Diane, Author at Cherokee Women's Health

Pregnant? Why the Flu Shot is So Important For You and Your Baby

If you’re pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against serious illness from the flu. Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu, which can lead to hospitalization or even death. A pregnant woman with the flu also has a greater chance of serious problems for her unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery. The Flu Shot is the Best Protection Against Flu Getting a flu shot is the first and most important step in protecting against flu. When given during pregnancy, the flu shot has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu. The flu shot is safe to get at any time while you are pregnant, during any trimester. (The nasal spray vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant.) An additional way to protect the baby is for all of the baby’s caregivers and close contacts (including parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, and babysitters) to get vaccinated against the flu. When to Receive the Flu Vaccine It is particularly important that women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season receive an inactivated flu vaccine as soon as it is available. The inactivated flu vaccine can be given to women at any point during their pregnancy. Live, attenuated flu vaccine is available as an intranasal spray and is not recommended for pregnant women, but is safe for use in women in the postpartum period. In the United States, the influenza season typically occurs from October through May. The preponderance of data overwhelmingly demonstrates the safety of flu vaccination during pregnancy. The Flu Shot is Safe for Pregnant Women Flu shots are a safe way to protect pregnant women and their unborn children from serious illness and complications of flu, like pneumonia. The flu shot has been given to millions of pregnant women over many years. Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. It is very important for pregnant women to get the flu shot. Early Treatment is Important for Pregnant Women If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. If needed, the doctor will prescribe an antiviral medicine that treats the flu. Having a fever caused by flu infection or other infections early in pregnancy can lead to birth defects in an unborn child. Pregnant women who get a fever should contact their doctor as soon as possible. More Facts to Support the Importance of Flu Shots The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults get vaccinated for influenza. This is especially true for woman who are pregnant. According to a study conducted by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the number of pregnant women who are vaccinated has gone up since last recorded in 2010. However, it is still important that this number continues to increase. If a woman is – or may become pregnant – during the height of the influenza season, it is critical that she get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Flu season is usually between October and May. It is recommended that pregnant women receive the inactivated flu vaccine as it has been proven to be safe throughout the gestation period. Different immunization options are available for women who are postpartum so be sure to check with your physician about which options are right for you. In addition to the benefits and protection provided by being vaccinated, a recent randomized trial found that the children of vaccinated women had fewer instances of getting the flu as well as fever and respiratory illness as opposed to children whose mothers were not vaccinated. Studies have also shown that some of the antibodies may be passively acquired by the baby in utero when pregnant women are vaccinated. This helps babies fight any threat to influenza after they are born. Newborns up to six months of age cannot receive the influenza vaccine. Where to Receive the Flu Vaccine At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, we are committed to making sure you are well-informed so you may make the healthiest decisions for yourself and your families. To make it as easy as possible for you to receive a vaccination, following is a list of places in the Canton and Woodstock areas that offer flu shots: CVS Walgreens Publix

GYN Problems, Urinary Incontinence Education, Urinary Incontinence Treatments Education, Urogynecology

Incontinence: You’re Not Alone

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Urinary incontinence is not an uncommon problem. In fact, 1 in 5 women struggle with it. Incontinence itself is not a disease but rather an indication that there is something else going on inside the body. It’s important to speak to a doctor to ensure that your incontinence is not a symptom of a more serious medical issue. Incontinence can be caused by various factors. Some of your day-to-day activities could be causing what is known as temporary urinary incontinence. Different foods, drinks, diuretics and even medication may be causing you to feel a seemingly constant urge to use the bathroom. If you regularly consume caffeine, artificial sweeteners, sodas, alcohol or highly acidic beverages, this may also be a factor. Temporary urinary incontinence may also be a symptom of a urinary tract infection or constipation. All forms of incontinence are treatable. Pelvic floor exercises are a great way to help rebuild the strength in those critical muscles after childbirth. In addition, there are several prescription medicines and minimally invasive surgeries available. Be sure to talk to your physician about which options are right for you and your needs. Persistent urinary incontinence is a side effect of many natural changes women experience. From childbirth to aging, there are several natural factors that can affect the severity and frequency of your symptoms. The muscles surrounding your bladder and pelvic floor experience many changes throughout the course of your life. When women are pregnant and then deliver vaginally, bladder muscles are weakened and there is also a possibility for nerve damage. As women continue to age, bladder muscles get weaker. When a woman reaches menopause, estrogen levels begin to decrease. Estrogen is responsible for maintaining the health of your bladder and urethra tissues. As the health of those tissues decline, this can add to the severity of a woman’s incontinence. Preparing for Your Appointment In preparing for your appointment to address urinary incontinence, keep a list of your diet, medications and how many times you are using the restroom. This added information will be very helpful to your physician in addressing your symptoms. Women are affected by incontinence at all stages of life. It’s important to not let it go untreated and to understand that you are not alone. At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, we’re committed to giving you the answers and treatment you need while also making sure that you are comfortable. To make an appointment, please contact us here.

