Let’s face it: Pregnancy can be equal parts beautiful and terrifying. Growing a life is one of the most world-changing experiences a person can go through. But for some expectant mothers, pregnancy can be fraught with challenges — one of the potential complications being preeclampsia.  Between 5-8% of all pregnant women develop preeclampsia or another hypertension-related disorder, including 400,000 in the U.S. annually. So, what is preeclampsia, exactly, and how do you know if you are at an increased risk for the condition? Let’s dive in.  What causes preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure...

We’ve all seen it depicted in mainstream media: A woman vomits in the early morning hours and soon realizes she’s pregnant. We can’t say it isn’t true to life. Morning sickness is a common condition experienced by around 70-80% of pregnant women, and it can be an extremely uncomfortable and challenging aspect for expectant mothers.  No one wants to experience nausea and vomiting during what is supposed to be one of the most exciting times of their life. However, amidst the discomfort of the first (and sometimes also second and third) trimester of pregnancy, there is...

“Sleep before the baby comes” is often easier said than done — especially if you’re dealing with sciatica during pregnancy. Sciatica is a pain that originates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the back of the pelvis down the back of the thigh, and it can be uncomfortable, to say the least. It can also seriously disrupt your sleep, making those precious months of rest before the baby arrives elusive.   If you’re tossing and turning, wondering how to manage your sciatica pain so you can enjoy a more restful night’s sleep, look no further. Here,...

Stretch marks: they’re often a newly pregnant woman’s biggest concern as it relates to their changing body during the prenatal period. While stretch marks are an incredibly common side effect of pregnancy, there is no shortage of products on the market claiming to help you prevent or reduce their appearance.  First and foremost, stretch marks are normal — and nothing to be ashamed of. But if you do want to learn more about this pregnancy phenomenon, including why stretch marks occur, how to minimize their appearance, or even how to embrace their beauty, we’ve got you...

From the minute you find out you’re going to be a parent, your life changes. Whether due to hormonal fluctuations, lack of support, sleep deprivation, or the overall shift in life circumstances, symptoms of anxiety or depression can arise for parents during pregnancy as well as in the months following the baby’s arrival.  1 in 5 new or expecting mothers suffer from a mental health condition during or after pregnancy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Over the past few decades, there have been significant efforts to make new parents aware of the signs and...

In the months before and after giving birth, it is completely normal and even expected to feel more on edge than you usually do. After all, you are now responsible for growing and nurturing a new life. It’s when that edginess begins to impact your day-to-day responsibilities that it becomes an issue. This is typical for women who suffer from postpartum anxiety.  As someone previously diagnosed with general anxiety disorder (GAD), I was aware postpartum anxiety could be something that might affect me after having my baby. I’ve been on Lexapro for a number of years...

When an athlete returns after a serious injury, sports broadcasters share emotional stories about their resilience and determination. Fans celebrate the return of an athlete who represents the deeply human experience of overcoming adversity.  Sure, an athletic comeback story is something to be celebrated, but you know who deserves even more recognition? Women who embark on the journey to conceive again after experiencing pregnancy loss.  It takes tremendous courage to try again after a loss — and “getting back in the game” isn’t always as simple as it sounds. In this guide, we help you navigate...

It’s crazy to think that ten years ago, infertility and pregnancy loss were rarely discussed. Today, social media and IRL conversations about these topics feel fairly mainstream. I’d argue that many people (at least people who are in the age group where their friends are beginning to think about growing their own families) have at least some awareness of the many hurdles families face in this regard. People are finally grasping the reality that fertility issues and pregnancy loss are common…and with that awareness comes greater sensitivity. Today, we’re finally seeing some of that sensitivity play...

When a new baby is born, it is a time of rebirth for the mother, too. This may include navigating challenges in your recovery from childbirth and a journey towards accepting the changes your body has gone through over the past 40 weeks.  Since a Cesarean section or C-section is a major abdominal surgery, the C-section “shelf” is a common concern among new moms. The C-section “shelf” refers to the pouch of fat and skin that can linger around the C-section scar, and it can be a source of discomfort for many women during the postpartum...

You’ve just given birth, and let’s be real: sex with your partner is probably the last thing on your mind. While you have a pass for the first 8 weeks following a Cesarean delivery, once you are given the all-clear by your doctor at your first post-natal appointment, you may begin wondering how to go about having safe (and enjoyable) intercourse post-C-section. Thankfully, there are plenty of empowering positions to explore to help you reconnect with your spouse during this time. Let’s dive in!  How soon can you have sex after a C-section? A C-section is...