Ask Sofia: Should I give in to my pregnancy cravings?
From pickles to pasta and ice cream to hot sauce, pregnancy cravings can run the gamut from sweet to salty, from long-time favorites to new preferences. These cravings are normal and often go away (and sometimes even become aversions) post-partum, but should you give into them in the meantime? That depends.
Managing Anemia During Pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, the volume of blood in your body increases by about 20-30 percent—and so does the amount of iron you need, since iron helps your body produce more red blood cells, which then carry oxygen to your tissues and to your baby.
Many women lack the iron needed for the second and third trimesters, leading to mild anemia. However, some experience more severe anemia, which can increase the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and baby’s risk of anemia later in infancy.
Ask Sofia: How many ultrasounds should I expect during pregnancy?
Many expecting parents look forward to prenatal ultrasounds—a safe and painless test that shows the baby’s shape and position as well as images of the placenta, amniotic sac and ovaries. Also known as a sonagram, an ultrasound can help confirm your anticipated date of delivery as well as pregnancies outside the uterus, fetal growth rate and multiple pregnancies and record fetal heartbeat and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Ask Sofia: How can I manage heartburn during pregnancy?
While it actually has nothing to do with your heart, heartburn involves a burning sensation in the chest that can be pretty uncomfortable, particularly during pregnancy when it is more common. Heartburn, or acid indigestion, is caused when stomach acid moves to the esophagus—the tube that carries food and liquid to the stomach. When these contents come back up or reflux, you might also feel pressure in your throat or a bad taste in the back of your mouth. The culprit is often hanging hormone levels during pregnancy, which can affect the digestive tract and how your body processes certain foods.
The Fourth Trimester
The fourth trimester refers to the first three months after a birth—the time of transition for a recently pregnant person and baby.
Vaccination Q&A Update
Thanks to your questions, concerns, and passion for health and wellness, we have collected a list of the top vaccine-related questions we hear at Clinic Sofia. Read on for this informative Q&A with Dr. Jewelia Wagner:
