Category: Services

Vaginal Prolapse

What is Vaginal Prolapse?

Vaginal prolapse, a type of pelvic organ prolapse, is a medical condition in which a woman’s uterus weakens and falls out of its normal position, causing complications. The condition is not life-­threatening, but it can be quite painful and inconvenient if not treated.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Prolapse?

Common symptoms of vaginal prolapse include a pull in your pelvis, pain, pressure, a bulge of tissue protruding from your vagina, and the sensation that something may be falling out through your vagina. Women may also experience painful intercourse, urinary tract infections or difficulty emptying their bladder or bowels. Some women, on the other hand, experience no symptoms at all.

What Causes Vaginal Prolapse?

Vaginal prolapse happens when a woman’s ligaments and pelvic floor muscles weaken and sag. This typically happens as the result of childbirth, particularly multiple childbirths, and aging. Factors such as obesity, heredity, physical strain and pelvic surgery can increase a woman’s risk of developing this condition as well.

What Treatments are Available for Vaginal Prolapse?

Women suffering from vaginal prolapse often have several treatment options. Women whose symptoms aren’t severe will likely benefit from non-­invasive treatment options, such as Kegel exercises.

For women who have severe symptoms, pessary devices or surgery are often the most effective and reliable options. There are various procedures available to treat uterine prolapse, including tissue grafts onto the pelvic floor support structures. A hysterectomy may also be deemed a good choice depending on the severity of the woman’s case, and whether she is done having children or has no intention of having children.

Vaginal prolapse may be inconvenient and painful, but the good news is that it is treatable. If you suspect that you have some degree of vaginal prolapse, consult with your doctor about your treatment options today.

Heavy Menstrual Periods

While the amount of blood a woman loses during a menstrual cycle can vary widely depending on the woman and the cycle, some unlucky women experience blood loss and cramping so severe that it interferes with their day to day activities. The condition is called menorrhagia, and it affects more women than you might expect!

Symptoms of Menorrhagia

Women who have heavy menstrual periods often soak through a pad or tampon in an hour for multiple hours in a row, and they often bleed longer than a week. They may pass large blood clots past the first day of their menstrual cycle, and they may suffer additional complications such as tiredness or shortness of breath. Women who suffer from heavy menstrual periods often must double up on sanitary protection, wake up in the middle of the night to change pads or tampons, and miss out on fun activities where they will not have frequent access to a bathroom.

What Causes Menorrhagia?

Heavy menstrual periods can be caused by a number of different factors, including a hormone imbalance, uterine fibroids, polyps, uterine dysfunction and cancer. They can also be caused by certain inherited bleeding disorders or medical conditions, pregnancy complications, an intrauterine device and certain medications. Identifying the cause of the excessive bleeding is typically an important step in finding the right treatment method.

What Treatments are Available for Heavy Menstrual Periods?

In many cases, heavy menstrual periods are treatable and reversible. Doctors generally recommend treatments such as oral contraceptives, medications, and hormones. For especially serious cases, doctors may also recommend dilation and curettage, focused ultrasound ablation or hysterectomy. Doctors also commonly prescribe iron supplements to replenish the iron that is lost through the heavy bleeding. Speak to your doctor about your symptoms to find out which treatment option may be best for you.

Uterine Fibroids

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are noncancerous tumors that form on the uterus, most typically during the childbearing years. Uterine fibroids are typically not dangerous and they often come with no symptoms. According to Womenshealth.gov, 20-­80% percent of women will have uterine fibroids before age 50, some without even knowing it.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

While doctors do not know for sure what exactly causes uterine fibroids, both your genes and hormones are thought to play a role in their development.

What Symptoms are Associated with Uterine Fibroids?

The majority of women who develop uterine fibroids experience no symptoms at all. In fact, they often don’t even know they have the growths until their doctor discovers them during a routine exam.

Among women who do experience symptoms, however, lower back pain, pain during intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, an overactive bladder, pressure and fullness in the abdomen, and complications during pregnancy are among the most common. Infertility can be caused by uterine fibroids, but this is very rare.

What Treatments are Available for Uterine Fibroids?

Because most uterine fibroids are not serious and tend to go away on their own, most doctors will initially opt for a “wait and see” approach. If you are experiencing significant symptoms, or if the fibroids don’t go away on their own, your doctor may recommend additional treatment options, including medication and surgery. Talk to your doctor to find out which treatment option may be best for you.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a common endocrine disorder affecting as many as 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, according to womenshealth.gov. PCOS is characterized by enlarged ovaries that contain follicles or small collections of fluid, and it has been known to affect girls as young as 11 years old.

What Causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

While no one knows the exact cause of PCOS, doctors do know that the condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance. Factors such as heredity, excess weight, excess insulin, and inflammation can all play a role in causing the condition as well.

What are the Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

PCOS is typically characterized by infrequent menstrual periods, infertility and an increase in male hormone production, which can cause excess facial hair growth, weight gain, adult acne and even male pattern baldness. PCOS is also sometimes accompanied by oily skin, dandruff, skin tags, pelvic pain, depression and sleep apnea as well.

What Treatments are Available for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

If you are diagnosed with PCOS, your doctor will likely recommend that you eat a healthier diet (including fewer processed foods), that you exercise more and that you lose weight if you are overweight. These simple at-­home treatments can be effective in managing mild cases of PCOS. If your condition is more severe, your doctor may recommend certain medications, such as birth control pills, or surgery.

Health Risks Related to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

While missing periods and producing excess male hormones can be unpredictable, annoying and embarrassing, the health risks don’t stop there. Women who have PCOS are also at a greater risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attack and depression. Pregnant women who have PCOS are also at an increased risk for gestational diabetes, premature delivery, and miscarriage.

If you are experiencing irregular periods, infertility, weight gain or excessive hair growth, PCOS may be to blame. Speak to your doctor for more information, a diagnosis and a treatment plan today.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a medical procedure in which all or part of a woman’s uterus is removed. A woman’s ovaries and Fallopian tubes may also be removed at the same time, depending on the reason for the hysterectomy.

When is a Hysterectomy Needed?

A hysterectomy can be used to treat a number of problems or conditions. For example, a hysterectomy can be used to treat uterine fibroids, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and adenomyosis. It can remedy uterine prolapse, cancer of the uterus and unusually heavy bleeding. Because of its invasive and non­-reversible nature, however, a hysterectomy is typically only done when absolutely necessary. You will need to speak to your doctor about your options to find out if a hysterectomy is the best option or you.

How is a Hysterectomy Performed?

A hysterectomy can be performed several ways. In an abdominal hysterectomy, the doctor will remove the uterus by making an incision in the abdomen. In a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the entire surgery is done using only small incisions for a faster healing time.

What Risk Factors are Associated with a Hysterectomy?

Most women who have a hysterectomy suffer no serious complications as a result. Women who do suffer complications are more likely to have vaginal prolapse, chronic pain, blood clots, fistula formation, urinary incontinence or hemorrhage.

One unavoidable side effect of a hysterectomy in young women and women of childbearing age is that it eliminates the possibility of becoming pregnant, and sends them into menopause instead. For this reason, many doctors hesitate to perform a hysterectomy on a young woman unless it is medically necessary, even if she thinks she is probably done having children. A hysterectomy is not reversible later if she should change her mind.

If you are currently suffering from a condition for which a hysterectomy is a known cure, talk to your doctor about your treatment options today.

Urinary Incontinence

Do you ever have trouble with bladder leakage or making it to the bathroom in time? If so, you may be suffering from urinary incontinence, a common medical condition which involves a loss of bladder control. It may happen when you laugh at a friend’s joke, or when you cough during a bad cold. You may also have an occasional urge to urinate that seems to come out of nowhere, but find yourself unable to reach the bathroom in time.

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be caused by a number of different factors. Its root cause lies in the muscles that control the flow of your urine. If your bladder contracts without warning, or your sphincter muscles can no longer hold back the flow of urine, you may urinate without intending to.

