When do I have to go to the hospital?
You should go to the hospital anytime you think there is something wrong that may endanger you or your baby. However, here are some simple guidelines. You should go straight to Labor and Delivery on the 4th floor of the hospital if your water has broken, regardless of contractions. False labor pains are common anytime in the final month of pregnancy. You should go to the hospital if you have strong, regular contractions, 5 - 7 minutes apart that persist for 1 hour. A bloody show is common anytime in the final month and does not always mean you have to go to the hospital. See below for an explanation of a bloody show. Any strong contractions at less than 36 weeks pregnancy is abnormal and should be evaluated. When you arrive to Labor and Delivery you will be placed in a labor triage room and a monitor will be placed on your abdomen to monitor for contractions and your childs heart rate. A labor nurse will evaluate you and then call the physician.
You should go to the hospital anytime you think there is something wrong that may endanger you or your baby. However, here are some simple guidelines. You should go straight to Labor and Delivery on the 4th floor of the hospital if your water has broken, regardless of contractions. False labor pains are common anytime in the final month of pregnancy. You should go to the hospital if you have strong, regular contractions, 5 - 7 minutes apart that persist for 1 hour. A bloody show is common anytime in the final month and does not always mean you have to go to the hospital. See below for an explanation of a bloody show. Any strong contractions at less than 36 weeks pregnancy is abnormal and should be evaluated. When you arrive to Labor and Delivery you will be placed in a labor triage room and a monitor will be placed on your abdomen to monitor for contractions and your childs heart rate. A labor nurse will evaluate you and then call the physician.
What is a bloody show?
A bloody show is a small amount of bloody mucous seen at anytime in the final month of pregnancy. It may be anything from just mucous(plug) to pink discharge to a bloody red discharge. Although it is a good sign that your cervix may be softening in preparation for dilation it does not always mean you are going into labor. It may occur from 2 weeks to 1 hour before delivery and thus affords no idea of when labor may occur. It may also occur within 24 hours after a pelvic examination. If this occurs you do not have to come into the hospital and just watch for it for any other signs of labor. Heavy vaginal bleeding is never a simple bloody show and should be evaluated in the hospital immediately.
A bloody show is a small amount of bloody mucous seen at anytime in the final month of pregnancy. It may be anything from just mucous(plug) to pink discharge to a bloody red discharge. Although it is a good sign that your cervix may be softening in preparation for dilation it does not always mean you are going into labor. It may occur from 2 weeks to 1 hour before delivery and thus affords no idea of when labor may occur. It may also occur within 24 hours after a pelvic examination. If this occurs you do not have to come into the hospital and just watch for it for any other signs of labor. Heavy vaginal bleeding is never a simple bloody show and should be evaluated in the hospital immediately.
What are "Braxton-Hicks" contractions?
Braxton-Hicks contractions are very mild, irregular contractions that may feel like menstrual cramps. They can occur at any time in the late 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester(26 - 40 weeks). If you are less than 36 weeks and these mild cramps become uncomfortable or are accompanied by a mucous or bloody discharge, you should proceed to the Hospital. Otherwise, they are common and normal.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are very mild, irregular contractions that may feel like menstrual cramps. They can occur at any time in the late 2nd trimester and 3rd trimester(26 - 40 weeks). If you are less than 36 weeks and these mild cramps become uncomfortable or are accompanied by a mucous or bloody discharge, you should proceed to the Hospital. Otherwise, they are common and normal.
Do I always need an episiotomy?
An episiotomy is a "cut" the physician or midwife makes at the time of delivery at the vagina in order to facilitate delivery and avoid a large tear. They are not automatic and is a last minute decision if you need one or not. It is the philosophy of this office to avoid an episiotomy if possible.
An episiotomy is a "cut" the physician or midwife makes at the time of delivery at the vagina in order to facilitate delivery and avoid a large tear. They are not automatic and is a last minute decision if you need one or not. It is the philosophy of this office to avoid an episiotomy if possible.
Swelling during Pregnancy?
Swelling during pregnancy is common and normal in most circumstances. It does not occur in all pregnancies. It will go away in 1 - 2 weeks after delivery. Swelling is abnormal when accompanied with high blood pressure. That is what we call Pre-eclampsia or toxemia.
Swelling during pregnancy is common and normal in most circumstances. It does not occur in all pregnancies. It will go away in 1 - 2 weeks after delivery. Swelling is abnormal when accompanied with high blood pressure. That is what we call Pre-eclampsia or toxemia.
What is Pre-Eclampsia or Toxemia?
Pre-eclampsia or Toxemia is high blood pressure during pregnancy. It occurs only during pregnancy and most often shows up in the 3rd and final trimester although it can occur in the late 2nd trimester. It can be very dangerous and lead to dangerous seizures which we call eclampsia. There is no cure for this disease except for delivery. During the delivery process you may receive medication to prevent seizures and also to lower your blood pressure. Most patients have no symptoms but some may experience upper abdominal pain, headaches, spots or blurry vision, and swelling.
