When planning for birth, there's a lot to think about — and delayed (or deferred) cord clamping is one of those things that keeps popping up. But what exactly is it, and should it be on your birth plan? Let's break it down so you can decide what's best for you and your baby. What is delayed cord clamping? Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is exactly what it sounds like — waiting a bit longer before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord after birth. Traditionally, the cord was clamped and cut within seconds of delivery. Instead, it’s...

During my postpartum checkup six weeks after welcoming my son, my doctor gave me some unexpected advice: Keep taking my prenatals. The etymology of the word — pre, or before — gave me the impression that I only needed to take them while I was pregnant. So, what exactly is the purpose of prenatal vitamins, and how long do you really need them? For these answers and more, I turned to a few experts: Dorothy Bestoyong, DO, an OB/GYN based in Orlando, Florida; Caledonia Buckheit, MD, an OB/GYN based in Raleigh, North Carolina; and Anna Bohnengel,...

You’re pregnant, you waddle to the bathroom for the millionth time today, and when you finally pee, you notice something weird — your urine looks cloudy. Great, another fun pregnancy symptom no one warned you about. It's enough to make any expectant mom wonder what's brewing in her body. Let's dive into the world of cloudy urine during pregnancy and unravel this common yet often misunderstood phenomenon. Is cloudy pee normal in pregnancy? The short answer? Sometimes. Pregnancy is a time of significant bodily changes, and your urine can certainly reflect that. As your body works...

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by the “biological clock” narrative. You know, the one that tells you if you don’t find your person, get married, and have all the children you want by age 30(ish), you’ve essentially “missed the boat” to building the family of your dreams. The reality? It’s 2025, and both societal timelines and reproductive possibilities have come a long way. And in light of all that, it’s time to rescript the conversation around advanced maternal age (not geriatric pregnancies — because you know how we feel about that term). ...

Pregnancy can be an equally joyful and stressful time: There’s the excitement of welcoming a cuddly new baby into your life, and, of course, the relentless planning that comes with it. The last thing anyone needs during this period is one more thing to worry about, but sometimes, extra stress is unavoidable. Like, say, finding out during your latest prenatal care visit that you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the heart has to work harder to pump blood because the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is...

You’ve probably heard that if you’ve given birth via C-section, you’ll never be able to have a vaginal delivery for subsequent pregnancies. “Once a C-section, always a C-section” is, after all, an old adage. The reality? VBAC — or vaginal birth after a cesarean — is a possibility (but not a certainty) for mothers who have delivered once via C-section and would like to deliver vaginally for subsequent pregnancies. Here’s what you need to consider about VBAC success rates, safety, and more. Your provider can help you determine whether you're a VBAC candidate Certain factors make...

Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and, let's face it, a fair share of anxiety. As expectant mothers, we're often faced with numerous decisions, and one of the more significant ones involves prenatal testing. As OB-GYN and women's health expert, Dr. Caledonia Buckheit, explains: "When it comes to genetic testing, there are screening tests (like the quad screen or cell free DNA) that tell you the likelihood that your pregnancy is affected by a genetic condition, and there are diagnostic tests, which tell you if your pregnancy is affected with a condition, yes or...

Pregnancy can be such a wonderful time. So much excitement, so much joy — and so much to do! As that due date inches closer, it can feel like a whirlwind trying to get everything ready.  Nesting parties are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They're a fun new way for parents-to-be to prep for their little one's arrival. What exactly is a nesting party? A nesting party is like a baby shower meets a home makeover show, with a dash of Marie Kondo thrown in for good measure — instead of gifts, you get...

If you’ve had a C-section before and are now thinking about your birth options, you’ve probably come across the term VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). It’s often talked about as an alternative to a repeat C-section, and for many moms, it’s an option worth considering.  But what about TOLAC (Trial of Labor After Cesarean)? This term doesn’t get as much attention, yet it plays a huge role in the process of attempting a VBAC. Understanding the difference between the two can help you feel more confident and informed as you weigh your options for your next...

You’ve taken the test (and taken a few more just to be really sure) and seen those telltale two lines. Now what? Well, first things first, you’ll want to call your doctor. Whether you conceived the old-fashioned way or after a round (or a few rounds) of fertility treatments, that test that confirms your pregnancy answers one question, yet invites a whole slew of others.  A prenatal appointment can give you so many answers about the health of your pregnancy and baby…and chart the course of the next 40-ish weeks. So what can you expect at...