Gainesville OBGYN

Let's all celebrate our June babies 🥳 with a big birthday hug and good wishes. Hoping you all have the best day ever 🎂🎊🎉🎉🎈
Abigail Wood, APRN, CNM
Betty Bobe, Financial Counselor/OB Coordinator
Dr. Janelle Alvarez
Sary Tafur, OB Coordinator
Dr. Mona El-Gayar
Dr. Mary Ann Smith

The spotlight of the day goes to........Dr. David Stewart. Thank you so much for caring for our patients unconditionally. You rock!!! 🥳🥳

Happy National Nurses Day. I would like to thank you wonderful nurses for your hard work and experience. Your unconditional love for your career speaks volumes. You all rock!!! 🩺🩹

Now let's give it a BIG welcome to our May babies......Happy Birthday and may all your dreams come true 🥳🥳🍰🎁🎊🎊
Dr. Leah Kemble
Sharla, Front Desk Specialist
Shalicia Shemwell, Midwife
Dr. Donna Boucher
Dr. George Thomas

Gestational diabetes is an ailment that is diagnosed during pregnancy, and it happens to about 10% of pregnancies in the United States. It is basically how your body processes sugar. If left untreated, it can affect pregnancy and the baby’s health. The positive side? It can be controlled by eating a healthy diet, exercising and taking medication. Normally, the sugar levels go back to their normal numbers after birth; however, you can be at a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life. Please call our office at (352)792-6123 and schedule your Ob/Gyn appointment, so any of our wonderful maternity care providers can assist you with any questions you may have about this important topic.

Centering empowers with the skills needed for self-care, health management and life management. Our patients tell us they love the learning support and fun that comes from being part of a Centering group. We’re excited to offer you a unique experience! Visit us to enjoy the magic of the Centering group care model. It’s more than a healthcare visit. Centering Healthcare Institute

Try Centering today. Contact our office to learn more.

Let's take care of our planet! Happy Earth Day 🌱🌎

Imagine being in a comfortable small group during your healthcare visit, sharing common health concerns and experiences with other patients. That’s Centering group care for you! It helps you lessen feelings of social isolation while building friendships, community and lasting support systems that can bolster you well past your visits.

Please contact us to learn more about our Centering groups and how we can help you get better prenatal healthcare.

We had such a great and fun time during our office retreat on Friday. We were able to share good moments as a team, as a work family. Looking forward to many more retreats 🥰🤗🥰.

The happiest of birthdays to our April babies 🥳🥳🎁🎊🎊 wishing you the best always 🤗
Alejandra, Front Desk Specialist
Whitney, Sonographer
Zanetra, MA
April, Nurse

I'd like to take this moment to thank and celebrate all of our amazing doctors and residents for always being there for our patients. Your hard work and ethics speak volumes. 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️🩺

Robe – A very comfortable item to wear after delivery. It is not tight and it gets you ready for breastfeeding🤰👶

Happy International Women's Day. To all of our strong, beautiful and empowered women out there 🙂🙂

Now let's cheer up for our March babies....celebrating another great year of life, accomplishments and good vibes 🎂🎈🎊 🥳

Happy Valentine's Day, beautiful people 🥰

FOLIC ACID:

Folic acid is a form of vitamin B and is essential to take before and during pregnancy. It has also been known that folic acid or folate, which is also known as, is good to prevent anemia. It is strongly recommended that all women of fertile age take folic acid, 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day, even more if you are trying to conceive or are currently pregnant. Also, the intake of foods full of folate can help prevent birth defects such as brain and spinal cord. The baby's brain and spine develop around the 3rd to 4th weeks after conception, and so are the birth defects. Studies have shown that the risk of developing spina bifida and anencephaly are very low when a woman takes folic acid as well as keeping a balanced and healthy diet. Many foods are naturally enriched with folic acid, such as fruits (oranges, bananas, and berries). Also, legumes and dark, leafy greens contain folic acid. However, it may not be the enough amount required by the FDA. Thus, multivitamins are strongly required to supplement folic acid, as well as breads, pastas, rice, and cereals. Planning on getting pregnant? Already pregnant, but are unsure which vitamins are good for you? Call our office at (352) 792-6123 and schedule your Ob/Gyn appointment. Our doctors will be happy to guide you with the information you may need. 📞

CenteringPregnancy® is an innovative group healthcare that focuses on prenatal care, which has shown to improve the negative birth outcomes, such as reducing low birth weights, lowering risk of preterm births and increasing breastfeeding rates. These prenatal groups are typically 8-12 pregnant women with similar due dates that gather up in a friendly environment setting, instead of an exam room, to interact with one another. There are a total of 10 sessions or prenatal visits, and each visit may last up to 2 hours, which gives patients much more time with their provider team. Inquire about our CenteringPregnancy sessions on your next visit or visit our website scanning the QR code below for more information. Are you Centering?