Pre-eclampsia or Toxemia is high blood pressure during pregnancy. It occurs only during pregnancy and most often shows up in the 3rd and final trimester although it can occur in the late 2nd trimester. It can be very dangerous and lead to dangerous seizures which we call eclampsia. There is no cure for this disease except for delivery. During the delivery process you may receive medication to prevent seizures and also to lower your blood pressure. Most patients have no symptoms but some may experience upper abdominal pain, headaches, spots or blurry vision, and swelling.
What can I take for a cold or illness during pregnancy?
Always consult with your physician before you take any medication you are not sure of. For a simple cold you may take benadryl or sudafed for stuffiness, tylenol for headache or fever, Robitussin for cough. Of course you should rest and take plenty of clear fluids. You may take Immodium for diarrhea and Emetrol for nausea. These are all over the counter medications and are safe in pregnancy. Use them as the labeled directions state. You may also consult the "blue sheet" given to you on your first prenatal visit for other recommendations. Of course, if you feel to ill you should call the office or physician.
Always consult with your physician before you take any medication you are not sure of. For a simple cold you may take benadryl or sudafed for stuffiness, tylenol for headache or fever, Robitussin for cough. Of course you should rest and take plenty of clear fluids. You may take Immodium for diarrhea and Emetrol for nausea. These are all over the counter medications and are safe in pregnancy. Use them as the labeled directions state. You may also consult the "blue sheet" given to you on your first prenatal visit for other recommendations. Of course, if you feel to ill you should call the office or physician.
Can I exercise during pregnancy?
Yes, you may, unless you have been directed by your physician not to (example; high risk for premature delivery). You should not start any new demanding exercises you were not doing prior to pregnancy. Your pulse rate should not go above 150 beats per minute and you should stay well hydrated. The activity should be low impact. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to carry on a conversation while performing the exercise. Walking and swimming are good options.
Yes, you may, unless you have been directed by your physician not to (example; high risk for premature delivery). You should not start any new demanding exercises you were not doing prior to pregnancy. Your pulse rate should not go above 150 beats per minute and you should stay well hydrated. The activity should be low impact. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to carry on a conversation while performing the exercise. Walking and swimming are good options.
Can I have sex during pregnancy?
Yes, unless you have been instructed not to (abnormal bleeding or at high risk for premature delivery). Sex should be gentle and you should stop if you notice any blood.
Yes, unless you have been instructed not to (abnormal bleeding or at high risk for premature delivery). Sex should be gentle and you should stop if you notice any blood.
What if I cannot feel the baby move?
You should always feel the baby move after 24 weeks. Many times if you are busy you may not notice them although there is movement occurring. If you notice no movements, stop what you are doing, drink something sweet such as orange juice, and lay on your left side in a quiet room. You should have 10 movements within 1 hour. Any movement counts. If not, then call office immediately or proceed to hospital.
You should always feel the baby move after 24 weeks. Many times if you are busy you may not notice them although there is movement occurring. If you notice no movements, stop what you are doing, drink something sweet such as orange juice, and lay on your left side in a quiet room. You should have 10 movements within 1 hour. Any movement counts. If not, then call office immediately or proceed to hospital.
Is a circumcision always necessary for my baby boy?
No. A circumcision is a partial and/or complete removal of the foreskin of penis. It is only a cosmetic (or religious) procedure desired by some parents. If the child is taught proper hygiene and how to retract his foreskin he should have no problems in the future. We normally perform the circumcision in the hospital prior to discharge home.
No. A circumcision is a partial and/or complete removal of the foreskin of penis. It is only a cosmetic (or religious) procedure desired by some parents. If the child is taught proper hygiene and how to retract his foreskin he should have no problems in the future. We normally perform the circumcision in the hospital prior to discharge home.
What is a Pap smear?
A pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer can occur frequently in young patients. That is because the #1 cause of cervical cancer and pre-cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is a common virus with no cure and is sexually transmitted. In most patients it has no symptoms or warnings although some patients may develop warts. Most males can carry the virus with no symptoms. The new vaccine to protect against HPV called Gardisil is now available in our office for our patients between the ages of 9 and 26.
A pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer can occur frequently in young patients. That is because the #1 cause of cervical cancer and pre-cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is a common virus with no cure and is sexually transmitted. In most patients it has no symptoms or warnings although some patients may develop warts. Most males can carry the virus with no symptoms. The new vaccine to protect against HPV called Gardisil is now available in our office for our patients between the ages of 9 and 26.
When do I need a pap smear?
It is recommended you have a pap smear every year (more often if you are high risk). Your first pap smear should occur at age of first sexual contact or age 21y, whichever comes first.
