Traveling While Pregnant Basics

Traveling While Pregnant Basics

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Being pregnant is a normal and healthy state of living but there are a lot of physical changes that take place. This leads to many questions about what is okay and what isn’t okay. A common question that comes up during pregnancy is if it is safe to travel or not. Read on to learn more about traveling while pregnant.

Is It Safe to Travel During Pregnancy?

In most cases, it is safe to travel during pregnancy but there are some things to keep in mind. Talk with your OB/GYN provider before you start planning a trip. If you have pregnancy complications, are close to your due date, or are at high risk, they will likely recommend not traveling.

What Are the Dangers of Traveling While Pregnant?

In most circumstances, it is safe to travel during pregnancy but you should be aware of signs of complications and know when to go to the hospital or get emergency medical care. Signs to look for include:

  • Vaginal Bleeding
  • Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
  • Contractions
  • Water Breaks
  • Headache That Won’t Go Away
  • Elevated Blood Pressure
  • Signs of Preeclampsia
  • Changes in Eyesight
  • Swelling of the Face or Hands
  • Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea
  • Signs of a Blood Clot

Is It Safe to Fly During Pregnancy?

In a healthy pregnancy, it is safe to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. If traveling internationally, speak with your OB/GYN to see what they recommend. You shouldn’t fly if you have a medical condition that could be made worse by flying or that would require you to need emergency medical care.

Are There Places I Shouldn’t Go to If I’m Pregnant?

It is safe to travel to most places but you should consider if your destination has an adequate healthcare system in place in case you need care. Avoid places that have a high risk of zika or malaria.

What Should I Do Before Traveling While Pregnant?

The first thing you should do before making any travel arrangements is speak with your OB/GYN healthcare provider and discuss your plans. Make sure to plan ahead and check out what healthcare facilities are available at your destination. If you will be traveling overseas, check your healthcare policy for pregnancy and neonatal complications while in a foreign country. Make sure to check the pregnancy policies of any of the travel companies you will be using.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

LaparoscopyAbnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening

[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]

Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Kids’ Bathroom Safety

Kids’ Bathroom Safety

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Many people don’t think of the bathroom as a dangerous place but it can be. There are thousands of injuries that occur in bathrooms every year to people of all ages. Children are especially vulnerable to injury in the bathroom. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to keep children safe while in the bathroom. Read on to learn some bathroom safety guidelines.

Supervision Needed at All Times

Young children should not be in the bathroom by themselves. If the bathroom isn’t being used, close the door so that children cannot wander in.

Bathtub Safety

Kids under the age of six should never be left alone in the bathtub or the bathroom if there is water in the tub. The bathtub should be emptied after baths so a child does not try to get back in or play with the water unattended. Older children should not be responsible for watching younger children in the bathtub. An adult should be in charge of bath time.

Beware of Burns

It is possible to get burnt in the bathroom from water that is too hot. Keep the spout covered or blocked from children. Teach them that only an adult can touch or control the spout. The temperature of bathwater for a child should be between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can purchase a bath thermometer to check the temperature or make sure to check the temperature on the skin of the inside of your wrist before using it on a child. If possible, adjust the temperature of the hot water heater to below 120 degrees Fahrenheit or install an anti-scald valve.

Prevent Falls

The bathroom can be slippery and falls can easily happen. Use a rubber non-skid mat in the tub. Make sure to dry the floor and the child’s feet after a bath to help prevent slips.

Prevent Drowning

Children should never be left alone around water to prevent drowning. This includes a bathtub with water in it, large buckets of water, or even the toilet. It is possible to drown even in a very small amount of water.

Bathroom Medication Accidents

If you store your medications in the bathroom, make sure they are not accessible to children. If possible, keep a lock on your medication storage.

Preventing Accidents

Accidents can happen in the bathroom. Think about child-proofing your bathroom just like the rest of your living areas. Remove or put out of reach anything that could be dangerous such as razors, hair dryers, curling irons, and cleaning products.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

LaparoscopyAbnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening

[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]

Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Wondering if You Have Postpartum Depression?

Wondering if You Have Postpartum Depression?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Learn the symptoms of postpartum depression

Having a new baby is a wonderful time in life but not everyone always feels happy after having a baby. Women experience many physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and the months after pregnancy. Some women may experience feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness after giving birth. Read on to learn more about postpartum depression.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is described as having feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness after birth for more than two weeks. It is more common than people realize and affects one in every nine mothers. It is normal to feel overwhelmed after having a new baby but if you have symptoms of depression for more than two weeks, you need to consult with a healthcare provider.

How Do I Know If I Have Postpartum Depression?

The symptoms of postpartum depression include:

  • Feelings of restlessness
  • Being moody
  • Feeling sad, hopeless, worthlessness, guilty, or overwhelmed
  • Lack of energy or motivation
  • Crying a lot
  • Having thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby
  • Not having any interest in the baby
  • Not feeling connected to the baby
  • Eating too much or too little
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Difficulty making decisions or focusing
  • Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Withdrawing from loved ones
  • Headaches, pain, and stomach problems that do not go away

What are the Baby Blues?

The baby blues have similar symptoms to postpartum depression but they usually go away within 3 to 5 days. The symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and last longer. 

How is Postpartum Depression Treated?

The treatment of postpartum depression will depend on the severity and the individual. Most cases of postpartum depression are successfully treated with medication and / or therapy.

What Do I Do If I Have Postpartum Depression?

If you think you may have postpartum depression, reach out to one of your healthcare providers for an assessment. They will be able to help you and recommend a treatment. Many women feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about postpartum depression. Don’t feel guilty about what you are experiencing and talk to your partner or a loved one so they can understand what you are going through.

