Modern contraception allows men and women to have a child by choice, not by chance. But what family planning options are available? And how effective are they? Kirtly Parker Jones, MD, discusses the most common contraceptives available and how to choose the best one for you and your family.
Inducing labor in healthy women at 39 weeks into their pregnancy reduces the need for cesarean section and is at least as safe for mother and baby as waiting for...
For many American women, changes in weight are often punctuated by pregnancy. Women's health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones shares some simple changes in lifestyle that she has observed in other cultures. She also offers suggestions and guidelines that new and expectant mothers might adopt into their own routines to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through the childbirth process.
Until about 100 years ago, 1 in 10 women died in childbirth. And the period after childbirth was equally delicate. If women survived a difficult birth, they often were left weak and anemic. The same mothers then would have to provide milk for their babies. In the Chinese culture, women are told to stay inside for a month after giving birth. Nobody comes in; nobody goes out. This period of rest also meant no baths or showers and no cold fluids. In America, we do things a bit differently. Women’s health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones from the University of Utah talks about the do's and don’ts of postpartum care in the US, and why it differs from other places in the world.
No woman wants an 'unnatural childbirth.' But what is defined as a 'natural' or 'normal' birth? Women's expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones talks with a certified nurse midwife Celeste Thomas about physiological childbirth, the way the body naturally delivers. Learn about hormones, contractions and how your healthcare providers can help foster a natural childbirth.
In January 2017, a new practice bulletin released by top OBGYN and pediatric authorities suggests new guidelines concerning cutting your baby’s umbilical cord after delivery. What does this mean for your baby and how long should your doctor wait before cutting the cord? Dr. Kirtly Jones, OB-GYN with University of Utah Health, discuss what the research says.
The chances of survival for very premature babies has dramatically increased over the past 30 years, but preterm births are still hard to prevent. Women’s health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones says nearly 1 in 10 babies in the U.S. will be born prematurely, and premature babies can also mean expensive medical costs. Learn what health conditions or interventions — such as in vitro fertilization — can lead to preterm births and how the risks of prematurity can be treated.
Human beings have developed large brains to give us a leg up as a species. But a big brain means a big head, and a big head makes getting a baby out during birth difficult. Vaginal birth can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor in a minority of women. Age and other factors also can weaken the structure and cause complications. In fact, one in five American women will undergo pelvic floor surgery to repair damage. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones sits down with urogyneocologist Dr. Ingrid Nygaard to talk about what women can do to keep their pelvic floor strong and how a new study at the U is looking into how women can rebuild pelvic floor strength after childbirth.
It’s like a scene straight out of a movie. A woman has gone into labor on her way to the hospital. The baby is coming now, and you are the only one who can help. But don’t. Just don’t. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones tells bystanders to “keep their hands to themselves.” She also has advice for anyone who finds themselves in this scenario and what few things you can do to assist the mother while she delivers her baby.
First and foremost - do not panic. Do not get into a car and drive yourself to the hospital. Get to ground level and listen to your body. Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones reminds us that women all over the world deliver babies outside of a hospital and goes through the basic steps to deliver your baby at home when getting to the hospital is just not an option.
It’s not something most pregnant women want to plan for when preparing for their new baby to be born: complications. Knowing what to expect when a complication occurs is crucial to a safe labor and delivery for both mom and baby. Janet Fisher, labor and delivery nurse educator, talks to Dr. Kirtly Jones about the conversations every pregnant woman should have with her clinician before the due date, and how to be flexible when not all goes according to plan.
For nine months, you build up the expectations about being a new parent. If this sounds like you, pause for a moment and listen to this podcast. Dr. Sonja Van Hala discusses common stresses that many first-time parents experience, unrealistic expectations they have, common problems they encounter and gives some tips on what to do about them to have a better first-time parenting experience.
