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Postpartum Depression Symptoms List and Support Options
Not the same thing as the familiar term “baby blues,” postpartum depression is a truly serious health issue, and according to the National Institute of Health, 15% of new mothers can suffer from it. If you have recently given birth, or know someone who has, remain mindful of these postpartum depression symptoms and support options.
Travel Warnings and Tips for Pregnant Women
If you decide to vacation, visit old friends, or must travel for work, pregnancy shouldn’t stop you from flying or driving to your destination. As long as you are having a normal pregnancy and you have gotten the OK from Spartanburg & Pelham OB-GYN, travel is generally approved and safe, but there are some caveats.
5 Useful Coping Techniques For Women With Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a very painful condition with no cure in sight, and often it can remain undiagnosed for years. It’s no wonder that women suffering from endometriosis need some coping skills.
Most Photogenic Baby Contest
Spartanburg & Pelham OB-GYN is having a Most Photogenic Baby Contest!
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.
Fibroid Factors That Affect Your Treatment Options
There are many women in the world that are affected by fibroids, which naturally means that there are many women looking for effective solutions to this condition. The tricky part is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treating uterine fibroids.
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?
p>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 fibroids 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 doctor 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 Spartanburg & Pelham OB-GYN about your personal risks and how you can minimize them, if possible.
Speak with Spartanburg & Pelham OB-GYN if you are considering getting pregnant and know you have fibroids. As always, if you have any further questions, contact one of our locations or request an appointment online.
Your Guide to Preterm Labor Prevention
Most pregnancies last to term, which is at least 37 weeks. Full term is 39 – 40 weeks, but about 12% of babies in the U.S. are born preterm or prematurely.