What if we could peer into a fortune-teller’s crystal ball to visualize what pregnancy and baby life might be like for us. Would our expectations meet the reality? As each woman’s path to motherhood is unique to her, as it is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Some women may find being pregnant easy, with minor discomfort, while others may find their symptoms more difficult. From one pregnancy to the next, from one person to another, the path is a truly personal. When talking with pregnant friends or coworkers, as well as new parents, you may find yourself with more questions than answers abo ..read more

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” says the quotation in its entirety. This is a quote you may not be familiar with. The great Ben Franklin coined this phrase in 1736, but it is still relevant today for a variety of reasons. Improved information, protection, and hopefully, better outcomes can  be achieved by focusing on prevention. Self-care and excellent health habits need time and effort. Why, therefore, do so many of us postpone those crucial screenings? We’re all in overload mode in our daily lives, from work to school to home. We can’t possibly fit anything else into o ..read more

This might be an age-old question, but medical science and research have the answers for us. Those frequent pit stops seem never-ending for many of us, but the root cause of our bathroom frustration may be how we’re made and how our bodies react at certain times. But why is it that some of us must go so much? Are there times in our lives where we pee more than usual? Everyone is different, so their bathroom habits are not going to be the same as the next person. What’s normal? Let’s break down the numbers. For most people, the normal number to urinate per day is between 6-7 in a 24-hour period ..read more

What are hormones and why do they play such a big part in our overall health? There is no second-guessing the influence hormones have on keeping us healthy and happy. But often they don’t feel the love that they should, so it’s time to dispel the myths and focus on the positives. They are magical body messengers for every age, helping to regulate physical and mental functions. While many of us might relate hormones to the teenage or menopausal years, they have been working hard for us since before childbirth. What are birth hormones? According to childbirthconnection.org, birth hormones are ch ..read more

This question has probably been asked a million times by pregnant women everywhere. But how do you really know if you’re in labor or a false alarm? Whether this is your first, second or third baby, odds are you’ll be nervous just waiting for that time to arrive. During your prenatal visits and childbirth classes you may have heard a number of terms regarding labor—early, preterm, active, back or labor induction. All of these terms mean one very important thing; childbirth is near. What are some signs to look for? According to HealthDay.com, there are six concrete clues you’ll soon be there. Ju ..read more

When it comes to our periods, “life is like a box of chocolates,” which means life is unpredictable and full of surprises; you never know what will happen next. Whether this is your first period or your last, a monthly menstrual cycle is certain to be different for each person. What’s in a name? There have been so many names, over 5,000 to be exact, that women used to describe their period. It is doubtful that many women go around calling it menstruation or menstrual cycle, instead they use different nicknames to keep the experience of it light. Whether you call your cycle “your friend,” or “t ..read more

A hot topic for women! For women, perimenopause begins when your body makes a natural transition to menopause. Although this change will bring an end to the baby-making years, it is not something to fear, but to embark upon as a new and exciting life chapter. It is important to learn any risk factors or symptoms that may affect you during this time. Some women may experience more symptoms than others, but with the help of your ob-gyn, simple lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, treatment or therapy options, you will be prepared for the next phase. Many women are hesitant to talk to thei ..read more

If you’ve gotten a positive result? What’s next? After the whirlwind of emotions, it’s time to start your journey. But before you run out and by all the baby books on the market, take the time to enjoy the moment as you begin planning the road to motherhood. Where to start? Make the call to your Ob-Gyn to schedule your prenatal visits. You will begin to see your Ob-Gyn around 8 weeks to have a viability ultrasound to confirm a positive pregnancy. This will be an essential visit to help determine your due date, talk about your health history and prenatal tests to make sure you and your baby are ..read more

A Google search defines a rookie as someone who’s a novice or inexperienced person. We’ve all had that new experience feeling when starting that first job. The butterflies in our stomach were real as we tried to prepare for what lied ahead. New moms have that same sense of urgency when holding their baby for the first time. You’re in awe of the splendor of your child but frightened that your whole life will now be wrapped up in this tiny being. The word “overwhelming,” is probably your first thought after giving birth, but don’t let the newness of being a mom overshadow your rookie training. F ..read more

The last chapter of 2020 has closed, and we look to a New Year filled with optimism for a better tomorrow. The 2020 book left us all wanting a “do-over.” It’s important to remember that good health and wellness continues to take center stage and plays a vital role for all of us for 2021 and the decade ahead. From global awareness to community-based outreach, women’s health remains a critical focus within the medical community. There is no better time to campaign for a stronger tomorrow, and there is no better year than 2021 to get started. Why the horizon looks brighter? COVID-19 brought the w ..read more