The umbilical cord is a lifeline for a fetus as it develops in the womb. It connects the baby to its mother, housing blood vessels that provide the baby with oxygen and nutrients and dispose of waste. The development of the umbilical cord is an integral part of pregnancy, and the cord itself is monitored... Read More

There’s so much to prepare for during your pregnancy and, while most of that preparation is exciting—choosing a name, decorating the nursery and indulging your strange cravings—it can be a bit nerve-wracking to think about all the medical tests and doctor visits ahead. Those routine checkups and prenatal screening tests help your healthcare provider learn... Read More

Anoxia occurs when the body or brain loses its oxygen supply. In the context of childbirth, when oxygen deprivation takes place, it can contribute to a form of brain damage caused by oxygen loss known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE can result in cognitive and motor deficiencies that may impair a child’s development and contribute... Read More

As a soon-to-be mother, you’re already doing your best to eat a balanced diet, get plenty of sleep, and avoid stress to ensure the health of your baby. When it comes to the health and well-being of their unborn babies, mothers have two incredibly valuable tools—their instincts and their acquired knowledge of markers of their... Read More

Dyskinesia by definition is a movement disorder. Involuntary (not within a person’s control) muscle contractions create uncontrollable bodily movements. These involuntary movements are often triggered when trying to perform everyday tasks, such as reaching for a glass of water. There are three general categories of dyskinetic movement disorders: Dystonia presents as twisting and repetitive type... Read More

Cerebral palsy is the result of abnormal brain development or damage to the brain of a fetus or young baby. There are a number of factors that can lead to the development of cerebral palsy, with many of them related to prolonged labor, high-risk mothers, and medical negligence. In some cases, it is impossible to... Read More

There are three types of cerebral palsy: congenital, acquired, and genetic predisposition. Congenital cerebral palsy, a type of CP that occurs when the brain doesn’t develop as it should before or during birth, can sometimes be prevented during pregnancy. If you have concerns about cerebral palsy, how to prevent it is likely at the top... Read More

By Giles Manley, MD, JD CPFN Medical Advisor I was surprised to read recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that home births are growing in popularity. I would have thought the opposite, given that most hospitals go to great lengths to provide comfortable and nurturing environments for laboring mothers and are... Read More

When you’re in the throes of pregnancy, you’re prepared to welcome plenty of changes to your body, from hormone fluctuations and swollen feet to morning sickness and back aches. And although it can be scary to see, sometimes even a bit of bleeding is normal throughout your pregnancy. However, the difference between light spotting and... Read More

Giving birth to your baby is one of the most beautiful experiences you’ll have in your lifetime. Of course, it might be hard to remember that while you’re going through the delivery. But unlike previous eras, modern mothers are fortunate to have the option of an epidural—the pain-numbing anesthetic that helps make childbirth much more... Read More