We’ve all heard the stereotypes about premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that make it seem like women who suffer from it are just irrational and unpredictably moody. But PMS can be more than pesky mood swings that are inconvenient to the person dealing with PMS and those around them. Severe PMS can be a condition that disrupts daily life for several days every month.

What is PMS?

As the name suggests, premenstrual syndrome is a condition that affects women before their menstrual period. According to the Office on Women’s Health, the symptoms can occur up to two weeks before the start of menstruation. 

While there no one definitive cause of PMS, according to the Mayo Clinic, it is thought to be related to cyclical hormone changes, fluctuation in chemicals in the brain, and perhaps even undiagnosed depression. However, it is impossible to positively diagnose with a lab test or physical examination.

Symptoms of PMS

The most common symptoms can be emotional or related to behavior. These symptoms include depressed mood, mood swings, irritability, anger, crying spells, change in libido, and insomnia.

Physical symptoms of PMS can include abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, fatigue, headache, joint or muscle pain, digestive issues, and acne flare-ups.

How to Ease PMS Symptoms

In some cases, PMS can be managed with lifestyle changes. In other cases, consultation with women’s health care professional is necessary. Severe PMS may be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a more serious condition.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of PMS and they are becoming difficult to manage on your own with lifestyle changes or over the counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease discomfort, you should talk to your doctor to get a definitive diagnosis and professional treatment. 

For many women, here are some other tips that may help ease PMS symptoms:

 

1. Exercise 

Exercise is something that can help with a multitude of health issues. Along with diet, exercise will help keep your body in top working condition. It is one of the most basic steps you can take to improve your overall health. 

Exercise helps with the depressed mood and fatigue associated with PMS. It is recommended that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Aerobic exercises like swimming, biking, and walking briskly are good options

 

2. Change in Diet

Like exercise, changing dietary habits is one of the most frequently recommended things to improve your health and wellness. To ease PMS symptoms, take the following steps to manage your diet:

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Limit salt to help with bloating
• Eat frequent smaller meals rather than a few big meals
• Look for foods high in calcium (a supplement may also help)
• Avoid processed simple carbohydrates and eat complex carbs instead. Complex carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

If you need more help with your diet, you can consult with your OB/GYN for suggestions or seek counseling from a qualified nutritionist or dietician.

 

3. Stress Reduction

Stress can make almost any health issue worse, and PMS is no exception. To combat stress you can try:

• Getting adequate sleep
• Yoga
• Massage
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation

 

4. Medication

If lifestyle changes do not help enough, your doctor may prescribe medication or suggest over the counter meds.

• Antidepressants are often prescribed to help with PMS and PMDD mood symptoms. The types of antidepressant used in the treatment of these conditions are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Your doctor may prescribe one of these types of antidepressant such as Prozac, Sarafem, Zoloft, Paxil, Pexeva and their generic versions.
• Hormonal birth control may be prescribed to treat PMS symptoms. Hormonal birth control stops ovulation, which can make your menstrual cycle more regular and decrease the intensity of symptoms. There are also hormonal birth control options available that prevent you from having a period. For these reasons, hormonal birth control is also prescribed for women who experience heavy and painful periods.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most common over the counter pain relievers. They can be helpful in treating cramps and breast tenderness. You are probably familiar with many of these drugs, which include ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
• Diuretics can help reduce water retention and ease bloating when exercise and limiting your salt intake are not effective enough. Known as “water pills,” diuretics like Spironolactone push excess fluid through the kidneys. Although versions may be available over-the-counter, diuretics should never be taken without first consulting a licensed healthcare provider.

 

5. Alternative Remedies

While these treatments are not regulated by the FDA, and are not scientifically proven, many women report they have benefitted from alternative medicine. Anecdotal evidence is not a viable replacement for professional medical advice. Examples of alternative remedies that may help are:

• Vitamin supplements
• Herbal supplements
• Acupuncture

The main thing to remember with vitamin and herbal supplements is that they are not regulated by the FDA, so there is a small chance you won’t be getting exactly what is on the label. You should always speak to your provider before trying products, even those marketed as “safe” and/or “natural.”

—

If you make positive lifestyle changes for a while and do not experience enough of an improvement in your symptoms, it might be time to consult a professional. At Raleigh OB/GYN we offer comprehensive gynecological care and can help with issues related to your menstrual cycle, including PMS. To make an appointment, call 919-876-8225 or request one online.

