Miscarriage is a pregnancy complication that happens when a woman’s pregnancy ends on its own before 20 weeks. Miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Studies reveal that anywhere from 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Chemical pregnancies, or when a pregnancy is lost shortly after implantation, accounts for 50-75% of all miscarriages. Often, a woman may not realize that she conceived when she experiences a chemical pregnancy, and may think that it’s her expected period instead.
What You May Not Know About Miscarriage
There are several things to know about miscarriage and miscarriage rates, according to an article recently published on Health.com called 11 Things You Didn’t Know About Miscarriage. These include, but are not limited to:
Age increases likelihood to miscarry. As women get older, the chances of genetic abnormalities increase due to an increasing lack of healthy eggs.
Being overweight or underweight can increase your risk of miscarriage.
Smoking is a known risk factor linked to miscarriage. Alcohol and drug use can also increase your risk.
Sex doesn’t cause miscarriage. Neither does moderate exercise or continuing to work.
One miscarriage does not mean that you will have more. Women who have miscarried have gone on to have one or more children. Your doctor will not look for signs for concern unless you have had two or more.
Symptoms of Miscarriage
Spotting is fairly common during early pregnancy, but shouldn’t be overlooked and you should always follow-up with your OB/GYN. Symptoms of miscarriage include:
Bleeding that progresses from mild to severe
Back pain
Heavy cramping
Abdominal pain
Fever
Weakness
If you or someone close to you has suffered from a miscarriage, take the time to grieve. Women connect with a pregnancy early on, so it’s normal to grieve the loss. Some women have depression or depression-like symptoms following a miscarriage, and of course, fathers may suffer the effects as well. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with family and friends.
Call Cherokee Women’s Health at 770.720.7733 immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Hannah is a young mother we’re spotlighting this month to help educate teens about the challenges of teen pregnancy. We had a little Q&A session with Hannah in which she shared her experiences as a teen mom.
Can you tell us what it was like becoming pregnant as a teen?
I was in high school when I became pregnant so that in itself was difficult. I basically skipped my childhood so that was hard, especially when my friends were enjoying a regular teenage life. But everything had changed and nothing was more important than my baby so I knew I had to take it seriously and behave responsibly.
How did you handle school?
I stayed in school for the first four months of my pregnancy. After that, I took online classes. When I returned to high school about a year later, I was dual enrolled and took classes at Gainesville State as well, where I graduated with honors.
From there, I went to college at North Georgia and then transferred to Brenau University, where I entered their nursing program. I also graduated with honors from there and now have my bachelor’s degree in nursing.
What motivated you?
My son was my biggest motivation. I wanted to give him a better life. I also wanted to prove to myself that I wasn’t going to be a statistic. Getting pregnant in high school meant facing a lot of judgment and criticism. I was told I wouldn’t amount to anything and that I wouldn’t even graduate high school. For me, regardless of my circumstances, my dreams were more important and I didn’t want to give up on them.
How did you handle child care?
I had an excellent support system. My parents were especially wonderful. They helped watch my son while I was in school or had to study. Without them, I don’t know where I would be. My grandparents and family friends also helped care for my son. Having a strong support system definitely played a huge role in my success.
How has your life changed since then?
There have been so many changes. I got married last May and gave birth to my second child in March of this year.
In regards to my career, I’ll be working as a nurse at the Ronnie Green Heart Center of Northeast Georgia. I worked there as a nurse extern in the cardiac Intensive Care Unit during my last year in college and upon completion, they offered me a position.
What would you like pregnant teens to know?
I want them to know that their life is not over. That there’s still hope for a bright future. And even though they’ll probably be told they can’t make it, it’s simply not true. Even when the judgment seems unbearable at times, they just have to push through. It’s not easy but they can do it. After all, if I can become a success story, anyone can.
Increased sexual pleasure is one major reason women choose vaginal rejuvenation surgery. After childbirth takes its toll, bedroom activities often become less pleasurable for couples. Vaginal rejuvenation tightens lax vaginal muscles and smooths excess outer skin, giving women and their partners increased friction during intercourse. But the benefits of rejuvenative surgery go beyond merely the physical. Couples report that VR surgery improves the way they relate to each other during intimacy.