It is recommended you have a pap smear every year (more often if you are high risk). Your first pap smear should occur at age of first sexual contact or age 21y, whichever comes first.
What is a Colposcopy?
It is a test performed if you have an abnormal pap smear result indicative of possible pre-cancer. Remember, a Pap smear is only a screening test and may be wrong. The colposcopy is the test to determine if you have pre-cancer (known as dysplasia). It is a test performed in the office in which we examine your cervix under magnification and obtain biopsies. The biopsies are tiny and the procedure takes less than 15 minutes. You may have some light bleeding for 1-2 days afterward with some mild cramping only. You should not have sex for 1 week after, otherwise you may resume normal activity. Results take 7 - 10 days to obtain.
It is a test performed if you have an abnormal pap smear result indicative of possible pre-cancer. Remember, a Pap smear is only a screening test and may be wrong. The colposcopy is the test to determine if you have pre-cancer (known as dysplasia). It is a test performed in the office in which we examine your cervix under magnification and obtain biopsies. The biopsies are tiny and the procedure takes less than 15 minutes. You may have some light bleeding for 1-2 days afterward with some mild cramping only. You should not have sex for 1 week after, otherwise you may resume normal activity. Results take 7 - 10 days to obtain.
What is a LEETZ or LEEP?
If colposcopy confirms dysplasia (pre-cancer) on your cervix then the LEETZ is the procedure used to remove the abnormal cells and its surrounding tissue. It is also done in the office under local anesthetic (lidocaine). It takes about 15 minutes to complete. You will experience some discharge, bleeding, and cramping for 1 -3 days after the procedure. You should refrain from sex or tampon use for at least 2 weeks after the procedure.
If colposcopy confirms dysplasia (pre-cancer) on your cervix then the LEETZ is the procedure used to remove the abnormal cells and its surrounding tissue. It is also done in the office under local anesthetic (lidocaine). It takes about 15 minutes to complete. You will experience some discharge, bleeding, and cramping for 1 -3 days after the procedure. You should refrain from sex or tampon use for at least 2 weeks after the procedure.
What is an endometrial biopsy?
This is a very common procedure done in the office to evaluate abnormal bleeding. It obtains tissue from the inside of the uterus (endometrium). It is very quick and you may feel a deep cramp. You may have some mild cramping and spotting for 24 hours after. It is never performed during pregnancy. We now are able to also perform endometrial ablations in the comfort of our office under local anesthesia thus avoiding the need for hospitalization and general anesthetic
This is a very common procedure done in the office to evaluate abnormal bleeding. It obtains tissue from the inside of the uterus (endometrium). It is very quick and you may feel a deep cramp. You may have some mild cramping and spotting for 24 hours after. It is never performed during pregnancy. We now are able to also perform endometrial ablations in the comfort of our office under local anesthesia thus avoiding the need for hospitalization and general anesthetic
What is an endometrial ablation?
This is a procedure done at the surgery center to help control or stop abnormal bleeding or heavy periods. It is a painless and quick procedure done while you are asleep for 15 minutes. You can go home in 1 - 2 hours after the procedure and resume normal activity the next day. You cannot attempt pregnancy after this procedure is done. This is a simple option to alleviate abnormal bleeding and/or heavy periods without needing a hysterectomy!
This is a procedure done at the surgery center to help control or stop abnormal bleeding or heavy periods. It is a painless and quick procedure done while you are asleep for 15 minutes. You can go home in 1 - 2 hours after the procedure and resume normal activity the next day. You cannot attempt pregnancy after this procedure is done. This is a simple option to alleviate abnormal bleeding and/or heavy periods without needing a hysterectomy!
What are the different types of birth control available now?