Whether you are currently pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, you have probably thought about birthing plans and the different ways babies can be delivered.  

While vaginal birth is generally the recommended option in uncomplicated pregnancies, some women may require a C-section due to complications either during pregnancy or while in labor.

It is important to talk to your OB/GYN and other members of your care team to decide on the best plan to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. But it is good to have some information going into those conversations. With any pregnancy, it’s always a possibility, so it’s important to know what to expect if you have a C-section: 

What is a C-Section? 

A cesarean section, or C-section, is the surgical delivery of a baby through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. This is done as an alternative to vaginal delivery. A C-section may be necessary for the safety of the mother and/or baby when a vaginal delivery poses some danger.

A C-section is abdominal surgery, so before the procedure, you will be prepped for the operation. You will be given an IV to administer fluids and medications, which can include anesthesia medication or medication to prevent infection. Your abdomen will be washed and other sanitary measures will be taken. You will also be given a catheter to keep the bladder empty during surgery, which decreases the risk of injury to the organ during the procedure.

A C-section requires anesthesia and you may be given general anesthesia, a spinal block, or an epidural block. General anesthesia will put you to sleep, so you will not be awake during the procedure. The other two methods numb the lower half of the body and you will be conscious during the procedure.

 There are multiple layers that your surgeon must go through before reaching the baby. These include incisions in your abdominal wall and then in the wall of the uterus. These incisions can either be transverse (horizontal) or vertical. The doctor and surgical team will deliver the baby through the incisions, the umbilical cord will be cut, followed by the removal of the placenta. The uterine incision will be closed with special stitches that will dissolve into your body as it heals. The abdominal incision will be closed using staples or stitches.

When is a C-Section Necessary

There are certain conditions and situations that make a C-section a safer option than vaginal delivery. The C-section may be planned due to pre-existing conditions or issues that develop during pregnancy. It may also be deemed necessary if complications arise once labor for a planned vaginal delivery has begun.

A C-section may be necessary for one or more of the following reasons:

• Breech presentation
• A very large baby
• Pregnancy with multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) which has an increased risk of premature labor, poor positioning, or other issues
• Maternal medical conditions like hypertension or diabetes
• Maternal infections such as HIV or herpes
• Failure of labor to progress (the cervix may not open enough for the baby to move into the vagina)
• Concern for the baby due to abnormalities detected in fetal monitoring or umbilical cord compression
• Concern for the mother such as hemorrhaging or placenta
• Uterine rupture
• Placental abruption, which is the placenta peeling away from the uterine wall

If you have had a C-section with a previous pregnancy you are more likely to require the procedure for additional births. However, it is possible to have a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) in some cases. Talk to your doctor about the risks to see if you are a candidate for VBAC.

What are the Risks and Complications Associated with a C-Section?

While a C-section does carry increased risks, most complications are usually easily treated. Some of the risks are specific to cesarean delivery, but many are the same as the risks of other surgeries that require anesthesia. The most common risks include:

• Blood loss
• Blood clots in legs, lungs, or pelvic organs
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia or other medications
• Injury to the bowel or bladder
• Infection

What is Recovery from a C-Section Like?

As with other surgeries, recovery from a C-section can vary from woman to woman. Unless you were given general anesthesia, you will be able to see your baby immediately. After delivery, the baby is often placed on the mother’s chest. You should also be able to breastfeed right away. 

Typically, the hospital stay after a C-section is two to four days long. While you are in the hospital recovering, your incision will be checked regularly. Your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will also be monitored following the surgery. You will need to stay in bed for a while after the procedure, but as soon as the anesthesia has worn off you will be encouraged to start taking short walks. The first few times you leave the bed you should have assistance from a nurse or another adult.

The most common issue women experience during recovery from a C-section is pain or soreness at the incision site. Your doctor can prescribe pain medication to ease the pain after the anesthesia wears off after surgery. Other symptoms you may experience during the recovery period include: 

• Bleeding or discharge for 4 – 6 weeks
• Cramping, especially if you’re breastfeeding
• Bleeding with clots and cramps

Before you are discharged from the hospital, you will be instructed on how to care for the incision to prevent infection or trauma. You will also be given instructions on limiting your activity and other ways to take care of yourself when you return home.

If you develop a fever or if the pain or symptoms above worsen, contact your OB/GYN immediately as these can be signs of infection. 

