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

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

Understanding the Second Trimester

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The time span of a normal pregnancy is divided into three segments which last between twelve and fourteen weeks each. The second trimester starts with week 13 and finishes at week 28 and is a time when the mother starts feeling better. The nausea, the fatigue, and the severe breast tenderness ease up. The baby is growing larger and the uterus expands and comes up out of the pelvis, eliminating the pressure on the bladder.

However, this trimester does have a few discomforts.

  • Braxton-Hicks contractions – The uterus starts tightening up in usually painless contractions, especially after strenuous physical activity.
  • Breast enlargement – The breasts are preparing to feed the baby. Mammary glands start to swell.
  • Nasal congestion – The nasal mucosa becomes engorged because of increased levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. Besides the stuffiness, the nasal veins are enlarged and bleed easily.
  • Bleeding gums – The same engorgement occurs in the gums and bleeding may occur with flossing or brushing.
  • Melasma – Brown patches may develop on the face or a brown line may show up on the lower abdomen. These changes are also due to hormones.
  • Quickening – The movement of the fetus can be felt at about 20 weeks.
  • Varicose veins and hemorrhoids – These congested veins may appear and be painful, especially with excessive weight gain and constipation.
  • Dizziness – This can happen on standing up and can even cause fainting. Staying well-hydrated is important.
  • Leg cramps – The body is no longer configured as it used to be. The leg muscles have to adjust to the weight above them. Cramping of tired muscles at night is not unusual. Stretching exercises before bed help. Staying well-hydrated also helps.
  • Vaginal discharge – Usually clear or white, this is normal.

 

At each prenatal visit, the mother will be evaluated for blood pressure, weight gain, and edema. Doppler checking of the heartbeat allows the parents to listen. The increasing size of the uterus will be measured to determine fetal growth.

The end of the second trimester is the beginning of the body’s preparations for birth as the mother enters the last trimester.

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.

What to Expect from your Ultrasound Test

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What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a test used to see images of a patient’s organs, tissues, or unborn baby in the case of pregnancy. The process involves a tool called an ultrasound probe, which emits high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves bounce off of tissues and are reflected back towards the probe. The reflected sound waves are then recorded and used to generate an image of the tissues. This procedure allows providers to visualize tissues and identify possible problems such as tumors. Ultrasounds are also used frequently to monitor the development of unborn babies.

Are Ultrasounds Safe?

When done properly, ultrasounds are safe. The procedure is non-invasive, so it does not require anything risky like an incision. Additionally, unlike other tests like X-rays, ultrasounds function without radiation, so patients do not need to worry about the potentially harmful side effects of radiation.

What Happens During an Ultrasound?

The exact process will vary depending on the body part being examined. In general, the procedure involves having a gel applied to the area. The provider then passes the ultrasound probe over that area. Some ultrasounds, like abdominal ultrasounds (which are commonly used during pregnancy), are performed on the outside of the body. Other ultrasounds involve inserting the probe into the body. For example, if digestive organs are being examined, the probe will be inserted into the patient’s throat. It is normal for an ultrasound to take 30 minutes, but it may take up to an hour. Any patient with concerns or questions should ask their provider for specific details about the procedure before it is performed.

What Happens After an Ultrasound?

After an ultrasound is performed, the images will be examined by a radiologist. The radiologist develops a report to give to the provider who can then discuss the results with the patient. It generally does not take very long to receive one’s results after an ultrasound. If a qualified provider is present while the procedure is being performed, they may be able to discuss the results with the patient immediately. Otherwise, it may take several days to hear back. In some cases, the results of ultrasound may identify issues such as heart problems, tumors, or blood clots. If a diagnosis is made, the provider should then explain the patient’s options for treatment.

Most Important Questions to Ask Each Trimester

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What is your favorite question to ask during the first trimester? What about the second or third? In this blog post, we will discuss four questions that you should be asking yourself each trimester. Whether it’s through a simple check-up at the doctor’s office, or just some self-reflection on how you’re feeling, these are all important questions that will help keep your mind healthy and happy!

1st Trimester:

Am I feeling more tired than usual? Fatigue is a very common symptom of pregnancy. Many women will find that they need to take naps during the day, and will find it difficult to wake up in the morning or stay awake past 9 pm! This is because, throughout pregnancy, your blood volume increases by almost 50%, creating a greater demand for oxygen-rich red blood cells. For this increase to happen as quickly as possible, your body produces certain hormones, such as progesterone and estradiol, causing overall fatigue.

