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

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

How to Tell When Your Newborn’s Terrible Sleep Cycle Might be a Sign of Something More Serious

by

Whether you have a newborn or an older infant, your baby may sleep excessively. An older infant who sleeps excessively is often only doing so when ill or after a hectic day, while a newborn who sleeps all day is more of a potential problem.

Due to their limited stomach size, newborns must feed regularly to receive the necessary nutrition. Breastfed infants shouldn’t go without food for more than two to four hours, while formula-fed infants shouldn’t go without food for more than three to four hours. Although leaving a very tired newborn asleep may be tempting, you must wake the baby up if it doesn’t feed on its own. Keep a tight watch on the time for the first two to three weeks, and wake your infant when it’s time. Allowing your infant to sleep for more than two to four hours while you are trying to nurse creates a double problem. The baby won’t get enough food, and your milk supply may decrease.

Each infant has somewhat varied sleep requirements and routines. During the day, older infants may take a longer sleep than usual after a very active day. The odd additional daytime rest is nothing to worry about as long as nighttime sleep isn’t disturbed. Giving your baby more than four hours to nap can make it more difficult to tuck them in at night or cause your baby to wake up earlier than usual the next day.

Long lengths of sleep followed by a refusal to wake up for feedings may indicate that your baby is sick. It’s natural for your baby to spend much more time sleeping when he has a sickness since sleep helps fight diseases and recover faster. If your baby sleeps for six to eight hours at a time when only a month or two old, call your pediatrician.

It may be challenging to get a sleeping baby to feed. If you wake your infant while in a light REM stage of sleep when his arms or legs are moving, his face is changing expressions, or his eyes are fluttering, you’ll find it more straightforward. Do your best to convince your infant to take a complete meal because you went to the effort of disturbing him. It’s alright to let your baby doze off again if, despite your best efforts, he is only interested in a bite. But let your doctor know if you’re having problems fitting in two whole feedings in a row.

Allowing your sick child to take longer or earlier naps than usual is OK. Even so, it’s worth waking him up if she takes longer naps than three to four hours at a period since lengthier breaks might prevent him from sleeping through the night.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy While Living Abroad

by

Most young couples find it challenging to move overseas. This is particularly true if they plan to have a kid in the new location. When you relocate abroad, your baby’s health, safety, and well-being are priorities. Complications may arise from foreign healthcare systems, traditions, cultural differences, and language barriers. Here are some suggestions to assist people who want to give birth abroad.

Cost

You should know the associated medical costs when establishing a family while living far from home. Before becoming pregnant, ex-pat couples are highly advised to get foreign health insurance, including maternity. While medical expenses may differ from nation to country, many ex-pats probably overlook that having a baby while living abroad may be expensive. Foreign nationals should know their limitations if they want to give birth in a public hospital. Despite the availability of hospitals, some nations charge $39,000 for delivery services and check-ups, while others may charge a few thousand. Several nations, like China and the USA, charge around $3,000 per day for any further hospitalization. You can get direct billing recommendations from a doctor and hospital in your foreign health insurance provider’s network. 

There is often a 12-month waiting period before pregnancy costs are covered under individual ex-pat health policies. Some plans do not provide any maternity benefits. The last thing you want to discover is that you are not insured. The majority of group international health insurance policies offer free maternity coverage. Read the tiny print since maternity and infant care may be pricey.  

Citizenship

Most ex-pat couples ponder which country they want to raise their child when they become parents abroad. It’s critical for international couples to choose a birth location where they feel at ease. If specific legal conditions are completed, a child born overseas to U.S. or Canadian residents may often receive citizenship for themselves at birth.

Care Plan

You must educate yourself on the new country’s healthcare system as much as possible. Focus on the maternity care services you will have access to. A list of medical professionals and facilities of your global medical plan providers should be provided. Remember to examine the hospital where you will birth your child. Ensure that it is well-kept, capable, and reputable. Whether you are already an expatriate or before you go overseas, attempt to locate proper child care as soon as you learn you are pregnant. Your foreign employer can help or connect you with other foreign couples.

