The research on cigarette smoking in pregnancy is loud and clear: smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of pre-term delivery, low-birth-weight babies and stillbirth, amongst other complications. However, the addiction to nicotine can be powerful – and many women, even if they are able...

Thyroid function is a recurring theme in women’s health that is thankfully becoming better understood, especially in the pregnancy and post-partum periods. I’ve discussed its role in both miscarriage prevention and early child development in a previous post – and now, new research has linked elevated...

Regaining libido in the post-partum period is certainly a hot topic – whether or not it’s openly discussed between partners or with their care providers. Resuming physical intimacy is not typically achieved at the magical “6-week check-in,” but more often lags throughout the first...

Living in Northern Canada, I feel like I am constantly talking about Vitamin D. The importance of this super vitamin, however, is not limited simply to women who are living above the 60th parallel! From improving infant immune function (including decreased asthma risk) and...

Inositol is a B-vitamin-like substance with documented benefits to blood-sugar regulation, PCOS management (including promoting ovulation) and alleviating low mood and anxiousness, by improving the sensitivity of hormone and neurotransmitter receptors. Despite all of these great benefits, inositol is something I have shied away...

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...