pregnant Archives

The journey to pregnancy and starting a family looks different for everyone. For Cherokee Women’s Health patient Katie, it was not always an easy journey, but she and her husband David came out blessed on the other side with two healthy girls. Infertility Struggles Katie and her husband, David, were settled in their careers before trying for a baby. Once they started trying, they had some struggles, going to two separate infertility clinics over a two-year span. Neither clinics were successful, but they did not give up hope. They prayed about their next steps towards having a family and decided to stop with the clinics. Without the medicine, shots, or extra ultrasounds, they finally got a positive pregnancy test 2-3 months later. They could not believe it, but it was true! Diagnosed With PCOS Katie decided to seek help from Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. She explained that she had 90-day cycles and that her attempts to become pregnant had not been successful. Her OB/GYN diagnosed her with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and explained how PCOS can commonly lead to fertility struggles. Yes, We’re Pregnant! Once they had an answer as to why they weren’t getting pregnant, Katie didn’t feel as much pressure and was able to relax a bit. “I had heard that when people who struggle to get pregnant that they suddenly once they take the pressure off. That’s what happened with us. We were pregnant!” Going into her first appointment after the positive pregnancy test was very scary. She was worried that at age 33, and her history of infertility struggles might have a negative impact. It was not until her first trimester was over that she realized she was healthy and that having her baby was really going to happen. They later learned they were having a baby girl, and suddenly all the morning sickness didn’t matter as much. Welcome Baby Mary-Katherine Fast forward to January 2019. Katie’s water broke at 37 weeks at around 3:00 in the morning. Being a new mom, she was not exactly sure what to expect. “It just felt like I peed myself a couple of times,” Katie shared. They headed to Northside Hospital and learned that her water did indeed break! Everything started happening so quickly once she got to the hospital. “You’re running on adrenaline because you don’t believe it’s really happening. There is no way to really prepare for it, you just have to experience it as you’re going.” First time mom, Katie Dr. James Haley of Cherokee Women’s Health delivered her baby. He didn’t even have to ask her to push because her baby girl was already crowning. Her baby came so fast that Katie had a grade-3 tear that Dr. Haley quickly repaired. Moments later, Mary-Katherine was born and, at 7 pounds, 7 ounces, was in the 90th percentile health range. Coombs Positive Although Mary-Katherine was born a healthy weight and size, she tested positive for Coombs. The Coombs test is typically done on newborns, and the test searches the blood for “foreign” antibodies that attack red blood cells. Coombs typically happens when the baby’s blood type inherited from the father does not mix well with the mother’s blood type. Having this positive test meant baby Mary-Katherine had a higher chance of jaundice. Mary-Katherine stayed in the hospital’s nursery an extra night for observation. Katie recalls that leaving the hospital without her newborn was very hard for her and David, especially with it being their first baby. Thankfully, Mary-Katherine was released the following day. When Mary-Katherine went to her first pediatrician appointment, they were sent to Children’s Health of Atlanta for three days where she went through phototherapy for her high levels of bilirubin. “I was trying to heal, and in quite a bit of pain from delivery. It was a very trying first week for us. But now she is thriving and has her own little personality.” – Katie Having Baby #2 Because they had trouble their first time getting pregnant, Katie and David decided to start trying again within a year of having Mary-Katherine. This time was much easier and Katie became pregnant in April! Having had her first baby, she felt more prepared for her second. Since she and David were able to do all of the pregnancy activities ‘firsts’ with Mary-Katherine, being pregnant for the second time made her stronger and more mentally prepared. They did not have a gender reveal party for their second but finding out the gender was still one to remember. They were on vacation with her in-laws when her 10-week blood work results popped up on the app on her phone. Katie and David announced Katie’s pregnancy to all of their friends and family at 20 weeks. “It was a totally different experience than with a gender reveal. Part of me felt it was a boy and I sort of convinced my husband that it was too. Turns out it was a girl and I realized we needed to start saving now for two weddings later in their future!” – Katie on learning the sex of their 2nd baby Gestational Diabetes At around 30 weeks into her second pregnancy, Katie was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This was a shock for her as she had been physically active her whole life, and diabetes did not run in her family. She later learned that her placenta was having to overcompensate for insulin resistance, which is an underlying part of PCOS. Because of the size of Mary-Katherine and Katie’s recent diagnosis of gestational diabetes, she modified her diet and became more aware of what she was eating. Because of her diagnosis, Katie went into the office for stress tests once a week. Her baby was very active during the stress tests. Knowing her baby was healthy was a huge relief. “It was so reassuring to feel my baby being so active, kicking and moving. I felt that the baby was in good shape,” she recalled. False Alarm One day, after arriving home from a stress test at

Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

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It’s completely normal to be worried about protecting the health and safety of your developing baby. Many couples, especially first-time parents, worry about how pursuing intimacy in their relationship will affect the little one growing inside mama. Which brings us to the age-old question. Is sex safe during pregnancy? The simple answer is yes, for normal pregnancies sex while your pregnant is fine. However, there are a few things you should be aware of before jumping into the sack. Change in Your Libido While some women crave sex during pregnancy, it’s the last thing on other women’s minds. Pregnancy can affect your body in ways you’d never expect. So, based on your hormonal functions, you may not be in the mood. Some things that can have an effect on your libido early on during pregnancy include: Later in your pregnancy, things such as weight gain, and back pain can dampen your enthusiasm for sexual intercourse. Keep in mind, your partner can be affected by your pregnancy as well. Their desires may be toned down to fatigue, or simply anxious about hurting the baby during intercourse. When is Sex Safe During Pregnancy? For the most part, sex during pregnancy is completely safe for everyone involved. Your developing baby is protected by both the amniotic fluid in your uterus and the strong muscles of the uterus itself. Sexual activity won’t affect the baby in the least. You may be wondering about alternative forms of sex as well. While some alternative sexual activities are completely safe for both you and baby, others might be more detrimental to your health. If you are pregnant and plan to have sex with someone you are not in a monogamous relationship with, using condoms is recommended to protect against possible transmission of STDs. Any sexual position that you feel comfortable is completely safe. However, towards the second trimester, you’ll likely feel more comfortable in positions that are not directly putting pressure on your back. When is Abstinence Recommended? During your final weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may suggest abstaining from sex. Both female orgasms and semen can stimulate contractions. This is due to the release of a chemical called prostaglandins which is said to trigger contractions when you’re close to your due date late in the third trimester. If you have a history of pre-term labor or have any of the following conditions your doctor will likely recommend practicing abstinence during the remainder of your pregnancy. Sex with a partner that has been diagnosed with an STD or STI should be avoided due to possible risk of your or your baby contracting the STD. At the very least, it’s important to use protection as always when any sexual activity with a person that has been diagnosed with any STD. Final Thoughts While usually, sex is safe during pregnancy. However, there are certain conditions that may require abstinence. Experiment with a mixture of positions throughout your pregnancy that offer the most support and comfort during sexual activities. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Our caring staff is always available to answer any questions or concerns via phone regarding sexual intercourse during your pregnancy as well.