2nd Trimester:

Is my baby moving more than usual? Typically around week 18-20 gestational age (or the second trimester), most women will begin to feel their babies move for the first time. This can sometimes be startling and uncomfortable at first; however, it’s important not to panic until having confirmed with your doctor! Fetal movement is vital for proper development and growth. The more active and healthy your baby is, the better he or she will be able to fight off infections and sickness during pregnancy. It’s also important to know that the amount of movement your baby does in each session can vary – sometimes they can be very active, while other times they might not move much at all!

3rd Trimester:

What are my feelings about breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a woman can do after giving birth. The reality is, however, many women feel uncomfortable with the idea of breastfeeding – whether it’s because they don’t want their child becoming attached to them, or it makes them feel self-conscious about their physical appearance. Either way, it is important for couples choosing to breastfeed to discuss this with their doctor and one another. Breastfeeding can be challenging at first, but it is certainly worth all of the painstaking preparation you put in to ensure success!

As always, it’s critical for pregnant women to monitor their bodies closely and make sure they are taking care of themselves. Pregnancy is not an illness, but it does impact our bodies at a very deep level. Routine checkups and proper nutrition will help to ensure the health and happiness of you and your child during this time, as well as for years to come! Remember: motherhood can be one of the most challenging things you will ever do, but it can also be one of the most rewarding!

What to Know About Forceps Births

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Forceps deliveries are carried out to deliver a baby whose head has become stuck in a bent position or help out when all other methods have failed (e.g., ventouse).

The instruments used for forceps deliveries are called “forceps.” They were originally designed in ancient Greece and consisted of two wooden spoons with handles.

Forceps deliveries are carried out under a general anesthetic, so the mother is asleep and will not feel any pain or pressure on her body.

The forceps are placed over the baby’s head through the vagina. The blades of the forceps are then carefully positioned around either side of the chin, cheeks, top of skull, and forehead. 

Gentle, steady pressure is then applied until they lock into place. The midwife or doctor monitors this by listening to sounds inside the birth canal with a “stethoscope.” It may be necessary to apply more than one pair of forceps to ensure an effective fit, and this can take several attempts if the first attempt is unsuccessful. This type of delivery should only take about 5 minutes.

After the delivery, the midwife or doctor will check that your baby is healthy before you are allowed to wake up and meet your new little one. Forceps deliveries may leave you feeling a bit sore and bruised, and it can take a few days to recover fully from having a general anesthetic.

About 1 in 8 labors need to use forceps, so it is not too unusual. Of those, about 4 in every 100 women will need an assisted forceps birth like this. Delivery by ventouse (suction) is becoming more popular as it usually means no after-effects such as bruising or tearing; however, if this isn’t working, forceps are be needed instead of an emergency Caesarean section (C-section).

Some mothers find the use of forceps frightening from the word go, as it sounds as though they are being forced to have a cesarean section. It may be helpful to think about it as an alternative to a ventouse delivery with no bruising afterward. A good way of looking at it is as a ‘helping hand’ that can make all the difference between tearing and not tearing.

In conclusion, forceps can be a successful instrument, although not always effective. It is much easier for the mother to recover from than an assisted ventouse delivery, but it may pose a risk to both mother and baby if not used properly or if the wrong forceps are used.

Intrauterine Insemination: Important Facts to Know

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Intrauterine insemination is a simple fertility treatment that helps a woman to conceive. It can be done with or without the use of fertility drugs. The procedure will transfer washed semen into the uterus with a thin catheter. This is done around the time of ovulation.

The Cost Of IUI

An IUI can range in price and depends on several different factors. This includes the cost of fertility drugs. Some insurance plans may cover IUI, so any woman who wishes to have it should check with her insurance plan. Typically, an IUI will cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000.

The Procedure

This procedure is painless and simple. Women undergoing this procedure will not require medications. The first thing that is done is that the semen is prepared. The partner will come in and give a semen sample unless you are using donor sperm. The sperm will be washed. During washing, impurities will be removed, and only viable sperm will remain. If the woman is using donor sperm, this sperm will be thawed before use.