Common causes of urinary incontinence include pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. It can also be caused by a urinary tract infection, constipation or certain neurological disorders. Risk factors, such as gender, weight, and other conditions, do not generally cause urinary incontinence, but they can make it worse.

Temporary urinary incontinence is often caused by consuming too much alcohol or caffeine. It can also be caused by certain medications and sedatives.

What Treatments are Available for Urinary Incontinence?

For mild cases of urinary incontinence, you may be able to manage simply by wearing pads and using the bathroom frequently. If not, your doctor will likely have several recommendations.

Kegel exercises help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This is one of the most popular treatment options for urinary incontinence, as Kegel exercises can be performed almost anywhere, from your desk at work to watching TV at home. It is recommended that you discuss how to perform them with your doctor, however. Ensuring you are performing Kegel exercises correctly will make them much more effective.

Other methods to improve your bladder control include losing weight and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. There are medications available which may help. You may also want to try biofeedback, nerve stimulation, or pessary devices. If nothing else is helping, surgery is a treatment option, depending on the type of urinary incontinence you have.

Urinary incontinence may be embarrassing, but if you are suffering, you aren’t alone. Speak to your doctor about your treatment options today.

Ovarian Cysts

What are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are pockets of fluid that form on the surface of a woman’s ovary. Ovarian cysts are very common, and most women will have one go away on their own without treatment.

Symptoms

Ovarian cysts do not always cause symptoms. When they do, the symptoms can include loss of appetite, nausea, weight gain, frequent urination, breast tenderness or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen. They may also cause pain, particularly pelvic pain shortly before or after a period, during intercourse or during bowel movements.

Call the doctor right away if your pain is accompanied by fever or vomiting, if your abdominal pain is sudden and severe, or if you have cold, clammy skin, lightheadedness or rapid breathing, as these are all signs of a medical emergency.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are typically classified into various types based on their sources and causes. Functional cysts, for example, form during ovulation when an egg is not properly released from the follicle. Dermoid cysts form from cells that produce human eggs and may contain human tissue, teeth or hair. Endometriomas develop when uterine endometrial cells attach to an ovary and form a growth. Cystadenomas develop from ovarian tissue.

Ovarian Cyst Treatment Options

The most common treatment option for ovarian cysts is simply to wait and see. Since most cysts are not harmful and they tend to go away on their own within a few cycles, more invasive measures are generally not needed. Alternately, some doctors will prescribe the birth control pill, which can inhibit the growth and formation of new ovarian cysts.

If these less invasive treatment methods do not prove effective, more invasive measures will be needed. Other, more invasive, treatment options for ovarian cysts do include surgery. These generally are not used unless the cysts are causing problems or refuse to go away on their own, however.

Menopausal Hormonal Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is a medical intervention designed to boost a woman’s hormone levels. As women get closer to menopause (the average age at onset is 51), their naturally occurring hormone levels ­- particularly estrogen and progesterone decrease considerably. This deficiency can bring on uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness, mood swings and problems sleeping. The prospect of osteoporosis ­- a loss of bone density ­- also increases. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) works to reestablish those hormone levels, which can curtail the negative side effects and help to prevent osteoporosis.

Menopause

Menopause is a natural and expected hormonal shift that marks the end the childbearing age with the cessation of the menstrual cycle. Nearly all women go through this change at some point in their lives, with the vast majority of women experiencing it between the ages of 40 and 60. Menopause can happen earlier, however, as the result of medical interventions. Menopause is considered official when a woman misses 12 menstrual cycles in a row.

What are Common Menopause Symptoms?

Irregular periods and hot flashes are the menopause symptoms that are the most well known, but the symptoms don’t end there. Women going through menopause often also experience vaginal dryness, night sweats, mood changes and loss of breast fullness. Sleep problems, a slowed metabolism, weight gain, and thinning hair are all common menopause symptoms as well.

Any bleeding or spotting after menopause is complete is not normal. Consult with your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you thought you were done having menstrual cycles.

What Causes Menopause?