Resources

  1. Postpartum depression. Postpartum depression | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2023

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

LaparoscopyAbnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening

[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]

Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The number one cause of death of children between the age of one month and one year is sudden infant death syndrome, also known as SIDS. It is described as the sudden and unexplained death of an infant younger than one-year-old. Approximately, 1,545 infants die every year from SIDS. Unfortunately, there is no foolproof method to prevent SIDS but there are ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.

What is the Cause of SIDS?

Medical experts don’t know the exact cause of SIDS, but many believe one or more of the following factors are involved:

  • Brain abnormalities or defects
  • Genetics
  • Environmental stressors
  • Body regulation

How Can I Reduce the Risk of SIDS?

Fortunately, there are several methods to help reduce the risk of SIDS. Use the following 12 tips to help prevent SIDS.

1. Place the Baby on Their Back to Sleep

Sleeping on their back is the safest sleep position for babies until they are at least one year old.

2. Use a Flat Firm Sleep Surface with a Fitted Sheet and Nothing Else

A baby’s sleep surface should be firm and flat. A baby should never sleep on soft surfaces such as a couch or pillow. They should not sleep in a car seat, stroller, sling, or swing. A baby should not sleep with a loose sheet, blanket, or anything else other than a tightly fitted sheet on the sleep surface. This helps to reduce suffocation risks.

3. Breastfeed

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for mothers and babies. Statistics have shown that babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of SIDS.

4. Share Your Room

It is recommended to share your room with your baby for the first 6 months to one year. The baby should not sleep in your bed but in their infant-safe sleep area. Sharing a bed with your infant increases the risk of suffocation. Keeping the baby in your room reduces the risk of SIDS.

5. Keep the Baby’s Sleeping Area Clear

The baby’s sleeping area should not have any toys, blankets, stuffed animals, etc. The only thing that should be on the baby’s mattress is a snug fitted sheet. There should be no objects, toys, crib bumpers, or loose bedding in the baby’s sleep area.

6. Get Good Prenatal Care

It is important for women to take good care of themselves during pregnancy. Attend regularly scheduled healthcare appointments and avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs.

7. Do Not Smoke

Women should not smoke during pregnancy or after pregnancy around the baby. Do not allow others to smoke around the baby.

8. Use a Pacifier

Offering the baby a pacifier for sleep after breastfeeding is well-established as helping reduce the risk of SIDS. Do not force a pacifier on the baby if they don’t want it and do not attach it to anything.

9. Control the Temperature

Don’t let the baby get too hot during sleep. Dress them well for sleep but without over-bundling them. Never cover the baby’s face or head during sleep.

10. Get Check Ups and Vaccines

Getting regular health checkups and recommended vaccines helps lower the risk of SIDS.

11. Only Use Products for Safe Sleep

Do not use products that claim to prevent or reduce SIDS. These products are not supported by evidence and are linked with injury and death.

12. Tummy Time

Do plenty of supervised tummy time to help the baby strengthen their neck, shoulders, and arms.

Resources

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). How can I reduce the risk of SIDS? Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Retrieved February 8, 2023

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

LaparoscopyAbnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening

[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]

Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Medication During Pregnancy

Medication During Pregnancy

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the big questions you may face if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant is the use of medication. Many people take medication daily to stay healthy but not all medications are considered safe to take during pregnancy. Some medications are known to possibly cause pregnancy complications, miscarriage, birth defects, premature birth, or developmental disabilities. Read on to learn more about medication and pregnancy.

Medication Use During Pregnancy

The truth is that the medical field does not have that much information on the effects of many medications during pregnancy because pregnant women are not usually included in medication safety trials. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), what we do know about medicine use in pregnancy is:

  • 9 in 10 women use medicine during pregnancy, and 7 in 10 of those women report taking at least one prescription medication
  • Many women need to take medication during their pregnancy to manage their health conditions
  • Sometimes, avoiding or stopping the use of a medication during pregnancy could be more harmful than taking the medication during pregnancy
  • Some medications increase the risk of pregnancy complications, miscarriage, birth defects, premature birth, or developmental disabilities
  • There are several factors to consider such as medical history, current health status, the dosage of the medication, and possible side effects of the medication

What Should I Do About My Medications If I Am Pregnant or Thinking Of Becoming Pregnant?

The first thing you should do if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant is talk to your healthcare provider. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications. Make sure to discuss every medication you take including prescriptions, over-the-counter medication, supplements, and vitamins. If you do have health conditions that you take medication for, talk with your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage your condition during pregnancy. The key to managing medication concerns during pregnancy is to talk with your healthcare provider about them.

Resources

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 20). Pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 2, 2023

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1618658856512{margin-top: 75px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Services We Offer:”][vc_column_text]

LaparoscopyAbnormal Bleeding | Menopause | Minimally Invasive Surgery | Contraception | Pap Smear | Pelvic Pain | Family Planning | STD Testing | Hormone Therapy | Hysterectomy | Infertility | 3D Mammography | Pregnancy & Prenatal Care | Preventive Screening

[/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”Website Navigation:”][vc_column_text]

Home | About | OB Videos | Insurances Accepted | Blog | Providers | Michael Anthony, MD, FACOG | Noemi Maydew, MD, FACOG | Anne Bond Bonpain, MD, FACOG | Elita Wyckoff, MD, FACOG | Gilberto Rodrigo, MD, FACOG | Jennifer Fraley, MD, FACOG | Heather Flowers | Courtney Braswell | Services | Patient Care | Advanced Care Team | Testimonials | Contact Us | Patient Portal

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]