Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

5 Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore – and Why You Should See Your OB/GYN ASAP

There are five health symptoms women should never ignore and as OB/GYNs, we have seen many cases where women have waited too long to take care of their own health problems, and often regret it later after a bad diagnosis. Do not let this happen to you. Following are five of the most concerning women’s health problems that you should never neglect. If you have any of these five symptoms, make an appointment with your OB/GYN as soon as possible. 5 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore 1. Heavy or Painful Periods When it comes to your periods, you know what’s normal for you. If you experience heavy or painful periods that are out of the ordinary, you need to be seen by an OB/GYN. These symptoms can signal gynecological problems that need treatment. Some could be very serious, such as cancer, but many women have noncancerous uterine fibroids or tumors that cause heavy or painful periods. There are treatments available for uterine fibroids and other gynecological problems known to cause heavy or painful periods. 2. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding If you experience bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause, see your OB/GYN. Although abnormal bleeding can occur for many different reasons, gynecological cancers like cervical or uterine cancer are among them. Endometrial hyperplasia happens when the uterine lining grows thick, and is a noncancerous cause of abnormal bleeding. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is what it sounds like – abnormal – and is nothing to take lightly. See your doctor ASAP for treatment or to rule out anything concerning. 3. Pain During Sex Pain during sex can be caused by many different issues. A serious medical condition would need to be ruled out. It also could be endometriosis, which can even lead to infertility. Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus starts to grow outside of the uterus. In addition to painful intercourse, watch for pelvic pain, extremely painful periods, and pain when you go to the bathroom. There are treatment options available, but you need to know what is going on with your body to be proactive. 4. Lumps in or Around the Breast Regular mammograms and self-breast exams are a must. Do not put off getting regular mammograms and see your OB/GYN at least once a year for evaluation. With no family history, mammograms should begin for every woman at age 40. If there is a family history of breast cancer, your OB/GYN may recommend you start getting mammograms earlier. If you notice anything unusual or different during a self-breast exam, in your breast, around your breast, or under your arm, see your doctor immediately. As OB/GYNs treating thousands of women over the years, we have diagnosed breast cancer in all ages and types of women, even if it there is no family history. The earlier you are diagnosed, the better your prognosis may be so do not delay seeing your OB/GYN or regular mammograms – ever. 5. Nipple Discharge It’s extremely important to pay attention to your breasts. In addition to checking for lumps or changes in breast size or shape, watch for nipple discharge. Discharge, especially bloody or clear discharge, can be a sign of breast cancer. Don’t put off getting checked by an experienced OB/GYN who can properly evaluate you and order the appropriate images and tests. Listen to Your Body If you have symptoms that are not typical for you, or something doesn’t feel right, listen to your body. You know your body best and can sense when something may be wrong. Seeking treatment early can help ensure the best outcome possible. Make taking care of yourself a priority. You are too valuable to neglect. Make an Appointment Today Our board-certified OB/GYNs are here for you. Call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online to make an annual exam appointment or to discuss any issues of concern.

Prenatal and Laboring Exercises

Dr. Lisa McLeod demonstrates prenatal and laboring exercises. Watch more OB videos below.

Placental Abruption: Symptoms and Risk Factors

Placental abruption requires immediate care since the baby may not be receiving enough oxygen. Placenta abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before or during labor. The placenta is an organ that provides nutrients to the baby in the womb. Placental abruption can cause vaginal bleeding and pain. Without prompt medical treatment, a severe case of placental abruption can have dire consequences for the mother and her unborn child. Symptoms When any symptoms occur, it is usually sudden. The main symptom of placental abruption is vaginal bleeding. However, vaginal bleeding doesn’t apply to all women, as 20 percent don’t experience any. Some of the symptoms and signs of placental abruption include: Continuous lower back and abdominal pain Painful abdomen (belly) when touched Tender and hard uterus Fetal distress Risk Factors While the exact cause of placenta abruption is unknown in most cases, certain factors make a pregnancy more at risk to placental abruption. Risk factors may include: Advanced maternal age Being pregnant with multiple babies Having a history of high blood pressure or previous abruptions Excessive amniotic fluid Uterine infection Substance use. In most cases, doctors don’t know the exact cause or causes of placental abruption. However, having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll experience a placental abruption. Diagnosis If you are experiencing any bleeding or abdominal pain, contact your doctor right away. Placental abruption can only truly be diagnosed after birth when the placenta can be examined. There are a few methods that are used to try to make this diagnosis during pregnancy so that proper treatment can be applied. Including: Ultrasound Blood tests Fetal monitoring Evaluation of symptoms (bleeding, pain, etc.). Complications In severe cases, complications of placental abruption can include: Stillbirth Decreased oxygen to the baby, which can lead to brain damage Maternal blood loss leading to shock Emergency hysterectomy Maternal death from severe blood loss. Placenta Abruption Treatment Unfortunately, there is no way to reattach the placenta once it’s detached, or no treatment plan that can stop it. The treatment depends on the severity of the separation, location of the separation and the age of the pregnancy. In the case of partial separation, usually less than 34 weeks, bed rest and close monitoring may be prescribed. In some cases, emergency treatment and hospital admission may be needed as well. In the case with a complete separation, usually more than 34 weeks, delivery is often the safest course of action. Depending on the stability of the baby, an immediate C-section may be necessary. The mother might also need a blood transfusion. We’re Here for You and Your Baby Call your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding in your third trimester. The outcome of a placental abruption diagnosis is improved with fast and accurate treatment. While placental abruptions can’t exactly be foreseen, here at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, our board-certified OB/GYNS are experts in high-risk pregnancies. Call us today at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

