pregnancysolutions

Meconium is brown stained amniotic fluid and represents the passage of stool from the bowels of the baby in utero. 

 

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Macrosomia refers to a fetus larger than 4000 to 4500 grams (or 9 to 10 pounds) at birth. About 9% of infants are born macrosomic and there is a wide variation of size by country. 

 

When a baby is large or even too large for vaginal birth, there can be several complications (maternal, fetal and neonatal) that can arise. Maternal complications can include: slowed or stopped labor, an increase in instrumentation at birth (forceps or vaccum), an increase in cesarean birth, an increase in lacerations along the genital tract, postpartum hemorrhage or even uterine rupture. 

Fetal complications can include shoulder dystocia or even stillbirth.  Neonatal complications include high sugar after birth, respiratory problems and even minor birth defects can be found all leading to an increase in NICU admissions after birth. 

In this episode, our True Birth experts discuss everything about macrosmia from complications to causes and prevention strategies. Find out all you need to know about macrosomia on this True Birth Podcast. 

 

We'd love to hear your feedback.   You can reach us on our website at www.truebirthpodcast.com

 

Our practice website can be found at:

Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/

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Platelets, also called thrombocyotes, are a component of red blood cells.  They are fragments of cytoplasm that are derived from the bone marrow and are essential for blood clotting. Blood clotting is exteremly important in pregnancy and labor and delivery to prevent excessive bleeding (hemorrhage).

Should a woman keep an eye on her platelet levels during pregnancy?  The resounding answer is yes.   Find out how and why platelets matter on this weeks episode of True Birth. 

 

Key Highlights:

[01:54] What are platelets and how are they important to the body?

[05:55] What is the job of platelets in the body?

[06:35] What happens if you don’t have good platelet function?

[07:50] The normal platelet count

[08:40] Causes of low platelets count during pregnancy

[09:37] #1 cause: haemodilution

[12:54] How women get misdiagnosed as having thrombocytopenia

[15:10] Different types of thrombocytopenia

[18:15] Why is it a problem to have platelets levels below 100k/ml?

[21:24] Paralysis during an epidural: why is it rare?

[24:32] Epidural alternatives

[25:30] Why cancer leads to low platelet levels.

[27:49] #2 cause: preeclampsia

[28:58] Some treatments to boost your platelets.

[32:03] Should you worry about DIC when you have low platelets?

[32:21] Can the baby also have low platelets?

[34:46] How to determine the baby’s platelet levels

[38:14] What is alloimmune thrombocytopenia?

[40:49] Thrombocytosis and treatment

[42:43] Summary of the episode

[43:45] Do women on Heparin or Lovenox have to worry about low platelets?

[44:50] Is there anything you can do with your diet to increase your platelets?

[45:46] Why platelets transfusion is not recommended

[47:00] Does it mean you have low platelets if you regularly have nose or gum bleeds?

Notable Quotes

• Platelets are one of the most important things in the human body. Their job is to stop bleeding.
• Platelets' job is to keep blood where it’s supposed to be and not let it escape when any damage occurs.
• 5-10% of women will have platelets under 150,000/ml just because they’re pregnant.
• If you have a c-section and your platelets are 50,000/ml, you are in trouble. You might not stop bleeding from the surgery.
• The average platelets only last 7-10 days.
• Anything that’s going to build your kidneys and bone marrow will build your platelets.

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Our practice website can be found at:

Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/

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How long is it necessary to wait to get pregnant after a pregnancy in various circumstances? There is no uniform or immediate answer. In this episode, we explore what is recommend in each circumstance: miscarrarriage, vaginal delivery and cesarean birth. What is the interval between pregnancies that is safe?  Tune in this week to find out.  

 

Our practice website can be found at:

Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/

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Put on your Columbo jackets! When a patient tells the story of what happened in their labor and delivery experience, they often leave clues as to what truly happened from a medical perspective. Every clinician understands that patients are not necessarily coming from a medical background when they recount their own experiences with healthcare. The pertinent medical information can be colored by the patient's own perceptions of what was happening we and what they were informed of at the time.  A good physician will be able to piece together the puzzle and find the medical facts in the story to crack the case of what really happened in any labor and delivery room. In this creative and interesting episode, Dr. Abdelhak walks us through how he puts on his Sherlock Holmes’ cap and can make accurate deductions from fragments of information in a patients story and medical records.  True Birth presents : Forensic Obstetrics

 

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The round ligaments are ligaments that sit near the uterus and, pass near the inguinal canal and end in the labia majora. It is a very common report in pregnancy to experience pain in the round ligament area.   The pain is most common in the second trimester and can be on either the right or left side and often described as a pulling sensation. It is thought to be caused by irritation of the nerve fibers along the ligament.  In this episode, we discuss treatments and the best course of action in pregnancy.  

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but it can come with its fair share of discomforts. One common discomfort experienced by many expectant mothers is round ligament pain. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and methods of relief for round ligament pain, providing insights to help pregnant women better manage this discomfort.

Round ligament pain is a common complaint during pregnancy, especially during the second trimester. The round ligaments are bands of tissue that support the uterus and stretch as the baby grows. As the ligaments stretch and accommodate the expanding uterus, they can become strained, leading to pain. This pain is often described as sharp, stabbing, or aching, and typically occurs on one or both sides of the lower abdomen or groin area.

The primary cause of round ligament pain is the stretching and pulling of the round ligaments to accommodate the growing uterus. Activities that involve sudden movements, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or changing positions quickly, can trigger or exacerbate the pain. Physical exertion, such as exercise or lifting heavy objects, may also contribute to the discomfort.

Round ligament pain is characterized by sharp or stabbing pain on one or both sides of the lower abdomen or groin. The pain is often short-lived but can sometimes last for several minutes. It is typically more pronounced when transitioning from a resting to an active state. While round ligament pain is usually harmless, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes of abdominal pain and ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Several strategies can help alleviate round ligament pain and provide relief to expectant mothers. These include:

1. Rest and Relaxation: Take breaks throughout the day to rest and avoid activities that may strain the ligaments.

2. Gentle Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises, such as prenatal yoga or walking, to maintain muscle tone and improve flexibility.

3. Change Positions Slowly: Avoid sudden movements that can strain the ligaments. When transitioning between positions, do so gradually.

4. Supportive Clothing: Wear supportive maternity belts or garments that provide gentle compression and support to the abdomen.

5. Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help relax the muscles and alleviate pain.

Round ligament pain is a common discomfort experienced during pregnancy, caused by the stretching and pulling of the round ligaments supporting the growing uterus. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and adopting appropriate strategies for relief, expectant mothers can manage this discomfort and continue to embrace the joy of their pregnancy journey with greater ease

 

Our practice website can be found at:

Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/

Remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes

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