New year, happy year full of wonderful things. Happy Birthday to our amazing January babies. We celebrate you and we thank you 🥳🎆🎊🎈🩷
Angie, Surgical Coordinator
Evette, Front Desk Specialist
Dr. Rivera-Montalvo
Ronda, MA

Wishing a Happy Birthday to our November babies 🥳🥳
Lisa, Sonographer
Dr. Manglardi
Lori, Medical Records
Dr. Ahsan

Happy Halloween to all 🎃👻

Let's celebrate together all of our October babies 🥳🎁🎊🎈:
Shakemah, Front Desk Specialist
Heather, RN
Dr. Mercado
Amber, RN
Delanie, APRN, FNP-C
Lee, MA
Allysa, Front Desk Specialist
Lisa P., LPN
Dr. Chrieki

Thinking about birth control, but can’t decide which one to go for? There are many options for birth control out there, making it very difficult to decide which is a good option for you. Also, it is very important to consider health, affordability, reliability, and effectiveness. Based on age, health condition, and even your partner, it is necessary to make a well-informed decision when it comes to protecting yourself from pregnancy, STD’s and/or HIV. Contraceptive can range from condoms to long-acting hormonal methods, even sterilization. These options are the following:

✔️Condoms: This most well-known method can be effective in preventing pregnancy if used correctly. It is about 87% effective when used as the only form of contraception. It can also prevent STD’s and are easily accessible.

✔️Birth Control Pills: They are 93% effective and must be taken daily. You do need a prescription from your OB/GYN to have access to them. They do not protect against STD’s or HIV. These pills use hormones to impede ovulation. Hormones change the lining of the cervix preventing the s***m from going through.

✔️Birth Control Shots or also known as Depo – Provera: It must be done every 3 months and it’s 96% effective. It must be prescribed by your OB/GYN. And just like the birth control pills, it changes the lining of your cervix preventing the s***m access the egg.

✔️Birth Control Patch: This method is 93% effective. This option can help some women that may forget to take the pill every day have a better control of their birth control option. And if you’re scared of needles, this can be helpful too. This option works just like the pill. This is a hormonal patch that can be worn on your skin and needs to be replaced once a week for 3 weeks.

✔️Nexplanon or arm implant: This method is a hormonal small sized stick that gets implanted in the upper arm and it’s 99% effective. This option lasts up to 5 years. It releases the same hormones as the birth control shot. Nexplanon requires almost zero maintenance and it’s a way of keeping yourself protected in a discreet way.

✔️IUD or Intrauterine Device: This T-shaped device gets inserted in your uterus. It prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones like progestin. This method prevents ovulation as well as changing the texture of the cervix, making it thicker. This blocks the s***m from getting to the egg. There are many options of IUD’s, such as: Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena, etc. And even the non-hormonal copper IUD, like Paragard. These options are 99% effective and can last up to 12 years. If you opt for a non-hormonal method, then you can try the Paragard. This IUD has no hormones for those women that would like a non-hormone option for any personal or health reasons. This type of IUD can also make your periods heavier, and cramping may occur during your cycle. Although, many people state that these symptoms will ease after some months.

✔️Sterilization: Sterilization is a form of permanent birth control. If pregnancy is not part of your journey, then permanent sterilization may be the option for you. It is 99% effective and lasts for life. It is a procedure where the doctor will either tie, cut or remove pieces of the fallopian tubes. Or, in other cases, a salpingectomy can be done, which is the removal of your fallopian tubes completely. Keep in mind that these procedures may not be reversed.

These are only some of the many birth control methods out there. You can always contact your OB/GYN doctor if you’re interested in the best birth control option for you. They will ensure you make the most effective choice according to your health and lifestyle. Please call our office at (352) 371-2011 to schedule an appointment.

As many of us may know, it is very important to eat foods that are healthy and that will add not only nutritional value to your health, but also to your baby’s wellbeing. Nourishing your body during pregnancy will ensure you have a well-balanced lifestyle. Even though there are many food options that are safe to eat while pregnant, staying informed on the foods and drinks to avoid during pregnancy is important, too. The following list is just some of the foods and drinks to avoid:

🚫Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of fetal loss, developmental issues, including heart and brain.

