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Pregnant women typically start showing a baby bump during their second trimester, between 12 and 20 weeks. However, the exact timing can vary depending on several factors, including:

Body type: Women with a narrow body frame and less fat may start showing earlier, while curvier or heavier women may not show until later in the second trimester or even into the third trimester.

Number of pregnancies: Women who are pregnant for the second or third time may start showing earlier than first-time mothers, often as early as 10–14 weeks.

How the pregnancy is carried: Each pregnancy is different and depends on how a person carries it.

When did YOU start showing??

Today is bloodwork day for our 🤰 patient we’ve been following. At 10 weeks, we can draw blood for genetic testing and a gender test! In about 10 to 14 business days, we’ll get the results back and keep you posted! The first time this patient was pregnant, she didn’t find out the gender. So, you can certainly choose to not find out if you don’t want to. Just make sure to let us know at your appointment if you do or don’t want to know the gender! You also don’t have to do genetic testing (which can help determine the risk of a fetus having certain genetic disorders or birth defects) if you choose not to.
*Every patient is different, so your experience might not look the exact same.*

Sometimes you just have to laugh at those annoying little pregnancy symptoms. LOL The accuracy though!

Placenta previa happens when the placenta lies low in the uterus and covers all or part of the opening to the va**na.

If you develop the condition early in your pregnancy, it usually isn’t a problem since the placenta grows upward with the uterus during pregnancy.

If you develop the condition later in pregnancy and the birth canal is blocked it can cause serious bleeding and may prevent va**nal delivery.

Talk with your providers about ways to deal with placenta previa, which could include having a planned c-section (caesarean birth).

Nine months can seem like a lifetime when you have a new baby on the way. But rest assured, there are plenty of apps out there to aid you in tracking and monitoring your baby’s development (as well as the changes you experience with your own body), which can help you feel that much closer and connected to the little one growing inside you.

What have been YOUR favorite apps?? We'd love to know!

Now that we're in full blown summer mode, are you worried that flying during pregnancy is unsafe? Well good news, on the whole, it is absolutely fine.

Flying isn't harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your provider before you fly - if there are specific reasons you are advised not to fly then they will advise you on this.

The chance of going into labor is naturally higher after 37 weeks (around 32 weeks if you're carrying twins), and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. After 28 weeks you may have to carry a confirmation from your provider (such as a letter or certificate, in addition to your pregnancy record) confirming your approximate due date and that there are no complications with your pregnancy.

Make sure to check with the airline for their policy on this!

So, the moral of this long post - unless directly advised not to - go enjoy your summer travels!

We’re going on a 9 month adventure with a patient of ours, documenting each and every appointment during her pregnancy! First Appointment - Lab Work, Confirmation of Pregnancy and FIRST ULTRASOUND! You’ll see one of our lovely nurses first, then your provider. In this case, it’s Dr. Kessler! Lab work confirmed pregnancy (including normal hCG levels) but unfortunately it was a little too early to see baby, so she’ll come back in for another ultrasound in two weeks… stay tuned! *Every patient is different, so your experience might not look the exact same.*

There are 3 stages of labor and you will need to be 10 cm dilated to deliver va**nally. Let's talk about those stages:

Stage 1: Early labor and active labor

The first stage of labor and birth occurs when you begin to feel persistent contractions. These contractions become stronger, more regular and more frequent over time. They cause the cervix to open (dilate) and soften as well as shorten and thin (efface) to allow your baby to move into the birth canal.

The first stage is the longest of the three stages. It's actually divided into two phases — early labor and active labor.

Stage 2: The birth of your baby

It's time! You'll deliver your baby during the second stage of labor.

Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta

After your baby is born, you'll likely feel a great sense of relief. You might hold the baby in your arms or on your abdomen. Cherish the moment. But a lot is still happening. During the third stage of labor, you will deliver the placenta.

Now what?

Savor this special time with your baby. Your preparation, pain and effort have paid off. Revel in the miracle of birth.

Prenatal vitamins are designed to provide pregnant women with the vitamins and minerals they need, which also helps ensure the baby gets what it needs. Some benefits of prenatal vitamins include:

Reduced Risk of Birth Defects
Prenatal vitamins, especially those containing folic acid, can significantly reduce the risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects. Folic acid is a crucial factor in preventing neural tube birth defects, so it's recommended that all women of childbearing age take a folic acid supplement.

Improved Maternal Health
Prenatal vitamins can support maternal health during pregnancy. For example, iron helps your body make blood to supply oxygen to the fetus and helps prevent anemia.

Improved Fetal Growth and Development
Prenatal vitamins provide the nutrients that support fetal growth and development during pregnancy. For example, vitamin A and DHA help in brain and eye development, while vitamin C supports the development of healthy teeth, gums, and bones.

Reduced Morning Sickness
For some women, taking a prenatal vitamin before getting pregnant can help reduce nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness.

Choosing which prenatal vitamin to take can feel like an overwhelming task, but the most important thing to remember is simply that you should take one! Prenatals are an essential part of a healthy pregnancy and there are lots of options to discuss if you are having trouble deciding which is best for you. We have plenty of recommendations ready for you!