When menopause occurs naturally, it happens as a result of the natural decline in reproductive hormones that occurs as women age. Menopause can also occur as the result of a hysterectomy, radiation or chemotherapy.

What Menopause Treatments are Available?

Common treatments for menopause are not designed to reverse the condition, but rather to alleviate any annoying, painful or inconvenient symptoms that accompany it and to make the transition easier for the women going through it. For example, the first measures doctors will generally recommend include eating a better diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking and wearing layers to help prevent overheating during a hot flash.

For women whose symptoms are more serious, doctors may also recommend treatments including hormone therapy, antidepressants, medications, and supplements. If you think you may be going through menopause, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask which treatment method might be right for you.

STI Screenings

Sexually transmitted diseases also called sexually transmitted infections, are spread through sexual contact. Because most of these infections do not immediately cause symptoms, it is important for sexually active people to have screening done regularly, to treat any STIs before complications occur or they are spread to others. Untreated STIs can have adverse effects on the entire body and put you at a higher risk of contracting HIV.

It is important to remember that STI screening is not usually a fundamental part of regular medical checkups. The patient must inquire about testing; most doctors do not automatically suggest it unless symptoms are present. Various STIs have different screening schedules, so talk to your doctor about your sexual history and current sexual activity to decide which diseases you should be screened for.

Many STIs can be detected with a urinalysis or a cotton swab. Some infections, including HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis, are diagnosed with a blood test. Pap tests, also called Pap smears, are performed at a gynecologist’s office during a woman’s yearly exam. This test can check for HPV, but doing so isn’t routine, so you should ask your doctor if you would like to have an HPV test at this time.

If a test is positive, appropriate treatment measures should be taken. Current and former sex partners should be notified so that they can receive testing as well.

Concerned that you may have symptoms of an STI? Contact your OB/GYN immediately to schedule testing, and catch the infection now.

Contraceptives

Contraception, also known as birth control, prevents pregnancy by using one or more methods, medications or devices. Medical contraception has been available since the 1960s, and, in that time, a wide variety of options have been introduced, ranging from permanent sterilization to products for one­-time usage.

Intrauterine devices (IUD)

Intrauterine devices (IUD) are the most efficient removable birth control implements available, with the failure rates less than 1 percent. IUDs are small T­-shaped appliances that are placed in the uterus by an obstetrician during an outpatient appointment. They are long­-acting contraceptives, meaning that they administer the active ingredient – either copper (a natural spermicide) or a hormone – without any maintenance on the user’s part. Depending on the type of IUD, they can maintain effectiveness for as long as ten years before removal and reinsertion are needed.

Hormonal Birth Control

There are a number of other hormonal birth control methods on the market, including patches, implants, injections, and pills, all of which prevent fertilization by stopping ovulation. The effectiveness of hormonal methods is generally dependent upon the user; those who take pill have a daily schedule they must follow, while the patch must be used in a cycle, changed every week for three weeks with the fourth week off. Implants, like IUDs, are long­-acting but must be replaced every three years.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods of contraception, including condoms, diaphragms, and sponges, work by preventing sperm from entering the uterus, sometimes with the inclusion of a spermicidal agent. These methods are popular because they are typically easy to use, readily available and inexpensive, but they tend to have higher failure rates due to the possibility of user error.

Sterilization

Both male and female sterilization are minimally invasive surgical procedures that sever the channels through which reproductive cells travel. The recovery time is generally short and there are no long-­term side effects. In fact, female sterilization (tubal ligation) may possibly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Sterilization is designed to be permanent, although there can be a measure of success in reversing the procedure, which varies depending on the gender of the person sterilized and the sterilization method that was used.

All contraceptive methods have benefits and risks. Disclosing your medical history and your goals for contraception with your doctor will help to determine which method is best for you.

Postpartum Depression

Considering the many chemical changes that happen before, during and after childbirth, it really should come as no surprise that many pregnant women and new mothers experience confusing mood swings. While this is normal, there does come a point when the sadness has lasted long enough and been severe enough to cause concern.

