Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

Dr. Lori Gore-Green's Portfolio of Experience as a Women's Health Professional

A Quick Guide to Prenatal Vitamins

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Pregnancy is a time of immense physical and nutritional needs for the mother and the growing baby. While a balanced diet is the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy, prenatal vitamins play a crucial role in ensuring that both mother and baby receive essential nutrients. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and incorporating prenatal vitamins into your pregnancy journey.

 

Why are Prenatal Vitamins Important?

  1. Fetal Development: Prenatal vitamins are designed to supply vital nutrients necessary for the fetus’s development. These nutrients, including folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, support proper neural tube formation, bone development, and overall growth.
  2. Maternal Health: During pregnancy, the mother’s body experiences more stress, depleting its nutrient stores. Prenatal vitamins replenish these nutrients, promoting maternal health and lowering the possibility of deficiencies, which can result in problems like anemia and preeclampsia.
  3. Compensating for Dietary Gaps: Despite efforts to maintain a healthy diet, pregnant women may still have nutritional gaps due to factors like morning sickness, food aversions, or dietary restrictions. Prenatal vitamins act as a nutritional safety net, ensuring that both mother and baby receive adequate nutrients for optimal health.

 

Essential Nutrients in Prenatal Vitamins:

  1. Folic Acid (Folate): Vital for preventing neural tube defects, folic acid is one of the most important nutrients in prenatal vitamins. It’s recommended that pregnant women consume 400-800 micrograms of folic acid daily, ideally starting before conception and continuing throughout the first trimester.
  2. Iron: Iron plays a crucial role in preventing anemia, supporting red blood cell production, and carrying oxygen to the fetus. An estimated 27 milligrams of iron per day are required for pregnant women; during the second and third trimesters, this amount may rise to 30 to 60 milligrams.
  3. Calcium: Required for the development of teeth and bones, calcium is important for both the mother and the unborn child. Pregnant women should aim for 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day, which can be obtained through diet and supplementation.
  4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and bone health. While sunlight exposure and dietary sources contribute to vitamin D intake, supplementation may be necessary, especially for women with limited sun exposure or those at higher risk of deficiency.

 

Tips for Choosing and Taking Prenatal Vitamins:

  1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Before starting any prenatal vitamin regimen, consult your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate formulation based on your needs and medical history.
  2. Seek for Comprehensive Formulas: Select prenatal vitamins that include folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals in a well-balanced combination.
  3. Take as directed: Pay attention to the product label or your healthcare provider’s suggested dosage guidelines. Typically, prenatal vitamins are taken once daily with a meal to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
  4. Consider Individual Needs: Depending on factors like age, dietary habits, and medical conditions, some women may require additional supplementation or specific formulations tailored to their needs.

 

Prenatal vitamins are invaluable for supporting maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. By understanding the importance of key nutrients, choosing high-quality supplements, and following appropriate dosage guidelines, expectant mothers can ensure they’re providing their bodies and their babies with the essential nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy and optimal development. Remember to speak with your doctor before beginning a new supplement regimen.

Great Pregnancy Podcasts For Expecting Mothers In 2022

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Getting pregnant can be exciting, but it can also feel like a daunting experience. With so many changes happening in your body and mind during this time, it can be hard to keep up with all the latest developments. Fortunately, pregnancy podcasts are a great way to get all the information you need about becoming a mother.

 

There are a variety of pregnancy-focused podcasts out there, and they’re designed to help parents-to-be navigate the various stages of becoming a mother. They also provide valuable advice from experts and parents-to-be who have been there. Aside from being able to provide helpful information, these podcasts also allow busy parents to listen while they’re doing the dishes or buying baby clothes. Here are a few great podcasts for pregnant mothers.

 

If These Ovaries Could Talk

If These Ovaries Could Talk is a comedy pregnancy podcast that’s dedicated to celebrating the baby-making experiences of LGBTQ+ families. It’s hosted by Robin Hopkins and Jaimie Kelton, and it features guests who talk about their own experiences as queer people as they prepare to become parents, sharing the challenges they face, as well as their own fears and aspirations about becoming parents.

 

Plus Mommy Podcast

The Plus Mommy Podcast is hosted by Jen McLellan, and it features a variety of body-positive guests who are committed to supporting and celebrating all women who are expecting. While anyone can enjoy and take something away from the show, its main goal is to destigmatize topics surrounding plus-sized pregnancies, letting plus-sized mothers know that they’re not alone out there.

 

All About Pregnancy and Birth

One of the best podcasts for first-time parents is The Pregnancy Podcast, which is hosted by Nicole Rankins. She has over 15 years of experience as an ob-gyn, and she shares the latest information about pregnancy and parenting. Each episode features expert guest stars who Nicole interviews, as well as parents who share their own experiences being a first-time parent, covering topics such as postpartum recovery, IVF, and so much more.

