Author: Greenville Womans Care

The start of the new year brings resolutions and reminders for all of your annual responsibilities. Regular gynecological visits, just like annual doctor’s checkups, are crucial for keeping you healthy. Here are the top reasons you need to schedule your annual OBGYN appointment:

1. Birth Control

There are many birth control options available to women. So many that it may be a little overwhelming deciding which is the best option for you. Whether you are ready to start birth control or already on birth control and considering a different option, your gynecologist can help you decide which birth control method fits your lifestyle and needs.

2. Preventative Care

Annual visits to the gynecologist are important parts of preventative care. Any abnormalities or changes are easier to detect and monitor when you visit the gynecologist regularly. Discussing diets, mental health concerns, and best practices with your provider is a fantastic way to monitor your health and take necessary measures for your wellbeing.

3. Breast Exam

A yearly breast exam is another reason to schedule your annual appointment at Greenville Women’s Care. Even if you perform self-examinations, it is important to have an expert thoroughly examine your breasts to ensure nothing was missed and everything is okay. Breast cancer is extremely common in women between the ages of 40 – 60, and early discovery typically means you have a better chance at successful treatment.

4. Intercourse

Whether you are a young adult, or going through changes, intercourse should be a normal topic of discussion with your gynecologist. If you notice any pain, have low libido, or are worried about an STD or STI, it is important to sit down with your doctor and share your concerns. Regular screenings are crucial for diagnosis of STDs as many do not have any symptoms, so it is possible you have one without knowing it.

It is normal for women going through menopause to  have libido issues. The loss of estrogen and testosterone can lead to changes in not only a woman’s body, but their sexual drive. The physicians at Greenville Women’s Care will take the time to listen to any of your concerns, not only about menopause, but for all life stages.

5. Period Concerns

Discussing changes and abnormalities in your menstrual cycle with your doctor is important. Irregular periods, excessive pain, heavy bleeding and other issues with your cycle could be signs of an underlying issue. An OBGYN specializes in women’s reproductive health issues, so making your gynecologist aware of these issues is the first step to addressing and resolving menstrual issues.

6. Preconception

Ready to start a family? It could be beneficial to discuss the next steps with your provider. 1 in 8 families struggle with conceiving – and getting your body prepared to conceive is important in your family planning. Discuss any fears or issues with your gynecologist. They can help you determine best practices, ovulation cycles, and answer any other questions you may have.

7. Mental Health/Wellness

Your OB/GYN can support and help you with more than just your physical health. Whether you are struggling with your mental health, have postpartum depression, or are in the middle of menopause – discuss your feelings and thoughts with your provider. There is no better time than during your well-woman exam to talk through your emotions and receive support and help from someone you can trust.

Greenville Women’s Care provides a full range of gynecologic and obstetric services for women of all ages. To schedule your annual visit, call our office at 252-757-3131, or visit https://www.greenvillewc.com/ to learn more about our services.

A lot of times, parents aren’t exactly sure when to start bringing their teens to the gynecologist. While there’s no definitive answer, there are milestones and signs you can look for as a parent that will help you determine when you should call your OB/GYN.

If your child is experiencing early, late, or irregular menstruation, it may be a good idea to take them to a gynecologist. Other milestones to take into account are heavy periods that cause major cramps, and when your child becomes sexually active.

At Greenville Women’s Care, we act as more than an OB/GYN, we can also be a source of primary care. You can bring your teen in (most teens start coming between 13 and 15) and our team can talk to them about their health and development. A gynecologist can answer questions about puberty, sexual health, contraceptives, concerns about menstruating, and more.

If your child is experiencing health issues, they are welcome to come to the gynecologist sooner than 13. It can be intimidating and scary to visit a gynecologist for the first time, especially when you are young. But, coming to the gynecologist when you are younger helps to set a firm foundation of trust that your teen can continue to rely on for years to come. However, if your teen is uncomfortable with the idea of going to a gynecologist and isn’t experiencing any health issues, it’s okay for them to wait until they’re older to come in (we recommend the end of high school).