Improving Confidence for Women after Childbirth
During pregnancy and childbirth, a woman’s body goes through countless changes. New moms don’t simply face physical changes after childbirth, they experience emotional ones as well. Nothing can tarnish the amazing experience of motherhood, but in the months postpartum, it’s easy feel more like a mom than a person. Emotional exhaustion, combined with often unexpected changes to the look and feel of their most intimate places, makes many mothers lose sexual confidence. Intimacy becomes a chore instead of an emotional and physical connection with someone they love.
Vaginal rejuvenation changes all that. It doesn’t simply improve the physical sensations of intercourse, but also boosts patients’ confidence by visibly smoothing and reshaping the vagina. This renewed self-confidence drives women to be more vocal about their sexual needs, more motivated to fulfill their partner’s desires, and more able to fully enjoy the improved sensations that result from vaginal rejuvenation.
Our Vaginal Rejuvenation Experts Can Help
Don’t let a dip in confidence derail your sex life. Learn how vaginal rejuvenation can improve physical sensations and emotional self-confidence in the bedroom. Schedule a consultation with one of Cherokee Women’s Health’s experienced, board-certified surgeons, or call us today at 770.720.7733.
An Interview With Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS
What was your first job?
I was a waiter at Kennedy Airport, at the international arrivals building. I was seventeen years old, and had to wear a bow tie. It was great preparation for being a doctor. I met people from around the world, served people with their basic needs, and I had to utilize my time efficiently. I shuttled between tables just like I do between exam rooms – and I tried not to drop anything.
What is your legacy? How do you want to be remembered? As the longest living person alive? (He laughs.)
I want to have always done my best, and to have always been honest, and to accomplish what God had put me on the planet for.
What book has influenced you most?
In 1984 I read The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck. That really influenced me a lot. I also really like Richard Bach’s book, Illusions.
Other books include Mere Christianity, by C S. Lewis, and The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, which has influenced me a lot again this year. One of my all time favorites that I’ve reread for several years is The Holy Man, by Susan Trott. It’s short, funny and quite profound.
A book that’s influenced me this year is The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. I especially recommend it to young mothers.
Handling stress by “Tidying Up”
Dr. Litrel introduces a concept of handling stress by “Tidying Up”.
What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?
I think believe in yourself and know that the dreams in your heart are gifts from God to pursue. And I would say that I think there’s so much bad stuff – and it’s so easy to believe the bad stuff – but what’s most important is to believe the good stuff, and to then pursue. Never give up. Keep endeavoring despite the pain and the sadness.
If you could master one skill right now, what would it be?
Surgery. That’s the skill I’m most endeavoring to master. You don’t cut into the human body willy-nilly. During each and every individual operation, I try to master the surgery.
I think the pursuit of mastery is the purpose of life. You have to seek mastery. You can master the ability the walk at two years old, but that doesn’t mean you don’t trip sometimes. When performing surgery, I think that I serve, not that I’ve mastered. In every surgery, my goal is to serve each patient and God at the same time.
Okay, a question just for fun – If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chinese food. I really like Szechuan beef, but now I’m a vegetarian. I’m an aspiring vegan so I’ve given up a lot of my favorite foods.
Cookies, a personal favorite, are sadly not on the list.
FUN FACTS
Unexpected Twin
Dr. Litrel is an identical twin. Born before the technology of ultrasound, he was unexpected until the very day he and his brother Chris were delivered. His first birth certificate named him “Baby B”
Chinese-Italian Culinary Mutt
Dr. Litrel grew up eating custom ravioli from his Italian father’s pasta shop on Long Island, and authentic Chinese dishes homemade by his Chinese grandmother in the Bronx
Healer With a Black Belt
Dr. Litrel is a lifelong martial arts student. He has studied karate, chi gong, bando, tai chi, and has a black belt in tae kwon do. He has also studied the Japanese healing art of Reiki.
POP QUIZ: How well do you know Dr. Litrel?
Which of these jobs has Dr. Litrel NOT had?
A. EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) on ambulance B. High School Chemistry Teacher C. Forensic Intern (assist with autopsies) D. Waiter
ANSWER: Sorry – trick question! Dr. Litrel has worked in ALL these jobs.
Common Breastfeeding Problems
Apart from providing valuable colostrum and vital nutrition for babies, breastfeeding can create an intimate bond between a mother and newborn. Another plus is that breastfeeding requires more calories than pregnancy, Mother Nature’s way of rewarding a new mother by giving her a jump start on the road to ‘baby weight” loss.
