More Pregnant Women are Dying in Rural America. Why?

Maternal Death Rates Pregnancy Rural America
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A new data analysis by The Wall Street Journal shows that more women are dying during pregnancy and from post-natal complications than they were 15 years ago — and small-town areas have seen the greatest increase of maternal deaths. Although healthcare continues to advance at astounding rates, sometimes the quality is not evenly distributed across the […]

Benefits and Risks of Placental Encapsulation

Placenta Encapsulation
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Article at a Glance
  • More women are choosing to preserve their placenta after birth through placental encapsulation. The placenta is dried, ground into a powder, and placed into a capsule that women take as a vitamin in the weeks after childbirth to experience various benefits.
  • Placenta pills have been shown to help reduce postpartum depression, boost oxytocin, and increase the amount of iron in our bodies. While there are no risks with supporting medical evidence against placenta encapsulation, the CDC still recommends against it. Women may become dizzy or nauseous from taking placenta pills.
  • You can encapsulate your own placenta at home or hire someone to do it for around $100. Make sure to consult with your OB/GYN before encapsulating your placenta.

Article at a Glance More women are choosing to preserve their placenta after birth through placental encapsulation. The placenta is dried, ground into a powder, and placed into a capsule that women take as a vitamin in the weeks after childbirth to experience various benefits. Placenta pills have been shown to help reduce postpartum depression, […]

hCG Levels and What They Mean for Baby

Normal hCG Levels Healthy Pregnancy
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Article at a Glance
  • hCG levels tell you if you're pregnant. Pregnancy tests measure how much hCG — the pregnancy hormone — is in your blood or urine. hCG begins producing 10 days after conception, doubling every 48 to 72 hours in the first trimester.
  • Normal hCG levels in pregnancy vary, but when women test above 25 mIU/mL, they're pregnant. hCG levels can reach a height of nearly 300,000 mIU/mL by 9-12 weeks. Low levels do not necessarily mean an unhealthy pregnancy, but hCG levels can be rechecked every 48 to 72 hours.
  • Low hCG levels could indicate a miscalculated conception date, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. hCG levels that are very high could also indicate an incorrect pregnancy date, multiples, or a molar pregnancy. Abnormal hCG levels have been associated with pre-term delivery, preeclampsia, and other pregnancy conditions, so it's best to discuss any concerns with your OB/GYN.

Article at a Glance hCG levels tell you if you’re pregnant. Pregnancy tests measure how much hCG — the pregnancy hormone — is in your blood or urine. hCG begins producing 10 days after conception, doubling every 48 to 72 hours in the first trimester. Normal hCG levels in pregnancy vary, but when women test […]