Flu Shot During Pregnancy: What to Know Before Flu Season Starts
Consider someone who is 22 weeks pregnant and standing in line at the pharmacy in early September. She sees the sign for flu shots and pauses. Her first thought is simple: “Should I wait until I ask my OB/GYN?” Her second thought comes faster: “Could this hurt the baby?” At fall prenatal visits, we hear versions of those questions every year. Pregnancy can make each health decision feel bigger, especially when online advice points in ten different directions. We’re glad when patients ask. A quick conversation can replace a lot of second-guessing. The CDC recommends a flu shot during any trimester of pregnancy. September and October are generally good months to get vaccinated, which is why this question comes up so often as fall begins. [1] Why flu prevention matters during pregnancy During pregnancy, your immune system, heart, and lungs work differently. Flu can lead to more serious illness, including illness that requires hospitalization. A flu shot also helps protect your baby after birth through antibodies passed during pregnancy. [1] We don’t say that to make you anxious every time someone nearby sneezes. We say it because planning ahead feels a lot easier than trying to make decisions while you’re sick. Can I get a flu shot in the first trimester? Yes. CDC guidance says the influenza vaccine can be given during any trimester of pregnancy. [1] You don’t need to delay vaccination simply because you’re early in pregnancy. If you’ve had a severe reaction to a vaccine or have questions about a particular health condition, bring those up with your provider before you get the shot. One detail matters: pregnant patients should get the flu shot, not the nasal spray flu vaccine. The nasal spray uses a live, weakened virus and isn’t recommended during pregnancy. [1] What side effects might I notice? Most people have mild, short-lived side effects after a flu shot. Your arm may feel sore. You may feel tired or achy, or run a low fever for a day or two. Those symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they don’t mean you caught the flu from the vaccine. [1] If you’re unsure what over-the-counter medicine is appropriate for a fever, aches, or another symptom during pregnancy, call your OB/GYN before taking something new. Our medication safety in pregnancy guide can help you prepare questions for that conversation. What if I already feel sick? A flu shot helps prevent flu. It doesn’t treat an active illness. Call your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant and develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, a cough, sore throat, or sudden fatigue. Your provider can guide you on next steps and whether treatment may be appropriate. We’d rather hear from you early than have you spend a miserable weekend wondering whether you should call. Pregnancy deserves a little more caution when you’re ill. Bring the question to your fall prenatal visit You already have enough to think about during pregnancy. Add this to your next appointment list: “Where should I get my flu shot, and do I have any reason to wait?” We’re happy to talk through timing, allergies, and any concerns you’ve heard from friends or online. A flu shot is one small step that can help protect you during pregnancy and help protect your baby in the first months after birth. Ask your Women’s Integrated Healthcare provider about flu vaccination at your next prenatal visit. We’re here to help you feel prepared, not pressured. Clinical reference [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Flu Vaccine Safety and Pregnancy”
Understanding Breech Baby Care at Women's Integrated Healthcare, P.A.
