As if there aren’t enough things to think about when you find out you’re pregnant, once you find out you are having a boy, you may be conflicted about whether you should circumcise him or not.
Depending on where you live in the world, this may sound totally crazy, or it may be weighing heavily on your mind.
Read MoreWhile trying to conceive (TTC) naturally, we essentially have no control on whether we conceive a girl or a boy. While some people don’t mind whether they have a boy or girl, others may have a strong preference on baby’s sex. Maybe they already have 2 girls and they really want a boy, or vice versa.
There are a few different methods that couples can try in an attempt to “plan” the sex of their baby. We’re going to talk about the Shettles Method.
Read MoreWhen it comes to pregnancy, we tend to focus on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters. These three trimesters are what make up a pregnancy, from conception to birth.
What happens right after birth? What about that immediate postpartum period? What about adjusting to life with a new baby? We tend to do so much prepping for pregnancy, birth, and baby items that we forget about the postpartum period, or the 4th trimester.
Read MoreIf you desire a vaginal birth after cesarean section, or a VBAC, there are some steps you may want to take to ensure success. With the help of a supportive provider and birth team, a great birth plan, a doula, and doing things to help strengthen your uterus, preparing for a VBAC is totally possible!
Read MoreYou’ve finally made it to the end of your pregnancy! By the time you start nearing your “due date”, it may feel like time is crawling.
Around 37-42 weeks of pregnancy is when most people are “over” being pregnant and they’re ready to get that baby out!
Your “due date” is the day you turn 40 weeks pregnant. We use quotations around “due date” just because it’s pretty rare that babies actually come out on this day. Since there’s no possible way to know the date of conception (unless you do IVF), a due date is really just a pretty good estimation. Most pregnant folks go into labor somewhere between 38 and 42 weeks of pregnancy.
Read MoreAround 12 days after conception, an amniotic sac forms in your uterus. This amniotic sac will house your baby for the duration of your pregnancy. The amniotic sac is full of water (amniotic fluid), which helps to cushion your baby and the umbilical cord.
At some point toward the end of your pregnancy, your amniotic sac may “rupture.” We usually hear this referred to as your “water breaking”. Sometimes this happens before labor, sometimes it happens during labor, during pushing, and sometimes it doesn’t happen until after your baby is born. If your water doesn’t break on its own, your baby can either be born in the amniotic sac, referred to as “en caul”, or your provider can break your water at some point during labor. This process of your provider breaking your water for you is referred to as “artificial rupture of membranes” (AROM).
Read MoreIf you are someone who has used a “fertility awareness” method or “natural family planning/NFP” to either prevent a pregnancy or try to conceive (TTC), you may be familiar with your cervix.
Tracking your cervical position, texture, and cervical mucus can give you some insight about when you’re in the fertile window of your cycle. These cervical changes, along with some other subtle bodily changes, can point to signs and symptoms of ovulation.
Knowing what your cervix is doing is not only helpful when you’re trying to conceive, but it also provides valuable information during pregnancy, labor, and birth.
Read MoreHopefully by this time in your life you’ve seen a care provider for your routine gynecological needs. This person could either be a doctor or a midwife (yes, midwives do routine well visits, place birth control, and counsel you about treatment options!).
Then you get pregnant. Now what? Well, you have a few options!
Read MoreOnce you find out you’re pregnant, you start wondering what habits you may need to temporarily cut out of your life. One of these habits that come to mind may be drinking coffee. Years ago, it was expected for caffeine to be totally cut out of a pregnant person’s diet, but we now know that is no longer necessary.
While your diet may need to be slightly modified during pregnancy, we now know that a moderate amount of daily caffeine is totally fine. Wondering what not to and drink to eat while you’re pregnant can be a bit frustrating, but Motherboard has your back with all of the evidence-based and up-to-date information!
Read MoreOnce you find out you’re pregnant, you start questioning the safety of basically everything you do. This is especially true if you’re pregnant for the first time.
You start researching what not to eat when pregnant, if you can still safely sleep on your back, and if you can still have sex while pregnant.
