Ruth K Mielke, DNP, RN, CNM

Hemophilia affects pregnancies in individuals who are genetic carriers of hemophilia or who have the condition. It can lead to unusual bleeding and be passed on to the baby. Prenatal care is essential for individuals with hemophilia.
Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that affects your blood’s ability to clot, leading to excessive bleeding. Certain clotting proteins, or clotting factors, are low or absent in this condition. There are different types of hemophilia and levels of sev...

You’ve heard of it. You don’t want it. But you may not be able to avoid it. It’s back labor. Most women have heard of back labor from family or friends or experienced it themselves. It can be excruciating pain in the lower back during labor pains and doesn’t always let up between contractions. Fortunately, counter pressure during labor can reduce your pain and anxiety. There are two main types of counter pressure that you may find helpful. Let’s learn all about them.
What is Back Labor?
Most ...

Women have many options for coping with pregnancy discomforts and labor pain — there isn’t one right way to have a baby. Understanding all the available tools and options can empower you to make the best choices for you and your baby. Pain management options include massages, counter pressure, TENS units, epidural...

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited illness that can be screened for during pregnancy. The test determines whether you have any altered genes that you can pass on to your child. Having the information can help determine your next steps.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition caused by genetic mutations or changes. You must inherit a copy of the altered genes from both biological parents to have the illness. If you have only one copy of the genetic mutations – from one parent, you do not have...

Meconium ileus can happen when a baby with cystic fibrosis can’t pass their first poop, called meconium. It’s a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Treatment involves enemas and possibly surgery.
Meconium ileus is a serious issue that affects up to 20% of newborns with cystic fibrosis. Learning about this condition can help you know what to look out for and when to get help.
This article will give you a brief yet clear understanding of the causes, symptoms, diagnos...

While prenatal screening and diagnostic tests detect most birth defects, there are many conditions that simply can’t be diagnosed during pregnancy because of the nature of the condition.
Having a baby is an exciting journey filled with hopes for a healthy child. Many potential issues are discovered before birth thanks to advances in prenatal screening. But, some birth defects, or congenital conditions, may only be diagnosed or show signs after your baby is born.
About 3% of babies in the Unit...

Birth defects affect 3% of pregnancies in the United States. Screening and diagnostic tests during pregnancy can identify many birth defects. Parents can take critical steps to help prevent certain defects.

Birth defects are common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies born in the United States each year.

The cause of many birth defects is unknown. However, other defects are a result of genetic factors, environmental exposure, ...

The umbilical cord is a life-sustaining tube that connects your baby to your placenta. Some issues can develop with the cord during pregnancy. After birth, it’s easy to care for your baby’s cord stump by keeping it clean and dry.
The umbilical cord is vital during pregnancy but is not needed after your baby is born. Various umbilical cord issues can happen during pregnancy and birth, but most umbilical cord conditions are rare.
After birth, your baby’s umbilical cord is cut. It becomes a stum...

Chemotherapy drugs are used for cancer treatment but can significantly affect your ability to get pregnant. Many factors impact your fertility after chemo. Discussing steps to preserve your fertility with your healthcare team is essential.
Chemotherapy is a powerful cancer treatment that often saves lives. But it can also have significant effects on your fertility. Certain chemo drugs are more likely to decrease the chances of getting pregnant after treatment.
You can take measures to preserv...

Understanding and using the nursing process steps is essential for individualized patient-centered care. The five key steps guide nursing care and promote better communication among healthcare team members.
Some of you are fresh out of nursing school, while others are more seasoned in your careers. Regardless of your experience, applying the nursing process is vital to providing patient-centered care. These steps lead to improved patient satisfaction and individualized care.
Do you remember t...

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that causes painful lumps. This skin disorder can change during pregnancy, and complications can happen. Several treatment options and lifestyle changes can help you manage the symptoms.
Hidradenitis suppurative (HS) is a frustrating skin condition with painful lumps and sores that can sometimes affect quality of life.
Symptoms of HS in pregnancy can vary. Some people may experience improvements in the condition, while symptoms may worsen for ...

Most parents look forward to the miracle of childbirth, but what happens when the journey takes a dangerous turn? Enter shoulder dystocia, a complication that can turn the birthing process into a terrifying ordeal for everyone. Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency that occurs when your baby’s head delivers, and one or both of her shoulders get stuck behind your pelvic bone. It is a rare but severe condition that can cause long-term consequences for you and your baby.4
Let’s explore should...

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Sore breasts during pregnancy are common and often come with sensitivity and aching. During the first trimester, many women can’t stand the shower running on their breasts or clothing touching their nipples. The thought of their partner touching their breasts causes them to cringe. All these experiences are typica...

Many amazing events happen in childbirth. But one of the most fascinating is the en caul birth. With an en caul birth, your baby is born inside the amniotic sac or bag of water. This phenomenon has fascinated parents and medical professionals for centuries.1
An en caul birth is considered rare. There are many cultural beliefs and superstitions regarding this unusual birth. Some people believe an en caul birth is magical and brings fame and fortune, but there are few benefits or risks. Some pa...

Intrauterine pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants and grows in the correct place – your uterus. Not all early pregnancies develop typically. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm that implantation occurred in the right place.
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey starting with the fertilization of an egg and implantation. Every early sign and symptom of pregnancy can be exciting but also raise many questions.
How do you know if your pregnancy is developing in the right place? Ultrasound...