Hospital “Home Birth”? Yes, You Can!

Can you have a “home birth” in a hospital? Yes, you can! As OB/GYNs, we help deliver a home birth experience while in the safety of a hospital. It’s the best of both worlds. We Want You to Have the Best “Home Delivery” Experience in a Hospital Home births have become increasingly popular among expectant moms, especially since the pandemic. Approximately 1% of all U.S. births are delivered at home, and statistics show that number is on the rise. But for the safety of pregnant moms and their babies, an “at home style” delivery in the hospital is the preferred option by OB/GYNs, especially by the doctors at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. The doctors and midwives at Cherokee Women’s Health work together with you as a team to accommodate your individual birth plan. The state-of-the-art facility at Northside Hospital Cherokee has a top-notch Women’s Center and a Level 3 NICU. We are fully equipped and ready for any dangers that arise, but ultimately, we desire to give you the closest type of birth possible to what you would experience at home. We believe each pregnant mother is special and deserves individualized family centered care. There are many options for a labor experience, and we will make every attempt to accommodate your preferences to make your labor desires come to fruition. It’s your body, your baby, and your birth – so we want and expect you to have your best experience for your pregnancy journey and birth. Why Should You Deliver in a Hospital? The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology firmly states that the safest option for mom and baby are in a hospital or birthing center. The American Academy of Pediatrics concurs that babies are best born in the hospital to ensure the safest and healthiest outcome. The health and safety of mom and baby are of upmost priority — so taking the necessary precautions by being in a hospital are recommended by experienced doctors. James Haley, MD, FACOG, FPMRS of Cherokee Women’s Health has delivered nearly 10,000 babies during his career as an OB/GYN. He shares candidly about the dangers of home births: “We work together with expectant mothers to make all of the best plans for how a delivery will go. Childbirth, as we know, doesn’t always go smoothly or as planned. Occasionally, a medical crisis arises that causes the entire team of doctors and nurses to jump into immediate action, work together like nothing you’ve ever seen — all to get that baby out in 2-3 minutes to save its life, while also trying to take care of the mother and keep her safe. I have personally seen hundreds of babies that would have died, had the patient not been at the hospital just at that moment.” – Dr. James Haley on the importance of delivering in a hospital Preparing For Your “At Home Style” Delivery No one can tell you what your birth experience will be like, but we can help you feel prepared, confident, and ready for the birth of your baby. At Cherokee Women’s, we have an OB patient VIP program for all newly pregnant mothers, where you are given the opportunity to have all your questions answered and are given all the information you need to guide you throughout your pregnancy journey. You can create your own birth plan, unique to you and your wishes. We check on you often throughout your pregnancy – in addition to all the regular visits, to make sure that your pregnancy and birth plan are meeting your expectations. For those that opt for a natural birth, we offer unmedicated births. Our medical team is very willing to offer intermittent monitoring and variable laboring positions, among the many other requests according to your specialized birth plan. We also have the expertise of one of our physicians, Lisa McLeod, DO, FACOOG, who specializes in osteopathic manipulation to help women in labor and delivery. Her unique obstetrical training in holistic treatment has been valuable to patients wanting a natural approach to childbirth. As part of the planning process, we recommend attending maternity classes at Northside Hospital so that you can learn about the options available to make your childbirth as close to a home birth as possible. You will learn what to expect during delivery and all the options available to make your birthing experience your own. You also can learn what you need to know about breastfeeding, infant CPR, and you will be given answers to your questions through evidence-based education and support. It is important to educate yourself during pregnancy by attending classes, sharing with others who have similar concerns and learning what to expect so that during labor and after birth, you understand what’s going on and can make decisions with your doctors and midwives. Natural Hospital Birth: It Can be Done! You really can have the natural birth you are hoping for even if you must be at the hospital. You can enjoy the experience of working with your body to birth your baby in collaboration with your team of doctors, midwives, and nurses who are there to ensure you have a safe delivery.