Well Woman

Flu Vaccinations

Diane /

Which Childbirth Class is Right for You?

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Having a baby can present a lot of firsts for women. It’s important to be prepared and educated on what to expect on the birth day of your new addition. Being prepared will give moms-to-be a sense of confidence when getting ready to head into the delivery room. A good place to gain the confidence and knowledge is to choose a birthing class. Choosing a class that best suits your time constraints is a good place to start. You can find courses that range from one-day workshops to weekly classes. Look at your schedule and pick something that easy to commit to. Regardless of which class you choose, you should pick something that highlights the following: Lamaze Lamaze classes are a popular choice for women who are planning on having an all natural birth. Lamaze instructors teach natural coping and breathing strategies that are easily done during labor and delivery; they also teach various positions and movements to promote comfort. In addition to these coping mechanisms, Lamaze classes also teach women to trust their intuition and to make informed decisions, particularly when it comes to consenting to medicine during the delivery. The Bradley Method The Bradley Method promotes the partner’s role as a coach during the delivery. In these classes, you and your partner will learn how to best prepare for labor and delivery of your baby throughout your pregnancy. There is an emphasis on everything from your diet during pregnancy to physical and breathing exercises to make you strong enough for an all natural birth. Like Lamaze and other classes available, The Bradley Method classes also offer help for adjusting to postpartum life. Other Options While Lamaze and The Bradley Method classes are popular choices among moms who are planning natural births, there are many other options available. Hypnobirth is a choice among many mothers as it promotes relaxation, visualization and self-hypnosis during labor. While the practice promotes natural birth, it is also popular for mothers who will be receiving medical intervention during labor and delivery. Prenatal yoga classes focus on relaxation and strength while delivering your baby. If you already do yoga,this may be a great choice for you as it includes various yoga poses and breathing techniques to strengthen you for delivery. You can contact any certified yoga instructor about different prenatal options. At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, we are committed to helping you make the best choice for you and your growing family. If you have questions regarding childbirth class options, please contact us here.

Breastfeeding Tips

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Breastfeeding can be a beautiful way to bond and spend time with your baby. It can also present its fair share of challenges from midnight feedings to getting your baby to latch on. Here are a few tips that might help along the way! Get in the Groove Nursing is about getting in sync with your baby’s schedule. Most babies nurse about every two to three hours for the first few weeks. If you think your baby might be hungry, some signs to look for include restlessness, sucking and lip motions. Your baby should nurse from your breast for about 20 minutes or until it is soft. From there, you can try burping your baby and switching breasts if they still appear to be hungry. It’s in the Latch Achieving the correct latch early on is a critical part of breastfeeding to ensure that your baby is getting enough milk. There are many people who can help you while you’re still in the hospital, whether it is your doctor, midwife or a lactation consultant. Of course, your loved ones are great people to ask for advice too. You may want to hold off on introducing a pacifier until your baby is well established in breastfeeding; a pacifier may interrupt the muscle memory your baby has learned. Get a Tool Kit There are many products on the market to help you with your breastfeeding needs: Nursing Pillows – Since you will be spending many hours a day nursing, it’s important to be comfortable. There are many pillows on the market to help give your baby assisted access to your breast while remaining comfortable. A very popular brand is Boppy, but there are many on the market. A Breast Pump – There are many models of breast pumps available. These pumps can help you create a supply of milk in case you are unable to nurse your baby. If your little one favors one breast, you can use a pump to relieve the other side and save the milk for later. Nursing Pads – While nursing, it’s very common for breasts to leak. Nursing pads are a lifesaver when it comes to preventing unwanted moisture on your bras and clothes. Breastfeeding your baby is a special time just for the two of you to bond. While it can present its challenges, our team at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is here to help and cheer you on. If you have questions regarding breastfeeding, contact our office to make an appointment.

