Pregnancy Blogs
As we eagerly anticipate the opening of our new WakeMed North Family Health & Women's Hospital this May, the time is right to discuss pregnancy and all the things that come with it. If you are pregnant, we know you can benefit from reliable advice delivered first hand by the experts at WakeMed.
After interviewing our specialists, we have published a series of blogs related to pregnancy health, wellness and expectations — things to look out for and things you should know — in the hopes of helping you manage your pregnancy, and also prepare for parenthood, in the best way possible.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Blogs
November 1, 2024
Defying the Odds: Baby Oliver's 130 Days in the NICU
Maddie and her husband, Craig, were elated to learn they were pregnant with their first child. At around ...
August 9, 2024
Moms Helping Moms: Lakelia Stanley's Milk Bank Donation Story
Lakelia Stanley is a Chief Probation/Parole Officer for the Adult Corrections Facility in Wake County. As...
May 15, 2024
Paying it Forward: Maggie Bailey's Milk Bank Donation Story
Ever noticed that most women go into labor and deliver their babies at night? Well, this is no coincidenc...
May 9, 2024
Rachel Rice, NP, on Mental Health During Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery and Postpartum
A trip to the hospital is rarely a good thing — unless you're expecting a baby. Having a baby, for many...
April 29, 2024
Saving a NICU Nurse's Life After Postpartum Hemorrhage: Lindsey Arnette's Story
"It’s no exaggeration that I am lucky to be alive after delivering my son, Archer," shares Lindsey Arne...
April 25, 2024
Navigating Chronic Pelvic Pain: Lindsey Thompson's Story
Lindsey Thompson and her husband were elated to learn they were pregnant with their first child. Lindsey,...
July 31, 2023
A Supportive Space for Mom and Baby at WakeMed North Hospital — Asia's Labor and Delivery Story
A Horrifying Labor and Delivery Experience Having a baby is always an unpredictable experience, especially for first-time moms. A caring, compassionate health care team can bridge the gap between what a mom understands about labor and delivery and how she goes about making the experience memorable and positive. Unfortunately, for mom Asia Batton, this was […]
July 25, 2023
600 Ounces and Counting — Why Sarah Dugger Gives to the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank
Giving is good for the soul. In fact, there is scientific evidence that altruistic people receive pleasure from being generous. This is certainly the case with Sarah Dugger, PhD, a wife, mother of two and clinical genomic scientist. Her life’s work is dedicated to giving help and hope to people with medical conditions to improve […]
May 1, 2023
Understanding Pelvic Health
The Pelvic Floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue in the lowest part of the pelvis that provides support for a woman’s internal organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. Dr. Andrea Crane, Urogynecologist with WakeMed Physician Practices – Urogynecology, says one in four women may suffer from Pelvic Floor […]
May 1, 2023
Preconception Counseling for a Healthy Pregnancy
Many women have questions about how they can make sure they are healthy during pregnancy. A preconception counseling visit with your OB-GYN is a great way to make sure your health is optimized before conceiving as well as identifying any major health risks that could impact a pregnancy. A preconception visit will touch on many […]
April 27, 2023
From IVF to Labor and Delivery: Allie Zeck's Story
A Long IVF Journey Matt and Allie Zeck were a healthy couple with unexplained infertility. They had tried for years to become pregnant naturally, but when their efforts failed, they turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF). This process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman’s ovulatory process, removing an ovum or ova from her ovaries and […]
April 27, 2023
Bringing Home a Baby for the First Time
Having a baby is an exciting, life-changing experience. After your baby is born, many new parents are happily sleep deprived, which is why it is important to do a little prep work ahead of time. When bringing home a newborn for the first time, the following are some important (and helpful) tips to keep in mind. […]
December 19, 2022
The 9-Month Itch Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
When you’re pregnant, you expect certain changes to happen to your body: your feet may swell, you may experience morning sickness — and you may even have itchy skin. Itching during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors, but it is important to consult your physician if you experience itching. What is Intrahepatic […]
October 12, 2022
5 Ways to Support Someone in the Fourth Trimester
Throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy, moms receive endless support. Friends throw baby showers, partners help them in their day-to-day and their OB-GYN care teams ensure they and their babies are staying healthy. Then comes the “fourth trimester” — the first 12 weeks postpartum. The stark difference in the guidance and support women receive throughout […]
May 9, 2022
Pregnancy and Weight Gain How to Achieve a Healthy Weight and Stay on Track
It’s one of the most common pregnancy myths: When you’re expecting, you’re “eating for two.” In reality, the average pregnant woman needs to eat just a few hundred calories more per day, which is the equivalent of two or three small snacks. Eating more than that can lead to too much weight gain, which can […]