Home Birth – Is it Worth the Risk?

By James P. Haley, MD, FACOG, FPMRS As an OB/GYN for over 30 years now, I feel the need to speak out strongly against home births. I have certainly delivered my fair share of babies, and what a privilege it has been to witness one of God’s greatest miracles, thousands and thousands of times in my career. I am honored to have shared with so many families one of the most special and intimate moments in their lives. One of my greatest blessings was being able to deliver my two children – memories that my wife and I will always treasure. Home Births Come with Extreme Risks There is a growing trend in OB that has me greatly concerned, and I feel the need to speak out strongly against it. It is the growing popularity of pre-planned home births. The trend seems to be gaining some momentum, and approximately 1-2% of all U.S. births are now delivered at home. According to recent statistics, that number is rising. The truth is, there are extremely serious risks involved with attempting to deliver at home, and women and their families need to be aware of these dangers. We have come a long way in modern medicine, especially in the field of Obstetrics. In the early 1900s when home births were the reality, one in ten babies died at birth. Sadly, many of these infants suffered trauma at birth resulting in complications such as seizures, paralysis, or brain damage. Death was common and the mother’s life was always at risk, as up to 1 in 100 mothers died giving birth. As OB/GYNs, We Have Seen it All With advances in modern technology, it is alarming as to why many would consider delivering at home without immediate access to a hospital. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that babies be delivered in hospitals. They want everyone to know that babies born at home are twice as likely to die, and three times more likely to have neurologic dysfunction or brain damage. The American Academy of Pediatrics concurs with ACOGs opinion and agrees that hospitals are the safest place to give birth. Even today, giving birth is one of the most dangerous things a woman can do. In the U.S., it is the sixth most common cause of death among women ages 20-34. These statistics are very troubling, and much research and study is being done to continually lessen the maternal death rate. OB/GYNs know with absolute certainty the risks of childbirth and the possible dangers that can go wrong. We have seen it all and there are often complications that can arise within a few minutes that no one saw coming. It is very humbling; and we have all seen multiple times where, had the patient not been in the hospital — in labor, being monitored and under close observation — the baby would have died. It happens quite frequently. Usually, with proper prenatal care, we can predict problems and future complications, treat them, monitor closely, and be prepared for those potential complications at birth. “I have personally seen hundreds of babies that would have died, had the patient not been at the hospital at that moment. After moments like that, you not only see the amazing hand of God, but also greatly appreciate the advances in modern medicine. And you are grateful you were there exactly at that moment – and in a hospital.” – Dr. James Haley However, childbirth as we know doesn’t always go smoothly or as planned. Occasionally, a medical crisis arises that causes the entire team of doctors and nurses to jump into immediate action, work together like nothing you’ve ever seen — all to get that baby out in 2-3 minutes to save its life — while also trying to take care of the mother and keep her safe. Common Problems that can Occur Throughout Pregnancy, Delivery and After: Following are just a few problems that can occur throughout a woman’s pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Gestational diabetes High blood pressure Preeclampsia Preterm labor Anemia Infections Breech position Fetal distress Premature rupture of membranes Placenta problems Placental abruption Prolonged labor Perinatal asphyxia Shoulder Dystocia Excessive bleeding Malposition Placenta previa Cephalopelvic disproportion Uterine rupture Rapid labor Oxygen deprivation Umbilical cord prolapse Umbilical cord compression Velamentous Cord Insertion Chorioamnionitis (Infection) Fetal macrosomia (Extra-large infant) Postpartum hemorrhage (Bleeding) Postpartum preeclampsia Why Take the Risk of a Home Birth? Women that consider home birth typically want fewer medical interventions, they want to enjoy the comforts of home, enjoy a more satisfying and natural birth, and have control over all aspects of the birthing process. These are all valid wants and desires, and it is understandable how people are driven to choose this route. If you have had a home birth and all has gone well, that is great. However, I wouldn’t push your luck and do it again. You have dodged many, many bullets. There are medical offices and midwives that attempt to facilitate and “ensure” the safety of a home birth. Hospitals are nearby, and women are told that if complications arise, they can abort the plan and head to the hospital. In fact, the latest statistic shows that approximately 30-35% of planned home births end up delivering at the hospital after all. But at what cost? Do they make it in time? These actual statistics don’t often end up in the “home delivery” category. Once they are sent to the hospital, they are counted as hospital deliveries, so we don’t truly know if they had complications or even the worst possible outcome occurred. Working in the hospital and a busy medical practice, I have sadly seen some tragic outcomes. Just a few weeks ago, I personally saw a patient that had been going to the type of practice that is more “natural” and encourages and oversees home births. The mother suspected a problem and was referred to me for an evaluation. “Unfortunately, I confirmed their greatest fear, that the