A woman may be given ovulation drugs for their cycle, and their IUI appointment will be on or near the day they are scheduled to ovulate. If a woman is having ovulation difficulties, they may be given a drug like Clomid or Femara that will help to induce ovulation. When they go in for their appointment, they will lay down on the table, and a thin tube will be placed in the cervix where the washed semen will be injected. The doctor may suggest that they lay there for a few minutes or may let them get up immediately. The sperm will not come out of the uterus. They will then wait for two weeks and then do the pregnancy test.

After the IUI procedure, a woman may experience a few minutes of mild cramps but nothing serious. They should not have any discharge, bleeding, or anything else after the procedure.

Many women have had success with the IUI procedure. If it does fail the first time and the woman was not given fertility drugs, their doctor may suggest that they try again with the use of fertility drugs. This is especially true if the doctor believes that they are not ovulating.

How to Reduce Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

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Stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, are so common during pregnancy that many mothers wear them as badges of honor. However, even strong maternal pride doesn’t keep women from feeling self-conscious about how their abdomens look. Whether donning bikinis or wearing their birthday suits, most long for the days when their tummies were taught and absolutely blemish-free. The good news is that pregnancy doesn’t have to result in severely damaged belly skin. There are a number of things that you can do to prevent these scars and many strategies for making them fade.

Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Much like their name implies, stretch marks are the result of rapid and excessive stretching of the skin. They form when the skin is pushed beyond the limits of its natural elasticity. When stretching is severe, the elastic fibers beneath the skin’s surface break. The new collagen that the body produces to replace these broken fibers tends to be a lot less pliable and firm. This leads to collagen stores with a slightly different texture, and indentations or raised scars. To keep your skin supple and resilient, drink plenty of water and eat lots of fresh, water-dense foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables won’t just keep your skin optimally hydrated, they’ll also supply a generous array of antioxidants and other skin-supporting nutrients.

Stretch marks are most likely to form during periods of rapid growth or expansion. Given that stretch marks are essentially scars, it isn’t always possible to make them totally disappear once they’ve formed. Diligent prevention is far more effective than using corrective efforts to repair skin after significant scarring has occurred.

Does Everyone Get Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

Whether or not stretch marks will develop during pregnancy is dependent upon a variety of factors. Among these are how durable and elastic the skin is at the start of gestation, how well expecting moms care for themselves in general, and how they carry their babies. Some women never form stretch marks during pregnancy. Others develop dark, noticeable marks early on. Women with lighter complexions tend to develop slightly pinkish marks, whereas women with deeper or darker skin tones often get stretch marks that are slightly lighter than skin tone. As these scars heal, they might shrink or gradually fade.

Moisturizing the Belly

During pregnancy, it’s important to keep the belly well-moisturized. Cocoa butter, aloe vera, and coconut oil are excellent moisturizers during this time. These applications are all-natural, unlikely to cause irritation, and rich in nutrients that support both skin renewal and overall skin health.

Cosmetic Procedures for Minimizing the Appearance of Stretch Marks

Once stretch marks have formed, most corrective cosmetic procedures focus on creating controlled skin damage. During these treatments, micro-wounds or tiny, painless abrasions are made at the surface layers of the skin. This incites the body’s natural healing processes to promote rapid skin cell renewal, and increased collagen production. As the body heals, the treated scars marks will increasingly become less conspicuous. Some of the top procedures for minimizing or eliminating stretch marks include:

  • Chemical peels
  • Laser therapy
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Micro-focused ultrasound

and more.

To limit their likelihood of developing stretch marks, women should start applying high-quality moisturizers as soon as they become pregnant. By making good hydration a priority, expecting mothers can keep their skin sufficiently supple for avoiding major skin damages. When moderate to severe stretch marks do form, various cosmetic procedures can assist the skin in healing itself.

Why Expecting Mothers Need Paid Maternity Leave

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Many countries in the developed world offer paid maternity leave to mothers. In the United States, though, that’s not always an option for women who work. Sometimes, they are put on state temporary disability programs. Even when employers do offer paid leave, they may require someone to have a certain length of service with the company before making it available. That can pose a challenge to women who are just starting out in their careers.

Another issue is the length of the leave on offer. Many women are able to step away from work for just a handful of weeks. In fact, research shows that mothers often benefit from spending more time than that at home with their baby. Women with lengthy paid maternity leaves are less likely to suffer from physical illness or post-partum depression. Their children seem to benefit, too. In fact, their babies have a lower chance of dying of SIDS.

