In my clinic in Whitehorse, I treat many women with PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome), where high insulin levels throw off hormone levels – in particular increased testosterone, which leads to fertility challenges. I often use a medication called Metformin to help regulate blood sugars...

My pregnant patients – in my clinic and through my online program – are often concerned about chemical exposure during pregnancy. A new study has highlighted the importance of decreasing exposure to phthalates, especially in leave-on personal-care products like skin toners, lotions and make-up....

As I talk about the My Healthy Pregnancy Plan cheat sheet and webinar, adequate thyroid function plays a critical role in preventing miscarriage and supporting a healthy pregnancy. The connection between child cognition and brain development and thyroid function in pregnancy is also well...

Supplementing with folic acid in the first trimester has become ingrained in the consciousness of pregnant women, who need adequate folate stores to reduce the chance of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. A recent study has found another important component of neural...

Eating disorders before and during pregnancy, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia, are more common that we might presume. Women can enter pregnancy with a lifetime of disordered eating, or become triggered by normal weight gain of pregnancy and relapse into disordered eating despite previous...

Living in the Yukon, I have many patients who have opted not to supplement with Vitamin D in the summer months given our long days and seemingly endless sunlight. Many are surprised to find out that their Vitamin D stores actually drop without supplementation...

Anemia during pregnancy can cause a host of problems, including fatigue, dizziness, frequent infections, and poor concentration and sleep. It also raises the risk for low birth weight and pre-term labour. In an earlier blog post I talked about how to test for anemia in pregnancy, and...

In an earlier blog post I shared the important role that progesterone plays in maintaining pregnancy – progesterone literally means “pro gestate” and is critically important in sustaining a healthy pregnancy. I routinely assess my fertility patients for progesterone deficiency and treat during the first...

The impacts of chronic stress during pregnancy are well-documented – for mom and baby, including infant behavioural and attention problems and low birth weights. In my online program I dedicate an entire module to stress and the adrenal glands in pregnancy. I focus on...

There are countless good reasons to keep the sugar monster at bay during pregnancy – including healthy mom and baby weight gain, keeping energy levels constant, and decreasing the risk of developing gestational diabetes.  A recent study has highlighted another important connection: higher maternal intake...