Author: Greenville Womans Care

Pregnancy is an exciting and joyous time, and expectant mothers should be careful and take all the necessary precautions to ensure a healthy pregnancy and smooth delivery.

Prenatal care is one of the most essential things every pregnant woman should prioritize. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women have their first prenatal visit within the first eight weeks of pregnancy with regular check-ups thereafter.

This blog will discuss the importance of early and regular check-ups during pregnancy.

What is Prenatal Care?

Prenatal care is the healthcare you receive from your OBGYN during pregnancy, which allows your OB/GYN to monitor your baby’s and your health. Regular prenatal visits can help prevent complications while informing women about the necessary steps they can take to protect their infant and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

The components of prenatal care are physical exams, weight checks, lab tests, and ultrasounds.

Typical Prenatal Schedule

While it varies depending on your specific health situation, a typical prenatal care schedule could look like this:

• First Visit: This is usually around week 8 of your pregnancy. Your OB/GYN will confirm your pregnancy and perform initial tests.
• Weeks 4 to 28: Expect a prenatal visit every 4 weeks. These visits will check the progress of your pregnancy and your health.
• Weeks 28 to 36: Starting from week 28, your visits will become more frequent, usually every two weeks.
• Weeks 36 to Birth: From week 36 until you give birth, expect to see your OB/GYN every week.

Remember, these are general guidelines. Your OB/GYN will give you a schedule that suits your needs.

The Importance of Early and Regular Check-ups

Here are some reasons why early and regular prenatal check-ups are so important.

Early Check-Ups Allow Early Detection and Management of Risk Factors

During your first prenatal visit, your OB/GYN will assess your overall health, identify any risk factors that may arise during pregnancy, and provide adequate information regarding pregnancy and childbirth.

This information will help you plan and prepare better for your pregnancy journey. Early prenatal care also allows for the early detection and management of any risks that may arise during pregnancy. Risk factors may include high blood pressure, diabetes, or genetic conditions affecting your baby’s health.

Regular Prenatal Care Helps Monitor and Ensure Normal Fetal Development

Regular prenatal check-ups are essential for monitoring the progress of your pregnancy. During these visits, the OB/GYN will perform various tests and procedures to ensure that your pregnancy is progressing normally and your baby is healthy.

These procedures may include routine blood tests, ultrasounds, and other tests. Regular prenatal care helps identify potential problems, and your OB/GYN can act promptly before they get out of hand.

Prenatal Care Can Help Minimize the Risk of Preterm Labor and Birth

Preterm labor and birth are a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Regular prenatal check-ups can help identify any risk factors for preterm labor and birth early enough.

Additionally, your OB/GYN can provide adequate information regarding warning signs of preterm labor and what to do if you experience any of these signs. Knowing what to do in such situations could help prevent pre-term labor, which could be harmful to both the mother and the baby.

Prenatal Care Can Help Prepare You Mentally and Emotionally for Motherhood

Pregnancy can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first pregnancy. Prenatal care not only ensures a healthy pregnancy but also helps prepare you mentally and emotionally for motherhood.

During your prenatal visits, your OB/GYN can address any concerns or fears that you may have about pregnancy or motherhood. Additionally, prenatal classes and support groups can help prepare you for the challenges of motherhood.

Prenatal Care Helps Ensure Safe and Positive Delivery Experience

Regular prenatal care is essential for a safe and positive delivery experience. Your OB/GYN can monitor potential complications and take necessary measures to ensure safe delivery.

Additionally, early prenatal care can increase your chances of delivering a healthy baby, reducing the risk of stillbirth, infant mortality, and other health issues.

Prenatal Care in Greenville, NC

Prenatal care is essential for the health of both the mother and the baby. Early and regular check-ups can help identify potential risks, ensure normal fetal development, and prepare the mother and father for positive childbirth experiences.

At Greenville Women’s Care in Greenville, North Carolina, we offer comprehensive prenatal care to ensure the health of both you and your baby.

Call 252-757-3131 today to learn more about our practice or schedule your visit. We look forward to serving you!

Even though nearly 1 in 10 women are affected by endometriosis, it is an elusive, complex condition to diagnose. Women can experience a variety of different symptoms that can easily be overlooked. We’ve compiled a quick guide to endometriosis – including what the condition is, symptoms you may experience, factors that put you at risk of developing it, and when to contact your provider.