In the US, everyone is able to take three months’ unpaid leave. This is a stark contrast to countries like the United Kingdom, which offer 12 weeks of paid leave. This alone may make a huge difference to a new parent’s mental health. A new baby also brings many new expenses, from follow-up doctors’ appointments to diapers, food, and clothing they will rapidly outgrow. Other countries do even better. Japan offers 36 weeks, and Estonia pays new mothers on leave for over a year.

Many activists and politicians, especially on the Left, would like to see the US join the ranks of these other nations. They believe that a national paid maternity leave would make a big difference in the family lives of millions of Americans. This is particularly true for the middle and working classes. Many executive-level women are able to take the time they need, and they can afford highly qualified nannies. The average American family, however, may struggle to juggle work schedules and vaccine schedules.

While maternity leave remains controversial in some circles, all the evidence points to benefits. A national maternity leave program is expected to remain an issue in Congress and at the state level. Of course, not every mother wants these benefits. But they would not be mandatory, rather just available.

Everyday Essentials to Help Your Pregnancy

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Waiting for a baby to arrive is such an exciting time, but it’s also a time when an expectant mother could use some extra help to make pregnancy easier, safer, and more comfortable. Here are a few suggestions:

Use prenatal vitamins

These contain all the nutrients the body needs for both mom and baby. Especially important is folic acid, an essential nutrient in the B vitamin family that helps to prevent a type of birth defect. Be sure to get at least 600 micrograms of folic acid during pregnancy. Ideally, a woman would be getting at least 400 micrograms before becoming pregnant.

Use pregnancy-safe skin products

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and many substances can be absorbed through it. With this in mind, it’s best to use natural, organic products for skin care, hair care, and makeup. Specifically, avoid the following:

  • Retinoids
  • Hydroxy acids
  • Acne products
  • Chemical hair removers
  • OTC steroid creams like 1 percent hydrocortisone

All of these have the potential to penetrate the skin and cause a possible problem for a growing baby. The risk may be small, but it’s there, so just avoid the problem by avoiding the product. If acne breakout due to hormonal changes is an issue, ask the obstetrician for a safe solution. Sunscreens are typically safe for use during pregnancy. For a sunscreen that doesn’t penetrate the skin to work, check labels for the ingredient zinc oxide.

Bellaband

The Bellaband is a versatile device allowing the expectant mom to comfortably and easily transition the clothing gray area when regular pants still fit but not properly. The clever Bellaband allows the pregnant mom to wear regular pants unbuttoned or unzipped, while still keeping the area covered. The result just looks like the clothes have been layered. The Bellaband helps to save money on maternity clothes, too.

Belly butter

Few things are more annoying than a persistent itch. As the skin stretches more and more across the belly area, it will tend to itch. Look for itch lotions and creams intended for use during pregnancy. Especially helpful are jojoba oil and natural plant butter like shea butter and mango butter.

When it’s Safest to Announce Your Pregnancy

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Parents face many challenges and sacrifices to make sure their babies are safe, comfortable, and well cared for. Whether it’s a first, second, third, or fourth baby, the most crucial detail of the motherhood journey is determining when to announce the pregnancy. Unfortunately, factors such as discrimination at work in some professions may delay some parents making their pregnancy announcement until the pregnancy shows. Therefore, every parent will have a different opinion of when to announce the pregnancy. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding when to make the announcement, as discussed below carefully.

After A Positive Test Result

Some parents, especially first-time parents, get over-excited to share the news of them being pregnant. Announcing at this early stage helps parents get as much support and encouragement as they require from family and those around them.

At Six Weeks after Conception

Week six of the pregnancy is when the ultrasound gets done, and the parents can feel the heartbeat of their fetus. It’s the best time to announce, especially for parents working in a hazardous working environment. At this stage, Parents are likely to experience nausea and a few complications that may cause them to miss work and other social functions. Announcing at this stage helps them get support from workplaces, family, and friends.

At Week 12 of the Pregnancy

The end of week 12 is the end of the first trimester, and the risk of miscarriage is low. The ultrasound images will show a fetus that looks more like a baby. However, parents who want to undergo genetic screening might prefer to wait and announce it after it’s done.

After Week 12

Some mothers might have a high-risk pregnancy that causes complications throughout the pregnancy. Some complications that cause high-risk pregnancies include previous miscarriages, women older than 35 years, carrying multiples, certain health conditions, and fertility assistance. All the conditions mentioned above might cause risks in all three trimesters of the pregnancy. If they are experiencing the above conditions, it might affect the parent’s decision to make the pregnancy announcement.