When to Take a Pregnancy Test: Signs, Timing, and Next Steps
Emma had just returned from a long business trip, juggling meetings, deadlines, and travel stress. Back home, she noticed her routine was slightly off. Her period hadn’t arrived, and she felt more tired than usual. She wondered: Am I pregnant or just exhausted from work? Knowing when and how to take a pregnancy test can make all the difference. Acting at the right time, recognizing subtle signs, and accessing trusted guidance helps you move forward confidently. Early Signs of Pregnancy While each woman’s experience is unique, some early indicators are common: Recognizing these signs early, like Emma did, can help you take the next step with confidence. Timing Your Test for Accuracy Testing too early can produce false negatives. Waiting a few days after a missed period and/or confirming with a professional ensures accuracy. Next Steps After a Positive Test Reverse Pregnancy Calculator: Personalized Guidance Emma used a Reverse Pregnancy Calculator to better understand her timing, estimate conception dates, and track early milestones. It’s a simple tool designed to provide clarity and support, so you can take the next step with confidence. Try the Pregnancy Calculator Now Conclusion Whether you’re juggling a busy career, travel, or life’s daily demands, understanding your body’s signals is critical. Like Emma, noticing early signs and accessing expert guidance ensures you can act with confidence. Women’s Integrated Health is here to guide you every step of the way, from testing to your first prenatal visit. Schedule Your Appointment.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding
We answer some of your most-common questions about breastfeeding. No doubt, you’ve heard many opinions about breastfeeding through the years, but how is breastfeeding actually beneficial for mom and baby? Here are a few of the questions we hear most frequently from new moms when it comes to breastfeeding. Why is Breastfeeding Important? Your breast milk is truly special because it contains the perfect amount of minerals, sugar, protein and water that a baby needs for growth and development. It also contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and other fatty acids that researchers believe are important for your baby’s brain and eyes as they develop. How Long Should I Breastfeed? Our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyns recommend that mothers breastfeed their babies during the first six months of life. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. However, even if you are only able to breastfeed for a short period of time, you will provide healthy benefits to your baby. What Are The Benefits of Breastfeeding? The CDC states that infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of several health issues including: Asthma Obesity Type 1 diabetes Ear infections Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting) While mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing: Breast cancer Ovarian cancer Type 2 diabetes High blood pressure When Will My Milk Come In? Milk production begins in the second trimester of pregnancy. Your body begins making colostrum, a special milk that’s full of essential nutrients and is easy for newborns to digest. Your milk supply will increase about 30 to 40 hours after you’ve delivered your placenta. By then, the change in your hormones has signaled to your body that it’s time to feed your baby. Breastfeeding Benefits Recap Breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and baby. Our Southlake and Fort Worth ObGyns know that you may have questions and concerns, and we’re here to help. We deliver babies at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, which offers breastfeeding classes to help moms-to-be prepare. La Leche League is also a good resource.
An update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) from The Providers of Women’s Integrated Healthcare, P.A.
March 12, 2020 COVID-19 Screening Information First and foremost we wish to keep everyone as safe as possible, this includes patients and staff. We will be asking all patients the following questions in an effort to help determine whether you should be seen in our office. We ask that if you answer yes to any of the questions that you contact your PCP to be evaluated, if you do not have a PCP then you should visit an urgent care. Should you arrive to our office and be found to meet any of these criteria, you will be immediately rescheduled so that we do not expose other patients and staff. Please remember that our pregnant patients are at increased risk of developing infections. 1. Are you having flu-like symptoms; fever, or respiratory symptoms such as cough, or shortness of breath? 2. Have you traveled to an affected geographic area within 14 days of symptom onset? 3. Have you been in close contact with someone confirmed or being evaluated for COVID-19? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you will need to be rescheduled 14 days out from the date of symptoms or from your return home from travel. You can call our office at 817-416-2229 to have your appointment rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding, The Providers of Women’s Integrated Healthcare, P.A.