At first, however, to the dismay of many new parents, it isn’t always the warm fuzzy experience they imagined it would be. Breastfeeding does not always happen naturally. The milk is in the mother’s breast, and the baby instinctively makes sucking motions looking for food, but the act of successful breastfeeding itself is a skill that requires a little practice on both parts.
Motherhood can be challenging and intimidating enough, especially for first time moms who want to do the very best job possible. Even the sweetest, undemanding baby can be intimidating due to lack of experience, let alone a colicky fussy child. Encountering breastfeeding problems can raise stress and anxiety levels at the very best of times, and this frustration may result in abandoning breastfeeding altogether. Most breastfeeding difficulties, however, are easily remedied with minor position adjustments or a few timeless suggestions from your OB-GYN.
Solving Common Breastfeeding Problems Low milk production. Many moms underestimate their milk levels, especially when first learning to breastfeed. But a few tricks can increase your supply: ensure your baby latches well and drains both breasts at each feeding, drink plenty of water, use a breast pump between feedings, and nurse at night when milk production hormones surge. You can also ask your doctor to modify your diet to include foods that encourage healthy milk production. Latching pain. Latching pain is expected for new moms, but it shouldn’t last. If latching pain lasts longer than a minute, reposition your baby to an asymmetrical latch, where his mouth covers the nipple and the lower part of the areola. Cracked nipples. A common result of latching problems, improper pumping, or thrush, cracked or bloody nipples can cause serious anxiety in new moms. But a little blood won’t harm the baby, and the solution is simple: lanolin cream. Other remedies include repositioning your baby’s latch, breastfeeding more frequently for shorter intervals, and letting some milk air dry on your nipples. Thrush. A yeast infection that may develop in infants’ mouths, thrush can spread to the breasts, causing itching, soreness, and sometimes a rash. See your doctor, who will provide an antifungal cream to be applied to both your nipple and the baby’s mouth.
Every woman faces her own challenges during pregnancy and postpartum. We encourage our patients to take advantage of the rich resources in our health community, including the Lactation Program at Northside Hospital-Cherokee, where we deliver all our moms.
Scroll down to see an interview with Dr. Phillips.
Pushpa Liseli Phillips, MD, MPH, FACOG
Dr. Pushpa Phillips is an OB/GYN who enjoys all aspects of treating women. Having experienced her own GYN issues and difficult pregnancies, Dr. Phillips uses her personal experiences to relate to her patients. Her real passion is in serving the underserved, with an emphasis in educating women in all aspects of their health, including nutrition and fitness.
Dr. Phillips shares her philosophy and background.
“If you can help the leading female in a family, you can help the entire family.”
– Dr. Phillips
Dr. Phillips has been an OB/GYN since 2013. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies, she received her Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University in Grenada. She then completed her residency in New York at Staten Island University Hospital, where she met her husband, Charles, who is now a practicing internist. Dr. Phillips and her husband have five children, including a set of toddler twins.
She hails from a large family full of females. The oldest of three girls, she also has many aunts and female cousins. Being surrounded by so many females and seeing the issues women experience inspired her to choose women’s health.
Dr. Phillips shares that her parents worked very hard to provide for their three daughters and modeled love and appreciation for all people. She attributes this to why she feels at ease interacting with people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
She feels very blessed to have grown up in such a large and supportive family. Her motto is a verse from a song that her father sang to her as a child – “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”
She has helped patients in their teens all the way to her oldest patient of 99. She truly enjoys listening to her patients, has an unparalleled attention to detail and feels she is living her true purpose.
Dr. Phillips also has a Masters of Public Health (MPH) so fitness and nutrition are important to her. Even as a busy physician, wife and mother of five, she still makes time to exercise.
Along with being passionate about community health education, women’s health and empowerment, nutrition and fitness, Dr. Phillips is also interested in childhood autism and international travel.
Areas of Expertise
Adolescent health and education
Contraception
Preconception counseling
Postpartum counseling
Second trimester pregnancy loss
Sexual health in women
Menopause
Educational Background
Residency-Staten Island University Hospital- New York Medical-St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies Masters-MPH- St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies Undergraduate-University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, West Indies
Board Certifications
Board-Certified OB/GYN
Licensure
State of Georgia State of North Carolina
Certifications
Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Basic Life Support (BLS) Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP)
Professional Interests
Adolescent health and education Contraception Preconception counseling Postpartum counseling Second trimester pregnancy loss Sexual health in women Menopause
Professional Memberships
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) North American Menopausal Society, (NAMS) International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
Vulvodynia is persistent, inexplicable pain anywhere in the vulva. The discomfort associated with this condition can be so severe that any sexual activity may be impossible. Even sitting can become intolerable.
