Pregnancy is a time of many physical changes to your body. Knowing what to expect and how to cope can help you have a healthy and comfortable pregnancy. One common complaint during pregnancy is backaches and pains. Many people in my prenatal program often complain of this especially as they get further along in their… Continue reading How to manage back pain in pregnancy
Author: Gesille Tigley BScN,RN, IBCLC
I am a public health nurse working within the Child Health and Development program. I currently work within the Reproductive health and infant stream promoting preconception health, teaching prenatal classes and working with new mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals. When I'm not working, you can find me spending time with my family, travelling and trying out new recipes.
Is there a right time to have a baby?
Has your mom told you she's ready for grandkids? Grandma says you need to start having babies before you're too old? Is your partner either super interested or unimpressed with the whole idea? Is it too early or late to get pregnant? Irida, a current nursing student walks us through the meaning of "the right… Continue reading Is there a right time to have a baby?
How to manage stress in pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of change and feeling stressed is very common. Sometimes when stress builds over a long period of time and you start to feel like you have little control over these feelings, you may be experiencing chronic stress. Learning how to deal with everyday stressors can help. Chronic stress may cause immediate… Continue reading How to manage stress in pregnancy
Pregnancy spacing and birth control
If you've just had a baby and are not ready to have another baby so soon, consider using birth control to help you space your next pregnancy. When planning another pregnancy, it's best to wait at least 18 months to 5 years to have your next baby. Birth control is used to help prevent a… Continue reading Pregnancy spacing and birth control
Plastics and fertility: What’s the link?
We find plastic everywhere in our world and use different types of plastic in daily life. Ever wonder if they have any effect on trying to have a child? Studies have shown that constant exposure over time and unsafe use of plastics may have negative health effects on you and your ability to get pregnant.… Continue reading Plastics and fertility: What’s the link?
Thyroid and fertility: What’s the connection?
After a year of trying to get pregnant and not using birth control, my friend started to become a little concerned when she was not conceiving. After all, shouldn't she have been pregnant already? When she went to see the doctor for a check-up, she was informed that she had a low thyroid level. 1… Continue reading Thyroid and fertility: What’s the connection?
6 tips to help you get more sleep in pregnancy
I remember in my last weeks of pregnancy I had a difficult time sleeping. No matter what I did, I could not find a comfortable position. I would toss and turn from side to side and re-position my pillows constantly in hopes of a getting a good night's rest. If you're pregnant, it's recommended that… Continue reading 6 tips to help you get more sleep in pregnancy
Can I have a vaginal birth after a caesarean section?
In my prenatal programs, I commonly hear "I already had a C-section and hope this time I can have a vaginal birth". Depending on your previous birth experience(s) and your own health history, you do have a high chance of giving birth vaginally. Having a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC) may be a safe… Continue reading Can I have a vaginal birth after a caesarean section?
Planning a pregnancy? Questions your health care provider may ask.
I was so happy for my cousin when she married last year. She was excited to tell me that she was planning to have a baby for next summer. When I suggested she see her doctor for a preconception health visit, she had no idea what this meant and what to expect. Having a check-up… Continue reading Planning a pregnancy? Questions your health care provider may ask.
What can I expect at my prenatal visits?
Have you ever felt nervous about seeing your doctor for your health exam? Well, visiting your health care provider when you're pregnant can also make you feel anxious, especially when you don't know what to expect. Choose a midwife, obstetrician, family doctor or nurse practitioner early in your pregnancy. Your health care provider (HCP) will… Continue reading What can I expect at my prenatal visits?