Difficult Pregnancies – A Patient’s Story

Alexandra and her husband were thrilled when they learned she was pregnant with a baby girl. Having two boys, Alexandra knew she wanted no one other than Cherokee Women’s Health to deliver her baby, since they had safely delivered baby Deacon. An Emergency Delivery with Baby #2 Alexandra faced a difficult and traumatic delivery with her second son, Deacon. Before she reached 40 weeks, she began feeling crampy and learned she was experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions, also known as “practice contractions”, since they are considered the body’s warm-up or rehearsal for actual labor. Since Alexandra wasn’t yet full-term, she didn’t take her symptoms too seriously. However, later that night, her water broke, and her pain level went from 0 to 60 in no time. She was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered that her baby was breech. Just minutes later, her doctor delivered baby Deacon via C-section. Thankfully, she was prepared for that since she’d had a C-section with her first baby. “My doctor got him out in what seemed like only a minute! It was insane how fast she was able to safely deliver my son. I feel like she saved my life and Deacon’s life. After that experience, our connection grew. There’s absolutely no one else I’d want to deliver my baby.” – Alexandra expressing gratitude for her doctor A Painful Pregnancy Journey with Baby #3 Alexandra wasn’t surprised when she experienced extreme nausea and dehydration during her third pregnancy. She’d had that with both of her previous pregnancies. However, she did not expect the many hardships her family would have to endure. While still in her first trimester, both her father and grandmother passed away. Then, just a couple of weeks later, Alexandra was in a car accident that left her with sciatica pain that radiated down through her leg. “I couldn’t eat or drink much, even as late as going into the second trimester. I was so terrified I was going to lose my baby because of the grief and because I had suffered a miscarriage in between my first two babies. It was a lot.” – Alexandra recalling her 3rd pregnancy Rush to the ER Late into her third trimester, Alexandra couldn’t feel her baby moving as much as she normally did, so she called Cherokee Women’s and explained her symptoms. She was sent to the ER, where she stayed overnight and received medicine to stop pre-term labor. Her doctor knew Alexandra needed to be closer to at least 38 weeks before she delivered — especially since her past deliveries were so challenging — so she scheduled an induction for August 24th. However, on August 21st, Alexandra wasn’t quite feeling like herself. Remembering her symptoms with Deacon, she went to the hospital as soon as possible, and sure enough, she was already dilating and experiencing contractions. This surprised her because even though she felt a little strange, she hadn’t felt any pain! A C-section was performed and baby Kinzie was born that night. “I never thought I’d have to have a C-section with my third baby, so I was scared. The first two were emergency C-sections so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my doctor assured me that I’d be okay and that she had my back. I trusted her, and I’m forever grateful for her. I didn’t have any complications, and I’ve been recovering just fine!” Alexandra on her third C-section Extended Stay at the Hospital Kinzie was born with slightly low blood sugar, and she’d lost too much of her birth weight, so she and Alexandra stayed at the hospital for a few extra days. With treatment, baby Kinzie’s sugar levels became normal and after five nights at Northside Hospital Cherokee, she was healthy and ready to go home! “My husband and sons were so excited to see Kinzie when they picked us up from the hospital! They adore her so much. It’s just so cute how much they love her. My two-year-old, Deacon, says she is his baby and the first thing he wants to do every morning is give her a kiss. I mean, it’s truly the sweetest thing.” – Alexandra, grateful mom of three Grateful for my Doctor “I immediately felt connected to my doctor at Cherokee Women’s and felt that I could trust her when I went in for my first appointment with Kinzie. I was so emotional because it had been two to three weeks since my dad had passed away, and I just started crying. She asked what was going on and just hugged me. She has this calming effect on me, it’s hard to explain. She’s the best doctor I’ve ever met, and I am just so grateful she was there for me and was so accommodating. She went above and beyond to deliver both my babies and make sure that they were safe,” Alexandra recalls. Alexandra’s Advice to Other Moms “In general, I tend to tell myself to just push through, it’ll be okay,” Alexandra shares. “But I would say to other mamas, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to admit that you can’t do it all. Also, hydration is key. Staying hydrated is something I struggled with. I had dehydration and had to get IV therapy with my first pregnancy.” – Alexandra’s advice for new moms

