In today’s busy world, doctor visits can be left on the horizon or on your “to-do” list for too long. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 65% of women visit their OB-GYN for preventative care. While it’s especially easy to put off visits to the OBGYN (especially when you feel healthy), here are the top reasons to make your next appointment today!
- You can’t remember the last time you had a pap smear. The days of annual pap exams are in the past, as new research recommends woman receive a pap test every five years. The exam tests for cervical cancer and can be combined with a test for HPV. Due to the extension of time between advised pap exams, be sure to schedule your visits on time.
- You are thinking about getting pregnant. Before you start trying, it’s best to find and establish care with an OBGYN. The first priority will be to begin taking pre-natal vitamins. Folic acid, calcium, iodine and iron are all important vitamins to begin taking. Preconception counseling may also include discussion of family history and lifestyle to set up success for a healthy conception and pregnancy.
- You just found out that you are pregnant. Prenatal care is imperative for a healthy baby and mommy. At your first exam, your OBGYN will typically conduct a pelvic exam and measure your blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. He/she will also review what to expect in the coming months and set you up with your next appointments and ultrasounds.
- You haven’t had a clinical breast exam in a while. In addition to your recommended monthly self-exam, it’s also good to receive professional breast exams once per year. Professionals can detect abnormalities you may have missed at home. The earlier you detect breast cancer, the better.
- You have an irregular period, or you experience painful periods. If you suspect your period is abnormal, there is help available. Issues may include abnormal flow levels, length of period, consistency of period, and level of pain/discomfort. It’s best to speak with your OBGYN.
- Your vaccinations are not up to date. The HPV vaccination may be the most common vaccine to discuss with your OBGYN; however, you can also ask about flu and other shots at your women’s health visit.
- You have questions about sex. Women of any age may have questions about sexual concerns, including pain with sex, birth control, and sexual-transmitted infections (STI). Always speak to your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms or face anxieties.
- You haven’t been feeling yourself. While the OBGYN doesn’t seem like the most likely place to discuss mental health, changes in women’s bodies (postpartum, menopause, puberty, etc.) can affect mental health. Start by asking your OBGYN for information on how to best cope with changes to your body.
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If you are in the WNY area and are looking for an OBGYN group, consider Chouchani, Sayegh and Robinson MD. Please call our office for an appointment.
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What to Expect, and Why It’s Important
Your doctor or at home pregnancy test has just confirmed it: you’re pregnant! You may not be showing yet, but the first three months of your pregnancy are some of the most critical for ensuring your baby has a healthy start and that you have a successful, and comfortable pregnancy. A healthy first trimester is heavily dependent on your prenatal care. Read on to learn what to expect in those first three months, and how proper prenatal care can help keep you, and baby, healthy.
Visiting Your OBGYN
You and your OBGYN will have a lot to talk about during your first prenatal appointment, so be sure to allot enough time and bring all of your questions. Your partner may want to attend the first visit as well. Your OBGYN will need to obtain your health history. Be prepared to discuss:
- Any past pregnancies.
- Your family, and personal medical history.
- Your menstrual cycle.
- Any medication use.
- Your lifestyle habits, particularly if you use tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine.
Know that your OBGYN will keep your information private, and that full disclosure of even uncomfortable topics, such as your family’s health history, past illicit drug use, or miscarriages, is needed so that your doctor can offer you the best treatment plan.
During your first exam, your OBGYN will also calculate your body mass index (BMI) and help you determine your ideal weight gain throughout your pregnancy. As part of an overall physical exam, he/she will conduct a pelvic exam and measure your blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate; and work to determine any possible risk factors that will need to be monitored throughout your pregnancy.
Lab Tests
Be prepared to complete a blood test during your first prenatal exam. The test will be used to identify a variety of factors, including:
- A complete blood count (CBC). Your blood type will also be determined.
- Your Rhesus (Rh) status. The Rh factor is a protein that can be present on the surface of red blood cells. The Rh factor is passed down through parents’ genes to their children. The Rh factor can cause pregnancy complications if you are Rh negative and your fetus is Rh positive, so your OBGYN will want to identify this possibility as early as possible.
- Your hemoglobin levels. Low hemoglobin is a sign of anemia, and will need to be addressed in the first trimester.
- Your immunity to certain infections. In particular, your OBGYN will need to know your immunity to rubella, and chickenpox.
- Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. Your doctor will want to determine if you have been exposed to hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Screening Tests
During your first trimester, screening tests may be conducted to determine possible fetal abnormalities. Your doctor will also do a Pap smear to look for infections or other risk factors, and will conduct a cystic fibrosis screening test to determine if you may be a carrier for the disease. A urine test will also be conducted to test for sugar or protein in your urine, which could be a sign of gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.
An Ultrasound
Your OBGYN will conduct an ultrasound and attempt to see the baby and listen to his/her heartbeat, though it may not be audible until week six or seven.
Genetic Testing
During your first trimester, you will have the option of speaking with a genetic counselor and or being screened for genetic disorders that could lead to birth defects, such as Down syndrome or brain and spinal column defects. Women who may be at higher risk for giving birth to a baby with a genetic disorder include:
- Women, age 35 or older.
- Women who have had a previous fetus with a genetic problem.
- Women with a family history of inherited birth defects.
Nutrition and Vitamins
Your OBGYN will give you a plan for proper diet and nutrition for both the first trimester, and throughout your pregnancy. It will include how much exercise or physical activity you should receive, optimal nutritional goals, medication use, and the prescription of essential prenatal vitamins with iron for use during your pregnancy.
After your first prenatal exam, expect to meet with your OBGYN monthly as he/she will want to closely monitor your progress and have the opportunity to identify any health risks early.
Your first trimester will be an exciting time for you and your family. Rely on your OBGYN during your first trimester, and throughout your pregnancy, to be your best health advocate and resource for you and your baby. Most importantly, never hesitate to contact your OBGYN if you have any questions or concerns. Early detection of possible risk factors will help keep you and your baby healthy and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Are you newly pregnant?
The team at Chouchani, Sayegh and Robinson (previously Bagnarello) are accepting new patients. Just give us a call today to make your first appointment.
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As soon as you announce you’re pregnant, you’ll start hearing all the old wives’ tales—some that are funny and some that are downright strange. But there are other, more modern pregnancy myths that you might find frightening or confusing, so we’re here to help!
Is it Safe to Exercise When You’re Pregnant?
Unless you are a high-risk patient or have been told specifically by your doctor not to exercise, participating in fitness activities during pregnancy can have a positive impact on you and your baby. Here are two myths it’s safe to ignore:
- Myth #1: Never get your heart rate over 130 while exercising during pregnancy. There is no one “target” heart rate that’s right for every pregnant woman. Talk to your doctor about how to calculate your RPE, or rate of perceived exertion.
- Myth #2: It’s not safe to do abdominal work during pregnancy. Actually, strengthening your abdominals, your core and your pelvic floor throughout will help not only during pregnancy, but also during labor, delivery and recovery. It can also help with posture problems, which will be a benefit after your baby is born. But because you should avoid any exercises that involve lying on your back after the first trimester, try gentle standing pelvic tilts, seated belly breathing, or tightening abs, holding, then releasing.
What Foods Shouldn’t You Eat?
Most of the no-nos just involve common sense: don’t eat raw foods or drink raw milk. According to our doctors, here are the foods you should avoid or take extra precautions with when expecting:
- Raw or rare meat
- Deli meat (unless you heat the meat until it is steaming)
- Fish that contain high levels of mercury, including shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Canned, chunk light tuna can be eaten in moderation.
- Raw Sushi: You can eat sushi if it’s cooked.
- Raw Shellfish
- Imported Soft Cheeses including Brie, Camembert, feta, gorgonzola and queso fresco, unless they clearly state that they are made from pasteurized milk.
- Caffeine: Caffeine intake in moderation is okay. Avoid it during the first trimester, then limit yourself to fewer than 200 mg per day during the pregnancy.
Can I Travel By Plane When Pregnant?
Airline travel is considered safe for pregnant women, but most airlines will require you to have permission from your health care provider if traveling during your ninth month. You should also carry contact information for your doctor. Three other tips:
- Stay hydrated, and get up and walk around about once every hour. It’s important to keep your circulation going.
- Choose an aisle seat, which will allow you to get up and out more easily or stretch your legs and back.
- Travel on major airlines with pressurized cabins and avoid smaller private planes. If you can’t avoid smaller planes, avoid altitudes above 7,000 feet.
At Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello, our goal is to help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Please contact us if you have any questions about your own situation!
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
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