Usually, your first trip to the gynecologist will include a physical exam and usually does not include a pelvic exam. If an exam needs to be done, it’s typically an external pelvic exam and the patients comfortability is fully considered. Your child won’t need a pap smear until they are 21.

The most common things teens come to the gynecologist for include period problems (painful, heavy, irregular, etc.), pelvic pains, contraceptives, the HPV vaccination, STI screenings, and to ask questions. Your gynecologist is here for you every step of the way.

If you think it’s time for your teen to visit the gynecologist for the first time, we recommend talking to them about it to help ease their nerves. The staff at Greenville Women’s Care is here to offer compassionate, considerate care and make each visit to the gynecologist as stress-free as possible. By visiting greenvillewc.com, you can view full profiles on all our gynecologists and find the one that best fits you. Visit us at greenvillewc.com or call 252-757-3131 to schedule an appointment today.

During Diabetes Awareness Month we wanted to shed some light on the topic of gestational diabetes. What is it, what causes it and how can you manage it if you are diagnosed with it?

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs when your body cannot make enough insulin during pregnancy. It affects how your body uses sugar and can lead to high blood sugar levels, one in ten pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born. However, if you have gestational diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. It is important to manage gestational diabetes through proper diet, exercise, and sometimes medication to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby.

One of the key factors that can contribute to the development of gestational diabetes is hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. These hormones can make it difficult for the body to use insulin effectively. Additionally, if a woman has a family history of diabetes or if she is overweight before pregnancy, her risk of developing gestational diabetes may be higher. Other risk factors include being older than 25, having previously given birth to a large baby, belonging to certain ethnic groups, or having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It’s important to identify the causes and risk factors of gestational diabetes so that your healthcare provider can offer appropriate advice during your pregnancy.

It’s important for pregnant mothers to recognize the symptoms of gestational diabetes so they can get the diagnosis and help. Some common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. However, it’s worth noting that gestational diabetes often presents with no symptoms at all. To diagnose this condition, doctors typically perform a glucose screening test, which involves measuring blood sugar levels after drinking a sugary solution. If the results are abnormal, a glucose tolerance test may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection and management of gestational diabetes are key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Managing gestational diabetes during pregnancy involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. The main focus of treatment is to maintain blood sugar levels within a target range to ensure a healthy pregnancy. This can be achieved through regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, following a balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake, and regular physical activity. In some cases, medication or insulin therapy may be necessary to control blood sugar levels more effectively. Close monitoring and regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are also crucial during this time. Additionally, pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes may be advised to monitor fetal movements and undergo regular ultrasounds to keep an eye on the baby’s growth and well-being. Overall, managing gestational diabetes during pregnancy aims to promote the best possible health outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Potential complications and long-term effects of gestational diabetes can include pre-eclampsia, the development of type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. In some cases, the baby may experience complications such as macrosomia (large birth weight), shoulder dystocia, and an increased risk of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life.

It is essential for women with gestational diabetes to closely monitor their blood sugar levels, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and take any prescribed medications or insulin as directed. By managing gestational diabetes effectively, women can reduce the risks of these potential complications and ensure the best outcomes for both them and their babies.

There are a lot of pressures to do what is best for you and your baby during your pregnancy. One way to ensure you are keeping you and your baby healthy during your pregnancy is to make sure you are tested for gestational diabetes, that you are managing it properly if you have it, and to have open and honest conversations with your physician about any symptoms or concerns you may have.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be approximately 19,710 new ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2023. Though this number is high, ovarian cancer is diagnosed in about 1.3% of women with roughly 50% of those women being over the age of 63. Ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, so knowing the signs, symptoms, and being open and honest with your doctor is important.

One of the reasons ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose is because the symptoms tend to be broad. However, it’s still important to look out for them and mention it to your doctor. Symptoms can include:

• Persistent Bloating.
• Pelvic and Abdominal Pain.
• Difficulty Eating.
• Feeling Full Quickly.
• Frequent Urination.
• Heavy Feeling in the Pelvis.
• Vaginal Bleeding.
• Weight Gain or Weight Loss.
• Abnormal Periods.
• Unexplained and Worsening Back Pain.
• Loss of Appetite.