What is Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs in menstruating women, typically diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 40. It is one of the most common gynecological diseases, causing tissue growth in different places of the body, including the fallopian tubes, bowel, and ovaries. Endometriosis affects more than 11% of American women and can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Endometriosis can also affect reproductive organs and require surgery to diagnose.

Symptoms

Women with endometriosis can have varying symptoms, some of which can seem normal. Symptoms include heavy menstrual periods, painful bowel movements, difficulty conceiving, pain during intercourse, cramps that worsen over time, pelvic pain, and bleeding between menstrual cycles. Other symptoms can include depression, anxiety, fatigue, and even chest pain. Because many of these symptoms are consistent with menstrual cycles, many women go years without being diagnosed with endometriosis. If you experience any of these or any other concerning symptoms, we encourage you to speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

Risk Factors

Though there is no direct cause of endometriosis, studies have shown that there are certain factors that put you at risk of developing it. A family history of endometriosis, beginning menstruation at an early age, abnormal or heavy menstrual cycles, and low body mass index all can put you at risk of developing endometriosis. Though there is no way to prevent endometriosis, you can reduce your risk by lowering your estrogen levels, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.

When to Contact a Doctor

Endometriosis is a progressive condition that develops and causes symptoms over time. You may notice pain outside your regular menstrual cycle or in different body areas. Noting these changes is an essential part of diagnosing your condition. If you are experiencing extreme pain, specifically during your menstrual cycle, intercourse, urination, or bowel movements, we encourage you to speak with a doctor. The sooner you share your concerns, the sooner your provider can determine a treatment plan.

Greenville Women’s Care physicians offer various minimally invasive surgical techniques to help treat conditions like endometriosis. Treatments are performed laparoscopically, enabling a quick and pain-free recovery. If you are struggling with any of the symptoms we have described, contact Greenville Women’s Care to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. We can assist you in determining the following steps to diagnose and treat your condition, answer any questions you have, and address all of your concerns.

Cervical cancer is the 2^nd deadliest cancer for women. However, thanks to an increase in research and better access to screenings, the death rate of cervical cancer has dropped by more than half. It is important to know your body, protect yourself, and spread awareness, so we have put together a list of everything you need to know about cervical cancer.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer, the 4^th most common cancer found in women, causes the cells of the cervix to abnormally grow. Cervical cancer can affect women of any age, with an average of 11,500 new cases being diagnosed each year. Typically, cervical cancer affects women between 35-44, with the average age being 50 years old. There are several types of cervical cancers, but the main two are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

What causes cervical cancer?

There has been a lot of progress in research regarding cervical cancer. Risk factors that increase the odds of developing cervical cancer have been identified, including smoking, a weak immune system, and long-term use of oral contraceptives. The main cause of cervical cancer is the infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is spread from one person to another during skin-to-skin contact or sexual activity. Having a family history of cervical cancer can also put you at risk.

Signs of cervical cancer:

Symptoms of cervical cancer can vary depending on the case and the individual but often include spotting between periods, persistent back or pelvic pain, bleeding after menopause, a change in menstrual cycle, and pain during intercourse. Sometimes, these symptoms could be related to a different issue, so it is important to share anything new or unusual with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. In the early stages of cervical cancer, there are usually no symptoms, however, cervical cancer can be diagnosed by tests ordered by your doctor, including Pap tests, HPV tests, and colposcopy tests. The 5-year survival rate of cervical cancer when caught in the early stages is 92%.

How to reduce the risk:

There are several ways to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. We encourage you to avoid smoking, practice safe sex, and get the HPV vaccine. Another way to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer is to get a Pap smear regularly. A Pap smear checks for precancerous cells and can help to diagnose cervical cancer in the early stages when it is easier to treat.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear, schedule your regular check-up appointment with your provider at Greenville Women’s Care. Talk to your doctor about screenings, symptoms, and risk factors, and discuss what prevention steps or vaccines may be right for you.

The holiday season is just around the corner. What is supposed to be a festive and joyous time of year can actually cause more harm than good. For some, it brings too many plans, a lot of spending, and spreading yourself extremely thin. We have put together a list of ways to reduce and manage your stress, so you can feel the holiday cheer this year!

