Pregnancy: When is it Time to Go to the Hospital?
How to listen to labor symptoms and know when baby is really on the way. Whether this is your first baby or fourth, more than likely, you’ve got a bag packed for the hospital and sitting by the front door. (If you don’t, you should!) You’ve probably also got checklists on the fridge for family to get the mail, feed the pets and water the plants while you’re away. (Same here!) You’re as ready as you can be for baby to come. Being prepared is a great way to bring peace of mind to an otherwise stressful situation. But, when do you really know when it’s time to head to the hospital? Every woman’s journey is different and unique, but there are some signs of labor to look for as you’re waiting for baby’s arrival. Some are conveniently obvious, such as contractions and water breaking. But, other signs are more subtle. Signs of Labor Your water breaks. In only about 15 percent or less of women, water will break. If you’re fortunate to experience this obvious sign of labor, you know beyond a doubt that it’s time to head for the hospital. But, if you’re reading this blog, it’s likely because you may be experiencing more subtle signs. Keep reading to learn more. You’re having consistent contractions. These will become stronger and more frequent during labor onset. This is where all that knowledge from childbirth classes will kick in. Using a timer (there’s lots of apps for this in the App Store and on Android), time your contractions. If they are consistently happening every few minutes, it’s time to go to the hospital. Subtle Signs of Labor These signs are less obvious and can be more gradual. You’ll want to keep in touch with your doctor if you’re experiencing them. He or she can help you determine when to get in the car. The baby “drops.” This means your baby is getting into position for delivery, low within your pelvis. Your cervix dilates. During each visit as the due date draws near, your doctor checks whether your cervix is starting to dilate, or open, and/or efface, or thin out. You experience vaginal discharge and/or a change in color and consistency. You have diarrhea, loose-feeling joints, cramps, worsening back pain and fatigue. When to Call the Doctor During Late-Term Pregnancy If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s always best to call your provider, even if it’s after business hours. He or she will help you know if it’s time to hit the road for the hospital. Definitely give your doctor a call and head to the hospital in these situations: Your water breaks You notice bright-red discharge (blood) You develop a severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling. These are signs of preeclampsia. 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.
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.
Tips for Preparing for Gynecological Surgery
What you may not know about preparing for gynecological surgery Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns believe that the more you know about preparing for gynecological surgery, the less nervous you will feel on the day of your procedure. You can help our surgeons by complying with all the instructions provided. Everything our physicians and staff advise you to do is for a reason, and following our directions makes the surgery and the recovery a smoother process. Five ways to prepare for gynecological surgery Some of our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns’ directions about preparing for gynecological surgery may surprise you and leave you wondering why you are being asked to do these particular things. Here are five critical steps to take before surgery and the reasons why our physicians ask you to follow these directions. Stop smoking cigarettes and marijuana. Smoking affects your heart and lungs, and so does anesthesia. When you stop smoking, your lungs begin to improve as early as 12 hours after you stop. Do not drink alcohol in the 24 hours before your surgery. Refraining from drinking prior to surgery is an important part of preparing for gynecological surgery. Alcohol affects how your body absorbs anesthesia and your blood’s ability to clot. Provide our obgyns with a complete list of every medication or supplement you take. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns need to know about every prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as any vitamins, supplements or herbal remedies you take. Different ingredients can affect the medications our doctors need to administer during and after surgery. Remove nail polish and acrylic nails before surgery. This may seem like a small thing to do when preparing for gynecological surgery, but it’s essential. Surgeons and anesthesiologists need to see your natural nail bed to check for circulation problems. Do not shave for a certain amount of time before surgery. Ask our obgyns which areas of the body you should avoid shaving and for what period of time prior to surgery. Hair removal can leave nicks in the skin that increase your risk for an infected wound. Our compassionate staff and experienced Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns make preparing for gynecological surgery as easy as possible. Our goal before and after surgery is a happy, healthy patient. Contact us for an appointment.
Do You Need Gynecological Surgery?
