Pregnancy Blogs
After interviewing our specialists, we have published a series of blogs related to pregnancy health, wellness and expectations — things to look out for and things you should know — in the hopes of helping you manage your pregnancy, and also prepare for parenthood, in the best way possible.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Blogs
Women's
Sweet Solutions: Expert Insights on Managing Gestational Diabetes with WakeMed Dietitian Gissela Banegas
Medically Reviewed by Gissela Banegas, RDNothing could be sweeter than a pregnancy with zero problems. Ye...
Women's
Latifah's Woman Warrior Story: Triumph through Type 2 Diabetes and Triplet Births
For Latifah Dixon, motherhood has always been a profound joy. Already a proud mom to a beautiful girl, sh...
Women's
From Misdiagnosed Ear Infection to Life-Threatening Aneurysm: Sarah's Inspiring Birth Story of Navigating Stroke While Pregnant
"I found out I was pregnant with Leo during summer 2024. The pregnancy was very special because we had su...
Women's
Take 5 with Maternal Fetal Medicine Dietitian Gissela Banegas
Gissela Banegas, WakeMed's maternal fetal medicine dietitian, radiates warmth and expertise. Specializing...
Pregnancy
Baby Rori's 101 Days in the NICU
"This morning, I sit in the living room, watching our almost-one-year-old daughter pick up lettered block...
Pregnancy
Rachel Rice, NP, on Mental Health During Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery and Postpartum
A trip to the hospital is rarely a good thing — unless you're expecting a baby. Having a baby, for many...
Women's
All About Breasts: Cysts, Lumps, Infections, Enhancement and More
We talk a lot about breast cancer, but when it comes to female breasts, there is a lot more to learn from...
Children's
Defying the Odds: Baby Oliver's 130 Days in the NICU
Maddie and her husband, Craig, were elated to learn they were pregnant with their first child. At around ...
Women's
Moms Helping Moms: Lakelia Stanley's Milk Bank Donation Story
Lakelia Stanley is a Chief Probation/Parole Officer for the Adult Corrections Facility in Wake County. As...
Pregnancy
Paying it Forward: Maggie Bailey's Milk Bank Donation Story
Ever noticed that most women go into labor and deliver their babies at night? Well, this is no coincidenc...
Women's
Saving a NICU Nurse's Life After Postpartum Hemorrhage: Lindsey Arnette's Story
"It’s no exaggeration that I am lucky to be alive after delivering my son, Archer," shares Lindsey Arne...
Women's
Navigating Chronic Pelvic Pain: Lindsey Thompson's Story
Lindsey Thompson and her husband were elated to learn they were pregnant with their first child. Lindsey,...
North Hospital
A Supportive Space for Mom and Baby at WakeMed North Hospital — Asia's Labor and Delivery Story
A Horrifying Labor and Delivery Experience Having a baby is always an unpredictable experience, especially for first-time moms. A caring, compassionate health care team can bridge the gap between what a mom understands about labor and delivery and how she goes about making the experience memorable and positive. Unfortunately, for mom Asia Batton, this was […]
Pregnancy
600 Ounces and Counting — Why Sarah Dugger Gives to the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank
Giving is good for the soul. In fact, there is scientific evidence that altruistic people receive pleasure from being generous. This is certainly the case with Sarah Dugger, PhD, a wife, mother of two and clinical genomic scientist. Her life’s work is dedicated to giving help and hope to people with medical conditions to improve […]
Pregnancy
Understanding Pelvic Health
The Pelvic Floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis that provides support for a woman’s internal organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. Dr. Andrea Crane, Urogynecologist with WakeMed Physician Practices – Urogynecology, says one in four women may suffer from Pelvic Floor […]
Pregnancy
Preconception Counseling for a Healthy Pregnancy
Many women have questions about how they can make sure they are healthy during pregnancy. A preconception counseling visit with your OB-GYN is a great way to make sure your health is optimized before conceiving as well as identifying any major health risks that could impact a pregnancy. A preconception visit will touch on many […]
Pregnancy
From IVF to Labor and Delivery: Allie Zeck's Story
A Long IVF Journey Matt and Allie Zeck were a healthy couple with unexplained infertility. They had tried for years to become pregnant naturally, but when their efforts failed, they turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF). This process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman’s ovulatory process, removing an ovum or ova from her ovaries and […]
Pregnancy
Bringing Home a Baby for the First Time
Having a baby is an exciting, life-changing experience. After your baby is born, many new parents are happily sleep deprived, which is why it is important to do a little prep work ahead of time. When bringing home a newborn for the first time, the following are some important (and helpful) tips to keep in mind. […]
Pregnancy
The 9-Month Itch Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, you expect certain changes to happen to your body: your feet may swell, you may experience morning sickness — and you may even have itchy skin. Itching during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors, but it is important to consult your physician if you experience itching. What is Intrahepatic […]
Pregnancy
5 Ways to Support Someone in the Fourth Trimester
Throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy, moms receive endless support. Friends throw baby showers, partners help them in their day-to-day and their OB-GYN care teams ensure they and their babies are staying healthy. Then comes the “fourth trimester” — the first 12 weeks postpartum. The stark difference in the guidance and support women receive throughout […]
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Weight Gain: How to Achieve a Healthy Weight and Stay on Track
It’s one of the most common pregnancy myths: When you’re expecting, you’re “eating for two.” In reality, the average pregnant woman needs to eat just a few hundred calories more per day, which is the equivalent of two or three small snacks. Eating more than that can lead to too much weight gain, which can […]
Pregnancy
Thinking About Pregnancy? Let's Talk!
Women, or anyone with reproductive potential with a uterus, often plan for pregnancy with one goal in mind: to have a baby. They don’t usually give a lot of thought to what pregnancy means for them and their health. This time before pregnancy, called the preconception period, is the perfect time to take stock of […]
Pregnancy
Induction of Labor: What to Expect
Many pregnant women cringe at the suggestion of being induced into labor. The process of labor induction can be made much less intimidating by understanding what to expect. Will I need an induction? Induction is recommended for women with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, because it is safer to schedule delivery before […]
Pregnancy
Healthy Pregnancies: Give Your Baby a Head Start
Pregnancy can be both exciting and scary, especially if it’s your first child. But there are things you can start doing today to keep your baby healthy and make your pregnancy easier. The first step is to schedule a visit with your doctor, if you haven’t already. There will be a lot more of these […]