🚫Fish: Some fish can contain high levels of mercury that can cause developmental issues and brain damage in the baby as well as affecting the expecting mother’s nervous and immune system. High-mercury fish to avoid are shark, tuna, swordfish, salmon, trout, king mackerel, and any smoked fish or seafood. Also, raw fish like tuna, clams, oysters, shellfish, which can contain high amounts of bacteria.

🚫Caffeine: Drinks like coffee or tea have high amounts of caffeine and can’t be metabolized if consumed in high amounts. Caffeine can be related to stillbirths, low birth weight, and many other developmental issues. Opt to drink no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to one 12-ounce cup of coffee. Or you can always go for a better option, like water, juice or milk.

🚫Raw or undercooked eggs and meats: Raw eggs and meat can be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella. It can cause fever, chills, diarrhea, cramps, and even preterm birth.

🚫Unwashed fruits and veggies: Just like raw meat and eggs, unwashed fruits and veggies can carry bacteria and parasites such as Salmonella and Toxoplasma that can come from the soil and linger on the outer surface causing serious eye problems, difficulty to learn and brain damage. Always make sure you wash fruits and veggies thoroughly or even cook food properly to avoid any contamination.

When in doubt, please call our office at (352) 371-2011 and talk to our OB/Gyn doctors or schedule an appointment for a feeding guideline and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Let's congratulate our amazing doctors and staff for their upcoming birthdays 🥳🎊🎉

Practicing yoga during pregnancy can be an important alternative to keep you and your baby healthy. Yoga can bring many good benefits starting on your first trimester. Prenatal yoga not only keeps you fit and active, but also can prepare you for labor. Being involved in yoga classes can:
✔️Reduce stress and anxiety
✔️Improve flexibility
✔️Promote mental health
✔️Improve breathing
✔️Mitigate pregnancy symptoms
✔️Strengthen muscles
You may feel tired and sick during the first trimester, so you should avoid strenuous exercises such as:
🚫Hot yoga
🚫Backbends
🚫Bending and twisting
🚫Hopping and jumping
Always be aware that if any type of movement feels strange or you start feeling pain and/or discomfort, vaginal bleeding, decreased fetal movement, slowly stop the exercise and consult your OB/GYN promptly. And, like any other physical activity, always consult your OB doctor before starting any type of exercise. They can always inform you of what is the best option for you. Call our office at (352) 371-2011 with any questions or concerns about starting a more active lifestyle.

July is fibroid awareness month, and we’d like to show support to all those women out there suffering from this condition. Fibroids are a noncancerous growths that occur during the childbearing years. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of women will be diagnosed with fibroids by the age of 50. Some women may experience pain and symptoms while others may experience none. Though fibroids may be asymptomatic, women that experience symptoms may feel the following:

▪️ Pelvic pain and pressure

▪️ Constipation

▪️ Heavy bleeding during and between periods

▪️ Pain during in*******se

▪️ Increased urination

The cause of fibroids is unclear; however, women with a family history of fibroids, hormones, race, and even body weight may increase the risks. Also, pregnancy may play a big part in fibroid growth as your body produces more hormones. They may have a negative impact during pregnancy, such as:

▪️ Preterm delivery

▪️ Fetal growth restriction

▪️ Probability of delivering by cesarean section

Please call us at (352) 371-2011 and talk to your OB/Gyn doctor if you are experiencing or have a history of fibroids, we’ll be happy to guide you through this process.

Vision changes may be common during pregnancy, such as dry eyes or vision disturbances caused by migraines or water retention, which most of these symptoms can go away after delivery. However, consult with your OB doctor as some of these changes may be a sign of something more serious. For example, if you are experiencing blurry vision, seeing flashing lights or loss of vision, these can be related to pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes.

Sleeping positions may not be as comfortable as they used to be before pregnancy. That’s why it is important to find the right sleeping position while keeping you comfortable and having a good night’s rest. Sleeping on your side provides good circulation for you and your baby. Furthermore, pregnancy pillows are recommended to relieve stress on your knees and back. Follow up with your OB doctor to get better sleeping guidelines during pregnancy.

Let’s get together to celebrate Juneteenth, a federal holiday, Texas originated in 1865, that commemorates the freedom from slavery of Black people and African Americans in the United States, which put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day dedicated to family gatherings, food, parades, and festivals in some cities of the country.