According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), perinatal depression, or depression that happens during and after pregnancy, is one of the most common medical complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. ACOG estimates it affects 1 in 7 women — left untreated, it can affect the health of the mother, baby and…
Patients and family members on the third floor of Norton Hospital have a new outdoor space where they can go to relax, meditate or enjoy the company of family members. This floor is home to the hospital’s labor and delivery and postpartum units, as well as part of the Norton Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care…
During pregnancy, there are two vaccines that women should get to help protect them and their unborn children. Unfortunately, many women in the United States are not getting vaccinated, especially if they are Black or Hispanic. Just 61% of pregnant women got a flu shot during the 2019-2020 flu season, and only 40% also got…
Seasonal flu is especially dangerous for pregnant women and their babies in normal times. With COVID-19 spreading at the same time, it’s especially important to get vaccinated this year. “If you’re pregnant, getting a flu shot is critical because you’re more likely to have serious complications from the flu because of changes to your immune…
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common condition caused by an imbalance of hormones that results in small cysts growing on the ovaries. PCOS mostly affects women in their late teens and 20s, and can cause irregular periods or infertility, as well as other health issues. PCOS is one of the most common causes…
Just in time for National Breastfeeding Month, Baby Bistro & Boutique is marking its fifth anniversary of providing advice, supplies and support to breastfeeding moms. Moms and their families can buy and rent breast pumps and parts, breastfeeding bras, breastfeeding pillows and many other breastfeeding supplies. Mothers also can make an appointment with a lactation…
As the coronavirus outbreak continues, the medical community learns more about how it affects certain populations. A study released July 9 by the University of Milan in Italy found the coronavirus and antibodies against it in the umbilical cord blood, breast milk, placentas and vaginas of some pregnant women infected with COVID-19, suggesting that the…
There isn’t enough experience with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to know whether mothers can transmit it via breast milk, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), available data suggests breastfeeding isn’t a likely source of transmission. What should you do if you are breastfeeding and have COVID-19 symptoms or…
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause mood swings like irritability in young children. In older adults a UTI can bring on restlessness and other mood changes. And why are they more common during the summertime? Blame swimming pools, wet bathing suits, sweaty clothing and dehydration. Here are three more things you may not know…
After any vaginal delivery, you may have swelling and discomfort. If you had a vaginal tear or episiotomy with delivery, you may have stitches in the area as well as itching and soreness. “Soreness in the vaginal area usually will begin to ease over six to 12 weeks after birth,” said Kenneth J. Payne, M.D.,…
Many factors can go into how long after giving birth you can have sex. Whether you delivered vaginally or via cesarean section, your body needs time to heal. Waiting at least six weeks after childbirth to have sexual intercourse is best. You’ll need to get clearance from your provider, because there are risks to having…
Postpartum anxiety symptoms are different from those of postpartum depression, and new moms can have one condition and not the other. They also can have both at the same time. Worrying about a new baby is normal. Is she eating enough? Is he sleeping too much? Germs! And you’re not going to get enough sleep….