It might feel like those nine months are a blur of excitement, rollercoaster emotions, and planning, but each new milestone and development can be exciting for soon-to-be parents. During your pregnancy, your OBGYN will become an integral part of your pregnancy, providing you with routine exams and checkups, and making sure you and your unborn child stay healthy throughout your pregnancy and delivery. Here are just some of the top pregnancy milestones,Morning Sickness
Yeah, this isn’t going to be the highlight for most women during their pregnancy but it’s certainly a milestone that you won’t forget. These waves of nausea typically occur around the sixth week and, despite the name, can pop up any time of the day or night. The good news is that the queasy stomach and vomiting should go away by about 14 weeks. Talk with your OBGYN if you’re dealing with severe morning sickness or morning sickness that lasts past the first trimester.
First Ultrasound
Whether you suspect that you might be pregnant, or you have already gotten a positive pregnancy test, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your OBGYN as soon as possible. The first prenatal visit will usually occur around your sixth week. The first appointment will involve a variety of tests, including blood and urine testing and a Pap smear. You may also get to see your baby for the first time with an ultrasound, depending on how far along you are. This is an unforgettable moment for parents-to-be.
Telling Everyone
We know just how important it is to get beyond the three-month mark! Since most miscarriages happen during the first trimester, making it to the second trimester can be a triumph. Not to mention the fact that this is also the time many couples start to share the good news. From social media announcements to telling family and friends in person, this can be an exciting time for couples.
First Kick
Feeling your baby kick for the first time can send your heart into a flutter. It will probably be one of the weirdest and most wonderful sensations ever. You may even see an arm or leg sticking out as the baby continues to move around and grow.
Your Due Date
While your OBGYN probably gave you an expected due date during your first visit, don’t hold on to that due date too much. Most women don’t have their babies right on that date. While it’s fun to countdown, remember that you may have to wait a week or two more before your baby makes its appearance.
The Delivery
You are about to meet your child, so it’s natural to feel a flutter of excitement and nerves as you prepare for childbirth and delivery. At this point, you and your doctor will have made a birth plan to discuss how you ideally want your delivery to go and how to manage your pain. Congratulations, momma; you did it!
From answering questions regarding your pregnancy to providing you with checkups and genetic testing, an OBGYN is the doctor you should turn to with regards to your pregnancy health and care.
The postpartum period is defined as the first six weeks after delivery. During this time, new moms are dealing with everything from breastfeeding and changes in sleep to the ups and downs that come with the hormonal changes. You must have an OBGYN that you trust to provide you with regular postpartum care and to be a caring, knowledgeable medical professional that you can turn to when you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or just not 100 percent.Tips for Adjusting to Motherhood
Every journey through motherhood is going to be different for every woman, so you want an OBGYN that understands your specific needs. Here are some ways to make the first six weeks a little easier for both you and your baby,
- They say to sleep when your baby sleeps, and if you have this opportunity it’s best to take it. While newborns sleep about 14-17 hours within a 24-hour period, they only sleep for about 2-3 hours at a time before needing to be fed.
- During this time, it’s important to turn to friends and family for help cooking meals or running errands, so you’re not exhausted and running on fumes. Remember, that you don’t have to do it all. Your focus is on healing and caring for your baby. The rest can wait.
- Eat a healthy diet that helps support and nurture your healing body. This includes eating proteins, whole grains, and vegetables. It’s also important that you are getting enough water and staying hydrated, which will help with breastfeeding.
- Your OBGYN will be able to tell you when it’s safe to exercise again. While this doesn’t necessarily mean jumping right back into CrossFit (unless you want to), find low-impact activities such as a brisk walk that can help you get out of the house and also provide energizing benefits.
What are the signs of postpartum depression?
Most women experience “baby blues” during the postpartum period. Between the massive changes in hormones to the lack of sleep, it’s very normal for new moms to experience mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and sadness; however, the baby blues are not the same as postpartum depression. These symptoms last longer than two weeks. Know the signs of postpartum depression,
- You’re experiencing crying spells, or you’re consumed by sadness or guilt
- You don’t have any interest in activities or things that once made you happy
- Changes in sleep patterns such as sleeping too little or sleeping too much
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or others
- You have trouble bonding with your baby
- You don’t want to eat
- You’re having panic attacks
If these symptoms last longer than two weeks or continue to get worse, you must talk with your OBGYN right away about postpartum depression.
We understand that the postpartum experience is different for every woman. That’s why an OBGYN can provide you with the nuanced care you need to help guide you through everything, from bodily changes to “baby blues." An OBGYN can be an asset to new mothers.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection that is found in nearly 79 million Americans at this very moment. About 80 percent of men and women who are sexually active will be infected with HPV at some point during their lifetime. While some people with HPV will never know they have it, other strains of HPV can lead to serious health complications including cervical cancer.Is an HPV test the same as a pap smear?
No, these are two different tests. A pap smear looks for suspicious cellular changes in the cervix to spot precancerous and cancerous cells early. An HPV test, on the other hand, specifically looks for a current HPV infection but won’t be able to detect cervical cell changes. Women should turn to their OBGYN to get both a Pap smear and an HPV test.