Giving Birth at 36 Weeks – Shelbie’s Story

Traveling while pregnant can prove to be a difficult task but moving across the country is an even bigger challenge. Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists patient Shelbie, moved from Arizona back to her hometown in Georgia halfway through her pregnancy. Her husband Tyler, is in the National Guard, and he wanted Shelbie to be surrounded by family while he was away for training. As difficult as the move was, they were confident this was the right decision for their growing family. Shelbie’s friends and family recommended Cherokee Women’s Health, and fortunately, the transition from her past OB/GYN was an easy process. “With all the transitions happening in my life, it was a huge relief to find Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. It was difficult not having my husband here, but I felt very well cared for throughout the rest of my pregnancy and delivery in Georgia.” – Shelbie Contractions at Just 36 Weeks Shelbie had an overall healthy and safe pregnancy, at least up until her 36-week appointment. It was then Shelbie learned that her blood pressure was elevated, and she was actually having contractions. Shelbie was shocked! She was connected to the monitor, and it was confirmed that her contractions were regular, even though Shelbie couldn’t feel them. While this wasn’t Shelbie’s plan, she was sent to the hospital where she would soon welcome her baby boy. She shares, “I was super worried, especially since I was only 36 weeks, and everything had been fine from the beginning. My son clearly already had a mind of his own!” Shelbie’s doctor monitored her at Northside Hospital Cherokee that night, and then she met with another doctor from Cherokee Women’s the next morning. With her mom by her side, they discussed her preferences and expectations of a vaginal delivery. Her doctor assured her she would do everything in her power to honor her labor preferences while keeping both her and her baby healthy. “I was very grateful for my doctor because she was a calming influence that I needed, especially after the day before and my husband not being there. She listened to my labor expectations and I could tell she truly cared. It was a relief to have her there as my doctor before delivery.” It’s a Baby Boy! Shelbie progressed enough to start pushing, but her baby’s head wasn’t positioned in the best way to come out. Therefore, a vacuum extraction was used to position his head the right way. With no success, her doctor still felt confident she could deliver vaginally. “Then, my doctor reached inside to turn his head with her hands and successfully delivered baby Luca!” My baby came out with his umbilical cord wrapped around him, but fortunately, he was healthy. Luca was welcomed into the world on August 3, weighing 6 lbs., 10 oz. Daddy Meets Baby Luca — Virtually Even though Shelbie’s husband couldn’t be there in person for the delivery of their baby boy, he was able to Facetime through the whole delivery and meet baby Luca a short time after. Now, sweet Luca, Shelbie and Tyler are at home adjusting to their growing family, soaking up all the newborn love! “I was really pleased with everyone at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. My doctor is caring, calm, truly listens to your needs and is very determined to meet them.” – Shelbie on her experience with Cherokee Women’s Health

