For all those soon-to-be-fathers, congratulations on your big bundle of joy that is on its way! As a Dad-to-be, there are many ways you can support the pregnancy and prepare yourself for parenthood. Whether it is attending prenatal appointments or baby-proofing the house, there’s a lot you can do to help the pregnancy go more…
Whether a pregnancy is planned or a complete surprise, men have an extraordinary role during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond! Research has shown that fathers who play an active role during pregnancy often lower moms’ stress levels. And lower stress means a healthier environment for your growing baby! For more information on the benefits of being…
For far too long, males have been left out of discussions about reproductive health because reproductive issues, like infertility, have been traditionally framed as “women’s issues”. However, approximately 40% of couples having difficulties conceiving find that the fertility problem is with their male partner! To learn about how lifestyle factors can affect sperm health and…
It takes approximately 2 to 3 months for sperm to grow in the male body! Lifestyle habits such as unhealthy eating, stress, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake are linked to decreased sperm health (low sperm counts or damaged sperm) and can contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage, low birth weight, and other childhood illnesses.…
Advocating for yourself with no medical knowledge isn’t easy, but it is key to having an empowered and healthy pregnancy. Never be afraid to ask questions and discuss any issues or concerns related to your pregnancy with your doctor! For more pregnancy self-advocacy tips, please visit https://www.pushpregnancy.org/advocating-for-yourself
While you are pregnant, you should expect to take some routine tests during your prenatal visits. There are some tests that are recommended for most women, such as blood work to detect anemia, your blood type, HIV, and other factors. However, other tests may be offered based on your age, personal or family health history,…
Early prenatal care is crucial, so as soon as you think you’re pregnant, schedule a prenatal appointment! During the first visit, you can expect your doctor to ask about your health history, your family’s health history, and complete a physical exam. For more information about what to expect at your first prenatal visit, please visit…
The chances of the baby being born too small and with birth complications are 3X greater if the mother does not receive prenatal care. Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to encourage a healthy birth, so get early and regular prenatal care visits to improve your chances of having a healthy…
During pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, a person goes through many physical and emotional changes. Even the same person may experience different changes for each of their pregnancies! However, women experiencing maternal mental health conditions might say… Having a baby was a mistake. I’m not bonding with my baby. I’m afraid to be alone with my…
“It is JUST the Baby Blues… I think!?” The “baby blues” are a normal period of transition affecting up to 85% of new mothers in the first 2-3 weeks after birth. Baby blues typically include emotional sensitivity, weepiness, and/or feeling overwhelmed. After you give birth, your hormone levels drop, so it’s normal to feel this…