The Birth Lounge Blog

MTHFR Gene Mutation and Pregnancy Every human has the gene known as 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, but a significant percentage of humans have a mutation of that gene, simply known as MTHFR Mutation. MTHFR mutation boils down to the body’s inability to break down folate. Folate is imperative to the process of making DNA and modifying certain proteins as they relate to DNA. When looking closely into MTHFR, we find that people with this mutation have high levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine is the amino acid produced when proteins are broken down within the body. This high level of homocysteine can lead to arterial damage and blood clots. Hand in hand with this elevated homocysteine level, we find both a folate and vitamin B-12 deficiency. MTHFR mutation is hypothesized to affect 25% of hispanic people and 15% of white, and is likely to affect 40% of the overall population according to the genetic care and rare diseases information center. This mutation is not a random occurrence, in fact it...

4 Appointments to Keep During COVID-19 With all the changes to our healthcare during this global crisis, there have been so many questions about cancelled appointments! Millions of women all over the world are being told that their prenatals are being cancelled and this has left so many folks feeling unsure and scared about how to have a baby in this pandemic. I’ve talked to so many women who have been left scratching their head with what to do next. I may not have the answer of what to do next, but I do have some pointers on the doctor appointments that are worth keeping even among this pandemic. You can expect that your doctor will probably request you come in for these. And, if they don’t, but you think they should, you have the right to ask about that, too. Just because times are crazy, doesn’t mean you don’t get to advocate for yourself. Now is the time more than ever to use your voice and make it heard to receive the care you deserve. Pregnancy Confirmation  This can be a tri...