What Sets Postpartum Depression Apart?

It is completely normal for new mothers to have mood swings, sadness, irritability, trouble sleeping, and anxiety -­ some people call these the “baby blues.” However, when a new mother’s symptoms go on to include severe mood swings, withdrawal from friends and family, fatigue, intense anger and a lack of interest in life, something more serious may be the cause: postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can even cause thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby.

Postpartum depression affects 10­-15% of women every year, making it a very common condition. Postpartum depression isn’t the mother’s fault, but she and her family may suffer if she doesn’t receive the treatment she needs.

If you begin to see things that aren’t there or feel confused and paranoid, you may be suffering from a more rare and severe postpartum psychological disorder and should contact a doctor immediately.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

No one is 100 percent sure what causes some women to get postpartum depression while others slide into motherhood blissfully. However, doctors think that the condition can be worsened by:

• Hormonal changes
• Lack of sleep
• Anxiety
• Lifestyle changes while caring for a newborn
• Genetic predisposition

Women who have a history of depression, who are undergoing a stressful period, who lack a strong support system, or whose pregnancy was unintended are at an increased risk, though postpartum depression can happen to anyone.

If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression, you aren’t alone, and there is hope. Call your doctor if your symptoms don’t lessen within two weeks, if they are getting worse, or if you are having a difficult time doing routine tasks and caring for yourself and your baby. Call your doctor immediately if you are thinking about harming yourself or your baby.

Treatment

Treatments for postpartum depression range the gamut from counseling and talk therapy to medications such as antidepressants. Your doctor may also recommend simple lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms, but, make no mistake, postpartum depression must be treated by a doctor.

Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can last for months or even years if not treated. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms such as those listed above, call your OB/GYN today.

Annual Gynecological Exams

Have you been to your OB/GYN for your annual exam? While receiving an annual exam may not always be pleasant, they are key to ensuring your good health as you age.

The Importance of Annual Exams

Annual gynecological exams serve a number of purposes. The most important is to diagnose any abnormalities as quickly as possible. The sooner you begin treatment, the better your chances of managing or recovering from a condition will be. By going in for annual exams, you may catch a potentially dangerous disease before it’s too late.

At What Age Should Women Begin Getting Annual Exams

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that girls begin seeing for annual exams as early as thirteen years old, though these check­ups won’t be as comprehensive as later exams. Pelvic exams and Pap tests generally begin around age 21. Of course, women are always encouraged to see their doctors sooner if there is any cause for concern.

What Happens at an Annual Exam?

At your annual exam, the nurse and doctor will check you over to ensure you are in good health. They will start by taking your health history if they don’t have it on file already. Then the nurse will take your measurements and vital signs, including your height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature.

The doctor will examine your body to see that everything is in order. Depending on the type of exam, your doctor may also check your breasts and pelvis, either manually or by performing a Pap test.

Because annual tests can be a little invasive, and because you should plan to have one every year, it is important to find a knowledgeable OB/GYN that you trust. If you have any nervousness about the exam, talk to your doctor. They can address any of your questions or concerns.

Family Planning

Family planning is a process in which an individual or couple comes up with a strategy of when to become pregnant and how to use birth control methods to carry out these plans. Family planning is a concept typically used by a female-­male couple to control when, how and if they conceive. For this reason, it is not necessarily synonymous with birth control, as adoption, sterilization and abortion also fall under the family planning umbrella.

Education is a large part of family planning. Health care professionals can provide information and counseling for people who may not understand the impact that having a child brings to their health, finances and lifestyle. This is especially helpful for those living below the poverty line or in developing countries, especially when access to medical facilities is limited. Educating people on birth control options means lessening the maternal and infant death rate, limiting the spread of STIs, and increasing life expectancy. These resources are often available free or at a reduced cost to those who qualify.

For couples who may be experiencing difficulty conceiving, family planning may include fertility treatments, assisted reproductive technology, or adoption opportunities. Ongoing counseling is essential for this group as well, especially when considering the emotional impact of fertility treatments and the financial and legal aspects of adoption.