Thank you so much for loving us! We are grateful to serve so many of you in our awesome town. We 🩷 you all!

You can have a baby without help, and then struggle to get pregnant again. It’s called secondary infertility, which is defined as the inability to conceive or carry a baby to term after previously giving birth. Secondary infertility makes up about 50% of infertility cases. Some of the causes of secondary infertility are the same as primary infertility. Other causes include complications related to a past pregnancy or surgery.

Pregnancy is so different for everyone. Did you (or do you) enjoy being pregnant?? Sound off in the comments!

Have you heard about our rewards and membership programs?? MEMBERSHIP PERKS INCLUDE: Savings on All Skincare and Savings on All Services/Packages! Scan each visit to earns rewards! Check out the link in our bio for more info!

Cramps, a bit like period pains, are very common in early pregnancy. These are usually caused by changes in your hormones and by your growing womb. Sometimes stomach pains in early pregnancy can be a sign of something more serious such as: ectopic pregnancy.

Always talk to your provider here at Deerwood if you're having any concerns. We know those first few weeks of pregnancy can cause anxiety, but we are here for you! Call or message us any time.

This is actually true... LOL

Moms, did your partner watch your birth - full frontal and all up in the action?? Or did you prefer they don't see it ALL? Let us know in the comments!

Happy Mother's Day to all of our amazing moms! We are beyond grateful to be a part of so many women's journey to motherhood! Y'all are the real heros!

We hope all the moms are spending the day doing EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT TO DO! Whether that's spending it with your kids, having a staycation, breakfast in bed, the list goes on. We hope you all feel seen and loved!

Is It Safe to Clean a Litter Box While Pregnant?

While precautions can be taken, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid cleaning cat litter, when possible. The reason? Cat f***s can contain a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, leading to an infection called toxoplasmosis that can spread to humans.

That doesn't mean you have to give up your furry feline friend! They can remain part of the family during pregnancy. (And odds are, they sensed you were pregnant before you did!) Just make sure you have a partner, friend, or family member who can change it for you or invest in a self cleaning litter box.

It’s National Nurses Week and we want to take a minute to celebrate our amazing nurses here at Deerwood! They go above and beyond and treat all their patients with the upmost care and respect. We couldn’t do what we do without them! Thank a nurse today!

It's that time of year again! Vote for Deerwood as your favorite spot for all things women's health and wellness. Voting ends May 22.

We couldn't do what we do without the support of all our amazing patients and supporters. Thank you!

Vote here ---> https://wacotrib.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2024/

Summer will be here before we know it! Which means we need to start thinking about our SUNSCREEN regime! Lucky for us, ZO Skin Health has multiple options to make wearing sunscreen easy and effortless.

Call Bre today to order yours! 254-420-0002

Real talk...how do you REALLY feel about s*x during pregnancy? Whether it’s something you love, something you can’t do or something you really can’t stand, the key is communication with your partner!

Always to your provider too if you have any questions or concerns.

PCOS can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods. Irregular periods can lead to:

Infertility (inability to get pregnant). In fact, PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women.

Development of cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries.

Having PCOS does not mean you can't get pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common, but treatable, causes of infertility in women. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). If you don't ovulate, you can't get pregnant.

We can talk with you about ways to help you ovulate and to raise your chance of getting pregnant.

Here to tell you to DRINK MORE WATER! Especially when pregnant...

Drinking water has too many benefits to post here, but here are a few to serve as your reminder why water is BENEFICIAL:

Improved Digestion
Weight Management
Flushing Out Toxins
Radiant Skin
Boost Energy
Cognitive Clarity
Muscle Function
Joint Health
Mood Enhancement

Also, general fluid needs increase during pregnancy in order to support fetal circulation, amniotic fluid, and a higher blood volume.

First of all, you're NOT ALONE! Most women p**p at least a little during a va**nal delivery. It means you're doing it right!

Pushing out a baby feels extremely similar to pushing p**p out. You use all the same muscles!

As you push, your babies head will put a ton of pressure on your re**um...

That means that if there's p**p in there, it will come out.

Your OBGYN and L&D Nurses will probably be excited if you DO p**p while pushing!

The good news?? Once you have your sweet baby in your arms, you will forget all about it!

When in doubt, stretch it out ladies! Include the following stretches into your daily routine:

Child's Pose
Cat-Cow
Butterfly
Downward Dog
Deep Squat
Lunges

We don't know about you, but we are HAPPY IT'S FRIDAY! Have a wonderful weekend Deerwood Family!

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is very contagious and mainly affects infants and young children. Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by coughing spells that end with a characteristic "whoop" as air is inhaled.

How about that for your crazy fact of the day!

There is a LONG (about 90cm) wire-looking catheter that the anesthesiologist uses to place in your back. About 10-12cm of this stays in your back during labor and the rest is used for slack that is hooked up to a pump to continuously feed you the medication.

NO needle stays in your back, its only used to place the catheter.

Did you get an epidural? If you’re considering an epidural for pain management during labor, you’re far from alone—over 60% of women in the U.S. choose to receive this type of pain relief, according to the CDC.