—

Whether you and your doctor have decided on a scheduled C-section or you require one to safely deliver the baby after the onset of labor, Raleigh OB/GYN will be there for you every step of the way. We strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment no matter the birthing situation. Our doctors, nurses, and staff are all committed to providing the highest standard of care to you and your baby at every stage. To make an appointment, call 919-876-8225 or request one online.

Most parents are well-versed in preventative healthcare for their children. They follow the recommended schedule for well visits and immunization and schedule the sports physical so their child can play soccer. They know when it’s time for dental cleanings, and inevitably when it’s time to consult an orthodontist. But, when it comes to raising girls, parents may not realize a first gynecologist visit should be scheduled between ages 13 and 15.

What to Expect

Most girls will not need a pelvic exam during the first visit. Many gynecologists will just do a regular health exam and talk to your daughter about her development. A regular health exam typically includes:

• Basic checks for vitals such as weight, heart rate and blood pressure
• Breast exam to detect lumps, cysts or breast problems
• External exam
• Pelvic (internal) exam, if needed
• STD testing, if sexually active

The provider will ask questions that can help determine which tests to run and what issues to discuss, such as:

• When was your last period?
• Are you having any problems with your period, such as pain or heavy bleeding?
• Have you noticed any unusual vaginal discharge or sores, itchiness or discomfort in the vaginal area?
• Are you, or have you ever been, sexually active?
• If so, are you using birth control or protection for sexually transmitted diseases?
• Do you think you could be pregnant?

These question may your daughter feel uncomfortable, but before the appointment discuss the importance of answering truthfully.

How to Prepare

Before your daughter’s first well-woman exam with a gynecologist, there are a few things you can do to help prepare and make her feel more comfortable.

For starters, before her first appointment, you may consider bringing her with you to one of your exams. This will help alleviate any nerves by letting her see firsthand what a well-woman visit entails.

If either of you doesn’t feel comfortable attending one of your appointments together, have a conversation about what to expect and why the doctor is doing it.

Here you can introduce to her gynecologist and prepare her for the first examination.  Also mostly the first examination is just a simple regular health check and talk about the developments.  Apart from that, if any case your daughter is sexually active, she should take her exams with the gynecologist. Even she is not; still, she needs to know about how to keep her healthy and protected.

Contact Raleigh OB/GYN Centre

The team at Raleigh OB/GYN includes six board-certified physicians–both male and female should you or your daughter have a preference for which she sees. Our practice believes that routine gynecological care is key to living a happy, healthy life. For this reason, we begin seeing patients in their adolescence and continue this relationship throughout their lifetime. To schedule an appointment for your daughter’s first gynecological exam, call (919) 876-8225.

 

Each time we turn on the news or scroll through social media, it seems like another female celebrity is sharing her experience with endometriosis–a disease in which the lining of the uterus grows in other places in the body.

From Dancing with the Stars’ Julianne Hough and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi to Susan Sarandon and Whoopi Goldberg, it’s apparent that endometriosis doesn’t appear to discriminate based on race, ethnicity or socioeconomic background. While these women and countless others have helped raise awareness about this disease, it’s important to focus on the facts.

Here are six signs of endometriosis that all women should know:

• Painful periods: An estimated 75% of women with endometriosis have been found to have a history of painful, crampy periods that can be traced back to their adolescence. We’re not talking about the occasional slight cramps on your heavier day, but pain to the extent that it interferes with daily life like your work day, relationships, ability to have intercourse or ability to exercise. You may start to feel pain before your period starts and possibly for several days after.
• Abnormal bleeding: Heavy periods lasting longer than 7 days that may or may not include large clots, or breakthrough spotting or bleeding between periods, may be signs of endometriosis.
• Pain with intercourse: Pain during or after sex is a common symptom of endometriosis, particularly with deep penetration or orgasm. This can be due to positioning, but it often means that the endometriosis is deep in the rectovaginal septum and pelvic walls. Women who experience this symptom may lose their desire to have sex and develop intimacy issues.
• Pain with bowel movements: Depending on the areas of the body affected by endometriosis, it may hurt to go to the bathroom. In severe cases, it might also cause bleeding and/or constipation.
• Changes with urination: In some cases, endometriosis may affect the bladder which can cause pain with urination, a greater sense of urgency or increased frequency.
• Infertility: An estimated 40% of women with infertility have endometriosis. In fact, seeking treatment for infertility is often how many women are first diagnosed with endometriosis. Inflammation caused by endometriosis may damage the sperm or egg or interfere with their movement through the fallopian tubes and uterus. The fallopian tubes may be blocked entirely by adhesions or scar tissue in severe cases.

