Smoking weed during pregnancy significantly can increase the risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery and requiring neonatal intensive care, according to a recent study published in JAMA. The tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in marijuana will pass through your system to your baby and may harm your baby’s development. If you are planning to get pregnant,…
Losing weight while pregnant, other than in the early weeks, is not healthy for you or your baby. Dieting, trying to stay the same weight or losing weight in the second or third trimester of your pregnancy can deprive your baby of nutrients needed to grow and develop. Obesity or being overweight during pregnancy can…
New research published Feb. 7 in JAMA gives patients even more reason to get vaccinated. Infants born to vaccinated mothers were shown to have antibodies in their systems, offering a level of protection against COVID-19 that otherwise would not exist. These antibodies were higher in vaccinated mothers than those who’d had COVID-19. Children under age…
A person who’s expecting and who has sickle cell disease (SCD) requires early prenatal care and careful monitoring, but a healthy pregnancy is certainly possible. Sickle cell disease increases the risks for mother and the unborn baby, so plan on scheduling regular visits with your obstetrician, hematologist or primary care provider. Risks associated with pregnancy…
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…
A new study confirms that a patient who breastfeeds has a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. New research suggests that the risk decreases with longer periods of breastfeeding, up to 12 months of duration. “We already know that patients who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast…
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. This is the first time U.S. News has published a list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. To be recognized among the…
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…
During pregnancy, there are many guidelines for patients to follow, ranging from what to eat and what not to eat to how to exercise and what medications are safe to take. One of the medications that long has been deemed safe to take during pregnancy is acetaminophen. But a recent statement by 13 scientists from…
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…