News Moms Need

Nope.  Sometimes genetics plays a part (for example, you and your mom both have a uniquely shaped uterus, a liver disease, diabetes or high blood pressure), but usually your mom’s birthing history will not impact yours. 

C-section, or cesarean delivery, can be a lifesaving operation when either you or your baby face certain problems before or during labor and delivery. Read more about reasons for cesarean section and watch our videos at this link.   Many women who deliver surgically never planned to do so, but an emergency made it necessary.  Some health care experts, however, believe that other, non-emergent c-sections are not medically necessary. A cesarean section is major surgery and should be done only when the health of the mother or baby is at risk.  Even if you had your first baby via cesarean delivery, you may or may not need to deliver a second baby that way. It all depends on the reasons for performing the first cesarean and how the incisions were placed in your body.  It’s important to discuss this with your health care provider before your next birth experience.

Did you know? Women who have a c-section are more likely to develop a postpartum infection than women who have a vaginal delivery.

A new study from Denmark looked at the records of over 30,000 women who had given birth. Those who had a c-section were at increased risk of having a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a wound infection within the first 30 days after delivery. (A wound infection affects the area where the incision was made.) Other studies have also found an increased risk of infection after cesarean.

So if you have a c-section, be on the alert for these signs:

* For a UTI, watch for pain or burning when you go to the bathroom, blood in your urine, fever and the urge to go often.

* For  wound infection, watch for redness, swelling or pus around the incision site. Sometimes, the wound may open, and you may run a fever.

For more information, read the March of Dimes article on cesarean birth. Or watch our video C-Section: Recovering After Surgery.

I just visited my daughter and new granddaughter.  Oh, how sweet it was to see them - and big sister and Dad, too.  Spending time with my daughter reminded me of how sore and uncomfortable a woman can be after giving birth, so I thought I’d do some posts on postpartum issues.

The perineum is the area between your vagina and rectum.  It stretches during labor and vaginal birth.  It often is pretty sore after giving birth and it can take a couple of weeks before you’re comfortable enough to sit on a hard chair again.  This is especially true if you have stitches from a tear or an episiotomy (a cut made at the opening of the vagina to help widen the passage).

Here are some things you can do to help you feel more comfortable and heal sooner:
• Kegel exercises – These strengthen the muscles in the pelvic area, which helps the perineum heal.  They’re easy to do – just squeeze the muscles you use to stop yourself from peeing.  Hold the muscles tight for ten seconds, then release.  You can do this anytime, anywhere (in the car, at the grocery store, in an elevator…) so do them whenever you think about it.
• Put a cold pack on your perineum – just be sure to wrap it in a towel so you don’t freeze any skin!
• Sit on a pillow.  My daughter has a great donut pillow she used and highly recommends.
• Soak in a warm bath.
• Be sure to wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.  This will help prevent infection while the area heals.

If you try all this and you’re still really uncomfortable, ask your health care provider about pain medication for a few days.  You might want to watch this video with Dr. Dolan and women discussing some of their postpartum discomforts, including tips on how they handled them.

It was pointed out to me today that while we have been posting daily, I haven’t said much recently.  Sorry.  I have been distracted with the birth of my newest grandchild.  Multiple miscarriages and a complicated pregnancy had everyone nervous.  I know a lot, which can be a good thing and a bad thing, especially if you’re a worrier like me.  I want the baby to be healthy, I want my daughter to be healthy, I want this whole waiting game to be over so we can get off these nasty pins and needles!  (She had been having hefty contractions for four weeks.)  I live over 300 miles away and can’t do anything – but then, even if I lived next door I couldn’t really do anything.  You know, this grandmother thing is exhausting!

Monday would have been my father’s birthday.  He and my daughter were very close while he was alive.  I have to wonder, what really triggered my daughter’s labor.  She was thinking about him a lot on Monday, remembering fun times, missing him.  One thing lead to another and by 10:40 that night a healthy baby girl arrived.  All I can say is, “Thanks for your help, Dad.”  Mom and baby are home now and doing well.  The little one has all her fingers and toes and a completely round face. Her big sister is thrilled (well, at least for now), her father is beginning to relax and my daughter is looking incredibly peaceful.  And I’m beginning to sleep again, too.  Phew!

See you next week.