Is It Safe to Do Strength Training During Pregnancy?

by

Many fitness enthusiasts wonder how their workouts will change once they become pregnant. If you are not currently in a regular strength training program, it is strongly advised to wait until after giving birth. It is not a good idea to start an extreme program during pregnancy. If you are already taking part in regular exercise,  it is still necessary to modify your routine to accommodate your growing body. For some people, such as serious weightlifters, it is advised to avoid lifting heavy objects as their pregnancy progresses. 

Before starting a fitness regimen while pregnant, your doctor should clear it first. You must follow best practices when it comes to working out while pregnant. You can also consult a pre-natal fitness professional for tips and suggestions. 

There are several advantages to maintaining a strength training program throughout pregnancy. In addition to staying fit, lifting weights can also help prepare your body for parenthood. According to Andrea Chisholm, a board-certified OB-GYN in Wyoming, strength training can assist with posture changes, maintain endurance, and protect the lower back. This is an essential part of labor.

One of the benefits of strength training while pregnant is improving the strength of your back muscles. The growing belly and enlarged breasts can stress the back muscles, leading to lower back pain. Doing so can help strengthen the back muscles and increase the strength of your core.

According to studies, strength training can help improve labor outcomes by decreasing the likelihood of a C-section and shortening the early stages of labor. It can also help lower the length of hospital stay.

Although strength training can help improve labor outcomes, it is also not a good idea to start worrying about going into early labor as it can still lead to premature delivery.

One of the most important advantages of strength training while pregnant is helping you maintain a healthy weight. Although it is important to gain weight to support your baby’s development, too much can lead to health problems, such as gestational diabetes.

Getting too little weight gain can also lead to the development of a child being too small. This can cause issues such as low birth weight and illness.

A regular exercise program during pregnancy can help prevent excess weight gain. It can also help lower the risk of preeclampsia.

Although strength training can lower the risk of gestational diabetes, it can still increase the risk of developing this condition later in life. Usually, high blood sugar levels during pregnancy can return to normal. However, if this happens later in life, it can lead to type 2 diabetes. In addition, gestational diabetes can enhance the risks of developing other conditions, such as impaired glucose tolerance and obesity.

One of the toughest lines of defense against gestational diabetes is incorporating resistance training into your regular exercise program. Doing so can help prevent the development of this condition and protect the baby from macrosomia, which can occur when a newborn weighs over eight pounds.

 

Unexpected Symptoms of Early Pregnancy

by

Expectant parents often expect the usual symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea and backaches. However, there are some unexpected side effects of this process.

 

Some things can be unexpected and even frightening for pregnant women. Unfortunately, doctors or family members often do not discuss these physical effects. So, here are unusual pregnancy symptoms that most people would never consider.

 

Sinus Issues

Nose bleeds and stuffiness is common during pregnancy and can be caused by increased blood flow through one’s nose. According to studies, the prevalence of nose bleeds during pregnancy is higher than that of non-pregnant women.

 

You can treat these conditions with natural remedies, such as using a Neti pot or a humidifier. However, if these don’t work, consult a doctor or midwife. Aside from being inconvenient, stuffiness and nose bleeds are rarely severe during pregnancy.

 

Trouble Sleeping

During the first and third trimesters, the effects of pregnancy can zap one’s energy. Some people also experience insomnia during this period.

 

Although insomnia can be an early sign that one is pregnant, it can also occur throughout the pregnancy. It can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty falling asleep or not being able to get back to sleep after being awakened.

 

It’s essential to keep in mind that insomnia can come and go. Although it can appear in the first and third trimesters, it can also occur throughout the pregnancy.

 

Digestive Issues

Is it a sign of pregnancy that you’re experiencing gas and belching? The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause your gastrointestinal tract to spin, and these symptoms can appear in the first and third trimesters. To minimize these symptoms, avoid consuming food that can produce gas.

