
- With Mayo Clinic certified nurse-midwife
Mary Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Mary Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
Mary Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
Mary Murry is a nurse-midwife practitioner who is certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
A Cincinnati native, she is a nurse-midwife and instructor of obstetrics and gynecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Mary has been a nurse-midwife practitioner for more than 20 years. She co-edited the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy.
Her research interests include adult female survivors of sexual abuse, women's perception of pain in labor and obesity in pregnancy.
Latest entries
- H1N1 vaccine and pregnancy
Oct. 27, 2009
- Blog: Gestational diabetes
Sept. 24, 2009
- Revisiting pregnancy loss
Aug. 20, 2009
- Blog: Bringing home baby
July 9, 2009
- Reflections on parenting
June 9, 2009
Mayo Clinic Health Manager
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Get StartedPregnancy and you blog
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Feb. 21, 2008
Pregnancy and you: Welcome to our new blog
By Mary Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
I was touring the baby department of a local superstore over the weekend and I was astounded at all the "things" that are available now for moms, newborns and babies.
My baby just turned 19 last week and I discovered things have come a long way in the last 20 years. Slings and carriers; cradle swings and play yards (I guess playpen does sound kind of prison like); baby monitors and portable electric breast pumps (don't ask about mine). Car seats are all 5 point and strollers look like SUVs. What a marvel! How did I care for a baby without at least some of these things?
I might not have had all those things but there were other things it seems I had less of: rules. I could eat a club sandwich every day. I could gorge on fish. I could drink coffee. I could eat soft cheeses in ignorant bliss. Today's pregnant woman could wonder how I had such healthy babies.
There do seem to be so many do's and don'ts for pregnant women today. It can seem like there is no living while you are pregnant, at least not the life you were used to. I hope this blog can be a place for pregnant women to share their concerns and their worries as well as their joys and little miracles. As a mother and a nurse midwife I look forward to being a part of this community.
99 comments posted
November 20, 2009 9:38 p.m.
im wondering why Magnesium Sulfate is often used to treat eclamptic seizures instead of other anticonvulsants such as Phenytoin, Diazepam etc. ..
- winzy
November 7, 2009 9:03 p.m.
Re: No name given and mother issues As a mental health clinician, the decision to have a child belongs to you and your husband. Your mother can dispense her advice but you have the knowledge and power to make a personal choice. In respect to being an individual living with mental illness, you are still a person first and foremost. I would encourage you to do more introspection with a therapist and your Gyno to explore this decision with you. Best of luck!
- Basil
October 7, 2009 9:47 a.m.
Hi all, Just a word about flu vaccination when planning pregnancy. The nasal vaccine is a live-attenuated vaccine and has a theoretical risk in pregnancy, though no ill effects have been shown. It makes some sense to avoid pregnancy for 4 weeks after having the nasal vaccine. The injectable vaccine is a killed virus; it is safe for all stages of pregnancy and should be considered safe when planning conception as well. I believe recommendations suggesting a wait before conception are carry overs from when we avoided all vaccines in the first trimester. Get your injectable seasonal influenza vaccination and H1N1 when it is available if you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant this season.
- Dr. Roger Harms, MayoClinic.com
October 1, 2009 3:54 p.m.
I was just reading an article from Dr. Harms about the flu vaccine and pregnant women. In one section it states that the regular flu vaccine is safe for those in any stage of pregnancy, though if you are trying to conceive then you should wait about 4 wks before trying to conceive after you receive the vaccine. anybody know why? -LR
- Linda R
June 30, 2009 8:23 p.m.
I was just wondering is it possible to be pregnant and not no that you are? What are the chances of a healthy baby if this possible?
- Terri
June 15, 2009 8:31 p.m.
Pre-pregnancy concerns: I am 27 years old and have been on the same birth control for about 8 years consecutively with no lag time in between where I stopped taking the pill. I was wondering if being on the pill for a certain number of years will impact the speed of contraception once you stop taking it. My fear is that I'll be too old to conceive or it will be very difficult because of how long I've been on the pill. Are my concerns valid? Thank you.
- Simone
April 15, 2009 9:27 p.m.
Today I went for an ultrasound due to sever cramps... all is well! Got to see the little bugger! Little heart pumpin' away! However, the tech said that the baby was measurring at 6 weeks 1 day.... that math doesn't seem possible to me. I calculate 7 weeks. I had my last period on Feb 25th.....used an ovulation kit and had a LH surge on march 10th(ovulation). Positive preg test on March 19th....way before my next period was due....if I was only 6w1d I shouldn't have had a positive test for another week...right??? So confused! Is it possible the baby is just small???
- Robin
March 13, 2009 11:29 a.m.
I just wanted to say that I really enjoy this blog. It's nice to have soemthing to turn to when you are uncertain about things. Even though I'm to be a 4th time mom...I still have a ton of questions about pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding! Thanks!
- ~Scarlet! mom to 3 soon to be 4
March 11, 2009 2:15 p.m.
can i safely breast feed immediately after surgery
- suzanne smiley
December 29, 2008 8:11 a.m.
we not sure if my wife is pregnant what are some sings
- hope so
December 16, 2008 7:37 p.m.
my question is, is it normal to bleed a little im 34 weeks along and i dilated 2 already i had went pee and when i wiped there was blood but it was really light like light pink wsnt very much blood jus a little i dont know if thts normal or isit sumthin to be concerned about i called my clinic and they were closed so im jus wtchin out for anymore i had went pee again and this time there wasnt any blood or anything i jus had went to the doc today to and things were fine it all happenedwhen i got home so idk anyone know what i shld do or has anyone else have the same problem?
- heather
December 9, 2008 12:37 p.m.