Group B Strep: Know the Facts

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July was Group B Strep Awareness Month. Group B strep can be a deadly disease if left undetected or untreated. It’s our goal at Cherokee Women’s Health to arm our moms-to-be with as much information as possible so they can have peace of mind during pregnancy. Group B strep disease (GBS) is a bacteria that is carried by one in four pregnant women and is not threatening to women who are not pregnant. Most women who carry GBS never feel any symptoms. If left untreated or undetected, GBS can be responsible for meningitis, sepsis and in some cases, pneumonia in babies. Premature babies as well as babies that are delivered long after the water has broken (up to 18 hours) are at greater risk when the mother is a carrier. What is Group B strep? There are two kinds of group B strep, early-onset and late-onset. Babies with early-onset could potentially show symptoms as early as birth and into the first week of life. Early-onset is the more common type of GBS. Babies that have contracted late-onset can begin developing symptoms months after they are born. Symptoms for both early and late-onset include irritability, grunting, difficulty feeding and fever. In extreme cases, babies may be permanently impaired by the disease and develop cerebral palsy or other developmental problems. How can it be prevented? The best way to prevent group B strep is for all pregnant women to get tested during the final weeks of pregnancy (usually at 35-37 weeks). The test is very simple and minimally invasive. Your doctor will swab the vagina and rectum to be tested for the bacteria, in some cases you can even do the swab yourself with instruction from your doctor. The swabs are then tested and results are usually given within two days. If the test comes back negative, no further measures will be necessary unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Testing positive does not mean your baby will have GBS. About one in every 200 babies born to carrier mothers will show symptoms. Antibiotics will be given during labor through an IV to further ensure that the baby does not catch it. There are no antibiotics that can be given beforehand as the baby will be most likely to contract the disease during the birthing process when it is exposed to the mother’s fluid. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women get tested with each pregnancy. If you have further questions about GBS testing and prevention please contact our office at 770.720.7733 to make an appointment or contact us here.

Pap Smears, Well Woman

Do You Really Need an Annual Every Year?

Diane /

It’s a common misconception that women don’t need an annual checkup from their gynecologist each year. In fact, women do need an annual checkup each year, especially for a pelvic exam and breast exam. Cherokee Women’s Health sheds some light on the difference between a pap smear and a pelvic exam and why they’re so important to maintaining your overall health. Pelvic Exam vs. Pap Smear A pap smear and a pelvic exam are not the same thing. A pap smear is a brushing of cells from the cervix, or opening of the uterus. These cells are evaluated by a laboratory to look for signs of precancerous diseases of the cervix, which if successfully treated, can prevent cervical cancer. Sexually transmitted diseases can also be diagnosed and treated through information gained from a pap smear. Pap smears do not test for uterine or ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam usually occurs after a pap smear at your annual checkup. This is when your physician or advanced practice provider examines the skin of the vulva, vagina and cervix, looking for any suspicious lesions, which could indicate skin cancer or vulvar diseases. He or she will also perform a bi-manual exam using their hands to feel the pelvic organs and check for masses or inconsistencies. During this process, your doctor will gently place two fingers inside the vagina and use the other hand to gently press down on the area he or she is feeling. In doing this, your doctor is noting if the organs have changed in size or shape, and it allows them to feel the uterus, the ovaries, the bladder and the rectum. If your doctor determines that your uterus or other organs feel enlarged, he or she may order an ultrasound to check for fibroids, cysts, or other inconsistencies. Do I Need a Pap Smear Every Year? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggest that certain women do not require a pap smear every year. If you are over the age of 30, in a mutually monogamous relationship and have never had an abnormal pap smear, you may not need a pap smear each year. If you’ve ever had a hysterectomy that was not done for an abnormal pap smear and you fall into any of the above categories, your doctor may suggest you only need a pap smear every three to five years. However, any changes to menstrual cycle, abnormal bleeding, or vaginal pain or discomfort should warrant a call to your gynecologist. Do I Need a Pelvic Exam Every Year? Annual pelvic exams in addition to your yearly well-woman exam are essential for maintaining your overall health. It is imperative that you do not skip your annual pelvic exam, even if you have had a hysterectomy with removal of the uterus and ovaries. Your annual well visit not only includes a pelvic exam but a breast exam, as well as an opportunity to talk to your doctor about birth control options, weight, cholesterol, blood pressure or any other concerns. If you have questions regarding the recommendations of when to get a pap smear or a pelvic exam, contact our office at 770.720.7733 or make an appointment online.