 

Skipping processed food and consuming healthy and nutritious food can help minimize these symptoms. Holding gas can cause pain and make one feel embarrassed if they have to deal with it often.

 

Having a plan can also help minimize these symptoms. Some people avoid food altogether and go to the bathroom. Others try to limit their exposure to certain foods.

 

Abdominal Pain

One of the most common conditions women experience during pregnancy is pelvic girdle pain, caused by the growth of the uterus and the stretching of various tissues.

 

This condition can appear on the belly button or the abdominal skin. It can be referred to as belly button pain, which can be achy or intense when touched. It usually happens during the later stages of pregnancy as the belly grows. 

 

A midwife or doctor can also help you find relief. Some of the most effective ways to relieve pain are using a belly support band, taking a bath, and getting a light massage.

 

Constipation

Another condition that can affect a woman’s body during pregnancy is constipation. It can appear in around 11% to 38% of pregnant women.

 

The rise in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can cause your gastrointestinal tract to slow down. This condition can make it hard for you to pass stool.

 

Some of the most effective ways to relieve constipation are drinking plenty of water, eating high-fiber foods, and exercising. However, if none of these can provide relief, you should consult a doctor or midwife.

 

Sensitive Gums

Due to the hormonal changes that can affect a woman’s body during pregnancy, her tender gum tissue can swell and bleed. It can also cause her to feel bloated and have a metallic taste in her mouth.

 

If oral problems, such as those caused by pregnancy gingivitis, are already present, they can be exacerbated during pregnancy. Having regular dental cleanings and brushing can help keep these conditions under control.

Tips For Exercising While Pregnant

by

Keeping up with our physical fitness is always great for our health, but it can be tough to get into an exercise routine if you don’t already have one. If you’re pregnant, it can be even more difficult to get into exercising! There’s a lot to think about if you want to keep yourself and the baby totally safe and healthy, and you may even become paranoid that by exercising, you’ll mess something up with the pregnancy. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that difficult. There is plenty of information and advice out there that can help you come up with a totally safe exercise regiment that will work great for you and your unborn baby. Here are a few tips to help you exercise while pregnant.

 

Fuel Up!

During the second and third trimesters, pregnant women typically need to eat around 300 additional calories a day to support their growing baby. However, if exercise is a part of your routine, you might need to add more calories to make sure that you and your child are getting the fuel they need. One of the most important factors that you should consider is having a pre-workout snack or juice 30 minutes before you start an exercise. Having a boost of energy can help you get a good workout while exercising on an empty stomach can make you feel lightheaded, sluggish, or even dizzy, which can lead to an increased risk of injury.

 

Try Pregnancy Safe Exercises

While you might not be able to do every type of exercise you did prior to your pregnancy, there are still plenty of exercises that are totally appropriate and safe for you and the baby. Walking is one of the easiest choices you have, but if you want to spice things up you should try low-impact dance classes, or pilates. There are plenty of totally safe and fun exercises you can do while pregnant as long as you keep it low impact.

 

Pay Attention To How Your Body Responds

Your body goes through a lot of changes when you’re pregnant, and exercises that worked well for you before may not be so great for you now. It’s important that you pay close attention to your body and how it responds to the various exercises you do. If you’re tired, make sure you take a break and take the workouts down a notch. You’ll want to look out for unusual symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, persistent contractions, excessive fatigue, and much more.

What Are The First Things You Should Do When Discovering You’re Pregnant?

by

Being pregnant can be an exciting time. If it’s your first time being pregnant, it might be even more exciting. It can also seem scary, and overwhelming. You’ll likely be experiencing feelings you’ve never experienced before, and you might not know what to do, or how to handle the situation. These feelings are all totally normal. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the important things you should do when you first discover you’re pregnant. Some of these things may seem very obvious, and some you might not initially think of. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

 

Call Your OB/GYN

You should always call your OB/GYN to let them know that you’re expecting. Their protocols may vary depending on when they want you to come in for an appointment, but they should be able to provide you with important information, such as changes to your lifestyle and medications. Having an OB/GYN who will guide you through your journey from conception to motherhood is a vital step in this part of life and can make a huge difference in how your pregnancy goes.