We often meet women who’ve spent years collecting separate explanations for separate problems. Irregular periods. Feeling tired after meals. Weight that changes more easily than it used to. Maybe acne, unwanted hair growth, or trouble getting pregnant. Each symptom feels like its own frustrating issue until someone finally connects the dots. We hear this frustration all the time: “Why didn’t anyone explain how these things could be related?” PCOS can affect more than periods and fertility. For many women, insulin resistance belongs in the picture too. What does insulin resistance mean? Insulin helps move sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, where your body uses it for energy. With insulin resistance, your body still makes insulin, but your cells don’t respond as well as they should. Your body may then make more insulin to keep up. [1] Higher insulin levels can affect hormones involved in ovulation. That can contribute to irregular or missed periods, acne, excess hair growth, and difficulty becoming pregnant. PCOS looks different from person to person, so one symptom alone can’t confirm a diagnosis. Our article on why PCOS can be hard to diagnose explains why we look at the whole pattern. Why your blood sugar belongs in the conversation The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that women with PCOS often have insulin resistance and face a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. More than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by age 40. [1] That number can feel heavy. We don’t share it to scare you. We share it because you deserve a chance to ask better questions and take care of concerns early. When you visit us, we may ask about your periods, family history, weight changes, blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, mood, and plans for pregnancy. We may also recommend blood-sugar testing. The right plan depends on your health history and what matters most to you right now. You don’t need every classic symptom Many women think they need a long list of symptoms before they bring up PCOS. You don’t. A period that comes every few months, new facial hair, stubborn acne, darker skin in body creases, weight changes, or difficulty getting pregnant all belong in the conversation. [1] You may already have a PCOS diagnosis and still feel unsure about what comes next. That’s common. We don’t expect you to follow a perfect diet, blame yourself for a symptom, or figure this out from social media. We’ll help you sort through the pieces that apply to you and discuss realistic next steps. Pregnancy planning adds another reason to check in If pregnancy is part of your plan, tell us early. PCOS can affect ovulation, and insulin resistance can raise the risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy. [1] A higher risk doesn’t mean a diagnosis is guaranteed. It means we can watch your health closely and plan ahead together. Our guide to gestational diabetes symptoms and diet offers more information for patients who are pregnant or have recently received that diagnosis. If you’re thinking about trying to conceive, a preconception visit gives us time to talk through your medications, cycle history, and any testing that may help. We want to give you more than a vague answer “Just lose weight” or “come back when you want a baby” doesn’t give you a useful plan. PCOS deserves thoughtful medical care at every stage of life, whether your main concern is regular periods, skin changes, fertility, or long-term health. If your periods are irregular, you’ve noticed signs that may be related to insulin resistance, or you want help managing PCOS before pregnancy, schedule an appointment with Women’s Integrated Healthcare in Southlake or Fort Worth. We’ll start with a clear conversation and go from there. Clinical reference [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)”
Persistent Bloating and Pelvic Pain: When to Talk With Your Gynecologist
Consider someone who has felt bloated for several weeks. At first, she blames takeout, a busy schedule, or a new workout. Then the feeling keeps coming back. Her jeans fit differently by late afternoon, she gets full after a few bites of dinner, and a low ache in her pelvis has become part of her day. We hear women apologize for making an appointment over symptoms like these. They’ll say, “I probably just need to eat better,” or “I don’t want to make a big deal out of it.” We understand that instinct. We also don’t want you to sit with a persistent change in your body and try to talk yourself out of getting help. Bloating has plenty of everyday explanations Gas, constipation, food changes, menstrual shifts, and stress can all cause bloating. Pelvic discomfort can also come from common gynecologic conditions, including ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, or an infection. Most of the time, bloating and pelvic pain don’t point to cancer. The pattern makes the difference. The American Cancer Society lists bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency among symptoms that can occur with ovarian cancer. Benign conditions can cause those symptoms too. When they keep coming back, feel more intense, or seem different from your normal, we recommend an evaluation. [1] Notice what has changed for you One bloated afternoon doesn’t usually tell us much. A pattern can. Before you call, think about a few practical questions. How often does the discomfort show up? Does it come and go with your period, or does it stick around? Are you eating less because you feel full quickly? Have you noticed urinary urgency, constipation, back pain, pain during sex, or changes in your bleeding? We often suggest writing down your answers for a couple of weeks. Bring those notes with you. They can help us decide whether you need an exam, imaging, lab work, or another next step. No online checklist can do that job as well as a conversation that includes your full history. Ovarian cysts are one possible explanation Ovarian cysts are common and often harmless. Some never cause symptoms. Others can cause one-sided pelvic pain, pressure, bloating, or changes in your period. Our article on ovarian cyst symptoms and when to worry shares more about this common concern. A cyst is only one possibility, though. We don’t want you to decide on a cause from a search result, no matter how familiar the symptoms sound. Sometimes the answer is simple. Sometimes we need to look more closely. Either way, you deserve a clear explanation. When should you call your gynecologist? Call us when bloating, pelvic pain, or pressure keeps returning, shows up most days, interrupts your routine, or comes with feeling full quickly, urinary changes, unusual bleeding, or unplanned weight loss. