Pregnancy Health

Many patients come to me when they first find out they’re pregnant and ask, “Do I have to take all the tests?” As part of routine prenatal care, several lab tests are suggested for all women, which can find conditions that can increase the risk of complications for mom and baby. So the answer to that question is no, you don’t have to do anything but, I highly recommend it. Life … [Read more...] about What to expect: tests during pregnancy 

Low math scores at school? Science says you can blame it on your mom. A recent study published in the European Journal of Endocrinology suggests that pregnant women who showed lower levels of thyroid hormones birthed children who later struggled with arithmetic. The study follows up earlier research that linked a decrease in maternal thyroxine, a thyroid hormone, to poor … [Read more...] about Bad at math? Blame your mom’s pregnancy hormones.

Dump that caddy of toxic potions and make your nest as safe as it is clean I’ll never forget the moment I found out I was pregnant for the first time: the excitement, the overwhelming joy, and then, of course, the panic. The idea of being responsible for something so small and vulnerable was enough to make me... well, it actually made me open my cleaning cabinets and … [Read more...] about How to achieve a safer, less toxic home for baby

Pregnancy may guarantee you a seat on the bus, but it doesn’t grant you a free pass from germs. In fact, your developing baby puts your immune system into relaxation mode, making you more susceptible to everyday illnesses. This dip in resistance may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s crucial—if your body didn’t surrender to foreign bodies, it might actually reject your … [Read more...] about The pregnancy-safe way to beat cold and flu

All right, moms-to-be, the doctor is in! Our OB, Dr. Stephen Weiss, answers your first trimester questions. Smoked out Q: I’ve been to a few parties this winter where I can smell smoke from a fire in the fireplace. I’ve read that breathing smoke can be harmful for a fetus. How seriously should I take that warning? A: Burning wood in the fireplace is generally safe during … [Read more...] about Your first trimester questions – answered!