The First Signs Of Pregnancy
How to Know When You’re Pregnant What happens when your period doesn’t show up? From the first period to menopause, women are considered in their childbearing years. It’s important that women know the signs of pregnancy so they can know when they may be pregnant. To understand why we experience symptoms of pregnancy, it may help to understand where the symptoms come from. Signs of Pregnancy: What’s Happening In The Body? During ovulation, an egg is released into the fallopian tube. If the egg becomes fertilized, it will move out of the fallopian tube and start reproducing cells for 2-3 days. Then it will try to attach to the uterine wall, which can take 3-4 days. This is the beginning of pregnancy, also known as the gestational period. By this point, the woman’s body is already experiencing an increase in hormone levels. The most well-known sign of pregnancy is a late/missed menstrual cycle. The most common first sign is spotting and light cramps as implantation occurs. According to an American Pregnancy Association study, only 3% recognized spotting as their first sign, while 29% said it was a late/missed menstrual cycle. Another common sign of pregnancy is morning sickness. Morning sickness, or nausea, can happen during the day and night, and doesn’t always include vomiting. Twenty five percent of women reported nausea as the first sign they were pregnant. Another common symptom is breast tenderness or changes. Seventeen percent of women reported changes in their breasts within the first week of pregnancy. Other changes include size and darkening around the areolas as hormones increase. Additional Possible Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy Moodiness Bloating Increased urination Food aversion or cravings Fatigue Lower backaches Headaches Heartburn High blood pressure Constipation Nasal congestion It is important to note that many signs of pregnancy depend on a woman’s own body. Some women report experiencing multiple signs within the first week while others say they didn’t experience any for the first few weeks. Also, it’s obvious that these possible symptoms are common side effects of other health situations, so taking a pregnancy test is key to knowing the truth. When to Take a Pregnancy Test If you find yourself experiencing these signs of pregnancy and believe you’re pregnant, take a pregnancy test. Tests are available at local drug stores. The recommended time to take a pregnancy test is 1-2 weeks after your missed period. It’s typical to go to the doctor eight weeks after your last menstrual cycle, but if you think you’re pregnant, contact your physician right away to make an appointment. We look forward to sharing this journey with you!
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.
Obgyn Care in the DFW Area
High-quality obgyn care in the DFW area that’s convenient and close to home Are you looking for high-quality obgyn care in the DFW area? Our Fort Worth and Southlake obgyns work with women from adolescence to menopause and beyond to provide outstanding obstetrics and gynecology services. As an added bonus, every obgyn in our practice is a woman. Our obgyn care in the DFW area offers user-friendly locations Why fight the Dallas traffic when you can find first-rate obgyn care in the DFW area closer to your neighborhood? Our Fort Worth and Southlake offices are close to several cities and towns in the Metroplex area. The locations are easily accessible with ample parking. State-of-the-art gynecology and gynecological surgery services Good health begins with preventive care. Our physicians form a valuable relationship with patients, especially during the annual well woman exam. When problems occur, and you need obgyn care in the DFW area, there’s no need to venture far from home. With our Fort Worth and Grapevine obgyns, you’re in experienced, trained hands. From endometriosis and PCOS, to urinary incontinence and recurrent UTIs, our physicians and staff provide thoughtful and thorough treatment and diagnosis. If you need surgery, rest assured that our obgyns are trained in the most up-to-date gynecological surgery techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Our surgeons perform hysterectomies, endometriosis surgery, surgery for urinary incontinence and more. Obstetrics and midwifery services for routine and high-risk pregnancies If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, and considering obgyn care in the DFW area, our offices offer everything you need. Our experienced obstetricians care for high-risk and routine pregnancies. Our midwifery services provide another pregnancy care option for patients. From preconception counseling and fertility testing, to pregnancy office visits and labor management, we’ve got you covered. Patients at our Fort Worth office deliver at Fort Worth Medical Center Fort Worth. These locations offer nearby, expert care, making for a smooth trip to the hospital on the big day. Our Fort Worth and Southlake obgyns prove that excellent obgyn care in the DFW area is not limited to the city of Dallas. Our all-female physicians are close to your neighborhood, ready to provide you with the comprehensive healthcare you need. Contact us for an appointment.
Bonding with Your Baby in the NICU
Five tips for bonding with your baby in the NICU Our Grapevine obgyns want you to know more about bonding with your baby in the NICU. After your delivery, your baby may need to go to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for reasons that include preterm birth or problems that occur in the hours or days after your baby is born. Five ideas for bonding with your baby in the NICU When you’re pregnant, you envision bonding with your baby in your hospital room. Bonding with your baby in the NICU may not be what you hoped for, but it can be a special time for both you and your baby. Here are five tips from our Grapevine obgyns to help you bond with your baby if a NICU stay is required. 1. Visit the NICU and get to know the staff. The NICU staff members are knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions about equipment and treatment plans. The more you visit, the more comfortable you will be in the NICU. 2. Hold or touch your baby if possible. Holding your baby is one way of bonding with your baby in the NICU, but there are other ways. Gently stroke your baby’s skin, maintain eye contact and sing or talk to your baby. It may be possible for you to engage in kangaroo care by maintaining skin-to-skin contact with your baby. 3. Feed your baby. Some babies in the NICU can be breastfed and others can be bottle-fed with your pumped breast milk. You can also pump breast milk and save it for your baby. Talk to the NICU staff about feeding and bonding with your baby in the NICU. 4. Bring some personal items in for your baby. You may be able to place a picture or stuffed animal outside of your baby’s incubator. Some mothers wear an item of clothing so that it bears their unique scent, and then they place it near the baby. 5. Take care of yourself. It’s easy to forget about self-care when you are concerned about your baby, but bonding with your baby in the NICU is best when you are healthy and rested. Our Grapevine obgyns care for mothers. We know that part of that process includes reassuring and advising mothers about their babies. For compassionate, expert care, contact us.