Additional symptoms, especially during menstrual periods, may include diarrhea, constipation, nausea or bloating. Because endometriosis shares many of the same symptoms as other conditions it is sometimes mistaken for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  

It’s important to note that not all women with endometriosis experience pain. If you have any of the signs that may indicate endometriosis, you should consult a physician. The condition can be difficult to manage, but not impossible and early detection may result in more effective management of your symptoms. Call Raleigh OB/GYN Centre at (919) 875-8225 to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Raleigh OB/GYN Centre

At Raleigh OB/GYN Centre, we offer a full range of obstetrical care from preconception to delivery. We have offered state-of-the-art care for mothers, daughters and now granddaughters since 1974 and have since grown to three locations to best serve our patients including Raleigh, Wake Forest and Clayton, North Carolina. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our team of dedicated providers, call 919-875-8225.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is just around the corner on March 8th. International Women’s Day is a day that’s celebrated worldwide to highlight the social, cultural, political, and economic achievements of women. It’s also a time when women come together to advocate for women’s equality and gender parity. 

How You Can Celebrate International Women’s Day

We’ve come up with just a handful of ways that you can celebrate IWD this year.

1. Connect With Women In Your Network

Even if you have to do so virtually due to COVID, you can set up a zoom lunch meeting or coffee date to connect with women in your professional or personal network. You just need to take 30 minutes to an hour of time and connect. You can talk about anything that relates to being a woman in today’s world. Leadership, professional obstacles, and opportunities, personal struggles and triumphs, or anything else you want to share with other women.

2. Start a Book Club

Understanding some of the challenges faced by women around the world is an important step in advocating for gender equality. To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, consider starting a book club with your team or folks in your community that focuses on educating on women’s issues, empowerment, and achievements. 

3. Screen a Woman-Centered Movie

Representation in film has a huge impact on how audiences learn about gender norms, the issues we focus on, and the way we perceive the world. There are some great movies out there showcasing strong women and the impact they have on the world. Or look for films that are told from a woman’s point of view by finding some that are written, produced, or directed by women.

If you have a daughter, she can get in on the celebration. Try movies like  Mulan, Madeline, Alice in Wonderland, and Akeelah and the Bee. Not only are they kid-friendly, but it gives you a great opportunity to talk with your daughter about the importance the female character played in the movie and introduce her to this internationally celebrated day

4. Support Women-Owned Businesses

Supporting businesses that are owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women helps contribute to equal economic empowerment, representative products and services, and a more prosperous economy overall. Celebrate this International Women’s Day by deliberately seeking out and supporting local businesses that are women-owned. Share your challenge with your friends and encourage them to do the same! 

5. Be Inclusive

International Women’s Day is obviously a time to celebrate women. But that doesn’t mean that men and people who are outside of the gender binary shouldn’t be involved in the conversations. It’s essential that people of all gender identities are involved in the conversations and become equal advocates for gender parity. 

When you’re planning your International Women’s Day activities, ensure you invite and encourage your male friends or teammates to participate and champion gender equality together. And make sure your gender-diverse and non-binary friends and teammates are included and welcomed into the conversation about how we can promote equality for people of all gender identities. 

6. Celebrate the Amazing Women You Know

Sometimes, simple words of encouragement and love can go a long way in lifting someone up and inspiring them to keep going. Whether it’s your mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, girlfriend, or friend – send a text, call, or Facetime an important woman in your life to let them know how awesome they are.

Make an Appointment at Raleigh OB/GYN

Another great way to celebrate International Women’s Day this year is to prioritize women’s health by taking care of yourself. The physicians, nurses, and medical staff at Raleigh OB/GYN offer a comprehensive list of gynecological and obstetric services to the women of the Raleigh, NC area. If you have questions or concerns about your health, call our office at (919) 876-8225 to make an appointment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 12,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer. The leading cause of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common type of sexually transmitted disease. That’s why Cervical Health Awareness Month each January was established. Raising awareness about HPV and cervical cancer is a crucial part of helping women educate themselves on how they can protect themselves. 

1. HPV Causes More than Cervical Cancer

HPV is a very common virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), there are approximately 14 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV each year in the US. And experts estimate that at least 79 million people in the country are currently infected. 

