A Step-by-Step IVF Timeline: From First Consult to Pregnancy Test
The IVF process is overwhelming; there’s no way around it. So many steps, so much medical terminology, and so many unknowns. It’s a lot to take in—especially when you’re already carrying the emotional weight of infertility. We see you. Understanding the IVF timeline doesn’t make the process easier, but it can help you move through…
Third Trimester Anxiety: Why It Happens and What Actually Helps
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…
Am I Pregnant? Early Pregnancy Signs to Look Out For
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…
How to Prevent & Treat Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
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…
From Baby Showers to Support Parties: A Better Way to Celebrate Parenthood
There was a time when “baby shower” meant pastel cakes, a diaper tower, and a room full of loved ones oohing and aahing over tiny onesies and swaddle blankets. I still love a classic baby shower — the joy, the excitement, the way everyone comes together to celebrate new life. But lately, there’s been a…
Sex and Pregnancy: What’s Normal — and How to Stay Connected
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…
Cholestasis in Pregnancy: What Your Severe Itching Could Actually Mean
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…
Making Peace with Pregnancy Weight Gain
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…
What is Amniocentesis?: Understanding This Diagnostic Test
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…
Anatomy Scan Ultrasound – What to Expect
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…
Maternal Bonding In Pregnancy – And Why It Counts
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…
Hydration During Pregnancy: The Path to a Healthy Pregnancy
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…
Navigating PCOS and Pregnancy With Confidence: A Doula’s Guide
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…
All the Baby Shower Ideas
If you’re pregnant and looking for some baby shower ideas… We’ve put together some great ones so you can have one less thing to worry about. As doulas, we know how important it is to celebrate these moments on your pregnancy journey. It might not feel like it right now, but pregnancy goes by in…
What No One Ever Talks About: Hormone Imbalance After IVF
You know that infertility is… Hard. You know that single parenthood is… Hard. IVF is hard too. We get it. However you arrived at undergoing IVF treatment… It isn’t for the faint of heart… and truly for people who want nothing more than to be a parent! We see you. So, if you’re reading this……
What is a Non-Stress Test (NST) in Pregnancy?
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…
Coping with Morning Sickness: 3 Big Questions Answered
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…
Will Acupuncture Help My Pregnancy Symptoms?
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,…
Gender Disappointment: You’re Not The Only One
For some this may be a taboo or controversial topic, but let’s go there together. We are all having a human experience and it’s okay to be authentic about our feelings. As a Mom of two amazing boys, who are now 17 and 11, these young men mean more to me than anything in the…
6 Common Pregnancy Ailments and Easy Remedies to Help
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…
Third Trimester Checklist: What to Do in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Congratulations you made it to the third trimester of pregnancy! You are on the homestretch, the excitement is palpable, and your baby’s arrival is just around the corner. To help you have a smooth transition, we’ve compiled a comprehensive third trimester checklist just for you. Go here to see our First and Second Trimester Checklists. …
Pregnancy After Loss
Losing a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth is one of the hardest things any parent will ever go through. When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I went into preterm labor at 17 weeks. Having made it to the 2nd trimester we had already announced the pregnancy to friends and family. My husband and…
Pregnancy After 35 | Advanced Maternal Age
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…
Braxton Hicks Contractions: The Prequel to Labor
Braxton what?! If you’re on this page, chances are you’ve heard whispers about Braxton Hicks contractions and today, we’re going to demystify them for you. What are Braxton Hicks Contractions? Braxton Hicks contractions, also charmingly known as “practice contractions,” are the dress rehearsal before the real show. They’re your uterus’s way of flexing its muscles…
The Group B Strep Test and Its Role in Labor
One of the numerous tests and procedures to deal with during pregnancy is the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test. This is a routine part of prenatal care and July is International GBS awareness month. So, in this blog post, we will shed light on what to expect regarding your GBS test and the results. What…
Understanding the Hormones of Early Pregnancy
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…
Understanding Prenatal Rh Antibody Testing
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…
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a complication that happens in about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States. While it’s a serious condition, it’s important to remember that with proper care and monitoring, many women with preeclampsia can still have a healthy and safe birth. So, what is preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is a condition that typically develops after…
Nutrition During Pregnancy: Nourishing Yourself and Your Baby
We all understand that nutrition during pregnancy is important. Pregnancy is a time of immense growth and development for your baby, and proper nutrition is vital to ensuring that your little one gets the best possible start in life. Not only does good nutrition help support your baby’s growth and development, it also plays an…
Announcing Your Pregnancy
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…
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
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…
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Severe Morning Sickness)
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…
Exercise During Pregnancy
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…
Dental Health and Your Pregnancy
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…
Constipation During Pregnancy
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.…
Second Trimester Checklist: What To Do in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
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…
First Trimester Checklist: What To Do in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
The first trimester is exciting! Congratulations, you’re pregnant! And now your mind is probably swirling as you think of all the things you need to do. For this reason, we’ve prepared a first trimester checklist to help you get through your first twelve weeks of pregnancy. 1. Remove stress from your life. Yes, this is…
Adventures in Morning Sickness
Morning Sickness. If that isn’t a misnomer, I don’t know what is. Morning Sickness, or as I like to call it, All Day Sickness, should really just be labelled pregnancy nausea and vomiting. A lot of pregnant folks experience it and there are various different degrees of severity. It can happen in the morning, or…
5 Things a Women’s Health Physical Therapist Can Help With
We recently met with Christina Noonan, a local Tampa Physical Therapist who focuses on women’s health. We learned all about the services she provides and are happy to share more information here in our latest guest blog post: As we all know, having a baby is not an easy task. It is also not easy…
Pregnancy Diabetes: What Is Gestational Diabetes?
What is Pregnancy Diabetes / Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)? According to Stanford Children’s Health, pregnancy diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM, is “a condition in which a hormone made by the placenta prevents the body from using insulin effectively. Unlike type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin, but by other hormones…
Ack! Why Does My Belly Hurt So Much?
Many pregnant women suffer from a specific discomfort during pregnancy caused by the round ligament. This pain is usually felt low on the front of their abdomen, near the pubic bone, and may continue towards their groin. It may be felt on one side or both. The round ligament connects the uterus to the groin,…
Comfort Measures for Varicose Veins
About 28% of women will develop varicose veins in pregnancy. While they are mostly harmless in the short term they can cause pain and discomfort. Here are my recommendations and best comfort measures to try if you are dealing with varicose veins in pregnancy. If you’re like me, before I had varicose veins I had…
Why Prenatal Yoga?
During my last pregnancy, I attended prenatal yoga classes at Yoga Village in Safety Harbor and I was really happy that I did. I got more out of it than expected. Here are some reasons to consider prenatal yoga. 1. Relief from common pregnancy discomforts. As your body transforms, more weight and stress is put…
Chiropractic Care for a Healthier Pregnancy: The Webster Technique [Updated 2025]
Your back aches in ways you didn’t know were possible. Your hips feel like they’re being pulled apart, and that sharp, shooting pain down your leg? Let’s not even go there. Sound familiar? If you’re pregnant and finding that simple things—like getting out of bed or putting on shoes—feel impossible, you’re not alone. Up to…