The past couple of years have seen the improvement of birth control options. There are new, lower dose pills with less side effects than just a few years ago. There is also the birth control shot (Depo-Provera) that you get at the office every 3 months. No appointment is required for each shot. It has only a 1% failure rate. There is also the birth control patch. It is a patch that goes on the skin once a week. It's side effects are similar to the pill. There is also the NuvaRing which you place in the vagina once a month. Neither you nor your partner can tell it is there. Side effects are similar to the pill. These are great options for patients who frequently forget to take the pill. If you are sure you want no more babies then we can perform a tubal ligation as an outpatient or your husband may have a vasectomy. Both have equal failure rates (<1%). A post partum (after delivery) is done the day after delivery. The Intra Uterine Device (IUD) is also an option for certain patients. It has only a 1% failure rate and can last several years. It is placed by the physician in the office. Some IUD's such as Mirena can also help diminish blood flow and alleviate heavy bleeding during periods. Implanon is a new insert we can place under the skin in your arm that offers excellent protection against pregnancy. We also provide the new tubal ligation technique called essure. This is a tubal ligation with no incision and no abdominal surgery! Please read below for details
The past couple of years have seen the improvement of birth control options. There are new, lower dose pills with less side effects than just a few years ago. There is also the birth control shot (Depo-Provera) that you get at the office every 3 months. No appointment is required for each shot. It has only a 1% failure rate. There is also the birth control patch. It is a patch that goes on the skin once a week. It's side effects are similar to the pill. There is also the NuvaRing which you place in the vagina once a month. Neither you nor your partner can tell it is there. Side effects are similar to the pill. These are great options for patients who frequently forget to take the pill. If you are sure you want no more babies then we can perform a tubal ligation as an outpatient or your husband may have a vasectomy. Both have equal failure rates (<1%). A post partum (after delivery) is done the day after delivery. The Intra Uterine Device (IUD) is also an option for certain patients. It has only a 1% failure rate and can last several years. It is placed by the physician in the office. Some IUD's such as Mirena can also help diminish blood flow and alleviate heavy bleeding during periods. Implanon is a new insert we can place under the skin in your arm that offers excellent protection against pregnancy. We also provide the new tubal ligation technique called essure. This is a tubal ligation with no incision and no abdominal surgery! Please read below for details
What is LASER hair removal?
LASER hair removal is a system to permanently remove unwanted hair. It is performed by our physicians in the office and is very quick. Hair can be removed from almost anywhere on your body. Our most frequent requests are upper lip, chin, underarms, bikini, and legs. You may require 5 to 10 treatments to completely eliminate hair forever. Why waist time in the shower shaving or plucking in front of the mirror!!
LASER hair removal is a system to permanently remove unwanted hair. It is performed by our physicians in the office and is very quick. Hair can be removed from almost anywhere on your body. Our most frequent requests are upper lip, chin, underarms, bikini, and legs. You may require 5 to 10 treatments to completely eliminate hair forever. Why waist time in the shower shaving or plucking in front of the mirror!!
What is an Essure tubal ligation/occlusion?
Essure is a new tubal ligation technique we provide in which you receive no incision and no abdominal surgery or laparoscopy is required. It is just as effective and just as permanent as the old fashioned tubal ligation through the abdomen. It can be done in the office under a local anesthetic and minimal sedation thus requiring no hospitalization and no general anesthetic. The recovery is very quick and you are back to your normal activities in 1 to 2 days. It is the latest in minimally invasive elective surgery for women!
Essure is a new tubal ligation technique we provide in which you receive no incision and no abdominal surgery or laparoscopy is required. It is just as effective and just as permanent as the old fashioned tubal ligation through the abdomen. It can be done in the office under a local anesthetic and minimal sedation thus requiring no hospitalization and no general anesthetic. The recovery is very quick and you are back to your normal activities in 1 to 2 days. It is the latest in minimally invasive elective surgery for women!
What is a hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy is a minor surgical procedure used to evaluate the cause of abnormal bleeding or possible abnormalities in your uterus. Your Doctor will insert a very thin sterile telescopic device attached to a camera through your cervix and into the uterus. No cutting is involved. Your Doctor can the look around the inside your uterus to see if there are any growths or abnormalities. It is never done when you are pregnant. This procedure can be done in the hospital or in our office. Most patients will be able to have this done in the office thus avoiding hospitalization
A hysteroscopy is a minor surgical procedure used to evaluate the cause of abnormal bleeding or possible abnormalities in your uterus. Your Doctor will insert a very thin sterile telescopic device attached to a camera through your cervix and into the uterus. No cutting is involved. Your Doctor can the look around the inside your uterus to see if there are any growths or abnormalities. It is never done when you are pregnant. This procedure can be done in the hospital or in our office. Most patients will be able to have this done in the office thus avoiding hospitalization
What is In Office Surgery?
Lakeland OB/GYN provides several minor surgeries in our office thus avoiding the need for hospitalization. This saves you time, costs, and the need for general anesthetic. You receive your procedure in the comfort of our office that is already familiar and convenient to you. The procedures we do in the office are minor, done under local anesthetic and mild oral sedation. These procedures include Essure Tubal ligation technique, endometrial ablations and hysteroscopies. Many physicians still do these procedures in the hospital but for the right patients we can safely do this in the office in a painless fashion thus making the experience much less stressful and convenient for our patients by eliminating the hospital admission
Lakeland OB/GYN provides several minor surgeries in our office thus avoiding the need for hospitalization. This saves you time, costs, and the need for general anesthetic. You receive your procedure in the comfort of our office that is already familiar and convenient to you. The procedures we do in the office are minor, done under local anesthetic and mild oral sedation. These procedures include Essure Tubal ligation technique, endometrial ablations and hysteroscopies. Many physicians still do these procedures in the hospital but for the right patients we can safely do this in the office in a painless fashion thus making the experience much less stressful and convenient for our patients by eliminating the hospital admission
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