MomDocs

When a baby is born prematurely, their lungs may not be fully developed, leading to respiratory issues. Antenatal corticosteroids, like betamethasone and dexamethasone, are administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to boost the baby’s lung maturity and reduce complications such as Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). These steroids help the baby produce surfactant, which keeps the lungs open and improves breathing after birth. Dr. Rachel Pasquesi will discuss how these medications work and their benefits.

High school football season is here. As parents and young athletes are amid another season, it's crucial to prioritize injury prevention. Dr. Terra Blatnik provides valuable insights and practical tips to help keep your young athlete safe on the field.

Autumn brings a unique set of hazards that can pose risks to children. Dr. Shobha Bhaskar can talk about how the changing season introduces specific dangers and provide practical advice on how to keep your little ones safe.

As we head into the 2024 RSV season, many parents ask how best to protect their little ones. Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, can be particularly concerning for young children, and understanding what to expect is crucial. The CDC has projected that this fall and winter, RSV, COVID-19, and flu hospitalizations may be similar to or slightly lower than last year's peak, but staying informed is key. Dr. Jamie Kondis can discuss RSV—what it is, how it impacts infants and young children, and what you can do to keep your family safe.

The first visit to the gynecologist is a crucial moment for your daughter's overall health. It paves the way for a lifetime of well-being. Dr. Rachel Pasquesi discusses how to help prepare your teen for her first gynecological appointment.

The coldest months bring along their own unique set of potential winter injuries. During winter, it's important for everyone to be extra cautious both indoors and outdoors. Not only do winter storms pose health hazards and dangers, but they can also make it challenging to reach an emergency room due to icy roads. Since most kids aren't used to dealing with winter throughout the year, their risk of getting injured may rise. Dr. Lindsay Clukies, a Washington University emergency medicine physician, discusses common winter injuries she sees in the emergency room.

Dr. Shobha Bhaskar, a pediatric hospitalist with St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses common hazards to watch out for in your home during the holiday season.

The holiday season includes spending time with family and friends and a lot of food and desserts. Dr. Emily Hahn, a board-certified pediatric dentist at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses how parents can help keep their kids' teeth healthy during the holiday season.

Viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV are more common during winter. How can you protect your child from getting sick with a respiratory illness? And if your child does become ill, how do you know if it’s time to go to the pediatrician or emergency department?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, the obesity rate among U.S. children and teens has more than tripled since 1980. Dr. Piyush Srivastava, a pediatrician whose practice is a part of BJC Medical Group and is also board-certified in Obesity medicine, discusses the various causes of obesity in kids.

Cold and flu season is here. When your child gets sick, you want to make them feel better and stop the illness from spreading to other family members. Antibiotics may come to mind. Dr. Jamie Kondis, a pediatrician at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses how antibiotics work and what types of illnesses require antibiotics.

While rare, pediatric strokes occur, affecting one in every 1,100 newborns and an additional 2,000 older children each year. The cause of a stroke is either a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. If left untreated, it can lead to damage or death of brain tissue. Dr. Kristin Guilliams, a pediatric neurologist with St. Louis Children's Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, discusses stroke in children.

Whether kids fall off their bikes or play a sport, their risk for head injuries rises. Parents, teachers, and caregivers should know the differences between mild head injuries and concussions and when to seek medical help.

Dental anxiety is an abnormal fear or dread of visiting the dentist for preventive care or therapy and unwarranted anxiety over dental procedures. Many children worry about going to the dentist. They may have had a poor experience or learned this anxiety from a family member. Emily Hahn, a board-certified pediatric dentist at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses why some children have dental anxiety and tips for dealing with your child's anxiety.

The 4th trimester is when a new mom is recovering from pregnancy and delivery while learning to be a mom as her baby adjusts to life outside the womb. But for new moms struggling with the physical and emotional changes that follow childbirth, the 4th semester can be a period of significant adjustment.

Dr. Kelly Boland, a psychology fellow at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, discusses maintaining mental health for parents and kids during this holiday season and at all times.

While respiratory infections occur year-round, there is a significant increase in these infections during the fall and winter months (cold and flu season) when people tend to spend more time inside. It is important for parents and caregivers to understand the difference between common respiratory infections and treatment options. Dr. Tara Neumayr, a Washington University- St. Louis Children’s Hospital Pediatric Critical Care Physician and Pediatric Nephrologist, can discuss the most common winter respiratory viruses, their symptoms, and how to know when to seek help.

Women from teens to seniors should have an annual visit with their OB/GYN. But, just as women’s healthcare needs change as they age, their annual OB/GYN appointments change, too. Dr. Rosanna Gray-Swain, a BJC Medical Group Ob/Gyn affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, talks about what to expect during an annual visit with your OB/GYN during each stage of life.

Anxiety is often a normal part of childhood and adolescence, but there’s a difference between everyday worry and chronic anxiety. According to the CDC, 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 5.8 million) were diagnosed with anxiety in 2016-2019. Dr. Jamie Kondis can add insight into the cause, diagnosis, and management of anxiety.

As a parent in summer, we hope that kids spend a lot more time outside but these activities can also lead to itchy, irritated skin. Dr. Allie Grither discusses common summertime rashes for kids and what you can do to identify and prevent them.