Redefining the term "Term"

I have heard many women say that they are full "term" at 37 weeks pregnant. While this is technically true, research has found that there are many developmental differences in infants born at 37 weeks 0 days and infants born at 41 weeks 6 days (42 weeks being post "term"). If you think about it, a baby born at 37 weeks won't be developmentally equal to a baby who gets to stay in the womb for 2, 3, or even 5 weeks longer.

So a workgroup of medical professionals; including WHO, ACOG, AAP, the March of Dimes, and many others, set out to redefine what "term" really means. The workgroup recommends using the following designations: early term (37 weeks 0 days to 38 weeks 6 days), full term (39 weeks 0 days through 40 weeks 6 days) and late term (41 weeks 0 days through 41 weeks 6 days). To read more details on their findings, check out the following article: Defining "Term" Pregnancy.

So what does that mean for someone who is pregnant? It means do your best to stay pregnant until at least 39 weeks. If you have any symptoms of preterm labor, call you care provider right away.

Pregnancy and Pelvic Floor Issues

Many women struggle with pelvic floor issues after pregnancy, labor and delivery. It is not uncommon to lose control of bladder and/or bowl function after this major life event. The following is an account of one woman's experience:

"I had my son 14 months ago in what I would describe as a long and hard labor. I pushed for 4 hours. I knew there would be swelling and soreness after labor and it would take some time for my body to get back on track. After labor while still in the hospital I expected everything that was happening to my body. I didn't know what it would feel like, but I figured my body just went through some serious trauma so there would most definitely be some aftermath.

It wasn't until I got home from the hospital that I suddenly realized I had no control of my bladder. I didn't have the sensation to pee which led to lots of "accidents." It seemed as though some women could relate to a certain degree but not to the full extent.

As time went on it got a little better. I regained the sensation to pee at around 5 or 6 weeks. Though I still was unable to hold it. If I jumped, walked at a fast pace, did anything bouncy, I would pee my pants. Yes folks, I'm a grown woman who pees her pants. I saw in a movie one time that peeing your pants is cool. I'm trying to bring that back! :)

I recently listened to a Pregnancy, Birth and Pelvic Floor Issues webinar with Dr. Roger Lefevre. I found the webinar very useful in regards to floor exercises and pelvic strength training that could help with my "leakage." The webinar spoke truth to some misconceptions I had about bladder control. One misconception I had was that kegels weren't really doing much in helping to regain pelvic strength. The webinar highlighted the importance of kegels and how truly simple they are.

So, today I am 14 months post baby and I have regained a lot of pelvic strength. I'm not quite where I was pre-baby but day by day getting there."

If you are struggling with pelvic floor issues and want to get help, a great place to start is listening to 

Pregnancy, Birth and Pelvic Floor Issues.  Help is definitely available and a better quality of life is attainable. Don't settle for anything less!

Friday the 13th

Yesterday started out like any other Friday morning, but little did I know the strange turn of events that would happen that crisp September 13th, 2013...

I got the kids ready for the day and despite Mason's cold, I sent him packing to school. Miles was up half the night with a cough so I was pretty tired and decided to "lay low". We hung out at the house and it was a beautiful day for a walk around the neighborhood. Then, I got the text--my client was in early labor. She labored on her own until she called to say to meet her at the birth center. I was a little bummed that I would miss "date night" with hubby, but was so excited to go to her birth. She labored like a champ and had a beautiful baby boy (7 lbs 13oz) late that Friday evening.  But something very little strange happened during her labor. She told me that she first started dating her husband on Friday the 13th and that they were married on Friday the 13th. Here she was about to have her first baby on...Friday the 13th. DUN-DUN-DUUUNNN!! 

She only had a 0.82% chance of having a baby on that day and she did! What a cool story that they will have to pass along to their family for generations to come. 

P.S. This is my second client to have a Friday the 13th baby... DUN-DUN-DUUUNNN!!

(Permission to post information by client)

Staying Local

I live in a quaint suburb of Baltimore City called Catonsville. It is not small by any means, at a population of over 41,000, but somehow it keeps its small town charm. I love where I live because of the great family and neighborly atmosphere.

On top of being a great place to live, Catonsville has some fantastic resources for pregnant mothers.

Bay State Chiropratic is located right off the main drag in Catonsville and specialized in treating pregnant mothers, babies, and children. Dr. Baron and his staff are experienced in treating pain from pregnancy, helping trouble shoot and treat latching problems in babies, and adjusting children. I love Bay State Chiropractic because they, not only do a fantastic job at treating patients, but also give back to the community. If you live in the area and are considering chiropractic services, please give Dr. Baron a try!

Another service that moms-to-be often desire is prenatal yoga and Catonsville has its very own yoga studio called Avalon Yoga and Wellness Center that teaches prenatal yoga. Just a couple of miles west in Historic Ellicott City is another great yoga center called GoGo Guru Yoga taught by Michele Bickley. You can even do yoga with your baby after birth at Baby Om Baby and Me Yoga hosted by Informed Birth Choices in Catonsville.

And last, but certainly not least, is Informed Birth Choices located in the heart of historic Catonsville. IBC offers childbirth, infant care, breastfeeding, and comfort measures classes. It also hosts a New Moms Group and different types of Yoga. IBC also provides doula services to the Maryland and D.C. area. If you live is Catonsville or surrounding area, hooking up with IBC is a pregnancy must!

Well, as you can tell I really love Catonsville and am so glad to be plugged into the local pregnancy, birthing, and new mom community. Get to know the community where you live and you will find some awesome treasures!