Pregnancy
Pregnancy is full of so many incredible moments like hearing your baby’s heartbeat to feeling your baby’s first kick. But, let’s face it, some aspects of it can be challenging. While your body is undergoing an amazing physical transformation, it’s possible to experience mental effects too. If you’ve ever experienced forgetfulness or trouble concentrating during pregnancy or postpartum, you’re not alone. We’re exploring the science behind the common term “pregnancy brain” and offering advice to help you cope.
Have you ever frantically hunted for your keys, only to find you mistakenly left them in the fridge? Or perhaps you’ve stressed about losing your phone, then realizing it was in your hand the whole time?
These types of lapses in memory or concentration during pregnancy or postpartum can be associated with what is commonly referred to as “pregnancy brain.” It involves symptoms including:
Whether you call it “baby brain,” “pregnancy brain,” or “momnesia,” the truth is that brain fogginess and forgetfulness are very real symptoms for some women during pregnancy. Many women have reported these experiences anecdotally, though there is also scientific research to back it up.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single cause, experts suggest it may be due to a combination of fluctuating hormones, sleep disturbances, stress, and structural changes to your brain.
During pregnancy, our bodies experience a flood of sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol. Studies have found that these hormones can impact memory during late pregnancy and early postpartum.
Some studies also suggest that the actual architecture of a woman’s brain changes during pregnancy. In particular, gray matter shrinks. While the exact reason for this is unknown, it’s theorized that it may be a way of helping the new mother’s brain to clear space to focus on their newborn’s needs.
Also, it’s no surprise here that a lack of sleep and stress during this big life change can impact your memory and cognitive function.
On the bright side, some research shows that the changes that happen to your brain during pregnancy may actually protect you from age-related cognitive decline later in life.
While pregnancy brain can be very frustrating, there are simple strategies you can use to better cope with the symptoms.
Rest assured, if you do experience any of these changes during pregnancy or postpartum, it’s very common, and it won’t last forever.
However, if you think you may be experiencing more serious mental health concerns like anxiety or depression during your pregnancy or postpartum, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your Axia Women’s Health provider can help you get the support you need!
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is more than just the main event – your period? It’s actually a series of four different phases that each play a role in your reproductive health. Getting in touch with your cycle can help you with planning for pregnancy and even detecting other health issues. Swipe right to learn more.
The fertility awareness method (tracking of your menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy) has been gaining traction on TikTok and other social media channels of late. But, does it work? Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, Dr. Daniel DiSabatino, explains what you need to know about the risks/benefits in a recent interview with Yahoo! Swipe through to learn more.
#fertilityawareness #birthcontrol #naturalfamilyplanning #cycletracking #contraception
‘Tis the season of giving thanks, and we couldn’t be more thankful for our incredible patient community! 🙏🏻💛Thank you for trusting us with your care. Through the happy moments and the sad, from puberty to pregnancy and even into the golden years, through challenges and joyous moments, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
#thankful #appreciationpost #patientcare #givethanks #pregnancy #obgyn #gynecology
All moms know that holding your baby is an important part of bonding emotionally. But did you know it can also provide physical benefits? Kangaroo Care, a specific form of skin-to-skin contact, can have benefits for both preemies and their parents. Research shows that holding a baby to your bare chest can help regulate the baby`s heart rate, breathing, and body temperature as well as promote bonding. To all of the NICU mamas, we see you and salute your strength!
#worldpreemieday💜
Do you know the physical signs of ovulation? If you`re trying to get pregnant, tracking ovulation can go a long way to helping you conceive. Beyond that, knowing your ovulation patterns can clue you in on other potential health issues like PCOS or thyroid conditions. Swipe right to learn the signs.
#ovulationtracking #ovulationsigns #TTC #ovulation #ovulationstest #tryingtoconceivetips #tryingtoconceive
It`s sexual health month, so 🎶let`s talk about sex 🎶 post-baby. Perhaps, you`ve had your 6-week-checkup but still aren`t feeling ready to be intimate again...that`s completely okay!