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing symptoms that occur more than 12 times a month so a clinician can identify and treat the cause when needed. [1] Seek urgent care for sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, especially when you also have fainting, fever, vomiting, or heavy bleeding. Several conditions can cause those symptoms, and some need prompt attention. You don’t have to wait for every answer before you call Worry tends to grow in the space between noticing a symptom and getting it checked. We can talk through what you’ve been feeling, examine you, and order appropriate testing when needed. Just as important, we’ll explain what we’re looking for and why. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, but your symptoms don’t need a calendar month to deserve attention. You know what feels normal for your body. When that normal changes and doesn’t settle down, please call Women’s Integrated Healthcare in Southlake or Fort Worth. We’re here to help you sort through it. Clinical reference [1] American Cancer Society, “Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer”
Heavy Periods and Blood Clots: When It’s Time to Call Your Gynecologist
A situation we often see is someone who plans her entire week around her period without saying much about it. She keeps spare clothes in the car, looks for the restroom as soon as she walks into a restaurant, and worries about standing up after a long meeting. She may tell herself that heavy bleeding is just part of getting older, having kids, or pushing through a stressful month. At Women’s Integrated Healthcare, we hear that story more often than people realize. We also know how exhausting it can be to wonder whether your period is “bad enough” to mention. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through every cycle. Heavy bleeding can make you miss work, cancel plans, lose sleep, and feel worn out before the day has even started. Blood clots can make the experience more unsettling, especially when they’re new or larger than usual. We want you to know that a gynecology visit can bring real answers and, often, real relief. What does a heavy period look like? Every period has its own rhythm. A heavier day or two can be normal for some people. We pay closer attention when bleeding starts to run your life or feels clearly different from your usual pattern. Talk with your gynecologist if you’re soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, changing protection during the night, bleeding for more than a week, or passing clots larger than a quarter. Heavy bleeding can also leave you tired, short of breath, or unable to do your normal activities. [1] The details matter. When you come in, we’ll ask about timing, pain, clots, how often you’re changing pads or tampons, and whether you’ve felt dizzy or unusually tired. If you can, jot those notes down before your visit. You don’t need a perfect record. A few honest details can help us see the pattern. Why has my period become heavier? Heavy periods have many possible causes. Hormone changes can play a part. So can fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, thyroid conditions, certain medicines, bleeding disorders, pregnancy-related concerns, and some forms of birth control. [1] Fibroids are one common reason. These noncancerous growths can lead to heavier or longer bleeding for some women. If you’ve also noticed pelvic pressure, fullness, or more frequent urination, our article about uterine fibroids may help you make sense of those symptoms before your appointment. We still want to see you, because fibroids aren’t the only possible explanation. PCOS can affect bleeding patterns too. When ovulation doesn’t happen regularly, the uterine lining may build up longer than expected and then shed more heavily. A heavy period doesn’t automatically mean PCOS. Still, a changing cycle gives us a good reason to look closer. What about blood clots? Seeing a clot in the toilet or on a pad can feel alarming. Small clots may happen when menstrual blood collects before it leaves the uterus. Larger clots, frequent clots, or clots that come with flooding, severe pain, fatigue, or a major change in your cycle deserve a call to your gynecologist. [1] We’ve learned that many women wait longer than they need to because they worry about overreacting. Please don’t let that stop you. Call promptly if you soak through at least one pad or tampon an hour for more than two hours, bleed between periods, have bleeding after menopause, or feel lightheaded or unwell. [1] Finding the reason comes first Your visit may include a conversation about your cycle history, medications, birth control, pregnancy possibility, and family health history. We may recommend blood work, an ultrasound, or other testing based on your symptoms and stage of life. Your treatment plan will depend on what we find. Some women benefit from medication or a hormonal option. Others need care for fibroids, polyps, or another condition. If you’ve had an endometrial ablation and now have new or persistent bleeding, we’d like to hear from you. Our article on heavy bleeding after endometrial ablation explains why that symptom deserves attention, but a direct conversation with your provider comes next. We don’t want your period to take up more room in your life than it should. If heavy periods and blood clots are changing your routine, schedule a gynecology appointment with Women’s Integrated Healthcare in Southlake or Fort Worth. We’ll listen, ask the right questions, and help you move toward a plan that fits your life. Clinical reference [1] Mayo Clinic, “Heavy menstrual bleeding”
