Posts

Alcohol We don’t often think of liquor as a drug, but it is the most often abused drug of all. Whether excessive drinking results from a genetic problem, an emotional problem, or a combination of the two, there is help. That help might come in the form of Alcoholics Anonymous and other support groups or medication. But sometimes you don’t have the luxury of time. Acute intoxication can occur when someone drinks too much in a short period of time; eventually his or her body becomes “toxic” with alcohol, and an overdose occurs....

But when you’re new to this language of fertility, they can make you feel like an outsider. Here’s how to understand it all. Use this guide, with links to definitions when available, to help you get started with IF/TTC forum and social media speak. ACOG to BW ACOG: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACA: Anti-Cardiolipin Antibodies. AF: Aunt Flow or Flo, also known as your period. (Outside of infertility circles, AF stands for “as f#%k” … which really is just as appropriate from a trying to conceive context!...

Factors Determining Anesthesia Given During C-Section The answer that you receive about the best fit for the type of c-section anesthesia will depend on a couple of factors, including, but not limited to: Your medical historyYour place of birthYour doctor’s preferenceWhether the delivery is an emergencyIf you will be expected to have a longer surgery, such as additional procedures, or a concern about scar tissue Once this information is gathered, you may also have a physical exam....

Survival Rate The great news is that more than 95% of very premature babies survive. Although these babies are very immature and may face serious health problems, most of them recover from their premature birth with few long-term consequences. What Does a Very Premature Baby Look Like? If you are visiting a very premature baby in a neonatal intensive care unit (aka NICU), you may be surprised by how small the baby is....

Adoption obsession is very common for the person who has been approved and is waiting for a referral. It can be very debilitating and enervating. You can do some things to distract yourself during this waiting period: Maintain a positive mental attitude, which is probably the most important advice I can offer. Sure, we all have doubts and fears. Try not to agonize over every problem that might happen. Adopterms Adoption obsession refers to constantly thinking about adopting a child....

Do kids have to do something every week of summer break? Of course not. But if you take the first few weeks to create a summer schedule that thwarts boredom, chances are the rest of your family’s summer will flow smoothly and the kids will stay on track for the inevitable return of the school year. Most libraries—and maybe even your kids’ schools, or your local bookstore—offer summer reading programs that help young readers set goals and earn rewards....

The information provided during the ultrasound allows healthcare professionals to either rule out potential heart issues, treat problems before birth, or even plan for an emergency situation at birth. If you have an upcoming fetal echocardiogram, it’s important to note that many times these tests are ordered for precautionary reasons. So try not to panic if your healthcare provider refers you to a pediatric cardiologist. Even if a heart defect is found, the advances in medical technology allow for the vast majority of issues to be treated effectively....

Obstetrics vs. Gynecology Obstetricians are also gynecologists, which involves delivering care for all women’s health issues. Collectively, the two fields make up the OB/GYN title, which is considered one specialty. The OB/GYN branch of medicine requires the completion of medical school and a residency program. Some OB/GYNs will acquire further knowledge in fields like maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. To become board-certified, you must take and pass the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certification exam....

Doctors fear that as COVID-19 restrictions end, so too will the temporary suppression of illnesses such as RSV, chickenpox, strep throat, flu, and more, potentially causing further epidemics down the line. What Is Immunity Debt? According to a study conducted in France, an immunity debt is caused by a lack of exposure to regular bacteria and viruses. All the measures taken to suppress the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, increased hand-washing, and sanitizing, also helped stop the circulation of other common illnesses....

Getting Dressed, Getting Undressed With kids under seven, it’s not uncommon for families to wage pitched battles over getting dressed and undressed. Even little kids who are perfectly capable of dressing themselves often refuse, point blank (“No!”) when you ask them to please get out of their pajamas and into daytime clothes, or out of play clothes and into their nighties. Do they need help? Little heads get stuck in turtlenecks, and small feet don’t always slide easily into stiff shoes....

More: Strength-Based Parenting: Is It The Right Approach For Your Family? It tends to be a topic so taboo many parents refuse to think or speak about it because it’s so frightening. I get it—I’m a mom of two, and my heart gets caught in my throat when I think about my own kids eventually using cell phones and the internet without my constant supervision. We think we know everything about our sweet kids, but the reality is, we have no idea what really happens behind closed doors—or, shall we say an internet chat room....

If you are giving birth in a hospital, it’s a good idea to have some information about what your stay will be like—how long to expect to stay in the hospital before going home, what care will be given to you and your baby, what issues and challenges might arise, and more. Here’s how to get the most out of the experience so that you have a smooth postpartum period....

But research shows that utilizing mindfulness during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond may actually reduce stress and lessen anxiety. And it may even lead to healthier newborns with fewer developmental issues as they grow up. Although research is still preliminary, it’s showing a great deal of promise. Plus mindfulness is easily accessible and inexpensive. Here’s everything you need to know about mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting. What Is Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting?...

More: Caffeine, Alcohol, and Pregnancy How much Caffeine Is OK During Pregnancy? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that moderate caffeine consumption, less than 200mg of caffeine per day, does not seem to contribute to miscarriage or preterm birth. This is excellent news for you coffee-loving mamas-to-be, but you may wonder how much precisely 200 mg of caffeine a day? The amount of caffeine in a 12-ounce cup of coffee you brew at home is approximately 100 milligrams....

Spending a day outside without ever exposing your little one to the sun seems elusive, though. The stroller shade works well until you take a sharp right and then the sun is now shining across your baby’s bare arms. When a chilly wind blows through your shady spot, your baby fusses and then calms once you bring them into the warm sunlight. You start to wonder whether applying sunscreen onto your baby might best protect them from the sun’s rays, but remember sunscreen isn’t safe until a certain age....

Typically, babies pull up to stand sometime between 7 and 12 months old. Learn more about when babies usually start to stand, related milestones, and when to be concerned if your child has not begun to pull up to stand. Standing and Pulling Up It’s important to note that not all infants develop on the same timetable. When babies pull up to stand is no different. Many babies could take a little longer to reach these milestones, while others may stand or pull up sooner....

In about 85% of viable pregnancies, the mother’s hCG level typically doubles every 2 to 3 days. When your hCG level is doubling as expected, it’s a good sign that your pregnancy is developing normally. A Rise in HCG Levels During Early Pregnancy Your hCG level is likely to double at this rate (every 2–3 days) throughout the first 4 weeks or so of pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses and your hCG level passes approximately 1,200 mIU/ml, it tends to take longer to double....

Signs of Readiness Generally speaking, most children will be ready to start using a spoon by around their first birthday. There are common behaviors you can watch for that will let you know your child is ready to try a spoon. Infants will usually turn their heads and clamp their mouth to signal they are full. As they get older, babies and toddlers often exhibit the same behavior before a meal....