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Thyroid issues during pregnancy

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces thyroid hormones, which affect heart rate and metabolism.  A thyroid disorder occurs when the thyroid makes too much or too little of certain thyroid hormones (1).  Hyperthyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid is overactive, or makes too much thyroid hormone. It can cause…

Placental Screenings: The Future of Prenatal Care?

The placenta, or “afterbirth,” was previously considered a simple, relatively unimportant organ. However, over time, researchers have realized that it plays a critical role not only in fetal development and maternal health during pregnancy, but also in the long-term well being of both mothers and their children. Although its importance is now generally recognized throughout…

Grand Multiparity

The term grand multiparity is used in reference to women who have previously given birth several times. Some consider a pregnant patient to be a grand multipara if she has already given birth four or more times, and a great grand multipara if she has already given birth nine or more times. These numbers include…

Exercising to Reduce the Effects of Preeclampsia

  Exercise may protect babies from the harmful effects of preeclampsia & high blood pressure, both of which can cause birth injuries if mismanaged Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy are very serious conditions that, if mismanaged, can cause a baby to have brain damage and birth injuries such as cerebral palsy.  High blood…

Hospitals Settle Cases of Substandard Care for Cerebral Palsy Diagnoses

Two boys were offered large settlements to cover the lifelong care that their cerebral palsy requires. The boys developed cerebral palsy as a result of brain damage that occurred when medical staff failed to notice severe complications during labor. One medical team failed to notice cord compression and severe oxygen deprivation, another failed to notice placental abruption and fluctuating fetal heart.