 

The Birth Hour: A Birth Story Podcast

Sometimes, listening to the inspiring stories of others is just what’s needed during those long nine months of pregnancy. This show, which is hosted by Bryn Huntpalmer, features stories from every step of the journey, as well as interviews with birth professionals. You’ll hear stories about navigating the postpartum period, trying to actually conceive, and just generally getting ready for your baby to arrive.

Understanding the First Trimester

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The first trimester refers to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also critical because it is when the baby develops all the major organs. During the first trimester, the baby’s brain and nervous system develop. The heart starts beating, and blood flows through the veins and arteries. The arms, legs, and backbone form, and the baby’s organs also start to develop, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Here is what to expect during that time.

Fertilization of the egg – The first trimester is when the fertilization of the ovum occurs. The sperm has to reach and penetrate an egg for this to happen. If it doesn’t, pregnancy will not occur.

Implantation – Once conception happens, the zygote attaches itself to the mother’s uterus lining through implantation, which usually occurs about a week after fertilization.

Hormonal changes – The body’s hormone levels go up in this trimester during the first few weeks. This will cause the pregnant to feel nauseous and tired during this time because her body is working hard to support the baby.

The heartbeat – At six weeks, the baby starts developing their neural system along with its heart beating for the first time.

Baby’s head develops – At seven weeks, the baby has developed his or her head. The brain and the face continue to grow at this stage.

Other features start to form – At 8 weeks, the baby’s limbs and fingers start to form, and swellings outlining the ears and eyes also form. At this stage, the nose also forms, and the toes appear at week 9.

The elbows can now bend – In the 10th week, the baby’s eyelids, mouth, and chin are recognizable. The baby’s head is now more round, and they can bend their elbows. The baby is also starting to move around in small movements, although the mother can’t feel it yet.

Baby’s genitalia form – The baby’s external genitalia start to form towards the end of week 11. Red blood cells also start forming in the liver at this stage. During this week, the baby officially becomes a fetus.

More features develop – During this week, the fetus’s fingernails form. Their head becomes more developed, and the intestines form in the stomach. At the end of this week, the baby is about the size of a peach.

 Living Well With Menopause 

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 During the years leading up to and shortly after menopause, women experience hormonal fluctuations that impact their physical and emotional health. While some women hardly notice the changes, others are plagued with mood swings, hot flashes, and disrupted sleep that makes life more challenging. Living well with menopause is as simple as finding the coping strategies that work for each woman’s individual needs.

 Find Ways to Manage Hot Flashes

 Feeling the heat creeping up their neck can make women wonder if everyone else notices their rising temperature. Hot flashes can occur multiple times a day, but they tend only to last a few minutes. Women can dress in layers to have more control over their body temperature. It is also essential to drink water to keep their bodies hydrated.

 Take Steps to Address Vaginal Dryness and Incontinence

 Changes in a woman’s sexual health can be especially challenging to deal with during menopause. Vaginal dryness doesn’t have to disrupt a woman’s relationships. Instead, women can use lubricants to overcome this common issue. Women may also take oral supplements of vitamin E or flaxseed oil to encourage their body to produce more moisture. There are many treatment options available today for women with incontinence, and doing Kegel exercises is an excellent place to start with strengthening weakened muscles.

 Make Stress-Reduction a Priority

 This tends to be an emotional time for women. Not only is dealing with the physical symptoms demanding on a woman’s time and patience, but some women might also be grappling with accepting their new stage in life. Some women might grieve no longer being able to conceive having children or losing their former physical appearance. Finding ways to manage stress helps them to maintain a more positive mindset. Women can prioritize relaxation by starting a meditation practice or journaling about their experiences. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help them to reduce the effects of insomnia on their mental alertness.

 While menopause may bring many changes to a woman’s health, there is a solution for every problem. Identifying ways to cope puts women in control over their health, making it easier for them to manage this significant transition. Being able to emerge on the other side of the menopausal process more substantial and more confident is a goal that every woman can achieve with proper self-care.

The Connection Between Gender and Medical Debt 

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 The current economic situation in the United States caused by the Coronavirus pandemic’s effects makes access to quality health care difficult for most women, leading to enormous debts. The medical issues can range from inability to pay for emergency medical charges to the gradual pileup of a debt that can lead to bankruptcy and debtors’ collections. If the government fails to intervene, this issue could escalate to an extent where female patients would feel overburdened.

 According to a survey done last year, half of the women in the U.S. shared concern that it could render them bankrupt in the event of a significant health situation compared to a similar survey done in 2019 where only 47% were concerned. By February of this year, the percentage shot to 73%. The reason behind this is that health insurance covers have significantly been reduced, and the insurance premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles that consumers pay directly from their pockets have risen in recent years. The result is that even with an excellent insurance cover, women can still get large bills in the sudden event of an accident or illness, regardless of whether they receive their health insurance through the government or from the employer. It is not a surprise that women who do not have insurance have immense medical debts. 