The good news is: Unless you are told otherwise by your healthcare provider, sex is perfectly safe for the duration of pregnancy. In fact, sex may be good for you while pregnant!
Some people are curious about specific things regarding sex while pregnant that you may not be comfortable talking about with your healthcare provider. We’re going to try to answer all of those nitty gritty (and possibly uncomfortable) questions you may have!
Read MoreChoosing where you want to give birth is one of the first decisions you’ll make after finding out you’re pregnant.
It’s important for you to weigh all of your options and figure out where you feel most safe and comfortable. The 3 options you have when is comes to birthing place are:
Maternity Hospital
Birthing Center (Freestanding birth center or hospital-based birth center)
Home
Let’s chat more about some things to think about prior to choosing your maternity hospital/birthing place!
Read MoreWhether you’re trying to conceive (TTC), trying to avoid a pregnancy, or you just want to be more in tune with your body and your menstrual cycles, recognizing and learning the signs and symptoms of ovulation will be very helpful.
Everyone’s menstrual cycles and ovulation symptoms may vary, but there are some key signs of ovulation to be aware of. Once you learn these signs and symptoms, you’ll be able to pinpoint what’s normal for you.
Once you can comfortably and confidently recognize that ovulation is near, you can use your knowledge to either avoid pregnancy or try to conceive!
Read MoreWhile trying to conceive (TTC), the last thing you want to see is blood coming from your vagina. This can be super disheartening to think you’re back to cycle day one and that you have to try again another month.
Don’t psych yourself out right away though…there is a chance that the spotting you are thinking is your period could be “implantation bleeding.”
Implantation bleeding occurs right around the time you would expect your period to show up and could be an early sign of pregnancy before you even get a positive home pregnancy test!
Let’s chat about what implantation bleeding is, how to spot it, and how to differentiate implantation bleeding from a period.
Read MoreWhile in labor and while giving birth, it’s important to remember that gravity is your friend!
Different positions and frequent movement/position changes can really help your baby engage into your pelvis and get into an optimal birthing position.
Keep in mind that the best way to get through labor and the best way to give birth is whatever way you are most comfortable.
Let’s talk about some different labor positions for a more comfortable birth and maybe even a shorter labor!
Read More“What should I put on my baby registry?” “Do I need a changing table?” “Where is my baby going to sleep?”
As if there aren’t already a million things to think about when you’re pregnant; what about breastfeeding?
Although breastfeeding/chestfeeding is described as the “natural” way to feed our babies, sometimes it doesn’t always come naturally to us.
It is common to run into a few challenges as a new parent who is also new to breastfeeding.
Motherboard is here to help!
Read MoreWhile trying to conceive (TTC), we tend to be VERY in tune with our bodies. We question every little twinge wondering if it might be an early sign of pregnancy.
Whether you found out you were pregnant before your period was due or once your period was already late, you may have experienced some period-like cramping, but why?
Read MoreA doula can be your trusted guide through your birth process. In this guide, we answer the question "what is a doula?" and explain the benefits of hiring a doula, how to know if a doula is right for you, and much more.
Read MoreVaginal discharge is a secretion that is made up of fluids and cells from your vagina, uterus, and cervix. Vaginal discharge may range from clear and watery to white and milky.
At some points throughout your menstrual cycle, you may notice more discharge on your underwear, no discharge at all, or changes in the color and consistency of your discharge.
If you pay attention to the timing that your vaginal discharge changes, it can give you some insight about what’s going on in your body. Your vaginal discharge can help tell you when you’re in your fertile window and it may even give you a hint that you’re pregnant before you miss your period!
Read MoreMost people have heard of postpartum depression, but there are so many more perinatal mood disorders to be aware of.
It’s important that we learn about these so we can easily identify a perinatal mood disorder in ourselves or in a loved one.
Read MoreIs it one baby? Two? Three? Do you really have to wait until you have an ultrasound to find out for sure?
The short answer is: Yes. In order to be 100% sure how many babies are in your uterus, you’ll have to wait for ultrasound confirmation.
The good news is, there may be some other, earlier, signs of a twin pregnancy!
Read More
