Pregnancy Pearls

Sickle cell anemia, also called sickle cell disease, is an inherited condition that causes sickling of red blood cells. These sickled cell aren’t able to carry oxygen effectively to tissues in the body. As a result of lack of oxygen to tissues and damage to vessels by the sickled cells, patients with the disease experience pain crises and organ damage (including heart attacks and strokes). Sickle cell anemia is most commonly found in African Americans and can cause several complications in pregnancy.  About 1:12 Black people are asymptomatic carriers for the sickle cell trait and might not even know it! Listen to this episode to find out more about your pregnancy risk if you have the disease and the risk of the disease to your unborn baby if you are a carrier.  Make sure to share with friends as well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you have a high risk pregnancy or not, if you admit it, by the end of pregnancy you're miserable and trying to find some relief of pelvic pressure.  I know other women in your family might say:  don't get a facial; avoid massages; don't leave the house. LOL! Well, in this episode, we're going to talk about the safe ways to pamper yourself in pregnancy and things you should avoid.  If you're pregnant, don't miss this episode, and forward it to your bump buddies to download and listen as well!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know you’ve heard that alcohol isn’t safe in pregnancy.  But do you really know the impact of even one drink in pregnancy?  To discuss the topic of alcohol and its impact, Dr. Plenty is joined by Mrs. Natalie Vecchione, a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) parent advocate and founder of FASD Hope.  She shares her experience with her adopted son who also has fetal alcohol syndrome and her advocacy efforts related to supporting other parents who have kids with alcohol spectrum disorders.  To learn more about the effects of alcohol in pregnancy or how you can gain support for your child, you don’t want to miss this in-depth and heartfelt conversation.  Download and listen nowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of you might have noticed that your memory is a little foggy or that your thought process is kinda off during pregnancy.  If you've never been pregnant, have you noticed any family members or co-workers who are pregnant fishing for words that have slipped their minds? Some call it ""pregnancy brain"", but is that really a thing?  Check out this week's episode as Dr. Plenty discusses how pregnancy hormones and changes affect the brain and memory.  If you're wondering why you have these changes and how long they will last, download and listen to this episode now! Don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 15% of couples experience infertility, which is defined as actively trying to conceive for a year without success. What should you do if this is you?  To discuss fertility options, Dr. Plenty is joined by Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) specialist, Dr. Tiffany Jones.  Dr. Jones is a practicing partner at Conceive Fertility Center in Dallas, TX. During this episode, Dr. Jones breaks down the difference between IVF and IUI and when one is recommended over the other.  The two docs also discuss egg vs embryo freezing and other “must have” information for those planning to conceive. You don’t want to miss this one. If you’re over 35yo, considering egg freezing, want to have a baby but not sure when, or having trouble conceiving, this episode is for you. Make sure to rate, comment, and share!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, Dr. Plenty discusses the ""p"" word, meaning your period.  Your period, or menstrual cycle, should be normal to ensure that you're ovulating every month.  But what do doctors mean by ""normal""?  In this episode, Dr. Plenty discusses normal and abnormal periods.  She also talks about common and not-so-common reasons for abnormal menstrual periods and how abnormal flow is treated.  All women should download and listen to this one!  Also, don't forget to rate, comment, and share. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have painful menstrual cycles, issues getting pregnant, or pain with sexual intercourse?  If you do, you could possibly have endometriosis.  A growing number of women have endometriosis. Some women have it, and don’t even know it.  Well, in this episode, you’ll learn all about endometriosis, how it’s diagnosed, and how it’s treated. Dr. Plenty also tells you how endometriosis can affect your fertility and even discusses your pregnancy options.  Download and listen now!  And don’t forget to rate, comment, and share.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of you might be trying to get pregnant and getting frustrated because you think it might be taking longer than you anticipated.  Well, getting pregnant takes time, and the time it should take to get pregnant depends on several factors, such as your age, medical problems, and pregnancy history.  In this week's episode, Dr. Plenty breaks down how long it should take to have a baby before needing a referral for a little extra help.  If you or someone you know has been trying to get pregnant, make sure to check out this episode to find out which situations require early referral versus allowing you to keep trying naturally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to Season 2 of Pregnancy Pearls Podcast!! This week, Dr. Plenty talks about what you need to do to ""get ready"" for your next pregnancy. By listening to this episode, you'll get detailed information about ways to reduce your risk of miscarriage, preeclampsia, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. You'll also gain insight about what common medications and cosmetics to avoid and which medicines should be switched by your provider before getting pregnant. Plus, you'll learn tips to optimize your overall health and, thus, your pregnancy. If you desire to have a baby soon or even in the distant future, you don't want to miss this episode. Planning is key! So, download, listen, and start now. It's never too early to prepare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.