Clover Genetics

NEW BLOG: Visit our website to read "Genetic Counseling & Indigenous Health: Approaches For/From Non-Indigenous Allies."

This project incorporates work from Indigenous individuals and organizations, intending to improve genetics patient care and cultural competency for Indigenous clients. This guide is intended to be used by other genetic counseling and private practice healthcare and wellness professionals who might not be aware of the unique experiences of Indigenous people within genetic healthcare. We aim to tailor our patient care to Indigenous communities whose needs and wants are often unmet in healthcare settings.

Photo by CIRA/.CA, available at: https://www.cira.ca/en/indigenous-stock-images/
"CIRA’s Indigenous stock photo library is a free-to-use resource created to honour Indigenous entrepreneurship and address the Indigenous representation gap in most online stock images... All images were captured by Indigenous photographer Shelby Lisk at Indigenous-owned locations (Adaawe, Beandigen Café and Mādahòkì Farm) with a cast of Indigenous models."

Meet our team! Jenni Carroll, MS, CGC, is a Genetic Counselor with Clover Genetics. She sees patients of all specialties, but is particularly passionate about working with patients under the specialties of , , , , , , , , and . Jenni can currently see patients in 23 states and all US Territories! Visit our website at clovergenetics.com to schedule an appointment today!

Week 40 generally marks the final week of pregnancy with the start of labor looming over each day. Expecting parents can prepare by reviewing their birth plan and ensuring they feel confident that their providers and partner understand their needs. It is not uncommon for pregnancy to go slightly beyond week 40, but those over 10 days beyond their due date may need to have labor induced. This can be done with home remedies, physical stimulation by the physician, drugs, or sometimes a combination of things. The key thing this week is to communicate changes, trust your body, and feel confident in your birth plan (and back-up plans!).
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This is the final week of our and we are so thankful for our followers and content creators for their hard work in sharing this with our community! Please comment or reach out to us with any questions at [email protected]
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With three weeks remaining until the standard 40-week pregnancy mark is met, the fetus is still hitting new milestones; particularly in its size and activities. Weighing around 6.5lbs, the fetus has begun developing suckling skills and may be seen sucking their thumbs or fingers on ultrasounds. For those with high-risk pregnancies, like those carrying twins, week 37 is a common time for labor to initiate. Having a trustworthy and communicative team of physicians and providers can assist and their families to understand what to expect as the time for labor approaches.
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Labor is quickly approaching and consequently, the fetus settles in the head down position in preparation for birth! If you recall from week 33 post, fetuses that do not move head down are called "breech" and at this point in the pregnancy, they may need to be manually turned through a procedure called an External Cephalic Version ( ). Under the guidance of a healthcare provider, delivery plans may need to be adjusted for those carrying fetuses in the breech position close to labor.
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At week 32, the fetus is now undergoing some rapid and vital development to the lungs, brain, bones, and other areas. While the fetus is in this growth phase, the pregnant parent also experiences changes, both physical, emotional, and hormonal. Over the course of the pregnancy, the parent's blood volume has increased by 40-50% to help the fetus maintain its needs and also to create a reserve for any blood loss during labor. As the pregnancy rounds the corner to the final two months, the fetus may shift to a position where the pregnant parent's belly appears to shift from a higher position to a lower position. Swipe to learn more!
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