A cesarean section (C-section) can be an essential, lifesaving surgery during labor and delivery, with more health risks for a mother compared to a vaginal birth. “Even though all C-sections have some health risks, I believe C-sections should be done in cases when it is medically necessary, when a vaginal birth would have more risk…
Preeclampsia is a condition unique to pregnancy. Every May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month. What is preeclampsia and how can we prevent and treat it? What is preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is a disorder which affects between 5% to 8% of pregnancies in the United States. It is becoming more common; there has been a 25% increase in…
If you are pregnant again and delivered your last baby via cesarean delivery (C-section), it still might be possible to have a vaginal birth. While patients who attempt to have a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) have about a 60% to 80% success rate, your safety and the safety of your baby are the most…
Group B streptococcus, also called group B strep (GBS), is bacteria that causes infection. Many people carry group B strep bacteria without knowing it because they usually don’t have symptoms. The condition isn’t considered serious for adults but can be harmful to babies. What do expectant parents need to know about group B strep? What…
While it is possible to deliver vaginally after cesarean section — vaginal birth after cesarian, or VBAC — there are VBAC risks and benefits you and your OB/GYN should discuss. “A successful VBAC can help avoid bowel or bladder issues, hysterectomy or even issues with the placenta in other pregnancies,” said Christopher Watkins, M.D., OB/GYN with…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black mothers are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than those who are white. While disparities around maternal mortality can be impacted by preexisting conditions that Black women are more likely to experience, such as hypertension, these disparities do not…
Esta publicación también está disponible en español If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you may wonder how the coronavirus/COVID-19 could affect you and your baby. The OB/GYNs, midwives and other staff providing obstetric care with Norton Healthcare are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation continues to evolve, patient safety remains our top…
This publication is also available in English Si estás embarazada o planeando un embarazo, es posible que te preguntes cómo el coronavirus/COVID-19 podría afectarte a ti y a tu bebé. Los obstetras y ginecólogos, parteras y otro personal que brinda atención obstétrica en Norton Healthcare están monitoreando de cerca la pandemia de COVID-19. A medida…
During her pregnancy, Abbey Hutchason knew she wanted to breastfeed exclusively. She worried that extensive preparation might cause her anxiety during pregnancy. She hoped when the time came, she would know what to do. Abbey credits the Norton Healthcare lactation consultants who worked with her for helping with some of the challenges she experienced. In…
Norton Women’s Care soon will offer a new doula program that aims to improve the long-term health of new mothers. The program, which will begin this fall, will be made possible thanks in part to a $250,000 gift to the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation from Aetna Better Health of Kentucky. While doulas are welcome in…
More and more patients are interested in natural birth. There are many definitions of “natural birth” and just as many misconceptions about how and where a natural birth can happen. We will break down the facts so you can know how to prepare for natural birth — the way you want to do it. What…
While there isn’t an overall baby boom expected, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital had a mini boom on Monday, Jan.18, when 32 babies were born. This includes four sets of twins: two sets of girls, and two sets of boy/girl. The average number of sets of twins born at the hospital each month in 2020…
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