There are two ovaries in the pelvis, one on the left side and one on the right. They surround the uterus. Ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. These cancerous cells are able to invade your healthy body tissues and rapidly multiply. Though most people diagnosed with ovarian cancer are not high risk, there are factors that can increase your risk for getting ovarian cancer.

• Middle-Age or Older.
• Family History of Ovarian Cancer.
• Having BRCA1 or BRCA2, or a Mutation Associated with Lynch Syndrome.
• Having Breast, Uterine, or Colon Cancer.
• Having Endometriosis.

These risk factors don’t mean you will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but they are important to mention to your doctor. The American Association for Cancer Research is currently researching and raising awareness about ovarian cancer through conferences, research presentations, and grants. Greenville Women’s Care is here for all of your OB/GYN needs. To schedule an appointment with one of our staff members, visit greenvillewc.com or call 252-757-3131.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) are both professional organizations that provide practice guidelines for health care professionals. They also are a resource for educational materials for patients. Both organizations strive to improve women’s health and support healthcare providers in their efforts to optimize maternal health.

ACOG and ACNM believe health care is most effective when it occurs in a system that facilitates communication across care settings and among clinicians. Ob-gyns and CNMs are educated, trained, and licensed independent clinicians who are experts in their respective fields of practice and work in mutual collaboration to optimize care for individuals they serve. Practicing to the full extent of their education, training, experience, and licensure, ob-gyns and CNMs support team-based care. ACOG and ACNM recommend utilization of interprofessional education to promote a culture of team-based care. Ob-gyns and CNMs, working collaboratively according to the needs of the patient, can optimize equitable care of patients and improve obstetric, sexual, and reproductive health outcomes.

What does this mean for you at Greenville Women’s Care?

This means that our Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Obstetricians will be working together to make sure that you and your baby both receive safe and personalized healthcare to ensure both a healthy mom and baby during your pregnancy. Other healthcare team members could include Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists, Nutritionists, Endocrinologists, Registered Nurses, and others depending on you and your baby’s specific needs during pregnancy.

Your OB team should have skills, resources and experiences that complement one another. At Greenville Women’s care we believe that collaboration amongst team members is essential to healthy birth outcomes for ALL!

Call us today at 252-757-3131, to schedule an appointment with our Certified Nurse Midwife, Sarah Sears.

Whether you heard it from a friend or read it on the internet, there’s a lot of misinformation about breastfeeding. So straight from the gynecologist’s mouth, we’re debunking the most common misconceptions about breastfeeding.

1. If you have smaller breasts, you won’t produce enough milk.

Breast size doesn’t affect how much milk you can produce. The amount of time you spend nursing your baby, the demand from your baby, and practicing healthy nursing habits will affect your production. There are many small-breasted women who produce enough milk to donate to milk banks.

2. Breastfeeding always hurts.

If you’ve never breastfed, or if it’s been a while since you breastfed, then your nipples may be a bit sore when you begin. However, this should go away after a couple of days. If your baby isn’t latching onto your nipple properly, the soreness can become debilitating. However, there’s an easy fix! With practice and assistance from a lactation consultant or midwife, you can achieve pain-free breastfeeding within weeks.

3. Some babies can’t latch.

It’s important to develop healthy nursing habits as soon as possible with a proper latching technique to avoid your baby getting into the habit of latching incorrectly. About 4% of the time, there’s something called “tongue-tie,” which can cause problems when latching – something that can easily be corrected in your doctor’s office.

4. You should wean your baby off breast milk after 12 months.

Interestingly enough, American culture is one of the few that pressures you to start weaning your baby at 12 months. Most babies will naturally begin to wean themselves between 12 and 24 months as they start walking and eating normal foods. Breastfeeding may become a ritual saved for waking up, taking a nap, going to bed, or for comfort. How long you choose to breastfeed is entirely up to you and your baby; however, experts recommend exclusively breastfeeding for at least four months.