With approximately half of the pregnancies in the United States still considered unintended or unplanned, family planning is an invaluable resource for all people.

Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation)

Tubal ligation is a surgical method of sterilization for women. The fallopian tubes are blocked or severed to prevent fertilized eggs from traveling down the tubes into the uterus. While tubal ligation is typically performed laparoscopically, with tiny abdominal incisions rather than a large open surgical area, it is still considered major surgery, taking place in a hospital or similar setting with spinal anesthesia. Conversely, male sterilization (vasectomy) is a minor surgery that can be completed quickly with no hospital stay required.

There are various methods for tubal ligation. The sections of the fallopian tube may be cauterized, clamped or totally removed. Small metal devices may also be placed inside the tubes to promote the formation of scar tissue, a natural barrier. Some women choose to have a tubal ligation performed immediately following the delivery of their baby via cesarean section. This can cut down on costs and later recovery time. Although tubal ligation is considered permanent, there has been some success in reversing the procedure by repairing one or both fallopian tubes.

In the first year after the procedure, tubal ligation has been found to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Over time, the tubes may regenerate, resulting in an unintended pregnancy. A portion of these pregnancies may be ectopic, a condition in which the fertilized egg implants in the tube rather than the uterus. This is uncommon, but regular checkups with a gynecologist can monitor the healing process to ensure the passageways are not restored.

Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sex. This span is shortened to six months if the woman is over the age of 35. Women who can become pregnant but are unable to sustain the pregnancy may also be considered infertile. Approximately a third of infertility cases originate with the man, another third from the woman. The other cases may be due to problems with both partners, or due to an unknown cause.

Male infertility may be due to low sperm count, sperm damage or varicocele, which is a malformation of a vein in the scrotum. Smoking, alcohol and drug use, obesity, untreated sexually transmitted infections and certain medications or medical treatments may also contribute to sperm abnormalities.

Women’s fertility can be affected by many of the same risk factors as men, but they may also have problems within the ovaries or uterus such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Women who are underweight or those who are over the age of 35 may also experience difficulty conceiving. In both genders, there may be a singular reason for infertility or a combination of causes.

There are many treatments available for infertility. Basic screening is usually performed first – ­physical exams, sperm studies, ovulation tests, and ultrasounds. After analysis of these tests, the doctor will make recommendations for treating the problem. This may include increasing sexual activity, medication, or surgery.

Assisted conception may also be an option for some couples; medical procedures are carried out by fertility specialists with the goal of conception. These include in vitro fertilization and the use of donor eggs. These methods have varying levels of success and can have risk factors associated with them. Maintaining a relationship with a doctor as well as a counselor is beneficial.

High-Risk Pregnancies

While complications could potentially happen in any pregnancy, a high­-risk pregnancy is one in which there is a greater risk of complications. A pregnancy could be considered high-­risk whenever the mother has one or more of the following risk factors:

• Age: Women who are younger than 18 or older than 35.
• Medical History: Certain health conditions, or coming from a family with a history of those conditions. These include, but are not limited to, diabetes, anemia, cancer, mental health problems and high blood pressure.
• Pregnancy History: Women who have had pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, prior C­-sections, and early labor.
• Pregnancy Complications: Women who develop certain pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, too much or too little amniotic fluid, or restricted fetal growth.
• Number of Babies: While twins are a blessing, they also put a woman at greater risk for complications.
• Infections: Infections such as HIV, Hepatitis C, Rubella, and chickenpox.
• Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, drinking, or using drugs.

Just because your pregnancy is considered high-risk does not mean that you won’t deliver a healthy and happy baby. It simply means that you will need to be even more careful and that your doctor will want to monitor you a little more closely to make sure that both you and your baby stay healthy.

If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, make sure to see your doctor regularly, eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise in moderation and avoid risky substances. Be sure to also keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctor. Be truthful about your medical history and any symptoms that you have had or are having. Follow your doctor’s advice and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

A pregnancy should be a time of excitement. Take care of yourself and your baby and work closely with your doctor, and chances are everything will turn out just fine!