There`s so much to navigate as a new mom. 🤯It can be challenging to find the time or energy to be intimate with your partner. 👩❤️💋👨
But, if you`re feeling ready and are bothered by symptoms like pain or discomfort, don`t be afraid to speak up! Your Axia Women`s Health provider is here to help.
The truth is because PCOS can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle, it can take longer to get pregnant...but it`s not impossible! 💫👩🏽🍼
Some women may be able to conceive naturally after managing PCOS symptoms, while others may find help in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. 🔬
Wherever you are in your journey with PCOS, don`t give up hope! 💜 Stay tuned as we shed light on more common myths surrounding PCOS throughout the month.
As incredible as breastfeeding can be for bonding with your baby, it`s no secret that it can come with some challenges. That’s why we`re sharing our support during #breastfeedingmonth. Whether you breastfeed, chest feed, bottle feed, or do a mix of both, we salute you! Swipe right for some of our favorite resources on this topic.
Many women are seeking to better understand how the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v Wade may impact their reproductive health. At Axia Women’s Health, we’re actively involved in conversations with other leading health authorities and are committed to helping you navigate the future of your care. We’re here for you, and we encourage you to contact your Axia Women’s Health provider to discuss your individual needs.
To learn more about where abortion access currently stands in your state, follow @kaiserfamilyfoundation or visit their website at www.kff.org. News outlets like the @NYTimes also offer up-to-date tracking on their website at www.NYTimes.com.
Please know that birth control (when used for preventing pregnancy) and emergency contraception (like plan B) are not currently banned in any states, though it is an evolving situation, and may change in some states. Please refer to information regarding your specific state’s regulations, or speak with your Axia Women’s Health provider for the most current and accurate information.
Please note: This information is accurate as of July 21, 2022, and may change.
It`s true that during pregnancy and around our menstrual cycles our natural balance of progesterone and estrogen can be disrupted. This imbalance can create an ideal environment for Candida fungi, the bacteria involved in yeast infections, to grow. 🤔
Fortunately, several over the counter medications can help the infection clear up within a few days. 💊
But if you`re experiencing recurrent infections, it`s a good idea to chat with your Axia Women`s Health provider. 💬
#yeastinfection #vaginalhealth #whatsupdownthere
The invention of birth control was a game-changer for women`s health..in more ways than one. Did you know that certain birth control can provide benefits other than preventing pregnancy?
In fact, up to 50% of birth control users rely on it for reasons other than contraception. Your Axia Women`s Health provider can help you learn more and determine the best option for you!
#birthcontrol #periodpain #menstrualmigraine #acne #womenshealth
Many women wonder, "is it safe to dye your hair while pregnant?" Daniel DiSabatino, DO, from Axia Women`s Health spoke with Forbes Health to shed some light on this frequently asked question. Good news: you don`t have to completely forgo your beauty routine while pregnant, but it`s best to wait until the second trimester to use any hair dyes or bleach.
#pregnancytips #haircare #beauty #healthylifestyle #pregnancy
Join us next Thursday, May 26 at 12pm ET for a real talk about women`s mental health. Megan Lobsinger, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Axia Women`s Health, will be sharing advice on navigating emotions around infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Have a question you want addressed? Comment below or DM us privately.
#IGLive #mentalhealthmonth #womensmentalhealth
Have you ever wondered if playing music during pregnancy can support your baby`s development? The short answer is: we don`t really know, given inconclusive data. But we do know that music can be calming and soothing to the carrier, providing comfort during pregnancy. Dr. Thomas Dardarian, an OB/GYN with Axia Women`s Health, spoke with the LoveEvery podcast to further explore the topic of the "Mozart" effect. Visit link in bio to listen to the full podcast.
#pregnancy #mozarteffect #childhooddevelopment #parenting
Reaching the halfway point of pregnancy is an exciting milestone. You’re likely showing more and are starting to feel your baby move and kick.🤰It’s also an important time for a check-in with your healthcare provider for your 20-week ultrasound. Dr. Jennifer Stuck, an OB/GYN with Axia Women`s Health, offers advice on what to expect at the visit. Visit link in bio to read the full interview.🔗