 

Most HPV cases resolve on their own without complication. That’s because there are different strains, or types, of HPV, and not all cause serious symptoms. Some strains of HPV do create symptoms and are linked to more serious conditions. Certain types of HPV can cause genital warts. Those types are not linked to cancer, though. 

 

The types of HPV linked to cervical cancer can also cause cancer in other parts of the body. This includes:

• Oropharyngeal cancers
  • Tonsils
  • Back of the throat
  • Tongue
• Vulvar cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Penile Cancer

2. The HPV Vaccine Can Protect You From Cancer-Causing Strains

Practicing safer sex and using latex condoms can reduce your risk of HPV transmission through sexual contact. However, the best way to protect against the HPV strains that most often cause cancer is to get the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine can be given to both men and women.

 

According to the CDC, the guidelines for HPV vaccination are:

• HPV vaccination is recommended for children age 11 to 12. It can be given starting at the age of 9.  
  • At these ages, the vaccine is given in two doses. The second dose needs to be given 6 – 12 months after the first dose.
• Teens and young adults can also get the HPV vaccine. It is recommended for everyone through the age of 26. 
• Adults over the age of 26 can get the vaccine, but it is not recommended for everyone. If you’re over 26, ask your OB/GYN whether you are a good candidate for vaccination.

3. Certain Factors Can Increase Your Risk

Some people may have a higher risk of contracting HPV and cervical cancer. However, you should note that having a risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll get HPV. The following factors are linked to an increased risk of HPV infection:

• Having many sexual partners
• Sexual activity at a young age (younger than 18 years)
• Having a partner that has HPV or is considered high-risk
• Smoking
• Having a weakened immune system
• Poor diet
• Pregnancy before age 20
• Chlamydia infection

 

If any of these factors apply to you, make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations for HPV and cervical cancer screening. They can also advise you on ways to lower your risk.

4. Screenings Can Save Lives

According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. However, the number of cancer deaths from cervical cancer has gone down significantly in the last decades due to the increased use of the Pap test. This test is used to detect changes in cervical cells that can indicate HPV infection, pre-cancer, or invasive cancer. 

 

Pap tests and HPV tests have helped reduce the number of life-threatening cases because they detect cell changes before cancer develops or becomes invasive. Early detection means that treatment is more effective. 

 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has details on the official guidelines for cervical cancer screening. But you should consult your physician to make sure you are following the most common guidelines for HPV and cervical cancer screening. 

Contact Raleigh OB/GYN Centre

The physicians, nurses, and medical staff at Raleigh OB/GYN offer a comprehensive list of gynecological and obstetric services to the women of the Raleigh, NC area. If you have questions about cervical health or cervical cancer screenings, call our office at (919) 876-8225 to make an appointment.

When you’re trying to conceive, you might look for little signs and symptoms to indicate that you’re pregnant before you can take a pregnancy test. While a reliable test is the only surefire way to know you’re pregnant, these early signs of pregnancy occur within a week or so of conception.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

If you are trying to get pregnant, you can look for some of these early signs of pregnancy. However, it’s important to remember that every woman and every pregnancy is unique, so these signs aren’t a surefire way to confirm a pregnancy. If you think you’re pregnant, contact your doctor to get a reliable pregnancy test.

1. Missed Period

Not having your regular menstrual period is one of the most obvious early signs of pregnancy and the thing some women look out for to confirm they’re pregnant. However, if your periods aren’t regular, it can be hard to determine when you’ve missed a period.

2. Light Bleeding or Spotting

Light bleeding or spotting may occur about 10 to 14 days after conception. This is called implantation bleeding and it occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Not all women experience implantation bleeding while some women mistake implantation bleeding for a light menstrual period.

3. Cramping

Another early sign of pregnancy that may be confused with a menstrual period is cramping. At the beginning of a pregnancy, blood flow is increased throughout the body, including in the uterus. This may result in mild cramping.

4.Fatigue

Nurturing a developing fetus can suck the energy right out of you. Feeling fatigued is not uncommon even in the very early days of pregnancy. Your body is putting in hard work increasing your blood supply. Lower blood sugar and blood pressure are also common during the first trimester. When you add those factors to hormonal shifts associated with pregnancy, you might find yourself worn out. Luckily, many women find that they bounce back and have more energy by the second trimester.

