Obstetrics
Obstetrics
If this is your first baby or if you are an experienced mom-to-be, you will find that BHCW is there to provide the support you need. Our friendly staff and Physicians enjoy being a part of your special delivery. Prenatal education is an important part of the mother and baby's health. Our patients will find that BHCW provides options as well as education for both the mom to be, partner and siblings. We encourage our “Mom’s-to-Be” to become involved in childbirth classes. We feel this important component will both prepare new moms and refresh moms-to-be.
A fun way to track your pregnancy progress and learn more about what to expect: http://pregnancy.about.com/od/fetus/ss/ninemonths.htm
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Normal Pregnancy
Are you considering pregnancy? The time to see your doctor is now. Most of a baby’s organs are formed within a month after conception. This is often before a woman even realizes that she is pregnant. Your health and habits are actually most important during this early part of the pregnancy. Wise choices during this time are critical for a normal pregnancy and healthy infant.
Consider a preconception counseling visit with your doctor. At that time, he or she will review your medical and family history and past pregnancies. Diet, exercise and your lifestyle will also be discussed.
Facts About Pregnancy
- Pregnancy is actually closer to 10 months and is measured in weeks – the average pregnancy is 40 weeks or 266 days
- Although we don’t recommend any one resource on pregnancy, a good staple is “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.”
- A baby’s heart begins to beat in the second month of pregnancy
- Eyes and ears are formed during the third month; you can also usually hear the heartbeat with the aid of a Doppler
- In the fifth month, you can often determine gender with an ultrasound (although accuracy varies)
- Month seven, your baby is listening to you! S/he is also shifting her/his head down towards the uterus
- A baby gains about ½ pound every week up until week 37 where weight gain slows dramatically
- Although we try to be as accurate as possible with a delivery date, most babies will be born anywhere from two weeks before the due date to one week after the due date.
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High Risk Pregnancy
Many pregnant women aren't aware of their risks for having a premature baby. Understanding your risks can help you play an active role in your pregnancy and your baby's health. Some premature babies are fine; they are just small. However, preterm birth is the most common cause of health problems in newborns today. Babies born before 37 weeks may not have had enough time to develop, and may be at risk for health problems. Some of these problems can be treated in the hospital's NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) after birth. Others may result in lifelong problems, including developmental issues and learning disabilities.
Certain lifestyle factors may put a woman at greater risk for preterm labor. These factors include:
- Late or no prenatal care
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Using illegal drugs
- Exposure to the medication DES
- Domestic violence, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Lack of social support
- Stress
Certain medical conditions during pregnancy may increase the likelihood that a woman will have preterm labor. These conditions include:
- Previous preterm birth
- Twins or triplets
- Cervical or uterine abnormalities
Other medical conditions that may increase the likelihood of preterm labor:
- Urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Clotting disorders (thrombophilia)
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Certain birth defects in the baby
- Being underweight before pregnancy
- Obesity
- Short time period between pregnancies (less than 6-9 months between birth and the beginning of the next pregnancy)
It is important for you to discuss any conditions or concerns with your doctor.
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Infertility
We understand that it is often difficult for a woman to become pregnant. Infertility is often described as the inability to become pregnant after trying for one year (or six months for women over 35 years of age.) This is an issue for about 10% of women in the United States between the ages of 15-44 according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC.)
Infertility can be an issue in both men and women, although it is more common in women. The most common cause of infertility in women is due to problems with ovulation. Without ovulation there are no eggs to be fertilized. This is often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – a hormone imbalance that can interfere with normal ovulation.
Other less common causes include:
- Ovarian insufficiency
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Physical Uterus problems
- Uterine fibroids – benign growths in the walls of the uterus
There are other factors which can affect a woman’s ability to have a baby. They include:
- Age
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol use
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Weight (Overweight AND Underweight)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Hormonal imbalance
Barrington Health Care for Women can help diagnose the cause of infertility. This typically involves a physical exam as well as a review of sexual history for both partners. Usually, a few additional tests will need to be done.
A critical factor for determining infertility in women is to determine if she is ovulating each month. Ovulation can be determined by a few different methods, including blood or urine tests or body temperature charting.
If you are having concerns about infertility, schedule a consultation with one of our physicians. It is always best to get an expert opinion – we look forward to helping you.
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da Vinci
Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Benign Gynecologic Conditions
Some gynecologic procedures enable surgeons to access the target anatomy using a vaginal approach, which may not require an external incision. But for complex hysterectomies and other gynecologic procedures, robot-assisted surgery with the da Vinci® Surgical System may be the most effective, least invasive treatment option. Through tiny, 8-12 mm incisions, surgeons using the da Vinci System* can operate with greater precision and control, minimizing the pain and risk associated with large incisions while increasing the likelihood of a fast recovery and excellent clinical outcomes.
Learn more about da Vinci
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