures and sugar levels may return to normal once you deliver, your body has sent you an early warning signal. These conditions mean that you may need to take a more active role in managing your heart health in the future. Research has …
A: Any baby born at or before 37 weeks gestational age is considered preterm. There are an alarming number of preterm births in the US, with 1 in 8 babies being born preterm. Despite the prevalence of prematurity, parental knowledge of the subject is low--a recent survey found that 75% of parents don’t know the definition of prematurity. The survey also found that 3 in 10 mothers of preemies weren’t aware of the possibility of prematurity until they had their first child. It’s …
A: As one little life is born, the parent has now been given the opportunity to begin spending time with their child. From the moment you take your baby home, is a moment in time you can never get back. Good news parents: You can make your time meaningful, beginning day one. How do infants learn? They learn by using their senses. They need to see, feel, hear, touch, and taste their surroundings. They learn by doing. They learn by watching others. They learn through trial and …
A: It’s perfectly normal to be worried, anxious or even “scared” about pregnancy, especially if it’s your first one! Remember, most of the time, pregnancy goes smoothly, without a hitch. Think about the things you are most worried about and then tackle each one to get answers. The very best thing you can do is be informed. So let’s talk about some issues making you “scared." First may be concern for miscarriage. While about 20-25% of recognized pregnancies (meaning after positive …
How can I ask my doctor whether he'll support my decision for a natural birth? I am not sure how far my doctor's support goes. I am 24 weeks pregnant. Each time I have asked him it he seems to beat around the bush and say things like ‘Well, we’ll see how it goes.’ My intuition tells me to run, but he’s such a nice man. Is there a more precise question I can ask him without offending him? A: My favorite question to ask your doctor is what is his policy is regarding …