Vestibulodynia (vulvar vestibulitis syndrome or vestibulitis) is another condition which is very similar to Vulvodynia except that pain is situated at the entryway just outside the vagina inside the labia (vestibule).
Though it is not known exactly what causes Vulvodynia, doctors speculate that there may be several triggers:
Allergies or sensitive skin that can be easily irritated
Hormonal changes or hormonal contraception
Injures to the vulvar area’s surrounding nerves
Sexual abuse
A predisposition to yeast infections
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Past history of anxiety and/or depression
Muscle spasms
Frequent antibiotic use.
Vulvodynia has also been associated with several other chronic pain-related conditions, meaning that there is a higher likelihood of vulvodynia if a woman has any of the following:
Interstitial cystitis: (An inflammatory condition that causes moderate to severe pain or pressure of the bladder and surrounding pelvic area).
Fibromyalgia: (A chronic disorder causing widespread muscular, joint and tendon pain).
Irritable bowel syndrome: (Recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation).
Endometriosis: (A painful disorder where tissue that is similar to the kind growing in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus instead).
Chronic fatigue syndrome: (An unexplained ailment with symptoms of fatigue, fever, tenderness and depression, usually following a virus).
In most cases, however, there is no absolute known cause, and the reasons for Vulvodynia remain a mystery. Investigation of this disorder is still in its medicinal infancy because it was previously thought to be a purely psychological issue.
What are the Symptoms?
Itching
Throbbing
Burning
Stinging
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Soreness
Rawness
Redness
Irritation.
These symptoms can be sporadic or constant. They can last for weeks, months or even years. They may also appear suddenly, and disappear just as abruptly. This discomfort can be centralized in one area such as the vaginal opening, or spread throughout the entire vulvar zone. This area may appear swollen or irritated, but often looks completely normal.
Vulvodynia can seriously impact a woman both physically and mentally. Inability to engage in sexual activity may jeopardize relationships. Chronic pain can also lead to irritability, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, social withdrawal, and low self-esteem. Vulvodynia, and the negative emotions that ripple from the condition, can disrupt quality of life and eventually activate full-blown depression.
How Is Vulvodynia Diagnosed?
There is no actual test for vulvodynia. Diagnosis is made by ruling out any other possible ailments that might mimic the symptoms of this disorder, such as:
Skin conditions
Diabetes
Yeast or bacterial infections
Cervicitis or inflammation of the cervix
Endometriosis.
A medical history will need to be provided, especially past infections in the pelvic region. Any current drugs you are using, specifically hormonal replacement or contraception should be mentioned.
You will be asked pertinent questions in order to determine the problem. A pelvic exam will be done, both internally and externally to see if there is a possibility of a present infection. Even if the genitals show no visual signs of any infection, a cell sample may be taken to rule out bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection. Finally, to check for vulvodynia, a swab that has been moistened will be used to gently dab at and probe the vulva and surrounding area to determine the exact locations of your pain.
What Happens if I Have Vulvodynia? Can I Be Helped?
Yes. There are several treatments that can minimize pain or discomfort:
Antihistamines can calm itching, steroids, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants can subdue chronic pain.
Numbing creams or ointments containing a local anesthetic applied before initiating sex may provide temporary help, but may also cause your partner to experience numbing upon physical contact with these creams.
Biofeedback therapy can train you to relax, in turn decreasing suffering. You can be taught how to control your body’s responses to vulvodynia symptoms. If the human body anticipates pain, it involuntary contracts to avoid it, causing the very pain it tries to ward off. In time, this pain becomes chronic. Biofeedback can help with this vicious circle, allowing the pelvic muscles to relax and minimize this innate tightening and the subsequent discomfort.
Nerve blocks that are injected can help with chronic pain.
Pelvic floor therapy reduces muscle tension in the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are a support for the bladder, uterus and bowel, and relaxing them can provide vulvodynia relief.
Surgery that removes tissue and skin affected by vulvodynia or vestibulodynia (vestibulectomy) can effectively relieve pain in many women.
Is There Anything I Can Do At Home in the Way of Self-Help?