How often should I get tested for HPV?
Even if you’ve been vaccinated for HPV or you’ve already gone through menopause, it’s still a good idea to get regular pap smears. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should get a pap smear every three years (if they’ve only had normal pap smear results in the past). Women who’ve had an abnormal pap smear may need to come in once a year. A pap smear should be performed regardless of whether or not you suspect that you might have HPV.
Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should get a pap smear every three years, an HPV test every five years, or both tests together every five years.
How is HPV treated?
Many strains of HPV are shed by the body over time so they don’t require treatment; however, other strains of HPV can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer. Cryosurgery or laser treatment may be used to remove abnormal cells from the cervix or genital warts.
Should I get vaccinated against HPV?
The CDC recommends that both men and women between the ages of 11 to 26 should get vaccinated for HPV, as this vaccine can protect against many of the strains that can lead to cervical cancer. Since the vaccine is only administered to people who’ve never had HPV before, it’s a good idea to talk with your OBGYN about getting your teen vaccinated before they become sexually active.
You must be getting regular pap smears and HPV tests from your OBGYN if you are sexually active. These screening tools are the most effective ways to detect this common STI. Call your OBGYN if it’s time to schedule your next pap smear or if you are interested in STI testing.
Are you experiencing bladder control problems?
Do you notice urinary leakage during the most inopportune moments? Do you find that the number of bathroom trips you take has increased significantly? Do you have trouble fully emptying your bladder? Urinary incontinence is an issue that our Brownsville, TX, gynecologist Dr. Gabriel Guajardo sees and hears about regularly. In fact, out of the 33 million American adults who are dealing with urinary incontinence, about 85 percent are women. While women can develop urinary incontinence at any age, we do see it more often in women over 50 years old.
What are the causes of urinary incontinence?
Some of the factors that can weaken the pelvic floor muscles in women include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth (the most common)
- Injury or trauma
- Menopause
How do you know that you’re dealing with urinary incontinence? If you find yourself leaking urine when you sneeze, laugh or exercise then this could be a sign that the pelvic floor muscles are weak.
If you feel a sense of urgency when urinating or a loss of control over urination, this is known as urge incontinence and could be the result of an infection or a more serious health problem such as diabetes.
What are the signs of urinary incontinence?
Some women may experience minor leaks occasionally while others may notice more significant leakage. Some women may have trouble holding their urine or may experience a loss of control over their bladder. If your bladder doesn’t fully empty, then you may experience a very light but consistent flow of urine. It’s important that you discuss any and all symptoms you are experiencing with your gynecologist to determine the best way to get this problem under control.
When should I see a doctor?
Our Brownsville, TX, gynecologist understands that discussing urinary incontinence may feel a bit embarrassing, but we’ve worked with many women who have experienced this issue at some point during their lifetime. It’s important that you see Dr. Guajardo for an evaluation if your urinary incontinence is causing you embarrassment or impacting your daily routine and quality of life. For example, if you avoid social engagements and outings because you’re worried about having an accident, then it’s time to see a doctor.
If you are dealing with urinary incontinence and other bladder control issues, know that this condition can be treated by our Brownsville, TX, gynecologist. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Guajardo, call us at (956) 350-4821.
Yeast infections are one of life’s unpleasant issues. Most women will experience at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. The discharge, itching, burning, and vaginal rash can leave any gal feeling more than a little uncomfortable. However, because a yeast infection shares symptoms with some STIs it’s always a good idea to make a trip to see your OBGYN if you are sexually active. Here’s what to know about treating yeast infections and when to turn to a doctor.Why do yeast infections happen?
An overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus, leads to a yeast infection. While there may be fungus present in the vagina at any point in time, often it’s not enough to cause symptoms; however, when there’s overgrowth this leads to an infection.
Certain factors can increase your risk for yeast infections,
- Pregnancy
- Taking antibiotics
- Diabetes
- A compromised immune system
- Stress
- Hormonal imbalance
- Poor diet
What are the signs?
The most common signs of a yeast infection include,
- A thick, white vaginal discharge
- Burning and swelling of the vagina
- Itching
- Soreness
- Pain with urination or sex
How do I treat a yeast infection?
While certainly uncomfortable, a yeast infection is easy to treat. In fact, many women find relief from going to their local pharmacy and picking up yeast infection medication (you can purchase these products over the counter). If you don’t experience relief from your symptoms about a week after treatment, then it’s time to call your OBGYN.
If you’ve had a yeast infection before and you recognize the symptoms then over-the-counter treatments should be fine; however, if this is your first time dealing with a yeast infection you should turn to your doctor to find out if that’s exactly what it is. If you’re dealing with severe symptoms or if you are dealing with recurring infections (infections that happen at least four times a year) you should turn to your OBGYN.
Your OBGYN can do everything from prescribing yeast infection medication to providing STI screenings and HPV vaccines. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, turn to your OBGYN today for the treatment you need.
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