Prenatal Visits

What is a Prenatal Visit?

A prenatal visit is a routine visit you make to your doctor or midwife while pregnant. You should expect to make several visits to your doctor or midwife throughout the course of your pregnancy.

When Should I Schedule My First Prenatal Visit?

The date of your first visit depends on a number of factors, depending on how far along you were when you found out about the pregnancy, your health history, and your doctor’s policies. Generally, your best option is to call your OB/GYN as soon as you find out you are pregnant, and they will let you know when to come in.

How Often Will I Have Prenatal Visits?

Most doctors will have you come in every four weeks throughout your first and second trimester. During the third trimester, you will likely come in every two weeks at first, and then every week once you hit 36 weeks. Of course, if you have health concerns which put your pregnancy at greater risk, you may need to come in a little more frequently. Your doctor will let you know.

Because of how frequently you can expect to see your doctor throughout the course of your pregnancy, choosing the one you like and feel comfortable with is essential.

What Happens at a Prenatal Visit?

While each visit may differ slightly, here is what you can expect at a prenatal visit: At the first visit, the doctor or nurse will likely take your medical history and your vital signs, including your height, weight and blood pressure. The doctor will listen to baby’s heartbeat and feel and measure your abdomen. Occasionally, you will give a urine or blood sample and you’ll probably have an ultrasound or two. Toward the end of your pregnancy, your doctor will also check to see how far dilated you are.

Your doctor should also talk to you about any questions or concerns you have and instruct you on how to best care for yourself and your growing baby. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially if this is your first pregnancy or if something doesn’t seem right.

Prenatal visits are routine, so don’t be surprised if they are fairly short after the first one. The doctor simply wants to check to make sure everything is looking okay, and if it is, you should be good to go until your next appointment!

Ultrasound Exam

Prenatal ultrasounds are a common part of a new mother’s prenatal testing. Using high­-frequency sound waves, ultrasounds produce images of a fetus and the mother’s reproductive organs. These sessions, which are usually performed in a doctor’s office, track fetal growth and development and monitor for any ongoing problems.

Standard ultrasounds are two-dimensional. A water-­based gel is applied directly to the mother’s abdomen, and a wand, also called a transducer, will be maneuvered around the area. Transvaginal ultrasounds may also be used, in which a smaller transducer is placed inside the vaginal canal.

The images being captured will then be shown on a screen in black­-and­-white. These are used from the very beginning to pregnancy to confirm the gestational age and size of the fetus, monitor the fetal heartbeat, examine the mother’s reproductive system, and diagnose any abnormalities. Doctors may also use ultrasounds to guide them as they perform other tests, such as an amniocentesis (an analysis of the amniotic fluid).

Ultrasounds are usually performed as part of screening or medically recommended testing, and should not be performed solely to reveal the sex of the fetus. Doctors also do not recommend ‘souvenir’ ultrasounds, as these might pose as-­yet unknown risks for the fetus.

Preconception Counseling

Pre-conception counseling involves meeting with a doctor (typically an obstetrician or gynecologist) prior to becoming pregnant. If a woman or couple are planning to have a child, experts suggest initiating this sort of counseling approximately three to six months prior to attempting conception. This allows enough time for mental and physical preparation and to identify and treat any underlying problems.

These counseling sessions primarily exist to identify any undetected illnesses or risk factors that could cause problems for both the mother and the fetus. Risk factors may include smoking, alcohol consumption or certain prescription or recreational drugs that can interfere with the fetus’ growth and development. Potential obstacles are addressed in questionnaires about the woman’s family history and current lifestyle. They include questions about the woman’s health, prior pregnancies, medical conditions and genetic background.

Laboratory tests such as blood work and urinalysis can identify other problems, such as anemia or a kidney infection, of which the woman may have been unaware. Other tests may include pelvic examination, screenings for sexually transmitted infections, and a mental health assessment.

After the counseling is completed, the doctor will discuss the results and any recommendations for lifestyle changes to allow for the greatest level of safety and success in conception and fetal development.