Caffeine is one the most commonly consumed stimulants worldwide, and something that many pregnant women have difficulty giving up once they become pregnant. Given that excess caffeine consumption has been linked to higher rates of miscarriage, the coffee question is one that I get...

The more we study the human microbiome, the more we have come to appreciate the vital role these microorganisms play in human health, from digestion to immune function and even in mental health. In pregnancy, your microbiome also sets the tone for your baby’s...

54% of women will experience insomnia during their pregnancy, either as “sleep-onset” insomnia (trouble falling asleep) or “sleep-maintenance” insomnia (trouble staying asleep). An inability to get adequate, quality sleep can impact a pregnant woman’s health on a number of levels. Insomnia during pregnancy has been linked...

74% of pregnant women will experience nausea or vomiting during their pregnancy, most commonly during the first trimester. While ginger is a well known remedy for nausea and vomiting, Vitamin B6 is a promising option as well, and has been shown to decrease both...

Exercising during pregnancy produces a host of benefits, from reducing symptoms of depression to shortening the amount of time spent in labour, as well as decreasing the risks of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Many pregnant women, however, shy away from including strength-training in their...

Tylenol/acetaminophen is used by over 50% of pregnant women in the US. Most care-providers presume that Tylenol is safe in pregnancy, but it is not completely without harm. Tylenol use in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of hyperkinetic disorders and ADHD-like behaviours...

I finally had the perfect fitness routine going – alternating jogs and circuit training in the mornings, cross-country skiing on the weekend, and a weekly date with my new roller derby team. Then, as I was trying to slip on a sock while bounding...

While pregnancy is typically thought of as a time for celebration and “basking in the glow of new life,” many women struggle through this period of their lives. Up to 16% of pregnant women meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression, and figuring out...

One of the questions I get asked most often is “how can I avoid an induction?” Pregnant women are well versed about the risks of inductions and the “cascade of interventions” that can result from them. They know that inductions increase their chances of...

Calling all readers: seeking your input for the Oceania Odyssey book Dear friends, After 6 months on the road, we are looking to turn our blog into a book, and would so appreciate if you could spend a few minutes answering the questions below...