Plan Ahead and Set Realistic Expectations

There will be many holiday parties, events, and dinners to attend in the next few weeks. There will also be many gifts to buy, family and friends to visit, and menus to plan. The holidays come and go so quickly, and they can cause a lot of stress and anxiety if you don’t plan ahead. To stay on track and avoid over-booking, try using a calendar to keep track of events. This way, you don’t commit to too much and you can space out your obligations. It may also benefit you to remind yourself that there will be bumps in the road and not everything will turn out perfectly – and that’s okay!

Create a Budget

A major part of holiday-induced stress is overspending. Try making a budget this year to avoid the dread of maxing out your credit cards. Make sure to include gifts, food, and travel, and be sure to set a realistic spending limit. Also, consider different types of gifts that may be more meaningful and less expensive, like something handmade, or an experience.

Take Time for Self-Care

As busy as we get around the holidays, it’s important to do something for yourself that helps to calm you down and reduce your stress. Take the time to finish a book, take a bubble bath, get a run in, go to bed early, or enjoy a holiday treat. With seasonal obligations on top of the day-to-day work and home responsibilities, it is crucial to recharge and take a moment to yourself to put your best foot forward and enjoy the holiday season.

Delegate Tasks and Keep it Simple

We know it can be easy to get carried away when it comes to making plans, cooking, and getting gifts – but it doesn’t have to fall all on one person. Be sure to delegate when you can, either by going in on gifts with another family member, asking for help with the dinner menu, or even enlisting someone else to wrap presents. It is also important to keep it simple! You may feel like you have to provide an “over the top” holiday event or spend more to keep up with what everyone else is posting online. Remember, you only see the best parts on social media! Your family will recall the time spent together, not the extraordinary gifts.

Prioritize Your Health

Finally, we encourage you to keep your health in check this season. Keep your scheduled appointments, stay on top of vitamins and medications, and seek help if you need it. The holiday season, though exciting and joyful, can also be stressful, overwhelming, depressing, and triggering.

It is perfectly normal to feel down, but we suggest you talk to your physician if you’ve been feeling depressed or anxious for more than two weeks. We are available to discuss any aspects of your health – both physical and mental, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a provider, 252-757-3131.

Urinary incontinence (UI) happens when you have trouble controlling your bladder. You may experience incontinence if you have an urgent need to pee, or you may leak urine between trips to the bathroom. Many women will experience urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. It is a common problem, and women are twice as likely to suffer from bladder control issues than men. UI can be a temporary or a chronic problem, but it can often be cured or controlled.

Talking to your doctor about urinary incontinence can be embarrassing, but it is an issue you should feel comfortable discussing with your gynecologist.

Two Main Types of Urinary Incontinence

1. Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks as stress (or pressure) is put on the bladder. This could happen during regular exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, or even lifting heavy objects. Any type of pressure or muscular contraction can cause leakage if a person has stress incontinence. Stress incontinence could be caused by weakening or damage of the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and urethra, which can happen during or after pregnancy.
2. Urge incontinence, or overactive bladder, is a constant feeling of needing to urinate. The person with urge incontinence always feels like their bladder is full, even when it is not, and it often results in an accident before they can reach a bathroom. Some causes of urge incontinence include neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Diabetes, alcohol, and some diuretic medications can also cause urge incontinence.

Although having one or two incidents of urine leakage can be embarrassing, it is not a definite sign of urinary incontinence. However, if the problem continues to occur more frequently, and impacts your quality of life, you should make sure to discuss the situation with your gynecologist.

If you’ve been having incidents, you may want to keep notes about each of them – including days, timing, the amount (is it a little bit or a lot), frequency, and any activities you may have been doing, like lifting something, to share with your doctor at your appointment.

Causes of Urine Loss

Some women develop urinary incontinence during pregnancy or after childbirth. Other women may develop symptoms during menopause or after a diagnosis of diabetes.

Additional causes of urinary incontinence include urinary tract infections, bladder cancers, obesity, and a C-section or pelvic floor surgery. It is important for you to discuss it with your gynecologist so you can receive the proper treatment, even if you think you know the cause.

Treatment Options

Depending on the type of UI you have and the severity of your case, there are a range of treatments your doctor may recommend. If your case of UI is mild, it may be helped with simple lifestyle changes such as adjusting your diet, bladder training, pelvic muscle exercises, or avoiding caffeinated drinks. Treatments for more serious bladder control issues may include medication or nerve stimulation.