 The wage difference between women and men could also be a reason for this vast debt gap. A survey conducted recently shows that women earn 80-82 cents for every dollar earned by men. When the covid-19 pandemic started to hit America, many women lost their jobs and health insurance. A report done in December 2020 showed that women accounted for the 140000 jobs lost. A similar report by the National Women’s Law Center indicated that about 5.4 million of the 9.8 million jobs lost in 2020 were women.

 Black and Latina women working in the restaurants, retail, and other hospitality sectors were laid off when most businesses were locked down and closed due to the covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has caused alarm to most Americans who fear getting medical treatment to avoid huge medical bills. Evidence shows that medical debt has increased sharply during the pandemic. A recent survey showed that most individuals would not visit a healthcare institution for even diagnosis.

Intermittent Fasting for Women: What to Know

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For women struggling with weight loss, they may consider utilizing an intermittent fasting regime. This eating schedule is one of the world’s most popular weight-loss trends. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between patterns of eating and fasting. This eating plan does not dictate what foods to eat, instead of when is best to eat. However, intermittent fasting poses some serious risks for women. It is essential to be educated on the topic before considering implementing this eating schedule.

 

There are a few benefits of intermittent fasting. For example, it can boost fat burns. When people eat, blood sugar rises, and insulin is released to take the glucose to cells. Any leftover glucose is stored as fat. If intermittent someone fasts for 10-16 hours, their body will begin to burn its stored fat for energy. Other studies have found that fasting can repair cells, leading to increased longevity, a lowered risk of cancer, less inflammation, and improved metabolism. However, these studies are primarily conducted with animals rather than adult women. Other research suggests that eating in line with circadian rhythm, meaning eating only when it is light out, protects the body from chronic diseases.

 

On the other hand, research has identified many negative aspects of intermittent fasting. Women of reproductive age need to be especially mindful of putting stress on their body, as their body is particularly receptive to stressors like prolonged fasting and caloric restriction. Intermittent fasting may do more harm than good, as it can potentially lead to low blood sugar regulation, increased insulin resistance, and lean muscle loss, among other things. Additionally, prolonged underrating can seriously harm a women’s reproductive system. Women can potentially lose their menstrual cycle and interfere with their fertility. Moreover, fasting can increase someone’s hunger and obsession with food, thus leading to overeating or a process of restricting and binging.

 

Intermittent fasting has many positive features and many potential negative impacts on a woman’s body. Before starting an intermittent fasting regime, be sure to read up on the eating pattern and learn how to do it best. Women need to be knowledgeable and aware of any risks associated with intermittent fasting. Be sure to consult a doctor with any questions or concerns. 

Preserving Your Mental Health During the Holidays

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The holidays may seem like the best time to be full of joy. Unfortunately, the holiday season is often the most stressful season for many people. Why? Consider the financial struggle of buying gifts and extra food, as well as the family drama that a lot of people deal with, and you have a recipe for disaster. If you are someone who deals with a lot of emotional stress over the holidays, there are ways for you to relax. Your mental health is essential, so consider the following tips the next time you feel your blood pressure rising!

  1. Keep track of your spending

It’s easy to get carried away during the holidays when it comes to gifts and goodies. However, spending more than you can afford can cause you to feel anxious and stressed out. At the beginning of the season, figure out just how much you can spend when it comes to presents, food, traveling, and other holiday expenses. Stick to your budget to avoid the stress that overspending brings.

  1. Watch your alcohol intake

Holiday parties and special occasions usually revolve around a lot of drinking! It’s easy to get sucked into another glass of alcoholic eggnog or a winter-themed beer, especially at a party or event. You may feel like you are suppressing some anxious feelings with alcohol, but alcohol is a depressant that can make stress and depression worse. Know your limits or abstain completely during this stressful time.

  1. Think about the new year

Not everyone wants to leave the Christmas tree up all year, and that is perfectly okay! If you can’t wait until you can put the holiday behind you, keep in mind that it will soon be over. When you think about yourself in the future, past this particular holiday, it can be grounding. Remember, January isn’t too far off in the future!

  1. Take some time for yourself

The holidays often revolve around parties, work, family, and activities. It can be exhausting at times, so make sure you take the time you need for yourself. Rest and recharge by practicing some self-care regimens, and you will likely feel much better about this stressful time. It’s essential to take a little bit of time every day to relax!

Why Expecting Mothers Should Take Folic Acid

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Women who are pregnant must make sure they take enough vitamins and a healthy diet that balances carbohydrates, fat,s, and protein. If they don’t, the baby may take the necessary nutrients from the mother’s body and leave her without the things she needs for optimal health—folic acid is essential during pregnancy.