What to Expect: The Third Trimester

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The third trimester begins in the 28th week of pregnancy and ends when your baby officially becomes a newborn. This is a bulkier, less comfortable time, but will soon be over. At the end of this trimester, the fetus will be 17 to 23 inches long, fully formed, and weigh anywhere from 6 to 10 pounds. What Happens Now? Some new symptoms may appear, and familiar ones may intensify. They might include: Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and leg cramps: These can occur at any time. RLS is common in about 15% of pregnant women. Support hose, moderate exercise, less caffeine, and more fluids during the day may alleviate discomfort. Nasal congestion and snoring: Estrogen increases blood flow throughout the body, including nasal membranes. Nasal strips and saline drops often help. So can elevating the head during sleep. If snoring becomes intense, your obstetrician may want to rule out sleep apnea. Abdominal aches: The fetus is becoming more active. Growth is accelerating, widening the uterus so that it presses against your bladder, diaphragm and other organs. Discomfort is usually minimal. Fatigue: Finding a comfortable position in bed sometimes becomes difficult. It’s recommended that you not sleep on your back now, as the growing uterus can press on the main vein (vena cava) which pumps blood from your heart to the lower part of your body. Try sleeping on your left side, using pillows as props. Insomnia and/or bad dreams: Anxiety and overactive hormones may rob you of rest. Moderate exercise, a warm bath, massage, cutting caffeine and lowering the bedroom temperature helps enable sleep. Heartburn: Hormones and pressure from the uterus pushing the stomach upward can trigger indigestion. Consult your obstetrician before trying any remedies. Stretch marks: These may become itchy and more prominent. A good moisturizer can help. Varicose veins and hemorrhoids: Extra blood pumping through your body now can make these appear. Both usually diminish or disappear after birth. Clumsiness: Rapid body shape and size changes can make you misjudge distances and bump into surroundings. Try moving slower. This minimizes injury both to yourself and the fetus. Pregnancy fog and distraction: Forgetfulness and distraction are attributable to brain function changes during pregnancy. Research actually shows that women pregnant with females experience pregnancy fog more than those carrying males. This haziness disappears a month or two after birth. Until then, keep to-do lists on hand to jog your memory. Lack of bladder control/ frequent urination: Extra weight and pressure on the pelvic floor can result in leakage and constant bathroom visits. Do your Kegels and wear panty liners. Backache: A growing stomach pulls your center of gravity forward, triggering backache. Elevating your feet, a warm bath, and gentle massage can ease pain. If it’s intolerable, however, your doctor may want to rule out injuries like sciatica. Breast leakage: Your body is preparing for breastfeeding. Nursing Pads aid in preventing staining. Lightening: At about week 36, you might notice your shape changing. Your stomach will drop lower and you could start waddling. Your baby is changing position to prepare for birth. Your breathing will be easier, heartburn may diminish, but urination may become more frequent. Mucus plug: A clear gelatinous plug may detach from the uterus weeks or immediately before labor. This means the cervix is softening and preparing for delivery. Braxton Hicks: These irregular contractions are often mistaken for the real thing by first time moms. They can occur intermittently weeks before you actually go into labor. Bloody show: Pink or brown tinged mucous indicates that you are effacing and dilating. Labor is close at hand, but it can still be several days to a few hours away. Blood should not be bright red or excessive though. Call your doctor if it is. Water breaking: The amniotic sac has ruptured and labor is approaching. If steady contractions have not begun within 24 hours, labor might be induced to avoid infection. Contractions: These are regular and stronger than Braxton Hicks and will not diminish. Your doctor will advise you as to how long to wait before leaving for the hospital. What Precautions Can I Take During This Time? You can continue to do exactly what you’ve been doing all along- take care of yourself and your baby. Eat well but watch your weight. Rest when necessary, but avoid becoming inactive. Moderate exercise will make your labor and delivery easier. Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting. If you are uneasy about anything or notice radical symptoms that worry you, consult your doctor. How Important Are Fetal Kick Counts? (Very!) Dr. Litrel discusses the importance of counting fetal kicks during your pregnancy. Fetal Kick Counts Your baby’s movement may provide information that help us care for you during this pregnancy. During a convenient hour each day, after eating and emptying your bladder, please lie down (on your side is best) and concentrate on your baby’s movement. Note each movement. Smoking may interfere with the movements and should be avoided during pregnancy. Count the number of movements for thirty minutes. Your baby should move at least five times in that thirty minutes. If your baby moves less than five times during that thirty minutes call your physician or go to the hospital. Call your doctor if you experience: Decreased fetal movement Rupture of membranes (water breaking) Contractions every 2-5 minutes (more than five per hour) Cramps in the lower abdomen with or without diarrhea Low, dull backache felt below the waistline Temperature over 100 degrees Vaginal spotting or bleeding. Helpful Hints: Be sure to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day (in addition to anything else you drink). Eat small frequent meals to avoid heartburn. Use Tylenol for minor aches and pains. You may take warm baths or showers, place a heating pad on your back using low heat setting and rest with your feet elevated. What Tests are Performed During the Third Trimester? By this time, most precautionary tests have been completed, and only these regular routine tests are done

