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

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

The Best Maternity Clothes Brands Of 2022

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Today, there are a variety of fashionable maternity clothes to choose from. Not that long ago pregnant women had few options when it came to fashion. With the rise of more fashionable maternity brands, it’s now possible to find clothes that are designed to serve up serious style during your pregnancy, instead of not being happy with the clothes you’re wearing during those 9 months. Here are some of the top brands in maternity fashion.

PinkBlush Maternity

One of the best places to get maternity clothes on a budget is PinkBlush. The online retailer offers a wide range of fashionable maternity dresses and tops, as well as an extensive selection of plus-size options. With an endless selection of cute outfits, this site is the ideal place to go for a wardrobe refresh.

A Pea In The Pod

With a wide variety of styles and options, A Pea In The Pod is the ideal place to start your maternity wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for a simple baby shower dress or a comfy loungewear outfit, this online retailer has something for everyone. Besides designer brands such as 7 for All Mankind, A Pea In The Pod also features the latest collection from Made with Liberty Fabric.

H&M

H&M is known for its wide variety of fashionable maternity clothes. From jackets to basics, this store has something for everyone. The pieces are made using high-quality fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, and jersey. The company is also committed to sustainability, and its garments are made from a minimum of 50% recycled materials. In 2022, it was named one of the Best of Pregnancy’s award winners for the best maternity jeans category.

Storq

One of the most important factors that women need to consider when it comes to creating their own stylish outfits is the availability of reliable basics. With a variety of styles and options, Storq has something for everyone. Its limited collection features button-up shirts, comfy joggers, and a cardigan that will keep you warm and comfortable wherever you go. Aside from being able to offer a variety of styles and options, Storq also has a wide selection of sizes that are inclusive of all body types. This website also replaced all of its photos with images of real mothers-to-be who are nursing, pregnant, or postpartum.

Rent the Runway

Since it’s known for making high-fashion accessible, Rent the Runway has become a go-to for finding the best maternity clothes. Not only does the site carry nursing-friendly clothes, it also has a variety of pregnancy and maternity dresses. Its stylists can help you find the perfect outfit for every trimester.

Common Pregnancy Myths Debunked

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You often hear a lot of things about pregnancy throughout your life, and you may even believe some of the things you hear, whether they’re true or not. If you haven’t been pregnant or been the partner of someone who is pregnant, you may not have had a reason to discern fact from fiction. Once you’re put into that situation though, it becomes important to understand what’s a common pregnancy myth, and what isn’t. This can help you be as safe as possible, while also living your pregnancy to the fullest. Here are a few common pregnancy myths, debunked.

 

You Can’t Exercise While Pregnant

Getting active is a good practice for you and your baby’s health. If you’re already familiar with your routine from before pregnancy, and you’re not worried about developing any new problems, then continue with it after a discussion with your doctor. However, avoid doing new vigorous activities such as jumping, excessive stretching, and holding your breath, to name a few. For optimal health during pregnancy, you should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity five days a week. If you were not active before becoming pregnant, try gentle exercises such as walking or low-impact exercises.

 

You Can’t Drink Caffeine While Pregnant

Although it’s been advised to avoid caffeine during pregnancy, recent studies have shown that it’s safe to consume moderate amounts of it as long as the proper precautions are taken beforehand. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women can safely consume up to 200 milligrams of caffeine a day, about a 12-ounce cup of coffee. More than 200 milligrams can potentially penetrate the placenta barrier, and it can cause miscarriages.

 

You Can’t Have Sex While Pregnant

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it’s perfectly safe to have sex while you’re pregnant. It’s not physically possible to penetrate past the vagina, so there’s no danger to your unborn baby during those long, 9 months. If you choose to have sex later in your pregnancy, you may have mild contracts that are commonly known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These may seem uncomfortable, but they’re actually a normal occurrence and will eventually pass.

 

You’ll Suffer From Morning Sickness While Pregnant

While having morning sickness during pregnancy isn’t a myth, having it only in the morning is. The fact of the matter is that it’s possible to experience nausea and vomiting at any point of the day when you’re pregnant, and over 70% of women experience it at some point during the day due to periodic hormonal changes. Morning sickness tends to calm down after the first trimester, but if you’re still struggling with it in the second trimester, try eating frequent small, dry snacks such as crackers or dry cereal, as opposed to skipping meals.

The Best Books For Expecting Mothers In 2022

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Although it’s an exciting time, pregnancy can also be filled with questions and concerns. Some of the most common changes that women experience during their pregnancy are unexpected symptoms such as morning sickness. Having a good understanding of what to expect during this time can help keep you and your baby feeling great and well, and a great way to do this is to read a pregnancy book!

 

Whether it’s your first, second, or third pregnancy, a book that’s geared toward your needs should be the best choice. It should also be able to provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions. Take a look at some of these great options to help you better prepare for your pregnancy.

 

Nurture – Erica Chidi

Nurture, by certified birth doula and CEO of the company LOOM Erica Chidi, is a book that walks you through the various stages of your pregnancy and the postpartum period. It features recipes and exercises that will help keep you going. The book also features a birth letter exercise that will help you reach your goals. It’s a great addition to any pregnancy book.

 

The Girlfriend’s Guide To Pregnancy – Vicki Iovine

This book is written in a way that’s brutally honest and doesn’t take a lot of time to explain what’s happening to you. It’s also written with a reassuring tone. The book is typically considered to be very realistic without being too frightening or gory.

 

Criticisms of the book often say that the author is too focused on the way she looks while pregnant. On the contrary, what makes the book such a great choice is how brutally honest Iovine is in her very blunt conversation about the emotional insecurities we go through when pregnant. She’s able to help them feel less pressure to achieve the perfect pregnancy.

 

Ina May’s Guide To Child Birth – Ina May

Gaskin, who is a long-time activist, has written several books that criticize the medical establishment. Ina May’s book criticizes the way certain procedures are performed and how they are often unfair. In a recent interview, she said that she doesn’t try to make mothers feel guilty about having a medical birth.

 

Regardless of whether or not you agree with May’s take on the medical side of childbirth, it’s still important to read the stories of women who have given birth. Ina May’s book can help you feel more positive about labor. She also talks about the various physical sensations that women experience during their pregnancy.

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.

What To Know About Having A Baby At 40

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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?

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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

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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.

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.