Atlanta Women's Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC Atlanta Women's Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC
One of the greatest joys for new parents is being able to see their baby through the miracle of an ultrasound. It was not invented until the late 50s, and today understanding the different types of pregnancy ultrasounds highlights how this technology has improved.
Continue reading “Understanding The Different Types Of Pregnancy Ultrasounds”
The changes to a pregnant woman’s immune system, heart, or lungs make them more susceptible to severe illness from the flu. This statement should be the first tenet in a guide to flu season during pregnancy, and all pregnant women should get their flu shot as soon as possible. There are even more reasons, such as the following.
Before you get that telltale “glow,” you have to conceive. Before you conceive, you have some planning to do, and one of those planning steps is to schedule a preconception appointment with Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology. You may wonder why, so here are 5 reasons to schedule a preconception visit even if it’s not your first child.
Continue reading “5 Reasons To Schedule A Preconception Visit”
Even the most confident woman can suddenly panic when told she is pregnant. Whether it was a planned event or a surprise, from this moment unknown insecurities seem to take over, and you are suddenly afraid like never before. What is pregnancy anxiety and how can you cope with it?
Continue reading “What Is Pregnancy Anxiety and How Can You Cope With It?”
Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology has the flu vaccine available for obstetrics patients.
We have all heard the stories about how incredibly painful it is to give birth, but that hasn’t stopped a large number of women in recent years from deciding on a more holistic approach to the process.
Continue reading “Natural Pain Management Techniques for Childbirth”
Here’s a quick math lesson. 1 + 1 = ?
TWO. That’s the answer, and it’s also how many little ones you’ll be having if you’re expecting twins. Although you may have expected that answer, you may not know exactly what to prepare for during and after your pregnancy, so here are a few tips!
Continue reading “Your Guide to Being Doubly Prepared When Having Twins”
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?
Continue reading “What’s the Connection Between Allergies and 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women with fibroids are 6 times more likely to have a C-section.
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.
A women with fibroids has double the chance of experiencing a miscarriage.
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 Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology about your personal risks and how you can minimize them, if possible.
Speak with Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology if you are considering getting pregnant and know you have fibroids. To make an appointment, please call our office or request an appointment online.
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.