Velamentous Cord Insertion – A Scary Delivery

Velamentous cord insertion was not something Shannen thought she’d have to deal with when she delivered her baby. A potentially life-threatening condition, she’s grateful Dr. Michael Litrel was by her side and knew what to do. Having a child was not an easy journey for Shannen and her husband, Doug. Shannen experienced infertility and sought help from fertility clinics and multiple OB/GYNs, with no success. Then miraculously, after suffering through two miscarriages, she became pregnant with her miracle baby girl, Sam. This is Shannen’s story about a match made in heaven — meeting Dr. Litrel — and a delivery complication due to velamentous cord insertion that could have cost baby Sam her life. Meeting Dr. Litrel – A Match Made in Heaven Because Shannen was considered high-risk due to her history, she wanted to find an OB/GYN with extensive experience delivering babies. Based on her friends’ recommendations, Shannen chose Dr. Michael Litrel of Cherokee Women’s Health, a practice that has collectively delivered over 15,000 babies. At ten weeks pregnant, Shannen had her first appointment with Dr. Litrel. She shared that she was extremely worried about her baby’s safety due to her high-risk condition and her previous miscarriages. Dr. Litrel responded with kindness and compassion and asked what he needed to do to make her feel at ease. Shannen recalls telling him, “I need to know my baby is alive”. “I need to know my baby is alive.” – SHANNEN Dr. Litrel understood and immediately took Shannen back for an ultrasound. A short while later, he gave her the good news — baby Sam was healthy! “Dr. Litrel is so patient and he’s never dismissive of my concerns or questions. He always shows me he cares and he can even tell when I’m being a little quiet or when I’m upset. He may have a million patients lined up behind me, but when I’m in his room, I feel like I’m the only one. That’s really hard to find in a doctor.” – Shannen Facing a High-Risk Pregnancy Shannen had to be closely monitored because of her previous miscarriages, her age of 33-years-old, and her previous surgeries. She also didn’t feel well overall during her pregnancy so she was frequently in the office for checkups. It was during one of those visits that she learned she needed progesterone, an important hormone for pregnancy, because her levels were low. Then, at 30 weeks, she developed high blood pressure. After these conditions were treated, she experienced no further complications, thanks to Dr. Litrel’s expert care. Going Off the Birth Plan Like most moms, Shannen had a birth plan, one that included giving birth naturally. However, baby Sam was a good size and the pregnancy was taking its toll on Shannen’s body. Dr. Litrel explained that giving birth early was the safest option for both mom and baby, so it was agreed that labor would be induced at 36 weeks. To everyone’s surprise though, Shannen went into labor — naturally — 24 hours before she was supposed to be induced. It seemed like baby Sam was in on the birth plan. Shannen was in labor for an agonizing 15 hours when she decided to receive an epidural. That was not part of the birth plan. “I think I told the epidural guy that I loved him. I think I tried to propose or something because I was just done.” – Shannen during her epidural Then, events quickly took another turn when baby Sam flipped, which meant a vaginal birth — also part of the birth plan — was out of the question. “I went into the delivery with my birth plan in hand. I was disillusioned. Nothing went according to plan. Thankfully, Dr. Litrel was very supportive of what I wanted to do.” – Shannen Saving Baby Sam’s Life from Velamentous Cord Insertion Shannen had been in labor for 24 hours, and it was time for the C-section. As Dr. Litrel began, he made a shocking discovery. Between the time the C-section was decided upon and the actual procedure, the umbilical cord had detached. Baby Sam had velamentous cord insertion (VCI), which meant the umbilical cord was not properly attached to the placenta. Baby Sam started to bleed out. Born going into hypovolemic shock, her body was shutting down due to the major blood loss. ”All I remember Dr. Litrel saying was that there was no blood in her cord. At first, I didn’t realize what it meant.” – Shannen upon learning there was a problem with the umbilical cord Understanding the urgency, Dr. Litrel immediately had Sam transferred to the main Northside Hospital, where she received three successful blood transfusions. After a week in the NICU and a lot of rest, Sam was cleared to go home, and Shannen was extremely grateful. “If Dr. Litrel had left for a moment — even to just grab a cup of coffee — or if he had given me more time to make a decision, I wouldn’t have my daughter.” – Shannen Why Velamentous Cord Insertion Wasn’t Detected Earlier VCI has a high death rate because it is rare and hard to detect. In fact, there had been no indicators of abnormalities in Shannen’s ultrasounds, so it wasn’t discovered until Dr. Litrel performed the C-section. VCI occurs in about 1.1% of single-baby pregnancies. Sadly, Shannen shared that a friend in her fertility support group had lost her son due to VCI. Baby Sam 10 Years Later Despite facing some physical delays in Sam’s first six months, there were no lasting effects. Today, Sam is a “wild, crazy, bouncing, hyper 10-year-old” who loves to dance. “God put Dr. Litrel in the spot he was in for a reason. My coming to the office was for a reason. He was meant to be a part of my child’s life. He’s family. In fact, Sam even calls him “Uncle Mike.” – Shannen

A C-Section & Postpartum Preeclampsia

A C-section, postpartum preeclampsia, and infertility were not what Katherine had in mind when she and her husband decided to have a baby. When Katherine and her husband Thomas began trying to conceive, she had no idea it would not come easy. After a year of trying, she still wasn’t pregnant, so she scheduled an appointment with Cherokee Women’s Health. She immediately knew she was in the very best hands. Her doctor recommended that Katherine take Clomid, an oral medication used to treat infertility. Soon after starting Clomid, Katherine learned she was pregnant! She and her husband were overjoyed and so excited for this next chapter of their lives. An Emergency C-Section Brings Baby Claire Into the World The next nine months flew by, with a healthy and smooth pregnancy. Before she knew it, she was 40 weeks pregnant, and it was time to bring her little girl into the world. After her check-up appointment they decided it was best to schedule an elective induction for later in the week since she was past her due date. When it was time to induce, Katherine received an epidural, and when she was fully dilated, she pushed for several hours, but unfortunately, her baby kept turning. “Since she was pushing 40 weeks in there, I started to feel miserable and uncomfortable. Scheduling an induction was the best move for me, and we’ve always been flexible. I just went to the hospital relaxed and calm. So relaxed, we actually sat around playing card games. We were so excited to meet our baby girl!” – Katherine, referring to her induction After several hours with no progress being made, my OB/GYN explained that a C-section was the safest option for both the baby and Katherine. A C-section was decided and soon after, baby Claire was born! She was healthy as can be, weighing 7 lbs., 1 oz. “While I went into the hospital expecting to deliver her vaginally, I was totally on board with a C-section. I trusted my doctor and it didn’t matter how my baby got here, as long as she was safe and healthy.” – Katherine recalling the delivery Postpartum Preeclampsia Leads to Weight Gain and Hormone Fluctuations After Katherine and Claire were home, Katherine started to notice her hormones and weight gain seemed out of control. When she went to Cherokee Women’s for her follow-up appointment, she discussed these issues with her doctor. It turned out she actually weighed more than she did when going into delivery with baby Claire. My doctor explained that her symptoms weren’t normal and that they were a sign of postpartum preeclampsia. She advised Katherine to keep monitoring her blood pressure at home and if she experienced any drastic changes, to go to the hospital. It was on that same night that Katherine’s blood pressure went over 180, and she immediately left for the hospital. “I’m so thankful for that follow-up appointment. I would not have known to check my blood pressure if it weren’t for my doctor’s expertise. I would tell myself it’s just hormones, but no, maybe something is going on. I really didn’t know. Claire is my first baby, so it’s kind of hard to know what’s normal and not,” – Katherine on the importance of monitoring blood pressure Katherine’s doctor agreed that her diagnosis was unusual, so she was referred her to an ENT specialist, where it was determined that her thyroid be removed. Thanks to the referral and the expertise of the doctors at Cherokee Women’s, Katherine’s levels returned to normal and she’s beyond grateful. Thankful for Cherokee Women’s Health “I don’t know what would have happened if it weren’t for the expertise of Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. My doctor was very thorough, patient, and listened to all my questions, plus questions you didn’t know you even had. She’s very knowledgeable and explains everything in a way that is easy to understand for first-time moms. In fact, I will use Cherokee Women’s Health for all my future children as well, because she was just so wonderful.” – Katherine on her OB/GYN and Cherokee Women’s Health