Your Breech Baby
Our Southlake, Fort Worth ObGyns explain what happens when you carry a breech baby You’re ready to give birth, and you feel like you’re prepared — until your ObGyn tells you that you have a breech baby. For a vaginal birth, the baby is ideally positioned head down, but 3 to 4 percent of pregnancies involve a breech baby. During the last weeks of pregnancy, if the baby is positioned buttocks, feet or both first instead of head down, we call it a breech presentation. Breech Positions Defined Every breech baby doesn’t present in the same position. Your breech baby may be in one of three breech positions. Our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyns may refer to your breech baby in these ways. When the baby presents bottom down first and has bent knees, this is a complete breech. If the baby stretches his or her legs out toward the head, we call it a frank breech. When the baby is positioned with one leg hanging down, we call it a footling or incomplete breech. Our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyns may discover your breech presentation during a pelvic examination or when they are feeling your belly. If so, they will order an ultrasound to confirm their suspicions. Can My Breech Baby Be Repositioned? We might be able to turn a breech baby using external cephalic version, or turning the baby. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, more than 50 percent of the time, turning a breech baby baby works; however, some babies may turn back into the breech position after the procedure. If you still have a breech position after week 36, we may try to turn the baby. This procedure should be done where a delivery room is easily accessible in the rare case that any problems occur. During the procedure, your ObGyn will use her hands to apply firm pressure to the abdomen to get the baby to rotate to a head-down position. During this process, we use an ultrasound to guide us, and we monitor the baby’s heart. Not every mother with a breech baby will qualify to have an external cephalic version. We do not attempt this with a mother carrying multiples. What Are My Delivery Options for a Breech Baby? If your baby has not turned head down, you will probably need a C-section. This is usually the safest way to deliver a breech baby for the sake of both mother and baby. Talk to our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyns if you have concerns about a C-section. We are highly experienced in performing the procedure. For more information about pregnancy and birth, contact us for an appointment.
Maintaining Your Mental Health During Winter Months
Seasonal affective disorder mixed with a pandemic create extra challenges during “winter blues” months. For many of us, with the winter months can come “the winter blues.” Days are shorter, weather is colder. And with the addition of COVID-19, this winter is like no other. Many have been working from home, isolated due to travel restrictions and case counts. And sadly some have lost family members and friends to the pandemic. We’re all adjusting to a changing world as the headlines continue to scroll in. “The winter blues” might be more intense this year. And knowing the difference between sadness and depression can be difficult. Am I Sad Or Depressed? It’s completely normal to feel sad now and then. It’s also normal to feel a bit more sad during the winter months. But depression and sadness aren’t the same thing. And in some cases the depression leads to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal affective disorder is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. Another 10 percent to 20 percent may have mild SAD. SAD is four times more common in women than in men. — Psychology Today Symptoms of SAD Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can include intense issues with sleeping and eating, increased use of drugs and alcohol, and general trouble functioning. These symptoms feel more intense and severe during the long winter months and may be exacerbated by social isolation and life changes. Tips For Getting Through The Winter in Good Mental Health Here are some things to try if you’re feeling depressed by this particularly difficult season. Take a “news break.” With the pandemic sending many of us into our homes, it’s undoubtedly increased our screen time. While it’s important to stay informed, the constant barrage of the 24-hour news cycle takes a toll. While it may sound challenging, try to work toward only one hour of news a day. Keep up a healthy sleep routine. This includes going to bed and waking up on a consistent schedule and avoiding electronics in the bedroom. Experimenting with temperature and other strategies will help you find what works best for you. Get active. Even with lockdowns and restrictions, you can still get outside. Even if it’s just for an hour a day it will provide you with necessary Vitamin D and boost your mood. Use your support system. 2020 and 2021 have taught us that human interaction is vital to mental health. As isolation has kept us from the people we love, it’s become challenging to maintain those connections. Reach out to your support system: Friends, family, co-workers. Anyone you trust. If you still find yourself unable to cope with dark thoughts and feelings, or unable to function in the way you know you’re capable of, it may be time for professional help. This could include medication. Talking to your doctor about where to begin is the best way to start. Contact us today, and we can help point you in the right direction for your best mental health.
