PRAISE FORDR. ROBERT GREENE'S PERFECT HORMONE BALANCE FOR PREGNANCY
Finally, a book that debunks common pregnancy myths, offers cutting-edge medical and scientific advice from a leading expert, and gives a practical and easy-to-follow plan to obtain optimal health during one of the most intense times of a woman's life. Without question, Dr. Robert Greene's Perfect Hormone Balance for Pregnancy is essential reading for pregnant women and those who love them.
Nora Isaacs, author of Women in Overdrive: Find Balance and Overcome Burnout at Any Age
Dr. Robert Greene's Perfect Hormone Balance for Pregnancy is a well-organized, easy-to-follow, and evidence-based book that provides valuable advice to women on medical and life-style-related issues experienced during pregnancy.
Gideon Koren, M.D., founding director of the Motherisk program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto
Dr. Robert Greene's Perfect Hormone Balance for Pregnancy refreshingly combines the most current scientific evidence with a holistic clinical approach. Culled from years of practice and study, this book should be read by all pregnant women, those considering pregnancy, and the clinicians who care for them.
Lee Shulman, M.D., professor and chief of the Division of Reproductive Genetics at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine
Dr. Robert Greene's Perfect Hormone Balance for Pregnancy is what every pregnant woman is looking foran honest, down-to-earth, simple program for optimal health of mom and baby from an experienced obstetrician working in the cutting-edge field of hormone research.
Alice Domar, Ph.D., founder of The Domar Center for Complementary Healthcare
A welcome follow-up to his first book, Perfect Balance, Dr. Robert Greene continues his emphasis on educating women with the latest evidence-based medicine' on healthy lifestyle, diet, and interaction with their health-care providers to optimize their chances of not only having a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby, but enjoying the process as well.
Andrew Wilner, M.D., neurologist and author of Epilepsy: 199 Answers
A useful guide for expectant moms who seek advice based not only on experience but also on up-to-date scientific evidence.
Conrad Chao, M.D., chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It would never be possible to juggle the responsibilities of a busy medical practice, an active research program, a rigorous lecture schedule, and the creation of a book without the complete support and dedication of a willing partner. My deepest thanks therefore goes to my wife, mentor, and life partner, Morgan Pritchard. None of this would have been possible without your efforts and encouragement.
I am especially grateful to my writing partner, Laurie Tarkan, who has been a delight to work with. Without your patient guidance, gentle prodding, and exceptional talents, this book would not be as dynamic and readable. Somewhere along the way, you became a good friend, for which I am most thankful.
My agent, friend, and writing coach, Stedman Mays. Thanks for continuing to drive this growing series and administering to the details as effectively as you do. You are absolutely terrificeven if you are a devoted carnivore.
To Nikki Van Noy, the adoptive editor of this book, who received and nurtured it with tireless enthusiasm and skillful guidance. I anticipate great things in your future and look forward to our ongoing relationship. And a special mention to Natalie Kaire, who initially accepted this project on behalf of Clarkson Potter, as well as Maria Gagliano for all the behind the scenes work and facilitating a smooth transition.
Many thanks to the exceptional team within the Crown Publishing Group. Jenny Frost provided a tremendous stage to deliver the Perfect Hormone Balance message. Lauren Shakely and Pam Krauss guided me smoothly from one book to the next. Cindy Berman kept us all on track, the keen eye and attention to detail of Jim Gullickson polished the final manuscript, and Jenny Beal and Marysarah Quinn captured the spirit of this book.
Thank you to Tina Constable and her team for working so diligently to promote this book. And to my publicist, Kelly Kimble of Krupp Kommunications: Your effort and planning were essential in letting women know about the health benefits of Perfect Hormone Balance.
I have been very fortunate to have a highly talented team who share my vision and work with me in my practice. Judith Crabtree, WHC-NP, whose compassion, warmth, and charm are indefatigable. Larissa Botcharnikova, PA-C, who is always thoughtful, patient, and kind. Mare Deutcher, who pulled double duty and proofread at a moment's notice. And Lori Thomas, Lisa Pfingsten, and Suzanne Erickson, the ladies that keep it all together and keep me on my toes.
I'd also like to extend a special thanks to my business manager Brian Greene of Collagiovanni and Greene, for shielding me from the distractions that interfere with writing. You're the best.
And finally to all my wonderful patients, past, present, and future, who continue to provide the inspiration and motivation behind this work.
Robert Greene
My deepest gratitude goes to Dr. Robert Greene, whose passion to educate women, his desire to question the status quo, his trust in me, and his unending optimism have been the driving forces behind this book. He is an outstanding physician, a compassionate man, and now a great friend.
Special thanks to my incredible agent and friend Stedman Mays of Scribblers House, who shepherded us through the book proposal, provided thoughtful and meticulous editing of the book, and most important, kept me sane during the longest and most difficult days of writing with his infectious laugh, his compassion, his belief in me, and his gentle way of making me see the best perspective. Thanks for choosing me!
Thanks also to our two editors, Elissa Altman, for her insights that truly made this a compelling read, and the intelligent and kind Nikki Van Noy whose passion for the book helped carry us through to publication. Thanks to everyone else at Clarkson Potter who have supported this book.
Thanks, as always, to my dear friend Lynne Cusack, my mentor and one-woman support team through all these years. Thanks for reading this one, too! And thanks to Morgan Pritchard, whose health knowledge and understanding of patients, as well as her eye for editing, improved this book immensely.
Thanks to all my friends and family, who lent general life support and encouragement. And to my husband, Andrew Lipetz, for his support, and unflinching faith in me. And Dadfor everything!
Laurie Tarkan
CONTENTS
PART ONE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
PART TWO
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
APPENDIX A.
APPENDIX B.
INTRODUCTION
O nce you detect the faint blue line on the home pregnancy test and celebrate the thrilling news, one of the first things you do is start gathering information. You read voraciously browse the Internet, and talk to friends and family to learn everything you can about how your pregnancy will unfold and what you need to do to have a healthy baby. You quickly learn to avoid unsafe foods, drinks, and medications, you think about how much exercise is safe, the prenatal tests you'll take, and the symptoms you'll be facing. You'll try to find the best health care provider, the best hospital, and even the best name for your baby. But my guess is that you won't give much thought to your hormones. Pregnancy, though, is all about hormones.