Dr. Brenna Squires’ Post

What is Pregnancy Glow? Pregnancy glow refers to the radiant appearance that some women experience during pregnancy where their face may appear slightly red and swollen. Here are 3 reasons why this happens: 1. Hormonal changes: Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and HCG are secreted excessively during pregnancy. 2. Increased blood flow: Blood circulation increases by more than 50%, giving the skin a flushed look. 3. Happiness: The joy and excitement of expecting a baby can also contribute to this glow. When does it happen? Typically, pregnancy glow starts after the first 3 months. This pinkish, glowing appearance is more noticeable on the face. But not everyone experiences this. Some women may not get the glow at all. Did you experience pregnancy glow? Comment below when you notice yours! #PregnancyGlow #Fertility #Doctor #IVF #Pregnant #Baby #Female #Women

You are invited to join our Labor and Delivery: Birth in the Context of Substance Use webinars co-hosted by BBS and Doing Right By Birth , and supported by Mercer and DMMA on September 26th, 2-3:30pm ET. This is part of a series called "Birth Equity: Pregnancy, Parenting and Drug Use" and focuses on providing equitable access to and outcomes from care for pregnant and parenting people who use drugs or have a substance use disorder. In this session, we will review analgesic considerations and concerns, breastfeeding, rooming-in, Substance Exposed Newborn (SEN) assessments including "eat, sleep console" (ESC), and mandatory reporting. This review will highlight areas where changes can support equitable outcomes. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ebEdhAJ6

🌟 Are you over 40 and wondering if natural conception is still possible? 🌟 If terms like "biological clock" and "geriatric pregnancy" have you feeling like time is slipping away, this episode is here to offer encouragement and real hope. I’m opening up about my journey of conceiving after a vasectomy reversal at 40 and, to my surprise, another pregnancy at 44. In this episode, I’m busting myths around age and fertility, sharing practical, natural fertility tips to support your body, and reflecting on how God’s timing can bring blessings we never expected. If you’re navigating conception over 35, exploring options after a vasectomy reversal, or just looking for heartfelt support and holistic fertility advice, this is for you. 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/ggjpBMpd

Egg freezing offers women the flexibility to delay pregnancy until they're ready, whether for personal, career, or health reasons. This empowering option allows you to preserve your fertility and take control of your family planning on your own terms. With Nova IVF's expert guidance, you can plan your future with confidence. To know more, read the blog https://lnkd.in/dqgebb7i #EggFreezing #FamilyPlanning #NovaIVF #WomenEmpowerment #FutureReady #FertilityPreservation

What is the best therapy type for concerns about pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum? The best therapy type depends on the particular concern a patient has. For example, fears related to giving birth or the baby’s health may be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation, while postpartum depression may be treated with a combination of talk therapy and psychotropic medications. Consult with a therapist and ask if they have treated the relevant challenge before; if they haven’t, they may be able to refer you to a colleague who has. https://lnkd.in/gBXj-v7c

Is your body REALLY ready for pregnancy? This could surprise you. Many couples dream of starting a family, but what if I told you there's a crucial step often overlooked? Preconception care is the secret weapon for a smooth pregnancy journey, ensuring both partners are physically and emotionally prepared for parenthood. Here's why preconception care matters 👇 1) Identify and address any potential health concerns before conception. A healthy you = a healthy pregnancy! 2) Lower the risk of birth defects and complications for both mom and baby. 3) Preconception care can improve your fertility and increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. So, what can you do? Here you go ⤵️ 1/ Schedule a preconception checkup: Talk to your doctor about your health history, family medical history, and any medications you're taking. 2/ Embrace a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress. 3/ Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or underweight can impact fertility. 4/ Take folic acid: This essential vitamin helps prevent birth defects. 5/ Quit smoking and limit alcohol: These can negatively impact both sperm and egg health. 6/ Open communication: Discuss your expectations and concerns with your partner. Remember, preconception care isn't just for women! It's crucial for both partners to be healthy. Invest in preconception care and build a strong foundation for your future family. P.S.: Do you have questions about preconception care? Ask away in the comments! 💬 I’m here to help you every step of the way. #preconceptioncare #pregnancy #healthylifestyle #parenthood