I continue to welcome everyone to the site. I enjoy everyone's questions and answers that are shared. That is one of the most important things about the site; connecting with other women. I would like to advise Car Car to get a pregnancy test as soon as possible. Home pregnancy tests are fine. The sooner you find out the sooner you can make decisions and plans.
- Mary Murry . com
November 29, 2008 8:50 p.m.
just to add to my previous comment, my 14 year old daughter may find it hard to adjust to this pregnancy and new baby, how can i approach this.
- Car Car
November 29, 2008 8:49 p.m.
I have a 14 year old and righ tnow i am feeling symptoms of pregnancy but haven't missed my period yet but have been feeling sick for the past week, should i wait to get a test done or do a home test now.
- Car Car
November 10, 2008 10:58 a.m.
Reply to the post from August 21. I believe that you and your husband are the only people to decide when to have a baby. Your mother might have had different circumstances and experiences, but I believe that nobody can tell you what to do. Even from medical point of view it is much better to have a baby earlier then later (considering complications and possibility of birth defects). Regarding your depression - firstly, medicine is very advanced now in treatment of depression in pregnant women. You would want to discuss this issue with your health care provider. Some people are prone to depression, some take medications or behavioral therapy for years, but they are perfectly capable of giving loving and caring home for a child. And it does not mean that yor baby 100 % will develop depression in her (his) life. And believe me, when you become pregnant your mother will change her attitude. And if not, too bad (and not for you!).
- Julia
October 9, 2008 4:38 a.m.
I am 24yo and just over 8 weeks pregnant (due May next year). This was an unplanned pregnancy, and I am worried I will not be able to defer my new job due to commence in March next year. My partner is prepared to take time off to be the primary carer, I am wondering what is the absolute minimum time I can take off? Given my age and no health problems. At the moment I am looking at two months maximum (3 weeks before birth and 5 weeks after)
- No name given
September 28, 2008 2:46 p.m.
Hi, I'm 19 years old and I'm really scared that there is a chance I may be pregnant. About a week ago, my boyfriend of almost 2 years were having sex. It was taking a long time for him to finish, so we decided to stop. We realized the condom was gone, and soon later realized it got pushed inside of me. He was a little drunk at the time we were having intercouse, and he doesn't think he finished, although I was very wet down there. I am on yaz (birth control) and I take it regularly. We also decided that I should take the morning after pill for even more safe mesaures. What is the likelihood that I can still get pregnant?
- Kayla
August 22, 2008 8:16 p.m.
I am just needing some advise. I am a diabetic mother to be. I am having alot of problems with my blood sugar readings dropping. My doctor tells me that it is normal. I am having them so bad that I am having to leave work. I am just wondering if this is really normal and if someone else is or has gone through this before.
- April
August 21, 2008 1:28 p.m.
I'm 27 and my husband and I are starting to talk about trying to conceive. We are financially stable and have had the luxury of being able to live off of his salary alone for a while. Both of our careers are well established at this point. The problem I'm having is that my mother has been very insistent on trying to have me do the exact opposite things she did. She got married when she was 20 and had me when she was 21. She first insisted that I didn't get married until I was 30 and didn't have children until I was 35. Now she says maybe I shouldn't have children at all because I suffer from depression and it would be horrible if I passed that on to a child. I am at a loss. I feel that my husband and I are ready and we have always wanted to have children; however, I always imagined my mother being there for me to talk to about this. I am also wondering if we should wait until we can buy a bigger house. We have a 2 bedroom townhome and are saving up to move within the next 4 years.
- No name given
August 12, 2008 8:42 a.m.
It's my first pregnancy. My expcted due date is on septmber 14. I'm having a hard time in deciding if I will try normal birth delivery or elective C-section. I'm not overweight as well as my baby. We are both in good condition as well as the baby's position. It is just that I'm really scared about labor pains, episiotomy and my pain tolerance is really low. I'm also not brave enough to face the pain. My other concern is that what if i'l try normal delivery and then i will not be able to make it, then they will perform emergency C-section! which is I don't prefer. I would rather want an elective C-section than an emergency one..because I witth elective C-section, I will be mentally, physically and emotiobally prepared. But the other question is, what if I will be able to make it through normal delivery? please advise. I'm confused. tnx
- shine
July 2, 2008 3:41 p.m.
Hi Mary, This is my first pregnancy and I am 31 years old.I am 38 weeks pregnant now and my baby's head is not engaged yet. Is there still time for this to happen? Is it recommendable to do squatting exercises? Or other type of exercises? What might be causing my baby not to be engaged yet? Thank you.
- Romina
June 23, 2008 5:12 p.m.
Paula, Thank you so much for your feedback...I guess I'll just have to wait and see :)
- No name given
June 23, 2008 8:49 a.m.
Dreamer, I don't know if it was all in my head or not, but, yes, I felt things that were not the same as they had always been. I felt, when implantation occured in the uterus, some thing along the lines of a great big mosquito bite. This was probably about a week after conception. And about a week and a half after conception, I had the sore breasts and much more frequent unination. I know this sounds strange, but I just knew that I was pregnant. It was very exciting to feel these different things.
- Paula - NNY
June 19, 2008 5:53 p.m.
I was just curious if anyone has ever been so sensitive that they can actually feel conception taking place. Like, cramping and sore breasts...wouldn't this make sense due to the hormone fluctuation. Looking for some feedback...please help!
- Dreamer..
June 18, 2008 10:34 a.m.
i am 30 weeks along and went to the doctor yesterday and my blood pressure was 80 over 30. the doctor didnt really say much so im just w2ondering is this serious and what can i do to raise it back up??
- dani
99 comments posted