Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics

Doula program helping improve health of pregnant patients

Jamia Singleton was 29 weeks pregnant and in labor when in walked Keisha Yates, a doula with Norton Women’s care. “I was very nervous and hadn’t heard of a doula,” Jamia said. “I’m so glad she was there. I was more calm and relaxed and could actually breathe. She held my hand the whole time.”…

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Heart, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics, Women’s Heart Program

What’s the normal blood pressure for a pregnant woman?

If you’re pregnant and have a blood pressure of 140 systolic/90 diastolic or higher, you should see a specialist, as untreated high blood pressure can risk your health as well as the unborn baby’s. A healthy blood pressure for women and men is below 120/80. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends women who…

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Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics

A mother’s gestational diabetes success story

Even though a gestational diabetes diagnosis felt scary at the time, for Jenna Wilson, support from Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine made her high-risk pregnancy much less intimidating. The practice’s maternal-fetal medicine specialists, part of Norton Women’s Care, helped her feel empowered. “They always put a positive spin on everything and cheered me on, telling me…

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Employee stories - Norton Healthcare, Obstetrics

A picture-perfect nurse

Amanda Cundiff, R.N., a labor and delivery nurse at Norton Hospital, has been taking photos for over 14 years. She enjoys being behind the camera to creatively capture moments that people will recall and treasure. Not long ago, Amanda saw an opportunity to use her photography skills to help a patient. Chautauqua Henderson, an expectant…

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Brand Feature, Heart, Heart Failure, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics, Women’s Heart Program

Alexis’ heart was giving out after her 3rd pregnancy — a long-term solution would have to wait for baby No. 4

At age 25, Alexis Helm had been pregnant three times, and her heart was failing. The increased blood volume from her pregnancies and strain on her heart muscle had taken a toll, as it does with many women. With her fourth pregnancy, she knew she risked damaging her heart further but wanted to do all…

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Brand Feature, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics

Mother’s triumph over addiction gives her new purpose in life

Teri Johnson works a full-time job, is a football and wrestling mom and works hard to be present for her children. While that may not seem out of the ordinary, it’s a complete 180-degree change from where she was just two years ago. In her early 20s, Teri found herself without a job and in…

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Brand Feature, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics, Womens Health

She went into preterm labor at 20 weeks, but a risky procedure saved the baby’s life

What started as an exciting moment turned into panic for first-time parents Faith and Jake Pugh. The couple couldn’t wait for their baby’s gender reveal at their 20-week ultrasound, but once their appointment started, they quickly learned that something was very wrong. “We found out I was in preterm labor,” Faith said. The OB/GYN “gave…

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Obstetrics, Womens Health

Norton Women’s Care only in Kentucky ranked ‘High Performing’ from U.S. News & World Report

Norton Women’s Care, with childbirth services at Norton Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, has been recognized as High Performing in Adult Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report, the highest award a hospital can earn in the U.S. News list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. This is the second…

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Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics

Gestational diabetes rates are rapidly increasing

The rate of gestational diabetes has risen significantly in recent years, according to a recent study. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It occurs in patients who do not have diabetes prior to becoming pregnant. The study shows the rate of gestational diabetes rose from 47.6 to 63.6 per 1,000…

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Gynecology, Postpartum Care, Womens Health

Is it normal to have yellow discharge after birth?

The body goes through many changes after having a baby, and having some yellow discharge after birth is normal. This type of discharge is called “lochia.” It is part of the body’s way of healing itself after delivery, and it is a normal part of recovery after a vaginal birth or cesarean section (C-section). How…

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Breastfeeding, Obstetrics

Foods to avoid when breastfeeding

It’s important to avoid certain foods when breastfeeding. Your diet can affect your breast milk and the nutrients that are passed on to your baby. Making healthy choices can fuel milk production and support your little one’s growth and overall health. “You don’t need to go on a special diet or be overly restrictive in…

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Labor and Delivery, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics

Unnecessary C-sections pose health risks for mother and baby

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…

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