GYN Problems, Urinary Incontinence Education

Are You Exercising Your Pelvic Floor?

Diane /

While new mothers have a ton of new things on their minds after giving birth to a baby, one of the most important things they need to keep in mind is the importance of self-care, particularly the tightening of pelvic muscles to prevent further decline. For many women, practicing pelvic floor exercises can help repair their pelvic muscles and speed up recovery time. Tighten Your Pelvic Floor with Kegels Kegels, or pelvic floor muscle training, can be especially helpful for women who may be experiencing urinary incontinence due to pregnancy or childbirth. The great thing about Kegels is that you can do it discreetly, and just about anywhere or anytime. To make sure you have the right muscles, stop urination midstream. If you succeed, you have the right muscles. (However, be sure not to do this often, as doing Kegel exercises while emptying your bladder can actually weaken the muscles.) Once you identify your pelvic floor muscles, follow these tips to help tighten them: Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery While Kegels can be helpful in repairing pelvic floor muscles, it’s not a solution for every woman. The uterus, vagina, bladder and rectum can be injured during childbirth, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms for women after they give birth. These symptoms include pelvic pain, pelvic heaviness, back pain, bladder leakage, pain during intercourse, sexual dysfunction, and many others, and can be difficult to talk about. Sometimes, pelvic reconstruction surgery is necessary depending on the level of discomfort of the symptoms. We Can Help The urogynecologists at Cherokee Women’s Health are expertly trained in surgery to repair a woman’s reproductive and pelvic organs. If you are suffering from pelvic floor problems due to pregnancy, childbirth or age, don’t suffer silently. Call us today at 770.720.7733 to schedule a consultation or simply schedule an appointment online.

Well Woman

Sign Up for Our Patient Portal

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We are constantly looking for ways to make our patients’ lives easier and to help them get the information they need quickly and easily. Our online patient portal does just that. Cherokee Women’s patients can now check results, message physicians and advanced practice providers, make appointments and view health records online. How Do I Sign Up? Signing up for our patient portal is super easy. All you have to do is call the office at 770.720.7733 and verify your email address. We’ll then send you a sign-up email. From there, you’ll need to input your password (our front staff will be able to help you with the temporary password) and follow the process to create your new account. Once you have your new account, you will have access to all your medical information, 24-hours a day. If you were signed up for the old system, your information is retained and automatically transferred to the new system, you just need to call the office for the new password and to verify your email address. By Using the Patient Portal, You Can: Request appointments that are convenient to your schedule Pre-register and fill out health forms before your appointment, saving you time when you’re at our office. View lab results (As soon as we get them, they’re available on the patient portal.) Access your health records online for FREE. This is handy if you need to take them to a PCP, or for your own personal records, as you can do this with no hassle and no cost. Send a question or message to your physician or advanced practice provider Pay your bill online safely and securely Change your address or insurance information. Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists is dedicated to giving the best in OB/GYN care to Canton and Woodstock residents. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our patient portal, don’t hesitate to call us at 770.720.7733.