Greenville Women’s Care has a full staff of trained, approachable gynecologists who are familiar with methods to retrain your bladder, medications that may help, or surgical intervention to stop urinary incontinence from interfering with your life. Let us help you enjoy a worry-free life again. Feel free to talk to our doctors about anything – we can help. Call 252-757-3131 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online.

Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women, affecting one in every eight women in the U.S. The goal of screening exams for early breast cancer detection is to identify breast abnormalities as early as possible. And if breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival.

When breast cancer is found because there are symptoms, they tend to be larger and more advanced. In contrast, breast cancers that are found during a routine screening are more likely to be smaller and still confined to the breast. The two most important factors in predicting a woman’s prognosis with the disease are the size of breast cancer and how far it has spread.

A mammogram can find breast cancer before it can be felt. And although it is a good screening tool, it is not perfect. Combining mammography with a clinical breast exam and self-exams make your chances of identifying cancer even greater. Having regular breast exams can ease your mind, and early detection of breast cancer may save lives.

Below are five things to know about getting a breast cancer screening:

1. What is it like to get a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray that takes pictures of each breast. Your breast will need to be compressed during the picture, which can feel tight and uncomfortable, but only for a few seconds. Some patients could be asked to come back for additional imaging if there are any areas in questions. Most of the time if you have been asked to come back, nothing more is needed except those additional images.

2. What kinds of mammograms are there?

Digital mammography is now routine in most places. Having tomosynthesis (a 3D mammogram) as part of your digital mammogram improves detection of breast cancer.

3. Why is a mammogram necessary if I don’t have a family history of breast cancer?

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Your chances of getting breast cancer increase with age. Nearly 80 percent of breast cancers are found in people over the age of 50.

4. What if I there is a family history of breast cancer?

If you have an immediate relative diagnosed with breast cancer, especially if before the age of 40, you could have a higher risk. Your doctor can help you determine if you are at high risk for breast cancer or can refer you to a breast specialist. You should get an annual breast MRI in addition to mammography if you are considered high risk.

5. What if I have dense breasts?

Some women have what radiologists note as dense breast tissue. This is normal, however it can hide tumors on mammograms. If you’ve been told you have dense breasts, talk to your doctor or mammographer about having a breast ultrasound. Ultrasounds do not replace mammography, but’s it is an option that is available for additional screening in women with dense breasts.

We know there are other factors that can cause breast cancer. Certain genetic mutations, including changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, are associated with higher risks of developing breast cancer. Genetic testing can help determine if you carry these genes. Research also shows that there is a link between your reproductive and menstrual history and the risk of breast cancer, some of these risk factors include:

• Early onset menstruation (before age 12)
• Late onset menopause (after age 55)
• Never having children, childbirth later in life, or not breastfeeding
• Menopausal hormone therapy and certain types of birth control may have hormones that are risk factors for breast cancer.

Studies show other factors which you can control could lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Living a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, limiting alcohol and eating a nutritious diet may be beneficial to your overall health. If you have any concerns regarding your risk factors for developing breast cancer, talk to your health care team.

At Greenville Women’s Care, we know breast cancer screenings, detection, and the risk factors can be very confusing. Our team of physicians and providers are here to not only provide you with your regular screenings, but to answer any questions you may have and keep you informed of changes in screening guidelines. We welcome your questions, so please call today to schedule your regular clinical appointment and mammogram, 252-757-3131!

September is Sexual Health Month, and we’d like to start by defining what sexually healthy actually means. Sexual health is physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality and sexual acts. Sexual health requires respectful and positive approaches to sexuality, sexual relationships, and sexual experiences. To have sexual health, the rights of a person MUST be respected – meaning there is no coercion, discrimination, and violence, and everybody involved is safe.

Sexual health is not a one-and-done thing; it is built over a lifetime. As you develop into a sexually healthy person, you will begin to notice these characteristics:

Communication – being able to communicate and being receptive to desires, boundaries, consent, and non-verbal cues, interacting and communicating with all genders appropriately and respectfully.

Relationships – have relationships with no sexual agenda and take responsibility for personal boundaries; choose trustworthy, safe partners, where you can be intimate without being physical.