5. Breastmilk doesn’t have enough water, vitamin D, or iron.

The beauty of breastmilk is that it contains everything your baby needs at that time in its life. Your body does this amazing thing where it changes with every feeding to match your baby’s needs. For example, if it’s hotter, your breastmilk will be more water-based. If your baby is growing, your breast milk will have more fats and proteins. Your baby is getting exactly what it needs from your breast milk.

6. It’s illegal to breastfeed in public.

Actually, there are laws in place in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rice, and the Virgin Islands to protect people who breastfeed! You have the right to breastfeed in public and private locations, so don’t feel pressure to hold off feeding or use a public restroom. You can read more about breastfeeding in public here: https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/breastfeeding-state-laws.aspx#State

7. Breastmilk and formula are essentially the same thing.

While formula is made to mimic breastmilk, it doesn’t have the antibodies or versatility that breastmilk does. Breastmilk is able to adapt to your babies’ specific needs, whereas formula cannot. For most babies, breastmilk is the best source of nutrition and can provide antibodies that formula cannot. This past June, the American Academy of Pediatricians updated their guidance and recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of life and encourages breastfeeding for up to 2 years. There are situations where breastfeeding isn’t possible or is contraindicated. Formula and donor milk are viable options when breastmilk is unavailable. You can read more about breastmilk verses formula here: https://forms.lamaze.org/WhatsinBreastmilkPoster.pdf

8. If you’re taking medications, you should either “pump and dump” or not breastfeed at all.

Contrary to popular belief, most medications are considered to be safe while breastfeeding. Usually, medication levels are much lower in breastmilk than they are in your bloodstream. However, it’s advisable to contact a healthcare provider if you’re on medications while pregnant and/or lactating. You can read more about taking medications while breastfeeding here: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/breastfeeding-your-baby

If you have any questions about breastfeeding, what breastfeeding could look like for you, or any concerns, call Greenville Women’s Clinic at 252-757-3131 or visit our website to schedule an appointment with our midwife Sarah Sears. We’d love to help you focus on the joys of breastfeeding rather than the fears.

July is Group B Strep Awareness Month, but do you know what it actually is? The bacteria that cause Group B Strep (GBS) is Streptococcus, and commonly lives in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts. GBS is fairly common and comes and goes naturally in your body. It is typically not harmful but can cause serious illness in adults of all ages, so it is important to understand what it is and take preventative measures to avoid potential infection.

GBS can cause:

• Bacteremia (infection in the bloodstream)
• Sepsis (extreme reaction to infection)
• Bone infections
• Joint infections
• Meningitis (infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord)
• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
• Skin Infection
• Soft-tissue infection

GBS is not spread through food, water or general contact. If you live with someone who has GBS, you are not at risk of getting it and it is unknown how people get or spread GBS.

However, we do know that the genital tract is a part of the body involved with reproduction. Therefore, GBS  can be spread by pregnant women to their babies during child birth. Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant women have the GBS bacteria in their body, making newborn babies at high risk for a GBS infection. When they have the infection, newborns are typically diagnosed with bacteremia, sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. These diagnoses can cause long-term complications, such as deafness, developmental delays, or disabilities.

Fortunately, there are ways to help protect your baby during birth. If you are pregnant, your doctor or midwife will make sure that you are tested for GBS between 36 and 38 weeks. GBS can come and go, which is why testing so late in a pregnancy is crucial. If you test positive for GBS, you are given antibiotics (called beta-lactams) which will help protect your baby. However, these antibiotics cannot be given before labor because the bacteria grow too quickly.

Early-onset GBS means that the infection starts in the first week of their life. Most babies who get GBS disease within the first week of their life are exposed to the bacteria through delivery. Late-onset GBS means that your newborn can seem healthy at birth and through the first week of their life, but symptoms can appear shortly after. The newborn could have gotten the bacteria from the mother during birth or from another source.

Here are some of the symptoms to look for in newborns:

• Fever
• Trouble feeding
• Irritability, continued fussiness
• Lethargy (limpness and/or difficulty waking up your baby)
• Difficulty breathing

Each year, approximately 930 babies are diagnosed with early-onset GBS and 1,050 with late-onset GBS.