There are some simple measures you can take to decrease some of the uncomfortable symptoms:
Sitz bath soaking, which is sitting in cool or lukewarm water for 5 to 10 minutes two or three times a day can soothe symptoms.
Avoid those hot tubs and long soaks in scalding water. They contribute to discomfort and itching. Chlorine pools exacerbate the problem as well.
Save the control top pantyhose and sexy synthetic panties for special occasions. They restrict airflow to the genitals, causing the temperature down there to rise and trap moisture that can cause irritation. Try to find cotton substitutes that promote dryness through absorption, and that encourage healthy, necessary ventilation to the delicate genital area. If you’re comfortable with it, go ‘commando’ at night and skip underwear altogether.
Cold compresses placed directly on the affected area can help itching and pain—especially after sex.
Whenever possible, try to avoid any activity that may put pressure on your vulva, such as horseback riding or biking.
Treat your lady parts gently. Avoid douches. Wash the area with plain water using your hand, then lightly pat it dry. Avoid soap when possible. Even residue scented laundry detergent and fabric softener in clean towels or facecloths can irritate sensitive tissue. You might even wish to put on a natural emollient without additives or preservatives after washing. Petroleum jelly creates a soothing barrier.
If you’re able to tolerate intercourse, a lubricant can greatly help, preferably a water soluble one.
Antihistamines before bed can stop itching and provide a restful sleep.
Unscented white toilet paper can make a difference. So can tampons and sanitary napkins that don’t smell like they’ve been dragged through a perfume factory. Contraceptive creams and spermicides can also irritate vulvodynia.
Harsh, irritating urine caused by certain foods and drinks like citrus beverages, beans, nuts, chocolate, berries, etc. may cause burning upon voiding. Rinsing the vulvar area after urination with cool water helps.
It is important to note that vulvodynia is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is not contagious, and is in no way an indication of any kind of cancer.
There is no cure for vulvodynia, but different remedies can ease the symptoms for different women. It may take time to find the combination that works best for you, but our doctors will work with you to help provide a comfortable, better quality of life. To schedule an appointment, call 770.720.7733 or request an appointment online.
A recent study has concluded that certain types of hormonal birth control can lead to depression. More than one million women were studied over a 13-year span and those who took combined progestin and estrogen pills had a 23% likelihood of developing depression. Those who were taking a progestin-only pill were 34% more likely to be diagnosed as depressed. For adolescents between the ages of 15-19 who used birth control pills, the instances of depression jumped to 80%.
There may be outside factors involved in the diagnosis of depression, especially considering that women in the adolescent stage may be predisposed to depression due to other issues they encounter such as hormonal changes, or depression from a triggered immune system.
Discuss All Birth Control Options For You
With depression associated as a symptom of some types of hormonal birth control, it is important for women to discuss all birth control options with their doctor as well as disclose any and all side effects, including depressive symptoms.
If a patient is prone to depression or has relatives who suffer from depression, it is worth mentioning to the doctor. However, these risks should not scare women away from birth control, in fact, an unplanned pregnancy can cause depression, too. There are many options available today. If one on method does not fit with a patient’s lifestyle, there are others to try. Being open with health care providers is key. Knowing a patient’s health history makes it possible for doctors to prescribe medications that will get the best results.
Make an Appointment Today
Do you experience side effects from your birth control? Call us at 770.720.7733 to make an appointment or request an appointment online.
Preconception counseling can help identify possible factors that may complicate conception, gestation, delivery, and even the time period after birth.
Our expert staff at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, with our decades of combined knowledge and experience, are always prepared to help you, guide you, and answer any concerns or questions you may have during this event in your life. Your honest, detailed history will enable us to foresee and address any potential risks to you or your baby, while we will always maintain confidentiality.
I’m Perfectly Healthy, and the Women in My Family Have Never Had Trouble Conceiving. Why Would I Need Preconception Counseling?
Although family history plays an important part in a woman’s ability to conceive and have a healthy baby, every female is different and unique. The food you eat, the medication you take, and the lifestyle you live are a few of the things that can play a positive or negative role regarding your plans to have a baby.
When Should I Schedule a Preconception Counseling Session?
Ideally, if you are healthy, fit, have a regular menstrual cycle, and have already given birth successfully, we recommend you schedule an appointment three months before you plan to conceive. However, if you are on a long term birth control regimen, or suspect you may have trouble becoming pregnant for any reason, it’s always best to call us and state your concerns. We will advise you accordingly based on your individual case.