Self-Esteem/Self-Worth – appreciate and stay connected with your body; allow vulnerability; become comfortable with sexual orientation and gender identity; confidence is establishing boundaries; become aware of negative sexual experiences, their impact, and how culture influences sexual decisions.

Education – recognize the consequences of sexual activities; recognize the impact of cultural messages on sex and sexuality; understand positive sex can be integrated into life in healthy ways; respect boundaries and the right for people to enjoy non-exploitive, consensual sex.

Values – establish personal boundaries; respect others’ boundaries; are unthreatened by differing sexual orientations; show respect for all individuals who are different from them (particularly in terms of culture, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, religion, race, and gender).

Body Autonomy – practice safe sex; promote healthy behaviors such as regular STI testing, check-ups, and self-examinations.

Achieving sexual health is about the journey, not the destination. It involves learning about yourself and becoming attuned to your body’s wants and needs. If you have questions or need assistance on your sexual health journey, that’s okay! Greenville Women’s Care is happy to help you however we can. To schedule an appointment with a provider, call 252-757-3131.

Everyone has different experiences when it comes to breastfeeding. Some people may love it, while others may find it painful. So how can you know what to expect? Greenville Women’s Care is here to answer all the common questions about breastfeeding!

1. When will my breast milk come in?

Milk production starts around the 2^nd trimester of pregnancy and comes in stages. In the beginning your body produces colostrum, which is a special milk full of necessary nutrients and antibodies.

Around 30 hours after delivery, your milk supply will really begin. The change in your hormones lets your body know that it is time for it to make breast milk. Over the next week you may also notice changes in your breast milk. It will change from the thick colostrum to a creamier white milk and your output should increase as well.

2. How can I tell if my baby is eating enough?

All babies are different, but generally a newborn baby should feed 8-12 times every day, approximately every 2-3 hours. An easy way to gauge nutrition is to monitor your baby’s weight, wet diapers and bowel movements. If you notice your baby needs to be fed more often than that, they may not be getting enough milk, and you may want to consult your physician or pediatrician.

3. Am I producing enough milk?

For the most part, moms make enough breast milk to provide plenty of milk for their babies. After delivery, and once you begin breastfeeding, your milk output should also start to increase from a few milliliters to a couple of ounces around this time. If you’ve breastfed before, your milk production may ramp up more quickly. And, as breastfeeding decreases, your body will naturally start to wean production.

4. Is leaking normal?

Leaking is extremely normal and can sometimes happen just from hearing your baby cry. Typically, leaking occurs if you do not nurse around your usual feeding times, as your body is still prepared to breastfeed.

5. Is breastfeeding painful?

Initially, breastfeeding can be painful until you get the hang of it. If your baby is not latched correctly, or if you develop clogged ducts, it can be extremely uncomfortable. Mostly, breastfeeding is pleasant, and it is a great way to connect with your baby and comfort them.

6. How Should I Store My Breast Milk?

No matter how often you pump, keeping your breast milk protected for your baby is very important. There are many storage options: bags, glass jars, and plastic bottles. You should choose the option that works best for your breast pump, fridge or freezer storage space, and lifestyle. Remember, your milk can be left at room temperature for up to 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 6 days, and in the freezer for 6 months. If you store your breast milk in increments of 2-4 oz it will make thawing and warming times easier and can also reduce milk waste.

7. Health benefits of breastfeeding – for mom and baby

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mom and baby. Breastfeeding burns calories because of the hard work your body is doing, and even helps the uterus contract after birth. Breastfeeding is completely natural and a great source for nutrition, and it also lowers the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, adult diabetes, and osteoporosis. For your baby, breast milk is extremely easy to digest, is great for their immune system, and lowers their risk of ear infections, asthma, and allergies.

8. Recommended stages of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding occurs in stages. It is important to speak with your doctor as to when the best time to transition to the next stage is. From birth to 6 months old, it is recommended to only breastfeed. By 6 months, it is time to slowly introduce solid foods while continuing to breastfeed until 1 year old. By then, your baby should be consuming a large variety of food.

We hope this blog has answered some questions for you. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding breastfeeding, ask your Greenville Women’s Care provider. Our physicians and Tess Garland, Certified Nurse Midwife, will be happy to answer your questions and prepare you for your breastfeeding journey.