Miscarriage Education, OB

Understanding a Miscarriage

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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: 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: 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.

Pregnancy Sleep: Are You Getting Enough ZZZs?

Diane /

If you’re a first-time mom, you may not have expected sleep problems to arise before your little one was born. Sleep problems are common in pregnancy and can affect even the most resilient women. The key is to remember that any discomfort you may be feeling is short-lived, with the result of welcoming your new baby. Staying comfortable as your belly grows is probably the most common sleep problem during pregnancy, with frequent bathroom breaks, changes in temperature and weird pregnancy dreams being some of the other culprits. Here are some of Cherokee Women’s suggestions on getting a good night’s sleep while pregnant. Finding a Comfortable Sleeping Position As your belly continues to grow, you won’t be able to sleep on your stomach or on your back, leaving side-sleeping as the only option in those last few months. Back sleeping isn’t advised after your first trimester, since being flat on your back can put unnecessary pressure on blood vessels. More than likely, it won’t be comfortable anyway, as the weight of your uterus and baby pressing up against you will make it difficult to sleep. Sleeping on your side is easier on your circulatory system, and the left side is preferred because it allows for maximum blood flow. Stock up on Pillows To help make sleeping on your side more comfortable, especially if you’re a tummy or back sleeper, stock up on pillows. Some pregnant women find relief by putting a pillow between their legs. You can also place one under your belly and behind your back. There are also custom-fit full-body pillows specifically designed for pregnant mamas that cradle all these areas, aiding in a better night’s sleep. Of course, if you wake up in the middle of the night and realize you’ve shifted to your stomach or back, don’t panic. More than likely, it was your body’s way of telling you to shift positions, or you’re waking up to use the bathroom, again. To help you make the most of your pregnancy sleep cycles, avoid caffeine after lunchtime, curb your liquid intake after dinner (to keep you from those frequent bathroom breaks), and make sure you’re getting plenty of exercise (but avoid exercise right before bed). You can also take a warm bath or practice relaxation exercises to help you drift off easier. If you’re not getting enough sleep or have concerns about sleep positions during pregnancy, talk to your doctor the next time you’re at our Canton or Woodstock office.

High-Risk Pregnancy Education, OB

Getting Pregnant After 40: What You Need to Know

Diane /

Thanks to the significant improvements in obstetrics and labor and delivery, more and more women are choosing to have children later on in life. What does this mean for mamas who want to have a baby after their 40th birthday? Cherokee Women’s Health takes a look at what you need to know if you’re considering waiting to have children. How Healthy are You? The chance of becoming pregnant during any one month drops to only 5 percent after age 40 (down from about 20 percent on average in your 20’s). Being able to conceive without the use of fertility drugs in your 40’s depends on a variety of factors, including your level of fitness, daily habits (think smoking, drinking, and diet), and whether this is your first baby. Pregnancy can take a toll on a woman’s body at any age, and making sure you’re the healthiest you can be will give your baby a healthy start. What are the Risks of Getting Pregnant After 40? While being an older mom can have advantages such as financial stability and more life experience, there are more risks associated with pregnancies later in life. These include: Make an Appointment Today Many of these risks can be avoided with excellent prenatal care. Talking to your doctor about your risks and concerns is your first step in determining whether having a baby after 40 is the right decision for you. If you’re considering adding to your family a little later on and have questions about conception, pregnancy, and delivering a healthy baby, don’t hesitate to contact us to make an appointment with one of our healthcare specialists or simply schedule an appointment online.

Author name: Diane

Pregnant? Why the Flu Shot is So Important For You and Your Baby

Incontinence: You’re Not Alone

Flu Vaccinations

Which Childbirth Class is Right for You?

Breastfeeding Tips

Do You Really Need an Annual Every Year?

Are You Exercising Your Pelvic Floor?

Sign Up for Our Patient Portal

Understanding a Miscarriage

Pregnancy Sleep: Are You Getting Enough ZZZs?

Getting Pregnant After 40: What You Need to Know

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