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4 Prenatal Vitamins You Need and How to Take Them
Whether you are planning to become pregnant or gifted with a surprise, taking prenatal vitamins will only benefit you and your baby. Associates In Women’s Health suggests these 4 prenatal vitamins you need in order to prepare your body for a healthy baby.
12 Amazing Beginner’s Breastfeeding Tips
If you’re new at this breastfeeding thing, it’s certainly worth taking some time to review this advice from others who have gone through it themselves and have a few tips to share.
Exercising to Improve Symptoms of Endometriosis
We all know that exercise is one of the most beneficial ways to relieve stress, even though we sometimes don’t want to do it. Those who live with endometriosis often find that exercise also works for their painful symptoms as it releases endorphins, which help to ease and slow pain. Let’s look at why, and the ways, exercising to improve symptoms of endometriosis may work for you.
5 Ways to Reduce Pregnancy Puffiness and Swelling
If you have already had one child, then you know the drill. Pregnancy puffiness and swelling are all part of the deal that comes with bringing new life into the world. With all the joys of waiting for your baby to arrive, including the so-called glow, you also experience the annoying puffiness and swelling.
Preventing Breast Cancer in Your Everyday Life
Do you wake up every morning thinking about preventing breast cancer in your everyday life? We seriously doubt it, but if you are someone with a higher risk for breast cancer due to your family or your age, maybe you should consider paying more attention to preventative strategies. There are some simple and specific changes you can make to help lower your risk for breast cancer.
Your Guide for Reducing Your Risk for Birth Defects
Birth defects are more common than you may think. In fact, about 1 in 33 babies born in the US has a birth defect, according to the CDC.
7 Conditions That Can Cause Sporadic Spotting Between Periods
Noticing a few spots of blood between periods can be worrisome, and although women may see spots in their underwear or on toilet tissue, there are usually benign reasons for these occurrences. Here are seven conditions that can cause sporadic spotting between periods in addition to when you should be concerned enough to seek medical advice.
What’s the Connection Between Allergies and Pregnancy?
You’re already dealing with aches, pains, and (most likely) what feels like world’s smallest bladder. Now add in sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose and you’ve got a perfect pregnancy!
…or maybe you sense the sarcasm there. But, is there an actual connection between your pregnancy and allergies?
Fibroid Factors That Increase Your Risk of Complications During Pregnancy
Once they are discovered, you can expect to see the doctor more often because there may be some fibroid factors that increase your risk of complications during pregnancy.
What Are the Risks?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop inside of the uterus, outside of the uterus, or within the uterine wall itself. They can be very tiny or as large as a grapefruit, so once your gynecologist determines the size(s) and location of the fibroid(s), they can give you an idea of any particular risks associated with them. If a fibroid is larger than 5 centimeters there can be additional abdominal pain during pregnancy and an increased urge to urinate more frequently.
Most women with fibroids will experience little to no effect during their pregnancy. However, up to one-third of women with fibroids may experience some increased risks and complications during their pregnancy and delivery.
Fetal Growth Restriction or Retardation
Intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR refers to a fetus that does not develop at the normal rate. The fetus is smaller than normal compared with other fetuses of the same gestational age. This term is also used when a child is born less than 5 pounds 8 ounces.
Preterm Delivery
One particular fibroid factor relates to pain from the fibroids during pregnancy. This pain can cause uterine contractions and lead to early delivery. Preterm means being born prior to week thirty-seven, and overall one in eight women deliver preterm.
Placenta Abruption
In this case the placenta breaks away from the uterine wall too early due to a blockage by a fibroid. Since the placenta is what nourishes the fetus, the baby may not get sufficient nutrients or oxygen as a result of an abruption.
Cesarean Delivery
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women with fibroids are 6 times more likely to have a C-section.
Breech Position Birth
If the uterus is an abnormal shape due to a fibroid(s), it can prevent the baby from getting into the correct position for birth with the head facing down. In some cases there is less amniotic fluid for the baby to move into position for a normal birth.
It is considered to be a breech birth if the baby’s feet are pointed down. Although many breech babies are born perfectly healthy, this positioning does put your child at a higher risk for birth defects and complications.
Miscarriage
A women with fibroids has double the chance of experiencing a miscarriage.
Best Way Forward
Should you be worried if you are pregnant and have fibroids? Clearly there are some increased risk factors from having fibroids during pregnancy, but it does not guarantee a woman will have complications. Talk to Associates in Women’s Health about your personal risks and how you can minimize them, if possible.
Speak with Associates in Women’s Health if you are considering getting pregnant and know you have fibroids. To make an appointment, please contact our office.
Why Regular Pap Smears Are so Important to Your Health
Pap smears, also known as Pap tests, help to identify suspicious cells in your cervix that could signal a precancerous condition.