Mammogram Myths

Mammograms can help save lives, yet myths surrounding mammograms may prevent some from getting annual screenings, as recommended. Here, we debunk some of those myths. Mammogram Myth #1: No Family History of Breast Cancer Myth #1: I don’t need an annual mammogram, because I don’t have a family history of breast cancer. The truth: Even if you do not have a family history of breast cancer, women should start getting annual mammograms starting at the age of 40. Unfortunately, more than 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history, so it is crucial to get an annual mammogram. Mammogram Myth #2: I Don’t Notice Any Lumps Myth #2: I don’t notice any lumps, so I don’t need a mammogram. The truth: Early detection of cancer is key, and mammograms are our best tools to detect breast cancer early. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mammograms can detect traces of breast cancer up to three years before it can be felt. By the time you notice any lumps, you could have already had breast cancer for a while. Mammogram Myth #3: The Radiation Can Cause Cancer Myth #3: The mammogram gives off unsafe levels of radiation and can cause cancer. The truth: Mammograms give off a very small amount of radiation and do not cause cancer. Getting a mammogram is similar to getting an x-ray – an extremely low level of radiation is used. In fact, our world contains radiation all around us, called background radiation. A mammogram gives off a tiny fraction of this everyday radiation, so there’s no need to worry. Also, mammography is highly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, Mammography Quality and Standards Act and other governing organizations. Mammogram Myth #4: Mammograms are Painful Myth #4: Getting a mammogram is painful. The truth: Mammograms are uncomfortable, but they are not painful. The compression involved is usually described as temporary discomfort. These few moments of unpleasantness are worth knowing you are cancer-free or are catching it early. Mammogram Myth #5: Mammograms Aren’t Accurate Myth #5: Mammograms are inaccurate and don’t help. The truth: Like most things, mammograms are not 100% accurate, but they are the best tool to catch breast cancer early. Mammograms have 80% accuracy in detecting cancer when it is present. Getting regular screenings increase the accuracy even further. Even if you get a positive mammogram, further testing will be done to confirm the results of the mammogram. Mammogram Myth #6: I’m Too Young for a Mammogram Myth #6: I don’t need a mammogram until I’m much older. The truth: Your risk for breast cancer increases as you age, so it is recommended to start annual mammograms at 40. About 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year are ages 45 or older. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your doctor may recommend starting annual mammograms earlier than 40. According to the American Cancer Society, early-stage breast cancer has a five-year survival rate of 99%. Later-stage cancer has a survival rate of 27%. Again, early detection is key! Mammogram Myth #7: Mammograms are Expensive Myth #6: Mammograms are expensive. The truth: Mammograms are covered with most insurers. They are classified as preventative care, so most of the time it’s completely covered or mostly covered with a copay. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides resources for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women to receive screenings. Questions About Mammograms? Detecting breast cancer earlier can increase survival rates and lead to aggressive treatment. The doctors here at Cherokee Women’s Health are experts in women’s health. If you have more questions about mammograms or breast cancer, please call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment online.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse Results in Emergency C-Section