What is Folic Acid?

Folate is a naturally occurring B vitamin; it is known as folic acid in its generic form. It is water-soluble, which means that it must be consumed continually as the body can’t store it. Folic acid helps the body generate new healthy cells. This is why it is an essential vitamin that everyone needs. For pregnant women, folic acid plays a significant role in the healthy development of the baby.

Why Folic Acid is so Important During Pregnancy

As the baby develops in the womb, a critical part is the development of the neural tube. The neural tube is the fetus that will eventually be the brain, and the spinal cord, so the right product is critical. If the tube does not close as it develops, it results in a neural tube defect. A neural tube defect is a severe congenital disability that causes parts of the baby to not setup correctly. The most common neural tube defects are spina bifida and anencephaly. Taking folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. Folic acid has such a high success rate at helping with babies’ development added to many baked goods, such as bread and tortillas.

How Much Folic Acid Women Should Take Daily

While trying to conceive a baby, women should take at least 400 mg of folic acid every day. After the pregnancy is confirmed, the amount should be increased to at least 600 mg per day. These vitamins should be taken in addition to eating a healthy diet.

Folic acid plays a significant role in the baby’s healthy development and the prevention of congenital disabilities. Scientists estimate that 70 percent of neural tube defects could be prevented if women took a folic acid supplement. Doing so daily can help ensure the mom is healthy and that the baby grows healthy as well.           

The Benefits of Walking in Older Women

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The human body is designed to walk, and this most basic human activity can significantly impact your health throughout life. Scientific research supports the benefits of walking in several ways, so it should be on the list as part of every older woman’s health regime to maintain suitable physical, emotional and mental health.

Walking Helps To Maintain Healthy Weight

A daily walk can help you maintain a healthy weight, so you can avoid many of the health problems related to carrying those extra pounds.

Walking Helps to Strengthen Bones

The action and pressure of walking help strengthen bones, reducing the risk for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, which are common problems in the older population.

Walking Can Lower Blood Pressure

A good walk can also help to relax blood vessels, which will lower your blood pressure in some individuals.

Walking Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Colon Cancer

Walking helps to keep blood vessels flexible to carry blood and nutrients throughout the body. This improved circulation can help you to avoid cardiovascular disease and other health problems.

Walking Keeps Joints Flexible

Your walking exercise helps to keep your joints supple and healthy. Walking strengthens the muscles that support joints to experience less pressure that can cause damage to the internal joint structures.

Walking Improves Balance and Coordination

Walking requires coordinated movement and balance as you shift your weight. These are essential skills that will help you to avoid dangerous falls that often occur in older individuals.

Walking Improves Your Energy Level

A body in motion tends to remain in action, and you will find a good, daily walk gives you more energy for other tasks throughout the day.

Walking Improves Your Mood

The action of walking gets you outdoors, moving around, seeing what’s going on in the neighborhood, and encountering neighbors and acquaintances along the way, which helps to stimulate the production of “feel-good” brain chemicals that keep you in a better mood.

Health experts recommend at least 30 minutes of walking per day to enjoy this natural exercise’s benefits. Whether you choose to break up your walking workout into smaller periods or extend it out, you will feel better, look better, and enjoy life more.

Improving Your Sex Drive After Childbirth

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A lot of women struggle with a diminishing sex drive after they’ve given birth. This usually is completely normal as their body has just gone through quite a few changes in a short period of time. Intimacy is an important part of a relationship, and many women are looking for ways to improve their sex life. Here are some ways that women can increase their sex drive after childbirth.

 

Use Lubrication

Some women struggle with lubrication after giving birth. They may also find that their vagina and vulva are inflamed and more sensitive. Using lubrication can make sex feel more comfortable. It can also improve a women’s sex drive as she won’t feel so apprehensive about the possibility of sex feeling painful.

 

Set A Date

A couple’s life changes dramatically once they bring a new child into the world. Because of this, it can be difficult to even think about having sex. Couples often forget about the needs of their partner as they are so focused on their new baby. Women can increase their sex drive by setting a date to have sex. This will help them to remember to make sex a priority.

 

Talk To Your Partner

Many women feel quite overwhelmed when they have an infant. With so much to do for the baby and the household, they may feel as if sex is just another chore that they have to do. If they are feeling this way, they need to talk to their partner about it. She should come up with ways that they can pitch in so that she doesn’t feel so overwhelmed with everything. By having a partner that helps take care of the needs of the baby and the household, a woman may feel inclined to have sex more often.

 

If you are struggling with your sex drive after childbirth, you aren’t alone. Be kind to yourself about it as your body just brought a new life into this world! If you are wanting to try to increase your sex drive, try some of the tips mentioned above. It might also be helpful to seek the advice of your doctor. They can help you determine if there is an underlying cause behind your low sex drive.