Your Path to Women’s Wellness
Three important steps to take on your path to women’s wellness Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns urge you to take three significant steps on your path to women’s wellness. You can make it work, one step at a time. Your path to women’s wellness begins with these three critical actions Managing your health and attending your annual well-woman exam with our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns are vital steps on your path to women’s wellness. Here are some specific steps you can take to reach optimal health. Manage your overall wellness with a healthy diet and physical activity Part of your path to women’s wellness is getting to and maintaining a healthy weight. A normal body mass index (BMI) is between 18.5 and 24.9. The best way to achieve your weight goal is with a portion-controlled diet. This should consist of lean proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits and foods that provide calcium. Physical activity helps you build muscle, strong bones and a healthy heart. On your path to wellness, you should aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense activity such as brisk walking or bike rides. You should also add resistance training such as weight lifting or yoga. Pay attention to mental health issues such as stress and depression Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Ignoring it can have adverse effects on your overall wellness. If you are suffering from stress, address it with your physician as part of your path to wellness. Stress can cause headaches, stomach problems, sleep issues and other physical symptoms. Depression is another undertreated and underreported problem, but it is a treatable medical issue. If you feel hopeless, sad or empty for more than two weeks, you may be suffering from depression. The right care can help you feel better. Schedule your annual well-woman exam with our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns A vital component of your path to women’s wellness is your annual well-woman exam. During this visit, we address your overall mental and physical health, schedule important health screenings and discuss other health issues. Annual appointments are our opportunity to get to know you better and care for your health. Contact us to schedule one.
Understanding Braxton Hicks Contractions
What to know about Braxton Hicks contractions Braxton Hicks contractions are often called false labor, but our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns understand that they can feel very real. Usually, women experience these pains during the third trimester, but sometimes they occur during the second trimester. They are a normal part of pregnancy, but they can be uncomfortable and cause concern because you may think you are in true labor. Three questions you may have about Braxton Hicks contractions The more you know, the less you will worry if and when you experience your first Braxton Hicks contractions. Here are three questions patients ask our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns about these contractions. What causes Braxton Hicks contractions? Physicians and researchers don’t know the exact cause, but one theory is that they occur because the uterus is expanding and the cervix is relaxing as the body prepares for true labor. Some people call it practice labor. Certain things can trigger these contractions such as a full bladder, dehydration, touching the belly and times when the mother and/or the baby are active. Women often notice these pains more often at the end of the day and also after sex. What do these false labor pains feel like? Braxton Hicks contractions are intermittent pains that cause the abdomen to tighten. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to one or two minutes at a time. How do I know if the contractions are Braxton Hicks or the beginning of labor? There are several differences between false labor and true labor. Braxton Hicks contractions usually don’t get stronger or closer together over time, but true labor contractions do. False labor pains can sometimes be alleviated or stopped by changing position, walking or resting. However, true labor pains cannot. Most false contractions only cause abdominal pain, but real labor pains can cause pelvic pressure and pain in the back, lower abdomen, and even the thighs. If you have any doubts about whether your contractions are Braxton Hicks or true labor, do not hesitate to call us. Our compassionate and experienced Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns are here to help you have an informed, healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery. Contact us today for an appointment.
