A Woman's Place

Did you know that breastfeeding has a wide range of benefits including reducing a mother’s risk of ovarian and breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis? Studies show that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the higher the benefits are.

The likelihood of a successful pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy depends on many factors, including age, whether you have already had children, and why the first ectopic pregnancy occurred. It may have occurred due to a birth defect of the fallopian tubes, complications of a ruptured appendix, or having a previous ectopic pregnancy.

You can ask your doctor or clinic if they have CAD. CAD is computer aided detection and helps the radiologist analyze your mammogram results to find any areas of further concern that might need analyzed.

Are you getting screened for cervical cancer often enough? Women over the age of 21 should get a pap test at least every two years, and women over the age of 30 should get screened at least every two to three years.

Have you noticed that your sense of smell is stronger during pregnancy? Changes in food likes and dislikes, and any cravings you have, are connected with your sense of smell and not your sense of taste. Ninety percent of your ability to taste is actually connected with sense of smell.

There are a number of gynecological specialties doctors can pursue. How many can you name? Here are a few you may have missed: infertility, pregnancy health, endocrinology and urinary tract disorders.

A woman’s annual exam with her gynecologist can have many benefits. It’s a time to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you might have, and it allows your doctor to talk to you about any health issues and also perform any necessary screenings or immunizations.

Did you know that HPV is the cause for the most cervical cancers in women? It is so easily spread through sexual activity and in*******se that there are now vaccines available for girls as young as age 9 up to age 26.

Want to be sure that you are ready for that new addition before you begin trying to become pregnant? A check up with your OB/GYN is a good way to begin, as they can check to make sure your health is good and ensure that you have the medications that are needed to allow everyone a happy birthday.

Did you know it’s a good idea to bring a pen and paper to each of your obstetrician appointments? Since some women report having a sluggish memory during pregnancy, taking notes will help you remember our answers to your questions once you get home.

The diagnosis and treatment of infertility are a combined obstetric-gynecologic effort. Specific treatments are based on test results, how long you have been trying to get pregnant and the age and health of you and your partner.

I am scheduled for amniocentesis. What should I expect? Your obstetrician can offer more specifics, but in general, you should expect the doctor to first use ultrasound to precisely locate the position of the baby. Then, a thin, hollow needle is inserted through your abdominal wall and into the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. Removing a small amount of this fluid takes anywhere from a few minutes to 20 to 25 minutes.

Did you know that cervical cancer screening (including the Pap test and HPV testing) is considered to be an essential part of a women’s routine health care practice? This is because these tests can detect abnormalities that may lead to cancer of the cervix.

Did you know that a healthy pregnancy begins before your baby is even conceived? For women who know they want to have a baby, you should make sure you are in good health before you become pregnant to try to have the healthiest baby possible.

One of the best ways to identify preterm labor is to check for contractions. You can do this by placing your fingertips on your abdomen and each time you feel your uterus tightening and softening (a contraction), write down the time.

You probably already know your uterus will grow during pregnancy. Can you guess the average size of a pre-pregnancy uterus? If you guessed it's about the size of a peach, you're right.

Your gynecologist is ready to talk about various healthy topics you might want to discuss during your annual exams. For women between the ages of 40 to 64, some topics you might want to discuss include: fitness and nutrition, cardiovascular risks, and relationships and mental health.

It’s important to remember that not all birth control pills were created equal. Please let us know if you start experiencing side effects to your birth control so we can switch you to a different prescription.

Are you facing a new family member who you are not feeling capable of rearing on your own? It’s possible- and a good OB/GYN will have the information you need to make the best choice you can for that little one.

In 2006, about 1 out of 12 births in the U.S. were to first-time moms age 35 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1970, that number was 1 out of 100, increasing eightfold over the years.

If you are pregnant, an OB/GYN can make a big difference in ensuring you maintain optimal health throughout the pregnancy. This includes oversight on all prenatal testing and comprehensive fetal monitoring to confirm the health of your baby.

Should I breastfeed my baby? That’s a deeply personal decision, but the facts can help pregnant women to decide. Many organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend breastfeeding. There is a complete mix of vitamins, protein and fat in breast milk and it is more easily digested than formula.

Are you thinking about discontinuing your birth control to try getting pregnant? If you’ve been on oral contraceptives, it could take several months before they’re fully out of your system and you’re able to conceive.

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Were you aware that your skin changes during pregnancy? Hormones can make your skin dry out, and the extra collagen in your skin tears when it stretches, causing stretch marks. Many women use coco butter to lessen the effects, and a daily moisturizer is also a big help.

Your obstetrician’s main tasks are to diagnose and bring you through pregnancy, deliver your child, and ensure you get good postnatal care. The most important surgical operation he or she can perform is a cesarean section.

While pain during your menstrual cycle is often to be expected, throbbing pains during other times of the month are not. If you’ve been experiencing a lasting pain that’s not in sync with your cycle, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with us as soon as you’re able.

We recognize how difficult it can be to tell the difference between normal cramping and cramping brought on by a problem with your baby. Until you become more familiar with what’s normal for your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to contact us about any pain issues.

You may notice as your pregnancy progresses that you start to swell in areas such as your ankles. This is natural and can be relieved by putting your feet up higher than your hips for at least 15 minutes at the end of each day. It will help to increase your fluid intake as well.

Are you thinking about having a child within the next year? If so, now is the time to start seriously evaluating your health and whether you’re healthy enough to carry a child to term.