Pregnancy Pearls

Dr. Plenty responds to some emails from listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Description: During the pandemic, many routine things that were previously done were halted to save resources. Well, many standard practices are back... including drug testing.  For some practices and/or hospital systems, all patients are drug tested at the beginning and end of the pregnancy. For others, only patients who have a ""high suspicion"" for drug use are tested. Don't shoot the messenger. I didn't make the rules.  But, check out this episode to find out more about drug testing and what happens if the test is positive.  You'll also learn more about how babies are tested and monitored if mom's test happens to be positive for various reasons. Download and listen now... and don't forget to share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conditions dealing with thyroid function are pretty common in pregnancy. So on this week's podcast episode, we discuss low thyroid function aka hypothyroidism. Check out this episode to learn how hypothyroidism is diagnosed and how the condition is impacted by pregnancy. You'll also learn about the treatment and the complications to unborn babies when hypothyroidism is uncontrolled. Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keeping in line with preeclampsia awareness month, this week we discuss one of the complications that can happen with preeclampsia and that's a seizure.  But some people have a known seizure disorder... so how would your doctor know if the seizure is caused by complications of preeclampsia (eclampsia) or a seizure from a seizure disorder. During this episode, we discuss different types of seizures, how they're managed in pregnancy, and how seizure disorder is differentiated from eclampsia.  You don't want to miss these pearls!  Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When most people, or at least providers, think about a headache in pregnancy, preeclampsia is usually the first diagnosis that comes to mind.  However, not all headaches are caused by preeclampsia. Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a common disorder in those of childbearing age that causes increased pressure in the brain and headaches.  Check out this episode to learn more about this diagnosis, how it's managed, and when it should be considered instead of preeclampsia. Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but… sometimes you have to give up some things you love.  Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your beloved coffee altogether, but you do need to limit caffeine intake in pregnancy.  Too much caffeine can cause some issues during pregnancy, like growth issues with the baby and even prematurity.  Find out how much is too much by checking out this episode of the podcast.  You’ll also learn about other foods and beverages to avoid and/or limit due to its caffeine content.  Download and listen now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's preeclampsia awareness month, so of course I had to talk about it on this week's podcast episode.  One of the complications of preeclampsia is HELLP Syndrome, which stands for ""Hemolysis Elevated Liver enzymes Low Platelet"" syndrome. HELLP syndrome can be very dangerous in pregnancy because it is associated with bleeding complications, stroke, and even death! Check out this episode to learn all about this serious complications of preeclampsia, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.  Download and listen now... and don't forget to share with your friends!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that, despite being very treatable, is still on the rise worldwide. With the increase in cases of syphilis, naturally, the number of babies born with congenital syphilis has also profoundly increased.  Check out this episode to learn about the stages of syphilis, how it's transmitted to unborn babies, and how it affects babies during pregnancy and beyond.  You'll also learn about treatment for prevention of congenital syphilis. Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that some people have a heart-shaped  uterus or even two uteri?  Yeah, it’s a thing! The shape of your uterus can have an impact on if you get pregnant and the outcome of that pregnancy.  Check out this episode to learn about abnormalities of the uterine shape and how it can impact your pregnancy and even other organ systems.  Download and listen now… and don’t forget to share with your friends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During pregnancy, one reason that an anatomy ultrasound is done is to evaluate for signs of chromosomal abnormalities. Some chromosomal abnormalities are associated with major birth defects, and some are not. One common chromosomal abnormality that can be associated with abnormal ultrasound findings is Turner syndrome.  With this syndrome, the baby is missing one of the X-chromosomes. Listen to this episode to find out about common findings associated with Turner syndrome, how it is diagnosed, and the management of the syndrome during pregnancy and after delivery.  Download and listen now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.