The experience of pregnancy loss is stressful. Pregnancy loss can have profound effects on mental health. Studies report that up to 55% of women have depressive symptoms and over 18% report moderate anxiety following a loss. Black women have double the risk for major depression following pregnancy loss.  Satisfaction with healthcare provided during a pregnancy loss can have protective effects to counter the stress.  Fear does the opposite. Fear exacerbates the risk when care options become limited.  The scales are now tipping towards fear and away from healthcare satisfaction as more clinicians feel like their “hands are tied” and the key medicines and procedures used for both miscarriage and abortion become over-regulated or outright banned.  Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.   And we need to talk about what loss looks like in Post-Dobbs America… https://lnkd.in/gfjv9GbF #miscarriage #maternalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #PregnancyandInfantLossAwarenessMonth #PregnancyandInfantLossRemembranceDay

Having persistently elevated blood pressure prior to becoming pregnant is often referred to as "Chronic Hypertension." It's actually more common than one might think, affecting approximately 2% of all pregnancies. Elevated blood pressure has long been shown to have negative consequences not only for the patient but also for pregnancy outcomes, potentially impacting the baby's health. It's crucial to be aware of these implications and take necessary measures to ensure a healthy pregnancy journey for both the mother and the baby. In recent years, the American College of Cardiology (ACA) has lowered the threshold for diagnosing high blood pressure, shifting it from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg. This adjustment has significant implications, especially for women of reproductive age, as it means that more individuals will receive a high blood pressure diagnosis prior to conceiving. This change represents a positive development as it enables early detection and intervention, ensuring that women receive the necessary support and care to maintain their health and promote a successful pregnancy. So what does this mean when you are trying to conceive? Read our latest blog post to find out. https://bit.ly/3UZjxU6 #OCFertility #fertilityblog #newblogpost #infertility #highbloodpressure #womenshealth #Womenshearthealth #womeninmedicine

Worldwide, pre-term birth (birth before 37 weeks) is the single largest cause of death in the newborn period and early childhood and can result in a wide variety of health issues. Since 1994, NHMRC-funded researchers at SAHMRI and partner institutions have made major contributions to reducing the prevalence of pre-term births and improving the health of premature babies. The Adelaide-based team’s finding that omega-3 supplementation in pregnancy reduces prematurity was widely reported and reached millions of people worldwide. In 2021, the Australian Government added omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to its advice for pregnant women. This intervention is expected to prevent roughly 1,000 pre-term births each year. Interested to know more? Read our impact cases study: preterm births and omega-3: https://ow.ly/EP8n50UjEuX

Navigating motherhood at an advanced maternal age (AMA)—defined as pregnancy at 35 years or older—presents unique challenges and considerations. As more women opt to start families later in life, understanding the implications becomes increasingly important. 📉 Fertility begins to decline in the 30s, with a sharper decrease after 35, leading to potential challenges in conceiving. Pregnancies at AMA also carry higher risks, such as chromosomal abnormalities and gestational diabetes. 💡 Many women who wait until later in life enjoy greater emotional maturity and financial stability. Advances in reproductive technologies, including IVF and egg freezing, offer more options. At IFG, we provide innovative treatments like Mitochondrial Donation to help women of AMA conceive biological children. 🤰 Future mothers over 35 should prioritize preconception health, maintain an active lifestyle, and seek early medical advice regarding fertility. Stay informed about advancements in reproductive medicine by following us! Swipe through our infographic and check out the IFG website to learn more: https://ifg-ivf.com/ #AdvancedMaternalAge #HealthyPregnancy #FertilityAwareness #PregnantOver35