An umbilical cord prolapse was the last thing Mary expected when she delivered her baby. A first-time mom, she quickly learned it’s true that every pregnancy is unique and every woman’s journey is different. Hers was certainly unlike anything she envisioned. She learned that you can plan and prepare all you want, but sometimes things just go differently. Starting a Family Mary and her husband, Marc, were ecstatic to start growing their family. Mary learned she was pregnant with twins early in her pregnancy but unfortunately found out at her 12-week appointment that one of her babies did not make it. Thankfully, she says the staff at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists made her feel safe and well taken care of throughout her pregnancy journey. “While it was a difficult time, I felt very cared for the whole time.” -Mary, referring to her OB appointments Time to Deliver Fortunately, Mary had a healthy pregnancy, and after nine long months, it was almost time to deliver her baby boy! Mary saw her doctor at her 39-week appointment and scheduled her planned induction for the following week. On May 6th, Mary and Marc arrived at the hospital and the journey to meet their little bundle of joy began. Mary was given Cytotec, an oral tab used to induce labor by softening the cervix to allow easier dilation and to help with the induction. After taking a few doses of Cytotec throughout the night with no success, her doctor inserted a type of catheter into the cervix to help try and open it more. After 21 hours of natural laboring, Mary reached seven centimeters dilation. Her doctor came in, removed the catheter, and then her water broke. Mary remembers this moment well because she could hear the water hit the floor. “It was a huge gush of water. In the movies, it seems like that, but I’ve heard multiple times from birthing classes and other people that usually when your water breaks in the hospital it’s like a trickle, but this was definitely a lot of water.” – Mary recalling her water breaking We Need to Do a C-Section Now! Everything started to happen very quickly after her water broke. Her doctor could feel the baby’s head drop, and she felt the umbilical cord coming down as well. She then told the nurse it was a “cord prolapse”, and seconds later, several nurses were in the room. “We’re going to have to go in for an emergency C-section because we have to get this baby out! It’s going to be okay, but we need to do a C-section right now!” – Mary’s doctor What is Umbilical Cord Prolapse? Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the cord drops through the open cervix into the vagina before the baby moves into the birth canal. When this happens, the cord is squeezed between the baby’s body and the mother’s pelvic bones. This reduces the baby’s blood supply, leading to loss of oxygen to the baby. If this happens, the baby must be delivered immediately to avoid any risks related to reduced oxygen. Umbilical cord prolapse occurs in about 1 in 500 births. It is dangerous for the baby and can result in stillbirth. “I was so scared. I kept repeating, am I okay? Is the baby okay? I must have asked that 100 times. My amazing doctor was so nice and kept assuring me that I was going to be okay.” – Just before giving birth A nurse then came in Mary’s room, hopped on the bed with her, and had to keep her fingers inside to hold the baby’s head and keep the cord in place as she was wheeled to the procedure room. “Since everything was happening so fast, and it was emergency C-section, my husband Marc wasn’t allowed in the room. This was so hard on both of us. I looked at him and I knew he was upset. It’s just not how you see your first delivery going. I cry every time I think about every single person in that room, assuring me I would be okay.” – Mary remembers the stressful time Grateful for my Baby Boy and My Amazing Doctor Minutes later, baby Dane was born a healthy 8 lbs. and 9 ounces. Because Mary had to be put to sleep for the emergency delivery, Marc was the one to hold their son for the first time. Mary woke up shortly after and started to breastfeed. Even though she was still groggy from the surgery, she says it was the best moment ever. Advice for Soon-to-be-Moms New mom and baby Dane are now at home and doing great. Although Mary’s experience wasn’t what she had originally planned, she still feels extremely blessed to have a healthy baby and the experienced team from Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists by her side through it all. “You never know what’s going to happen, that’s why it’s important to find a practice you can trust. I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve had to be dependent on them but it’s incredible how much they know and what they can do to help you. Cesarean birth was not my number one choice — even if it had been an epidural and if Marc had been right by me the whole time — but this situation was something I never pictured. More than anything, no matter how Dane came into this world, we are so blessed to have him to love on every day.” – Mary’s advice to all soon-to-be moms

Get to Know Dr. McLeod

Dr. Lisa McLeod explains her practice philosophy and why she’s passionate about being an OB/GYN. Read Dr. McLeod’s corresponding article. Watch more GYN and Annual Exams videos below.

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5 Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore – and Why You Should See Your OB/GYN ASAP

Prenatal and Laboring Exercises

Placental Abruption: Symptoms and Risk Factors

Hospital “Home Birth”? Yes, You Can!

Home Birth – Is it Worth the Risk?

Difficult Pregnancies – A Patient’s Story

Giving Birth at 36 Weeks – Shelbie’s Story

Velamentous Cord Insertion – A Scary Delivery

A C-Section & Postpartum Preeclampsia

Mammogram Myths

Umbilical Cord Prolapse Results in Emergency C-Section

Get to Know Dr. McLeod

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