When do women need gynecological surgery? Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns pursue several treatment options before considering gynecological surgery. However, in certain circumstances, surgery may be the best choice. Our experienced, highly trained surgeons perform the most-advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques, including da Vinci® robotic surgery. Leading-edge techniques help patients recover faster and with fewer complications than traditional, open surgery. When gynecological surgery is the best option After our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns have tried more-conservative treatment options, they discuss gynecological surgery with patients. Here are some common conditions that may require gynecological surgery to achieve a complete recovery. Endometriosis. Our physicians may perform a minimally invasive procedure called a laparoscopy to diagnose and treat endometriosis by removing endometrial implants. This surgery requires general anesthesia. In severe cases where the patient does not get pain relief from laparoscopic surgery, a hysterectomy may be necessary. Uterine fibroids. Fibroids cause a variety of symptoms, including menstrual problems, vaginal bleeding, cramps and infertility. Gynecological surgery helps women who have not responded to medication. Uterine fibroids may be removed during a myomectomy, a procedure where our surgeons remove the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. Other procedures our obgyns may consider include endometrial ablation, hysteroscopy, uterine artery embolization or MRI-guided ultrasound surgery. In severe cases, hysterectomy may also be an option. Abnormal uterine bleeding. If medication doesn’t reduce heavy bleeding and long menstrual periods, gynecological surgery may be the optimal treatment. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns decide which type of gynecological surgery to perform based on whether the patient wants to have children, her age and her symptoms. Surgery ranges from endometrial ablation to uterine artery embolization. A hysterectomy may be necessary if other methods do not help with the bleeding. Leading-edge surgical techniques provide patients with better outcomes Our obgyns pursue advanced training and educational opportunities to give our patients the best care. Patients who are scheduled for surgery can rely on our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns’ skills and knowledge. Contact us for an appointment.
Honest Communication with Your Obgyn
What you should know about honest communication with your obgyn Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns want you to know why honest communication with your obgyn is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Our physicians and staff are professionals who deal with women’s health issues every day. Everything you tell your obgyn is kept confidential, so you can be up front with us during your visits. Honest communication with your obgyn begins with these points Honest communication with your obgyn helps our physicians provide you with the best care. Your sexual history provides important information. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns need to know if you are sexually active. If you are, you may need to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and be advised about safe sexual practices. It’s also important to tell us if you have pain or other symptoms during sex. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns need to know if you smoke, drink or use illegal drugs. Honest communication with your obgyn about habits like smoking, drinking or drugs may make you feel uncomfortable, but our obgyns are not here to judge you. Knowing about your habits helps us to assess your risk of certain illnesses. Our physicians also need to know about your lifestyle when you are thinking about becoming pregnant or are already pregnant so that we can advise you about protecting your baby. Don’t hesitate to tell us about embarrassing symptoms. You may think it’s awkward to mention things such as leaking urine or a diminished sex drive, but none of this makes our physicians uncomfortable. Honest communication with your obgyn means asking any and all questions. Avoiding scary symptoms will not make a problem go away. Finally, honest communication with your obgyn is crucial if you think you may have a serious problem. For example, if you are hesitant to mention a lump in your breast because you are afraid you have breast cancer, keep in mind that prompt diagnosis and treatment saves lives. When you visit our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns for your annual well-woman exam, gynecological services or obstetrics, talk to us openly and honestly so that we can provide you with the best care possible. Let’s talk. Contact us 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.
Annual Well Woman Exam
Four reasons why you still need an annual well woman exam Even though you no longer need an annual Pap smear, you still need an annual well woman exam. This yearly appointment with our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns is the best way to prevent problems and stay healthy. An annual well-woman exam provides fundamental preventive care Here are four important reasons why your annual well woman exam is an essential appointment. It’s a vital opportunity for preventive care. Your annual well woman exam is about much more than a Pap smear and a pelvic examination. It’s about your overall health. Screening tests help evaluate your health. During your annual well woman exam, your physician may discuss the need for various types of screening, based on your age, health and risk factors. For example, starting at age 40, our physicians generally recommend a yearly mammogram. Our obgyns also recommend bone density screening for women age 65 and over. Pap guidelines have changed and a Pap smear is no longer needed at every annual well woman exam. Here is a summary of the new requirements. If you are age 21 to 29, you need a Pap test every three years. If you are age 30 to 65, our physicians recommend a Pap smear and an HPV test every five years. You may also opt to have a Pap test every three years. At your annual well woman exam, our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns counsel you about several essential lifestyle and health issues. During your annual well-woman exam, our physicians discuss everything from birth control options and sexual health to depression and weight management. Your yearly appointment is the perfect time to ask questions. Whether you are planning to become pregnant and want to ask about preconception counseling, or you are wondering about changes caused by menopause, your annual well-woman exam is a great time to talk with your physician. Our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns care about your health and well-being At your annual well-woman exam, you and your physician work together to achieve your best health. Contact us for an appointment with our Grapevine and Fort Worth obgyns.
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.