Group B Strep can also affect adults who:

• Have diabetes
• Have heart disease
• Have congestive heart failure
• Have cancer or a history of cancer
• Are obese
• You are over 65 years of age

This blog is for informational purposes and does not serve as a consultation with a physician at Greenville Women’s Care. If you have questions about Group B Strep or any other questions regarding you or your baby’s health care, please schedule an appointment with us.

Call us at 252-757-3131 or visit our website to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians and advanced providers.

References: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/group-b-strep-and-pregnancy and https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jmwh.13125

The term midwife means “with woman”. Midwives are known for being present with women typically during labor and childbirth, but many people do not know that midwives are trained to care for women throughout the lifespan.

Historically and traditionally, women were present with other women during childbirth. This began to change when childbirth was moved into hospital institutions after Obstetrics as a medical practice began. Today, most midwives in the U.S. practice in hospitals, continuing to be with women during childbirth. Midwives have prescriptive authority, so YES, you can still get medications and/or an epidural with a midwife. And if you choose to have an unmedicated birth, the midwife is well trained on techniques to assist you.

The shortage of Obstetrical providers including midwives can be felt in many areas throughout NC, especially rural areas. I’m proud to say that I’m a graduate from ECU’s midwifery program, the only program for midwives in the state. I believe in the role of midwives in meeting the needs of the community. Eastern NC has such a gem in ECU, producing much of the midwifery care of NC and surrounding states.

Midwives typically function in a collaborative role with Obstetricians, working together as part of the healthcare team. This collaboration is essential in helping to reduce the cesarean rate, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, and bridging the gap in healthcare. Midwives routinely are available for prenatal and postpartum care, annual exams, primary care, STI screening, Contraception and Gynecological evaluations.

As a midwife provider, and as a woman who has received midwifery care, my desire is to be with women, acting as an advocate and a bridge in helping them in meeting their healthcare needs. That may be in providing safe, professional and comfortable exams, or being in the labor room for one of the most monumental moments of a family’s life. It may be in providing education on contraceptive options or holding a hand when it’s needed. The role of a midwife isn’t defined by the task of the moment but by being present.

If you’d like to have a consult or schedule an appointment, call the Midwife, Sarah Sears, CNM at Greenville Women’s Care 252-757-3131.

If you would like to learn more about Midwives visit, http://www.midwife.org/

Each year it is estimated that 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and of those diagnosed, one-third will die as a result of the cancer. But thanks to improved screening and vaccination, cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable.

The American Social Health Association and the National Cervical Cancer Coalition have recognized January as Cervical Health Awareness Month to encourage women across the country to get screened and receive the HPV vaccine if they are eligible.

Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. But over the last 30 years, the cervical cancer death rate has gone down by more than 50%. The main reason for this change is the increased use of the Pap test. This screening procedure can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find cervical cancer early − in its most curable stage.

Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife. Most cases are found in women younger than 50. It rarely develops in women younger than 20. However, many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age. More than 15% of cases of cervical cancer are found in women over 65. It is important to keep in mind though that these cancers rarely occur in women who have regular tests to screen for cervical cancer before they were 65.

Every women should be screened no matter their age, but some women are at greater risk than others for cervical cancer. Some of those risk factors include:

• Women with HPV, HIV or chlamydia
• Women who use tobacco products
• Women who are obese
• Women who have a family history of cervical cancer

Women with early cervical cancers and pre-cancers usually have no symptoms. Symptoms often do not begin until the cancer becomes invasive and grows into nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptoms are:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding after vaginal intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding and spotting between periods
• Periods that are longer or heavier than usual
• Unusual discharge from the vagina
• Pain during intercourse

These signs and symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cervical cancer. For example, an infection can cause pain or bleeding. Still, if you have any of these signs or other suspicious symptoms, you should see your health care professional right away. Ignoring symptoms may allow the cancer to progress to a more advanced stage and lower your chance for effective treatment.

Even better, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Make sure to plan and attend your regular check-up appointments at Greenville Women’s Care for regular screenings. An additional step that women can take to prevent cervical cancer is to receive Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. Ask your doctor if this vaccine is right for you.