An episiotomy is an incision made in the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus (perineum) during childbirth. Although an episiotomy was once a routine part of childbirth, that’s no longer the case. If you’re planning a vaginal delivery, here’s what you need to know about episiotomy and childbirth.
The episiotomy tradition
For many years, an episiotomy [...]
Tags: episiotomy, kegel, labor and delivery, perineal tear
INTRODUCTION
Although pregnancy is said to last nine months, healthcare providers track pregnancy by weeks and days. The normal duration of pregnancy is approximately 37 to 42 weeks, with the estimated due date at 40 weeks or 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period.
A postterm pregnancy, also called a prolonged pregnancy, is [...]
Tags: Contraction stress test, fetal dysmaturity, inducing labor, LMP, stillbirth
Postmaturity
from The Merk Manual…”An uncommon syndrome of failing placental function and fetal jeopardy that occurs after 42 wk.”
In plain English, this means your baby is not able to get what he needs because the placenta is not working right any more. Babies who are postmature are sick because they are no longer being properly nourished.
When [...]
Tags: amniotic fluid, asphyxia, labor and delivery, meconium aspiration, natural birthing, neonatal hypoglycemia, overdue, post mature, postmaturity, risk
Before “true” labor begins, you may have “false” labor pains, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These irregular uterine contractions are perfectly normal and may start to occur as early as the second trimester, although they are more common during the third trimester of pregnancy. They are your body’s way of getting ready for the “real [...]
Tags: braxton hicks contraction, false labour, in labor and delivery, true labor
In 1985, the Journal published an article advocating elective cesarean delivery.1 Although it was provocative, the article had little effect on obstetrical standards. At that time, most efforts within the discipline were focused on arresting the escalation of the rate of cesarean deliveries,2 which had increased sharply during the preceding decade. Thus, despite that article, [...]
Tags: C-section, cesarean birth, cesarean delivery, elective cesarean section, risk of C-section
Most new mothers are left confused about how often their babies should nurse. Our formula feeding mothers can expect to feed their newborns every 2-4 hours in general (some babies more frequently, others less frequently).
Breastmilk is not like formula. Formula is usually made from cow’s milk, which has hard to digest proteins. Because these proteins [...]
Tags: baby, breast milk, breastfeeding, diapers, nursing, rooting
Nursing mothers are often advised to keep pacifiers from their babies in order to avoid early weaning. A new study, however, finds that pacifier use may not lead to early weaning, but rather be a [...]
Tags: breast feeding, fussy baby, pacifier, weaning
Eating healthfully during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. After all, the food you eat is your baby’s only source of nutrition. Smart choices about pregnancy nutrition can help you promote your baby’s growth and development. Here’s help making every bite count.
Grains
Grains provide essential carbohydrates, your [...]
Tags: Dairy products, eggs and beans, Fats, fish, Fruits and vegetables, Grains, Meat, oils and sweets, poultry, Water
Placenta previa is an obstetric complication that occurs in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It may cause serious morbidity and mortality to both the fetus and the mother. It is one of the leading causes of vaginal bleeding in the second and third trimesters.
Placenta previa.
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Placenta previa.
Placenta previa is generally defined [...]
Fetal development begins before you even know you’re pregnant. Here’s a weekly calendar of events for the first trimester of pregnancy.
By Mayo Clinic staff
You’re pregnant. Congratulations! You’ll undoubtedly spend the months ahead wondering how your baby is growing and developing. What does your baby look like? How big is he or she? When will you [...]
Tags: fetal, gestational, neural tube