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Healthy Habits for a Healthy Pregnancy
Taking care of yourself and your unborn baby during pregnancy really comes down to a few healthy habits. See your doctor or midwife regularly, eat a balanced diet, stay active if your doctor says it’s safe, and get plenty of rest. Talk to your doctor or midwife about any medicines you take, and avoid cigarette smoke, alcohol, and harmful chemicals. And of course, always wear a seat belt. Learn more quick tips on staying healthy during pregnancy.
Quick Tips: Healthy Pregnancy Habits
Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
Feeling a bit blue for a week or two after childbirth is common. But if those “baby blues” last longer than a couple of weeks, it may be time to seek help. If you feel sad, hopeless, worthless, anxious, or empty for long periods of time, you may be suffering from postpartum depression, a serious condition that can become dangerous if left untreated. Be honest with the people you love about how you feel, and ask your doctor if counseling or medicine can help. Postpartum depression doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother—getting help makes you a great one.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of amazing changes, but you may feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to know about pregnancy and having a baby. Don’t worry, though—you don’t need to learn everything all at once! Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for your baby right now. Rest, eat well, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and get regular prenatal exams. Learn more about how to keep your baby and yourself healthy during your pregnancy.
What is Included in an Annual Women’s Wellness Exam?
We’ve all been there. We know it’s time for our annual gynecology appointment, but we feel just fine. We have no issues, our period is right on time and seems normal. No complaints, so why take the time to go through another doctor’s appointment? Let’s explore the serious reasons why annual well-woman exams help you live better and longer.
Reasons You May Be Getting Recurring UTIs
A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary tract. Having one UTI is painful enough, but having them come back can be quite frustrating. If you get three or more of these infections within a year, this recurrence is known as chronic. However, the reasons you may be getting recurring UTIs might surprise you. Time to find out why and what to do about it.
Give Your Baby a Head Start
Pregnancy can be both exciting and scary. From prenatal visits to planning for labor, you have a lot to do and think about before baby arrives. You may be a little worried or overwhelmed by all the things you need to learn. But the good news is that you have time.
As your body changes and your baby develops, you’ll learn about different steps you can take to keep you and your baby healthy. The first step is to schedule a visit with Center for Women’s Health, if you haven’t already. Our providers will check the baby’s health (and yours), and you can ask questions.
Learn more about how to care for yourself and your baby during pregnancy.
Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women: Know the Symptoms
If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), don’t be embarrassed or afraid to see a health professional right away. Your doctor knows what to look for and how to help. Many women don’t have symptoms, but warning signs can include pain, burning, itching, sores, a change in vaginal discharge, or even fever and fatigue. Even if you start to feel better on your own, the STI has not gone away, so don’t have sex until after your appointment. Get more information on STI symptoms to watch for.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Who Should Get Tested for Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer can be detected with screening tests: a Pap test and a human papillomavirus (HPV) test. These can be done as part of a pelvic exam. Most doctors suggest that anyone with a cervix begin getting tested at age 21 and repeat every few years until age 65, but ask your doctor what’s right for you. Learn more about cervical cancer screenings.
Once a C-Section, Always a C-Section?
Even if you’ve had a cesarean (C-section) in the past, you have choices for your next pregnancy. Many women opt for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) because it offers a faster recovery. On the other hand, if you choose a planned C-section, you know how and when you will give birth, and you avoid problems that can come up during an unplanned cesarean. Still unsure? Answer the questions in this decision aid and get more information so you can decide which choice is right for you.
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COVID-19 Update for OB Patients
We wanted to take a moment to address the COVID-19 pandemic. As usual, we at Women’s Center for Health follow the practice advisory of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) when it comes to caring for our patients, specifically in pregnancy. They have been keeping us up to date with the most recent information they have available as it relates to our pregnant population during this time.
What we know about COVID-19 in pregnancy is still limited, as it is changing every day. We would like to keep you abreast on the things we do know thus far.
Therefore, all pregnant women are encouraged to take all available precautions to optimize health and avoid exposure to COVID-19, including but not limited to:
- maintaining prenatal care appointments
- wearing a mask and other recommended PPE, if applicable, at work and in public
- washing hands frequently
- maintaining physical distancing
- limiting contact with other individuals as much as practicable
- maintain an adequate supply of preparedness resources including medications
Please note that pregnant patients with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease are likely at increased risk for severe illness, which is consistent with the general population with similar comorbidities.
On a positive note, there is currently no evidence to support that COVID-19 can cross through the placenta and route to the fetus. Please see the following link to find out what those necessary preventative measures entail.
As your healthcare team, your health and wellness of both yourself and your unborn child is our number one priority and we will change practices and procedures as we see it necessary based on the information that ACOG and the Center for Disease Control are providing to us. If you need a note indicating your need to work remotely during this time, we are happy to provide that for you.