 

Start Tracking Symptoms

During your pregnancy, your body will undergo various changes, and you might experience some symptoms that are different from those that you’re used to. It’s important to keep track of these symptoms and talk to your doctor about them so that they can fall within the healthy range. No pregnancy is the same, so if you experience symptoms differently from a previous pregnancy or from a friend’s pregnancy, it’s not necessarily a reason to panic. There are apps you can get on your phone nowadays that can help you track these symptoms as well if that’s your thing.

 

Think About Your Nutrition

Now that you’re pregnant, it’s important to remember that you’re eating for two. Getting a healthy and balanced diet is always important but it’s even more important now. Talk to your doctor about the types of vitamins you should be taking, as well as if there are certain foods or drinks you should avoid or focus on. Typically you’ll want to avoid unpasteurized dairy and juices, and you’ll want to lower your caffeine intake if you’re a big coffee drinker. Other things such as over-the-counter medications are also something you be cautious of, as some are no longer safe to use once you discover you’re pregnant. Ultimately, your best bet is to discuss these things with your doctor so you know exactly what you can and can’t have.

 

Take a Breath

Last but not least, it’s important to take a deep breath and just relax. You’re pregnant. You’re going to have a baby. That’s a wonderful thing, and it’s also scary. You’re going to feel a wide range of emotions over the next nine months, and likely well beyond that. As I mentioned, these are all perfectly normal feelings that most mothers go through. Remember to lean on your support systems when you need them and to take care of yourself, and you’ll be fine.

Tips For Pregnant Women To Beat The Summer Heat

by

Being pregnant isn’t easy. Being pregnant in the summertime? Even more difficult! It’s hot out there, and it’s important that expecting mothers know how to handle that heat in order to keep themselves and the baby safe. The easiest answer would be to stay indoors, hopefully with air conditioning, as much as possible. Unfortunately, that’s just not always possible, as we’ll always have things that bring us out into the sweltering summer heat. If you’re expecting this summer, here are a few ways you can stay safe when you go outside.

 

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

One of the most important steps you can take to keep yourself safe during the hot weather is to drink enough water. Although hydration doesn’t mean stopping drinking any liquid, it’s important to remember that caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and soda, can make you more susceptible to heat. For every caffeinated beverage, you need to drink one glass of water. However, if you’re active or in the sun, you should drink even more. It’s also important to remember that sugary drinks such as Gatorade are okay, but should never be substituted for water.

 

Keep Cool

Finding ways to keep cool in the summer heat is very important, and there are luckily many ways to do so. One great way is to go for a swim. Swimming will not only cool you down, but it can take some of the weight off of your sciatic nerve. You’ll also want to wear breathable fabrics so you don’t sweat too much. Be wary of sunburn as well, since pregnant women tend to be more prone to getting burnt than those who aren’t. If you begin to feel weak or dizzy, your best bet is to get indoors to someplace cool, where you can sit down.

 

Stay Indoors

While it’s just not possible to stay indoors the entire summer, the safest thing you can do for yourself and the baby is to find indoor alternatives for as many things as possible. Let’s say you’re having your baby shower in the middle of the July or August heat. Instead of hosting an outdoor BBQ, opt for something indoors so you can be safe and comfortable during the entire party. If you have no choice but to be outside for some reason, it’s smart to try and bring some form of shade. Wear hats that provide shade, or bring an umbrella if you can. If it’s an all-day outdoor event, consider getting a pop-up tent that you can relax under.

What To Know About Having A Baby At 40

by

The number of women having babies after 40 has increased significantly since the 1970s, according to the CDC. The agency noted that the number of first-time mothers aged 40 to 44 more than doubled between 1990 and 2012.