Three Tips for Selecting an Obgyn
Need help selecting an obgyn? Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns have some tips to help you when you are selecting an obgyn. Your obgyn is an important part of your healthcare team. She not only performs your annual well woman exam and provides preventive healthcare, but she also helps you when you have problems and need gynecological services. When you decide to start or grow your family, your obgyn monitors your pregnancy and helps you have a healthy labor and delivery. Our Southlake and Fort Worth obgyns offer tips for selecting an obgyn Many women rely on referrals when selecting an obgyn, and that is a good place to start. However, our physicians have some other tips to help you pick an obgyn. Learn more about the physician’s background and credentials. Learn more about our obgyns’ education and experience. Our all-female Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns provide compassionate healthcare for women of all ages. Many of our physicians have special areas of interest and expertise. If you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant, selecting an obgyn who is experienced in both routine and high-risk pregnancies is important. You will probably have a routine pregnancy, but in the event that you develop a high risk pregnancy, you want a physician who has experience caring for pregnancies with multiples, mothers with gestational diabetes and other issues that need to be carefully monitored during pregnancy. Our physicians have experience you can rely on to guide you through a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery. Find a physician and staff who make you feel comfortable. Selecting an obgyn is a personal decision and one only you can make. You will need to develop a comfortable relationship with your physician so that you feel free to share personal information that your obgyn needs to care for you properly. You also should feel comfortable with the staff because you will interact with them before, during and after your appointments. From your first visit to Women’s Integrated Healthcare to every visit thereafter, our Southlake and Fort Worth obgyns and our staff strive to provide you with compassionate and experienced care. Selecting an obgyn doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you have any questions, contact us for an appointment.
Stress vs. Urge Incontinence
What women need to know about stress vs. urge incontinence Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns believe it’s important for women to understand the differences between stress vs. urge incontinence. Each type of urinary incontinence has its causes, symptoms, and methods of diagnosis and treatment. Knowing the difference between the two types also helps women comprehend why they are experiencing urine leakage, or the sudden or even constant urge to urinate. Stress vs. urge incontinence – What causes each type? Many people are unaware of what causes stress vs. urge incontinence. Different conditions and circumstances are responsible for each type. Weakened pelvic floor muscles are the ultimate cause of stress incontinence. Muscles become weak due to childbirth, age and menopause. There are circumstances that aggravate stress incontinence, including obesity, smoking, high-impact activities like running and aerobics, and conditions that cause a chronic cough. On the other hand, conditions that affect the bladder’s normal function cause urge incontinence, which is an important distinction between stress vs. urge incontinence. Here are the conditions that cause urge incontinence. Bladder stones Bladder inflammation Bladder cancer A blockage in the bladder Conditions that affect the brain or nervous system such as multiple sclerosis Injuries that affect the spinal cord Symptoms of stress incontinence The symptoms of stress incontinence are the ones that people most often associate with urinary incontinence. The primary symptom is urine leakage, especially when a woman laughs, coughs, sneezes or performs high-impact exercises. Women also leak when standing, getting in and out of a vehicle, lifting heavy items and having sex. Symptoms of urge incontinence The differences between stress vs. urge incontinence are obvious when you contrast the symptoms. While women with stress incontinence leak urine, women with urge incontinence may experience a sudden, strong urge to urinate, loss of control over when urination occurs and frequent urination both day and night. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns diagnose and treat both types of incontinence Women can depend on our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns to determine whether they are suffering from stress vs. urge incontinence. They can also rely on our physicians to provide accurate diagnosis and surgical and nonsurgical treatments for incontinence. Women who are afflicted with the symptoms of incontinence should contact us for an appointment.
