By Maressa Brown, Feb 18, 2025 The Miles Circuit is a series of movements that “encourage cervical dilation and can potentially stimulate labor, especially if the body is already showing signs of readiness, like cervical effacement and dilation,” explains Kecia Gaither, M.D., ob-gyn and maternal-fetal medicine specialist in New York City. Click HERE for the full article.
By Dina Cheney, Feb 11, 2025 Technically, this sweetener—contained in brands like SweetLeaf, Stevia in the Raw and Truvia—isn’t artificial, since it’s made from a plant native to South America. But it’s like artificial sweeteners in that it’s calorie-free. When used sparingly, Stevia is generally considered safe, says Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, associate professor of clinical obstetrics [...]
By Carrie Murphy, Feb 6, 2025 Typically, a woman would be prescribed cyclobenzaprine during pregnancy because of a muscle spasm, explains Kecia Gaither, MD, the Director of Perinatal Services/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx in New York City. Cyclobenzaprine is considered a category B medication by the FDA, which means that animal [...]
By Dina Cheney, Jan 30, 2025 Some soda is fine, confirms Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, ob-gyn and and the director of perinatal services/maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health and Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx. But many soft drinks are high in caffeine and sugar, so you’ll want to cap your consumption. (Additionally, cola contains phosphoric acid, which [...]
By Ria Saha, B.Tech, Jan 27, 2025 New York-based obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Kecia Gaither, says, “It is normal for pregnant women to crave certain foods. While vinegar-based pickles are safe during pregnancy, they can irritate the stomach lining and cause water retention and high blood pressure due to their salt content, if consumed excessively.” Click HERE [...]
By Adrienne Santos-Longhurst, Jan 24, 2025 “Hot flashes are pretty clear in their presentation,” says Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS, MBA, FACOG, double board-certified in OB/GYN and maternal fetal medicine. Dr. Gaither shared these other common signs of hot flashes: Intense heat in the upper body Anxiety Rapid heartbeat Sweating Red blotchy or flushed skin “They can last [...]
By Elizabeth Millard, Jan 23, 2025 Various things can affect the intensity and frequency of flares (for better or worse), and one of these is pregnancy, says Kecia Gaither, M.D., the director of perinatal services and maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in New York City. “During pregnancy, about 40% to 60% of patients experience improved psoriasis symptoms, [...]
By Jessica Freeborn, Jan 22, 2025 Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS, MBA, FACOG, double board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and maternal fetal medicine, who was not involved in this study, told MNT that: “Murine models of research, while enlightening, don’t fully replicate the human body. [The findings] thought-provoking as to potential therapeutics, but certainly more research need be [...]
By Dina Cheney, Jan 21, 2025 Still, even with cooked sushi, there’s one potential issue: mercury. Many popular types of fish, like tuna, king mackerel, swordfish, tilefish and shark, are high in the toxic heavy metal. Mercury can negatively impact fetal development, especially when it comes to the nervous system, says Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, associate professor [...]
By Sarah Bradley, Jan 21, 2025 Most of us would love to spend the nine long months of pregnancy with our feet up on the couch, but let’s be real: life goes on—even when you’re growing a human. Moreover, some pregnant women work jobs that require them to be on their feet all day (think: teachers, [...]