Have you been following all the reports about the woman in California who just delivered eight babies? I sure have. The babies are miracles, and I’m so thrilled that everyone is doing well.

The news reports say the woman probably had fertility treatments. Did you know that most fertility specialists do not recommend becoming pregnant with so many babies? It’s dangerous for both the mom and the babies.

The California babies were born nine weeks premature. Preterm birth can cause serious complications and even lifelong health problems. That’s why the March of Dimes is conducting a national campaign to fight prematurity.

Any time a woman is pregnant with more than one baby, she and the babies face extra risks. If you’re carrying more than one baby, work with your health care provider to be as healthy as you can. 

If you’re thinking about having fertility treatments or are already having them, talk to your doctor about reducing the chances of having too many babies. Your health and your children’s health will thank you.

CNN has more on this topic.

Scientists have known for a long time that premature birth can lead to problems with a baby’s brain development.

A research team, led by Dr. Joann Petrini of the March of Dimes, has learned that early birth increases the risk of cerebral palsy, developmental delays and mental retardation. The surprising finding is that this risk is true even for babies born as late as 34-36 weeks. The researchers published their study today in The Journal of Pediatrics.

A full-term pregnancy is 39 weeks. But more and more births are being scheduled early for non-medical reasons. Wouldn’t it be nice if the baby could be born when Grandma is in town? Or before the obstetrician goes on vacation? 

But early births can cause problems for both mom and baby. If possible, it’s best to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks.

There are lots of important things happening to your baby in the last few weeks of pregnancy. If you can, give your baby all the time he needs to grow before he’s born.

Those last weeks of pregnancy are hard. You’re tired, you’re not sleeping, you ache. It seems as if you’ve gained a million pounds. As my sister used to say with a long sigh, “I can’t see my feet any more.” But staying pregnant until 39 weeks matters: for you and for your baby.

The March of Dimes Web site has a helpful drawing, showing the difference between the brains of babies born at 35 and 39 weeks. Take a look. And tell us what you do to make those last hard weeks of pregnancy a little easier.

Continuing our post on the ABC’s of a healthy pregnancy A-G (July 10), here are guidelines H-Q to help increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

H: History can teach us a lot! Understanding your family history can make an important difference in your life and the lives of your children.

I: Iron is a mineral that helps create red blood cells, which are needed to carry oxygen to your baby. Be sure to get enough iron in your diet to prevent getting anemia.

J: Join a childbirth education class to help you understand what to expect during labor and birth.

K: Keep you and your baby safe during a disaster by planning ahead of time. Prepare for a disaster by making a list of medications you’re taking and having a handy contact sheet with your health provider’s information.

L: Lots of back pain? Backache is one of the most common problems for pregnant women. Avoid heavy lifting and standing for long periods of time. Wear comfortable shoes and consider a pregnancy massage to ease some of your pain.

M: Medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, should be carefully monitored by you and your health provider. Also, talk to your provider about any medications that may need to be adjusted during pregnancy.

N: Nausea is very common during pregnancy and certain foods can trigger the feeling. Try substituting other nutritious options for the foods that make you feel ill. Eat 5-6 small meals a day, rather than three large ones.

O: Oh, baby! Get ready to care for your baby before you bring her home from the hosital. Choose a health provider for her and make sure your home environment is all set and safe for your new baby.

P: Prenatal care is essential for having a healthy baby, so be sure to make all of your visits. During these appointments, prenatal tests will be given to help your provider know how you and your baby are doing.

Q: Quit bad habits such as smoking and drinking. Smoking can cause your baby to grow more slowly and gain less weight in the womb. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause your baby to be born with both physical and mental birth defects.

Visit us next Thursday for the final part of our series, the ABC’s of a healthy pregnancy R-Z.

Studies show that music can ease the pain of labor. Pregnant women and medical professionals across the country are increasingly embracing this notion. Some hospitals even supply CD players in their maternity and birthing centers. Calming, inspirational music can help women relax during labor and prepare for the birth of their babies.

The March of Dimes recently released “Stork Tunes,” a compilation CD that includes music from such artists as Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Dixie Chicks, Celine Dion and other top musicians.  Each song was selected for its focus on motherhood and babies. 

“Stork Tunes” can be purchased at the March of Dimes Web site. In addition to helping an expectant mother feel at ease, you’ll also help fund the organization’s efforts to give every baby a healthy start in life.