Pregnancy Pearls

So many people are having kids later in life now for various reasons, such as waiting until your career is established, waiting for #MrRight, or just because you want to.  Because of this, you might look up and find yourself beyond the of age 40 years old.  But that’s ok.  Tune in to this episode to learn how pregnancies during your post 30 years can be different than having kids younger.  If you’...

June promotes awareness of several different diseases and health causes, and Myasthenia Gravis is one of them.  Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a condition that causes your body's immune cells to break down the substances that cause your muscles to function. Because of this, people with disease have generalized weakness, drooping eyelids, issues with chewing and swallowing, and sometimes pain and troubl...

On this week’s podcast episode, Dr. Plenty discusses “back labor”.  Back labor is severe labor pain caused by the position of the baby’s head.  Check out this episode to learn more about the typical position of your baby’s head as it moves through the birth canal and also head positions that cause more pain in labor.  You’ll also hear cases and questions related to how back labor is managed and if...

Dr. Plenty responds to some emails from listeners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Description: During the pandemic, many routine things that were previously done were halted to save resources. Well, many standard practices are back... including drug testing.  For some practices and/or hospital systems, all patients are drug tested at the beginning and end of the pregnancy. For others, only patients who have a ""high suspicion"" for drug use are tested. Don't shoot the messenger...

Conditions dealing with thyroid function are pretty common in pregnancy. So on this week's podcast episode, we discuss low thyroid function aka hypothyroidism. Check out this episode to learn how hypothyroidism is diagnosed and how the condition is impacted by pregnancy. You'll also learn about the treatment and the complications to unborn babies when hypothyroidism is uncontrolled. Download and l...

Keeping in line with preeclampsia awareness month, this week we discuss one of the complications that can happen with preeclampsia and that's a seizure.  But some people have a known seizure disorder... so how would your doctor know if the seizure is caused by complications of preeclampsia (eclampsia) or a seizure from a seizure disorder. During this episode, we discuss different types of seizures...

When most people, or at least providers, think about a headache in pregnancy, preeclampsia is usually the first diagnosis that comes to mind.  However, not all headaches are caused by preeclampsia. Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a common disorder in those of childbearing age that causes increased pressure in the brain and headaches.  Check out this epis...

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but… sometimes you have to give up some things you love.  Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your beloved coffee altogether, but you do need to limit caffeine intake in pregnancy.  Too much caffeine can cause some issues during pregnancy, like growth issues with the baby and even prematurity.  Find out how much is too much by checking out this episode of the podc...

It's preeclampsia awareness month, so of course I had to talk about it on this week's podcast episode.  One of the complications of preeclampsia is HELLP Syndrome, which stands for ""Hemolysis Elevated Liver enzymes Low Platelet"" syndrome. HELLP syndrome can be very dangerous in pregnancy because it is associated with bleeding complications, stroke, and even death! Check out this episode to learn...

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that, despite being very treatable, is still on the rise worldwide. With the increase in cases of syphilis, naturally, the number of babies born with congenital syphilis has also profoundly increased.  Check out this episode to learn about the stages of syphilis, how it's transmitted to unborn babies, and how it affects babies during pregnancy and beyond....

Did you know that some people have a heart-shaped  uterus or even two uteri?  Yeah, it’s a thing! The shape of your uterus can have an impact on if you get pregnant and the outcome of that pregnancy.  Check out this episode to learn about abnormalities of the uterine shape and how it can impact your pregnancy and even other organ systems.  Download and listen now… and don’t forget to share with yo...

During pregnancy, one reason that an anatomy ultrasound is done is to evaluate for signs of chromosomal abnormalities. Some chromosomal abnormalities are associated with major birth defects, and some are not. One common chromosomal abnormality that can be associated with abnormal ultrasound findings is Turner syndrome.  With this syndrome, the baby is missing one of the X-chromosomes. Listen to th...

Pregnancy is a stressful time, and it can bring out the best and the worst of some couples.  Some couples really work and act as a team while others are plagued with drama.  From paternity testing during pregnancy, to mistresses and divorce, she's seen it all. In this episode, Dr. Plenty discusses relationships in pregnancy and how to confront these issues head on. She also answers questions relat...

The Easter holiday weekend is coming up, but some of you might be stuck in the hospital.  Being away from friends and family can be especially difficult particularly during holidays.    But know that you’re doing what you have to do to keep you and your baby safe. Download and listen to this episode to find out common reasons for prolonged hospital stays during pregnancy, what’s needed to be manag...

As the warmer months are approaching, many of you are getting ready for your baby moons or spring break trips with your families. If you're going to have some fun in the sun, don't forget your sunscreen!  We often forget that our skin takes a daily beating, even in cooler weather, but definitely as the weather warms up.  So we must be diligent in taking steps to protect our biggest organ-- our ski...

Edibles, pot, weed, grass, ganja... all of these are terms for different types or forms of cannabis. Cannabis in various forms have now been widely used for both recreational and medicinal use. Some women even use it during pregnancy for pain and nausea/vomiting. But is it safe though? Check out this episode to learn about different types of cannabis and how they can affect pregnancy. Also, find o...

Everyone is offered a genetic screen called a carrier screening during pregnancy. The carrier screen detects if you are a carrier for 4 to 274 diseases, depending on the type of screen ordered.  Well, one of those screens detects if you have Fragile X premutation.  Fragile X syndrome is caused by CGG repeats on the X chromosome and causes mild to severe intellectual disability. It affects both mal...

We love our families… but sometimes, they can get a bit overbearing.  Throwing pregnancy in the mix can make family members who were once tolerable now seem to be too controlling.  Want to find a nice way to keep it together, keep your newborn safe, and avoid an argument with your in-laws? Well, this is the one for you. Check out this episode for advice about how to handle your family during the p...

Unfortunately, not every pregnancy is a perfect, joyous occasion.  Sometimes, that’s because of unpleasant pregnancy symptoms and other times it’s because you’ve been informed of some concerns that need further evaluation.  Well, in this episode, we address the latter.  Make sure to listen to this episode as Dr. Plenty tells you how to handle “not so good” news and answers listeners questions rega...

Oh the pregnancy nose… I know you’ve heard about it before.  Some of you might have even experienced having a “pregnancy nose” while you were pregnant.  Well, make sure to download and listen to this episode to find out why changes in your nose happens and when you can expect your nose to go back to its normal self.  You’ll also learn about when changes in your face and nose could be a sign of som...

Many of you might have questions about how you can have diabetes only during pregnancy and how it’s diagnosed.  Well, in this episode, you’ll find out who should be screened for diabetes early in the pregnancy (and why) as well as how gestational diabetes is diagnosed.  You’ll also learn about how diabetes is managed and how to safely get through your pregnancy.  This is a great “bread and butter”...

You’re 36 weeks, so this means you’re almost done with the pregnancy!!  Check out this episode to find out how to prepare for your upcoming delivery, how to discuss your birth plan, and the changes both you and your baby experience at this gestational age.  You’re on the home stretch! Download and listen now.  And don’t forget to share with your friends.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

Welcome to week 32!! You made it to the third trimester, and this is such an exciting time. Through active movement, your baby is letting you know he/she is definitely present. Check out this episode to find out how much your baby has changed and chances of survival if your baby happened to be born early. Also, learn the changes your body is going through and how to prepare for the rest of the pre...

So, you’ve finally made it to the halfway point of your pregnancy—the 20 week mark.  This is an exciting milestone. Check out this episode to learn what to anticipate at your anatomy scan, how much your baby has grown, and the changes your body experiences at this gestational age. Have friends who are expecting? Make sure to share with them as well. Download and listen now! See omnystudio.com/list...