 

While women are typically told to have children before the age of 35, many women aren’t ready at that point in their life for a myriad of reasons, such as focusing on their career or using fertility treatments. Having a baby at 40 is possible, but it’s good to understand the benefits and risks that come with it.

 

Benefits

Having a baby later in life can provide many advantages over having children when you’re in your 20s or 30s. For one, it can allow you to establish your career at a younger age so you’re ultimately able to spend more time with your family later down the line.

 

Another benefit is that not everyone meets their partner at a young age, or maybe you’re not ready for commitment. When having a baby, you want to make sure that you’re raising them with the right person and that doesn’t always happen until later in life. There has also been research that shows how having a baby later in your life can lead the child to have better educational outcomes, as well as health benefits for the mother such as reduced cognitive decline and longer life spans.

 

Risks

The common sentiment has often been that having a baby at 40 is considered high risk. While this is still the case, modern technology has made the entire process much safer than it was in the past. Your doctor will likely keep a close eye on you and the baby, looking at complications such as high blood pressure or birth defects such as down syndrome.

 

Another risk to be aware of is miscarriage. Miscarrying is always a risk when pregnant, but those chances tend to rise as you get older. Part of the reason this risk tends to rise when you’re over 40 is that you’re more likely to have chronic conditions than when you were younger. Conditions such as thyroid disease or diabetes can complicate pregnancy and potentially result in miscarriage among other issues.

 

Of course, it’s important that you talk to your doctor about any and all risks if you’re 40 and are thinking of having a baby. They can provide you with all of the important information and help you figure out the best approach for your situation.

Can You Donate Blood When You’re Pregnant?

by

When you discover you’re about to become a parent for the first time, your outlook on the world may change a little bit. Often times people will think about how they want to raise their children in a happy, safe world, and maybe you’re considering becoming a little more altruistic. While it’s great to want to do good, if you’re pregnant, you need to be careful about what you choose to do. For example, donating blood. Donating blood is a great thing to do, and when you’re pregnant your blood volume increases significantly. Think again, as donating blood when pregnant is not a good idea.

Being pregnant can be one of the most beautiful and exciting times of your life, but it can also be incredibly nerve-wracking. There are so many resources out there that can help you make informed decisions, and it can be hard to decide what is safe and what isn’t. There are always things you should avoid when pregnant such as alcohol and caffeine. Blood donation is one of those things.

The American Red Cross’ eligibility requirements state that pregnant women are not allowed to donate blood. Doing so can have detrimental effects on your health and the safety of your child.

Donating blood typically leads to a drop in iron. A drop in iron can lead to anemia, and it’s especially harmful to pregnant women since they’re at high risk for this condition. According to Dr. Janelle Mary Jackman, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Kindbody in Silicon Valley, iron is very important to both mother and baby’s health during pregnancy, as it transports oxygen to various parts of the body, including the placenta, which is where oxygen diffuses into the baby’s blood.

This can lead to low oxygen levels throughout the body, which can cause premature birth and low birth weight. Aside from this, iron is also important for the development of the fetus and the red blood cells that nourish the mother.

It’s important to note that iron deficiency anemia isn’t a rare condition during pregnancy. According to Jackman, it’s caused by the plasma component of blood rising faster than the red blood cells. This causes physiological anemia in the mother. To avoid this, she recommends increasing your iron intake by around 350 to 500 mL. If you’re worried about an iron deficiency or an issue with your baby’s health, talk to your doctor about it. He or she can monitor your baby’s health and provide you with the correct information.

How Long After Giving Birth Can You Donate Blood?

If you’re still interested in blood donation once you’ve given birth, talk to your doctor about it. The American Red Cross won’t allow you to give blood until six weeks after you’ve had your baby, but you may want to wait between 6 to 9 months after childbirth as breastmilk relies on iron, and childbirth typically involves a large amount of blood loss.

Understanding the Second Trimester

by

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.