Dr. Crigler discusses preconception counseling
What Information Do You Need? Is There Anything I Can Do or Bring to My Appointment?
You will, of course, be advised what to do when you call us, but organizing the following information with as many dates as possible would greatly help us study your case with much more detail:
• Family history: Mention if any of your siblings, parents, grandparents, or other relatives have had any medical conditions such as diabetes, seizures, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, etc.
• Medication history: Recreational, prescribed, and over the counter, including vitamins and supplements: If any of these are harmful to a fetus, you may need to be weaned off them, change prescriptions or modify dosages, if at all possible, before your anticipated pregnancy. It is also important to disclose if you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages regularly or consume excessive amounts of caffeine.
• Health history: List any medical conditions, chronic or not, which you may be suffering from presently or may have suffered in the past. What may seem trivial to you could be important and enables us to judge whether these can affect your pregnancy or ability to conceive. Even childhood illnesses you’ve long since recovered from, such as asthma, mild heart murmurs, or measles should be documented.
• Surgical history: Any and all surgeries, past or pending, should be brought to our attention no matter how many years ago they took place, especially any gynecological procedures such as fibroid removal, biopsies, etc. Mention any abnormal Pap smears or other findings previously diagnosed. You should also disclose if you have ever had any blood transfusions.
• Pregnancy history: List caesarean and/or miscarriages: Whether you delivered a full term healthy baby or had complications, you should inform us so that we can do everything within the scope of our expertise to avoid repeating the latter scenario.
• Gynecological history: Include current and prior birth control and menstrual cycle patterns to better pinpoint ovulation times and facilitate subsequent conception. We also need to know how long and the regularity of your period. We can also recommend how long you need to stop using your birth control before you try to become pregnant, as this varies by method of birth control.
• Environmental history: Where you live and work, along with your social and familial network may factor into successful conception. Certain elements in your environment, or that of people you associate with can prove to be dangerous and heighten risks. For instance, exposure to some metals may cause birth defects. Second-hand smoke may compromise both your lungs and the baby’s. Recent illnesses of those around you may prompt us to advise you to you wait awhile before beginning or adding to your family. It is always wise to let us know if you’ve encountered any such hazards.
• Sexually transmitted diseases: We are not here to judge, only to help. Genital herpes, hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and other such diseases can drastically hurt you and your baby, and may even jeopardize your capability to reproduce. Complete honesty on your part can improve pregnancy outcomes. Your secrets are safe with us.
• Vaccination history: Bring a list of all vaccinations. Many vaccines cannot be given during pregnancy so preparing early can ensure that all vaccines are current. For example, MMR, varicella, and hepatitis vaccines must be given outside of pregnancy.
What Can I Expect at a Preconception Counseling Session?
The information you provide will help us create an effective plan to maximize health and minimize risk during your pregnancy.
Beyond your history, we will also address the following:
• Age: Your age and your partner’s may be important factors in determining if you need to be monitored more carefully for such conditions as Down syndrome, gestational diabetes, etc.
• Weight, diet, and exercise: If you are overweight or underweight, we may discuss your diet and activity level. We may recommend testing if we suspect the problem may involve your metabolism. Based on our findings, we can offer any necessary counsel. Our nutritionists and physical therapists are available to help you achieve a healthy weight prior to conception. If you are extremely active, moderately active or very inactive, suggestions to modify any of these levels by decreasing or increasing them may also be covered in your session.
• Vitamins: We may recommend vitamins and supplements that your body may be lacking. Folic acid is often prescribed prior to pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. If you have MTHFR gene mutation, you will require a special type of folic acid.
• Genetic counseling: A study of the family history you furnish may trigger us to order certain tests on your behalf in order to check for the possibility of any hereditary or genetic complications, defects, or developmental and intellectual challenges that may affect your baby.
A complete physical examination, including a pelvic exam and Pap smear, is also usually administered to detect any physical abnormalities. Appropriate screening, cultures, and blood tests based on your findings will be ordered.
Preconception counseling ensures that every possible precaution is taken to prevent future problems throughout gestation, labor, delivery and even in the postpartum period. Our ultimate goal is to help your body and mind create the best environment for your pregnancy.
To book a preconception counseling appointment, visit our clinic or call us at 770.720.7733.