What to Expect: The First Trimester

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Congratulations, you’re pregnant! If you’re already a parent, you know what to expect, but if this is your first child, pregnancy can be a mysterious, sometimes almost frightening process. Today’s pregnancy tests are so precise, that they can detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (Hcg) levels within days following fertilization. Immediately after a fertilized eggs attaches to the woman’s uterine wall, her body produces this hormone. A pregnancy strip can confirm conception has taken place by identifying Hcg presence in only a few drops of urine. What Happens Next? The average pregnancy lasts 280 days or 40 weeks, calculated from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period. The first trimester covers week 1 to 12. As soon as the fertilized egg (zygote) latches on to the uterine wall, both the umbilical cord and placenta begin to form. Hormonal changes rapidly begin taking place in your body. Often, early symptoms of pregnancy are mistaken for PMS. These symptoms and others include: Spotting or bleeding Fatigue Dizziness (and possibly even fainting) Aversion to certain foods Queasiness or nausea Headache Cramps Bloating Moodiness Backache Breast tenderness More frequent urination (micturition). Can Anything be Done to Counteract These Symptoms? When the egg implants itself into the uterine wall, spotting may occur, but it’s always wise to report any bleeding to your doctor to rule out the possibility of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or infection. Additional progesterone can elevate blood pressure, dilate vessels, overheat the body, and force the heart to beat faster when sending blood to the uterus. All these changes can bring about fatigue, moodiness, dizziness and possible fainting. Progesterone can also slow some body functions down, including digestion which causes nausea, vomiting, constipation, and indigestion. The body reacts by trying to purge what is upsetting it, resulting in morning sickness. Higher Hcg in the body, especially in a multiple pregnancy, can also trigger nausea. It’s best to avoid foods that repel you during this stage. For intolerable nausea or vomiting, inquire about supplements or devices that can ease discomfort. If you experience dizziness, move slowly, especially when you get up from sitting or lying down. Should faintness occur, sit down with your head between your knees. Rest when possible. Moderate headaches may be relieved with acetaminophen, but never without consulting your physician. If symptoms are excessive, speak to your doctor. Cramps, bloating and backache can also be attributed to hormonal fluctuations. Frequent urination, even in this early stage, is usually the result of uterine growth and pressure against the bladder. Fluid intake should not be limited, as this is a normal occurrence. Breast tenderness is also hormonal. The breasts are preparing themselves for the baby’s upcoming nutritional needs. Investing in a good support bra may help. What precautions can I take during this time? Don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to second hand smoke. Don’t drink alcohol or use recreational drugs. Mention any prescription drugs you use to your doctor. Avoid caffeine Disclose any work hazards to your obstetrician, such as exposure to harmful chemicals, radiation, dangerous metals, toxic waste, etc. Do not eat or handle raw meat. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Wear gloves while handling soil. If you own a cat, have someone else change the litter, and wash hands diligently after animal contact to avoid risk of toxoplasmosis which can harm your baby. Discuss your diet with your doctor and make necessary recommended changes. Take any vitamins, supplements and minerals your doctor prescribes regularly. Is it Safe to Engage in Sex During the First Trimester? Unless you have a specific medical condition of concern, it is safe to have sex. How Big is My Baby in the First Trimester? Between week four and twelve, your baby grows from the size of a tiny fig seed to roughly the length of that credit card you’re probably beginning to max out in happy anticipation. He or she is almost 3 inches long, weighing approximately one ounce and is about the size of a golf ball. Yet, by now, those tiny fingers have fingerprints. Organs are formed, functioning, and are visible through almost transparent skin. A heartbeat can be detected. The body is beginning to catch up with the head that still accounts for one third of body size. Reflexes are becoming sharper. The fetus can make sucking motions and respond to stimuli such as prodding. Eyes are close together on the face instead on either side of the head. Ears are forming and almost in position. The skeleton is made of cartilage that will gradually become bone. Gender is discernable. What Tests Are Performed During the First Trimester? Your blood will be will screened for type, count, RH factor, anemia, German measles (rubella), hepatitis B, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, along with exposure to diseases such as toxoplasmosis and varicella. Other test will look for genetic problems such as sickle cell anemia, Tay- Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, etc. A combination blood/ultrasound nuchal translucency for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities may be offered during the latter part of this trimester. Glucose levels will be analyzed for signs of diabetes and urine checked for albumin which may indicate preeclampsia An ultrasound, usually near the end of the first trimester, will determine a due date, gender, and normal fetal progress. Although your baby develops throughout your entire pregnancy, extra precaution during the first trimester when fetus growth is so accelerated is vital. Our doctors can guide you in all the ways possible to ensure both your health and that of your child. For more information, visit Northside Hospital Cherokee. For an appointment, call our clinic at 770.720.7733.

Fun and Fearless Jana!

Diane /

Do upcoming labor pains scare Jana? Doesn’t look like it! When we first started following Jana’s pregnancy, we knew her journey would be a fun one to watch and she sure didn’t let us down. These amazing pre-baby belly pics perfectly show off her fun, down-to-earth and completely fearless personality. We love it!

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Two Babies in Two Years

Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?

What to Expect: The Third Trimester

What to Expect: The First Trimester

Fun and Fearless Jana!

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