Posts by Christie Rinder

You’re in your third trimester. You thought you’d feel excited and calm as you get close to meeting your baby.  Instead, you’re anxious. Really anxious.  Your mind races at night. You Google things you probably shouldn’t. Every kick makes you hyperaware. Every appointment brings new worries. And you wonder: why now? Why does anxiety feel…

Early pregnancy symptoms can start as soon as a week or two after conception, though some people don’t notice anything until they’ve missed a period.  And honestly, early pregnancy symptoms can be exciting, confusing, and even anxiety-inducing… Sometimes all at once.  Here’s the thing: everybody is different. The early signs don’t always look the same…

You’re getting dressed one morning, glance in the mirror, and—wait… were those little squiggly lines there yesterday? Pregnancy comes with its fair share of surprises, but stretch marks have a special way of showing up uninvited, like glitter after a toddler craft project. Stretch marks are one of pregnancy’s most common souvenirs — and also…

Your libido during pregnancy isn’t something you need to “fix,” “force,” or put on your to-do list between choosing baby registry items. It’s not a reflection of your relationship or your commitment to your partner. It’s your body responding to an extraordinary transformation — pregnancy.  Pregnancy is a rollercoaster — and your libido might be…

Been feeling extra itchy lately?  While some itchiness during pregnancy is normal, severe itching may be a cause for concern.   So, if you’re experiencing severe itching, it could be a symptom of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which is a temporary liver condition during pregnancy that can cause intense itching. This condition is more than…

Your body is changing faster than your closet can keep up. The scale might feel like your enemy—but it doesn’t have to. If you’re feeling anxious about the numbers creeping up, you’re not alone. Weight gain during pregnancy is normal, but that doesn’t make the emotional side any easier to navigate.  Perhaps you’re concerned that…

You’re sitting in your doctor’s office, and they just mentioned something called an amniocentesis.  Your curiosity piques, and your heart may skip a beat. Maybe your recent screening showed higher-than-expected numbers. Maybe you’re over 35. Or perhaps there’s a family history that has everyone on edge. Whatever the reason, you’re probably feeling a swirl of…

Your 20-week ultrasound is coming up! For many expectant parents, this appointment stirs up a lot of feelings. Excitement. Curiosity. Maybe some nervousness too. Understanding what this anatomy scan involves can help you feel more prepared. So let’s walk through it together. What is an Anatomy Scan? The anatomy scan ultrasound goes by a few…

You might be wondering… when can a fetus start to hear? And here’s your answer: the inner ear begins forming around 16 weeks… At this stage, your baby begins tuning into the symphony of your body: Your blood rushing, the steady beat of your heart, the rhythm of your digestion.  By 23 weeks, babies can…

Between the belly and the blazing Florida sun, staying hydrated during pregnancy can feel like a full-time job. Here in Florida, our hot and humid climate makes hydration even more crucial when you’re expecting. Your body is working overtime to nourish your growing baby, so staying hydrated isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential for both your health and…

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common condition that affects more women than you might realize. If you’re one of them, you’re likely familiar with the daily challenges it brings. When it comes to pregnancy, navigating PCOS is no small feat. It’s not your average pregnancy journey and comes with a unique set of obstacles. Let’s…

There are a variety of tests that your doctor may recommend at some point during pregnancy. After 28 weeks of gestation, one of them may be the non stress test – a pregnancy screening that measures fetal heart rate and reaction to movement. It is referred to as a non-stress test because no stress is…

If you recently found out you were pregnant, you might be receiving that oh-so-wonderful first-trimester gift:  Nausea.  Fatigue.  Toilet…  Repeat.  Morning sickness is not for the weak. But it sure does make you feel weak.  There are so many things happening in your life-giving, miracle-producing body. And with that may come this unpleasant side-effect.  What…

Pregnancy can sometimes feel like a mix of pleasure and pain. On the one hand, your body is a literal miracle machine. You’re creating new life, and my, don’t you glow!  But on the other hand…  Maybe the reason you’re “glowing” is from all the lovely morning sickness sweat. Or now your back is hurting,…

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in your life. You are growing a living, breathing miracle inside your body. Trust me, your body is amazing. Don’t forget to soak in this moment and reflect on how much your body is doing. I know it can be hard to focus on that.  Mostly because… While your body…

One day you’re 34 and feeling fine, but as the clock strikes midnight on your 35th birthday the switch is flipped and your fertility takes a nosedive, right? Forget gradual changes – your ovaries throw a little party and the DJ starts spinning “Last Dance.” Your eggs decide to pack their bags and head for…

Pregnancy brings about incredible changes in your body, driven by a beautiful dance of hormones. Understanding the hormonal changes in early pregnancy empowers you to embrace this transformative period. In this post, we will explore these hormones, their functions, and how they can affect you along the way. Firstly, what exactly are hormones? Hormones are…

During pregnancy you may encounter various prenatal tests and new or complicated terminology. Your doulas are here to help you understand this information. One such test is the Rh Antibody Screening. Let’s break it down and highlight the important points you should know.  What is the Rh antibody test?  This test aims to identify specific…

You just found out you are pregnant! You may be feeling mixed emotions; a little nervous and likely very excited. While you are considering when and how to announce your pregnancy there are some things to consider before sharing the news. Some expectant parents call their closest family and friends right away. Many wait until…

There are many beautiful things that come from pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are not one of them. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area. They can cause burning, itching, bleeding and pain. While common during pregnancy, afflicting more than half of all pregnant women, they are more prevalent in the third trimester. So, though this…

What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?  Some degree of nausea and vomiting is normal during pregnancy. In fact, about 70 – 80% of women experience this. However, extreme and persistent nausea and vomiting while pregnant is referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum (aka HG). This condition is rare and occurs in only about 2% of pregnancies.   HG is…

One of the most exciting chapters of your life has begun. You’re pregnant! Life is about to change, and so is your body. Exercise can not only help you stay in shape, but also help prepare you for labor and delivery. Did you know that exercising is safe and healthy for most pregnant women, even…

Noticing sensitivity with your teeth or a little pink on your toothbrush now that you’re pregnant? In my experience as a certified dental assistant, and a mother, I was often asked, “Why are my gums bleeding now that I am pregnant?”  “Why are my teeth more sensitive during my pregnancy?” Or “Is it safe to…

Picture this. I was pregnant with my third child and having a hell of a time during the first 15 weeks. I was working full time, exhausted, eating poorly, vomiting often and to top it off I hadn’t pooped for 5 days.  Pregnancy constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.…

Congratulations, you’ve made it to the second trimester! Hopefully you are settling into this new life of being pregnant and the exhaustion and nausea has decreased. Maybe you’re even starting to feel that second trimester boost of energy. We’ve put together a helpful checklist for you to use as you navigate the next several weeks…