Food Safety During Pregnancy
5 important tips about food safety during pregnancy Our Southlake obgyns want you to know about food safety during pregnancy. You may not be aware that you are more susceptible during pregnancy to foodborne illnesses caused by parasites, bacteria and viruses. If you contract a foodborne illness while you’re pregnant, it can lead to complications for both you and your baby, so it’s important for you to learn all you can about food safety. Food safety during pregnancy begins with these five steps 1. Know which fish are safe to eat The FDA and EPA have issued specific advice about food safety during pregnancy. They recommend that women eat two to three servings of fish per week from their “best choices” list. These fish include cod, salmon and whitefish. If you want to eat fish on their “good choices” list, limit consumption to once a week. These choices include albacore tuna, snapper and halibut. Due to high mercury levels, women should avoid king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, tile fish and bigeye tuna. For more information about eating fish while pregnant, go to: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/07/09/2019-14524/advice-about-eating-fish-for-women-who-are-or-might-become-pregnant-breastfeeding-mothers-and-young For more information about minimum safe internal temperatures for meat, go to: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/safe-minimum-internal-temperature-chart 2. Don’t drink unpasteurized milk, juice or cider You should never drink unpasteurized juice or cider because they have been linked to E. coli infections. Unpasteurized milk contains several dangerous bacteria, including listeria and salmonella. 3. Don’t eat raw or undercooked eggs Eggs must be cooked until the yolks are firm, and egg dishes should be cooked to a minimum temperature of 160° F. In addition, avoid eating or drinking anything that may contain raw eggs such as eggnog or raw cookie dough. 4. Be certain that your meat, poultry and seafood are cooked thoroughly You should ensure that any meat, poultry and seafood you eat is cooked to the proper minimum internal temperature to avoid dangerous contamination from E. coli, salmonella and toxoplasma gondii. 5. Don’t consume raw sprouts of any kind The only safe way to eat sprouts during pregnancy is thoroughly cooked. This includes clover, radish, mung bean and alfalfa sprouts. If you are looking for advice about food safety during pregnancy, our Southlake obgyns, right here in Grapevine, are happy to work with you. We provide expert, compassionate prenatal care. Contact us for an appointment.
Reduce Your Risk of Getting an STI
Reduce your risk of getting an STI Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is a risk that can be reduced. While the only way to completely prevent STIs is sexual abstinence, many adult women are sexually active, and a healthy sex life is important to many. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyns want you to know the facts to better protect yourself from STIs. Facts to Help You Reduce Your Risk An STI is spread in several different ways. It’s important to understand how you can get an STI. Most of you know that having vaginal, oral or anal sex without a condom spreads STIs if you or your partner, male or female, has an infection. But to reduce your risk of getting an STI, you need to know that simply touching an infected person’s genitals can spread herpes. In addition women can spread an STI to their baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Certain factors increase your risk Having more than one sexual partner or having a partner who has had more than one partner increases your risk, as does having sex with an infected person or a person with a history of STIs. Using intravenous drugs yourself or having a partner who uses them is another risk factor. Sexually active adults can reduce their risk of getting an STI. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyns offer the following tips to reduce your risk of getting an STI. The best way to reduce your risk is to use a condom every time you have sex – it is the only birth control method that will protect you from STIs. If you are in a monogamous relationship in which you know your partner’s history, it is not necessary to use a condom. Know your partner’s sexual history and get tested for STIs. Limit your sexual partners. Avoid sexual practices that may tear or break your skin. If you are age 26 or younger, get the vaccination that protects you against HPV and hepatitis B. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth ObGyns are always open and available for frank discussions about how to reduce your risk of getting an STI. Contact us today for an appointment. HPV: The Most Common STI HPV or human papillomavirus is the most common STI. Ninety percent of HPV infections clear up naturally within two years, but the remainder do not, and, left untreated and unmonitored, the virus can lead to serious health issues. –Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/sti-estimates-fact-sheet-feb-2013.pdf