5. Changes in Your Breasts

Another one of the telltale early signs of pregnancy is changes in how your breasts feel or look. During early pregnancy, your breasts may become sore, tender, and swollen. You might even notice a change in the way they look. Your areolas (the circles around the nipples) may get bumpy, darker, or bigger.  These changes are caused by the increase in estrogen and progesterone in your system. The discomfort is for a worthwhile cause though because these are signs your body is preparing to nurse your baby. 

6. Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is probably one of the most well-known signs of early pregnancy. It’s poorly named because it can occur at any time of day, not just in the morning. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), nausea and vomiting usually start before the 9th week of pregnancy and may occur before your missed period. For most women, morning sickness usually eases up after the 14th week of pregnancy, but others may experience it throughout the entire pregnancy.

7. New Food Preferences

Cravings during pregnancy may seem like a cliche, but many women do experience changes in food preferences even at the beginning of pregnancy. You may find yourself in the mood for foods or food combinations that you don’t typically want. You may also lose your appetite for foods that you used to enjoy.

8. Sensitivity to Smells

Along with changes in food preference, you might also find that you’re more sensitive to smell. Sometimes pregnancy can send your sense of smell into overdrive, so the smell of certain things might be really strong and unpleasant all of a sudden. 

9. Digestive Issues

If morning sickness weren’t enough to deal with, your digestive system may be upset in other ways. Some women experience heartburn or indigestion during the first trimester of pregnancy. Other digestive symptoms in the first trimester include bloating, gas, and constipation. 

10. Frequent Urination

Some people might associate frequent urination with the later stages of pregnancy as the baby starts putting pressure on the bladder. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, this can also be an early sign of pregnancy caused by increased blood flow to the pelvic area.

Contact Raleigh OB/GYN Centre

The physicians, nurses, and medical staff at Raleigh OB/GYN offer a comprehensive list of gynecological and obstetric services to the women of the Raleigh, NC area. If you have questions about confirming a pregnancy, call our office at (919) 876-8225 to make an appointment.

Everyone experiences anxiety on occasion. Nerves and worry can creep in before a big deadline, presentation at work, or any other situation. Pregnancy is no different and can create a high level of anxiety for new parents. This is to be expected—you’re about to bring a new life into the world!

But since the pandemic, rates of pregnancy and postpartum anxiety have more than doubled. A June 2020 survey showed that while 29% of pregnant women reported having anxiety prior to the pandemic, a staggering 72% reported it during the pandemic.

Let’s dig into what’s causing those nerves, what symptoms to look for, and some tips on managing anxiety while pregnant. 

Causes of Anxiety

Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman and even pregnancy to pregnancy. For some, it’s morning sickness and back pain, while for others its swollen feet and acid reflux. The constant physical changes and uncertainty can be overwhelming under normal circumstances, much less during a pandemic which can limit access to one’s support system. 

Pregnancy also results in an abundance of hormonal changes that can alter your mood and ultimately make it more difficult to handle stress. Excessive or unresolved stress can increase your chances of developing chronic anxiety which can have adverse effects on maternal and fetal health. So, it’s important to know the symptoms of anxiety and what you can do if you experience them. 

Symptoms of Anxiety

It’s natural to worry during pregnancy. But if the constant worrying begins to interfere with your everyday life, that is called anxiety.

Symptoms of anxiety might include:

• Feeling nervous, restless or tense
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
• Having trouble sleeping
• Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
• Having difficulty controlling worry
• Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

There are also some factors that can increase your risk of developing anxiety such as genetics, personality type, or having previously experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. 

Managing Anxiety

Mild cases of anxiety typically don’t require treatment, but you should keep your doctor informed. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend medication after weighing the risks and benefits. You should also consider:

1. Talking about it—When your anxiety spikes, tell someone. Your partner, a friend, or therapist all can offer support. By verbalizing your concerns with others, you may be able to keep those thoughts from overtaking your life.
2. Find release—Walking, jogging, doing yoga, working in the garden are all physical activities that help lower stress. Don’t like any of those options? Just do what you love. Being active for as little as five minutes a day can have positive benefits.
3. Use your mind—Meditate, get a massage, or practice deep breathing exercises. These activities help your body release endorphins without breaking a sweat.
4. Rest—Making sleep a priority can significantly help with stress and anxiety.
5. Talk to your doctor—Frequent panic attacks or the inability to manage your anxiety should result in a phone call to a medical professional. There can be treatments available to ease the most severe symptoms.

Managing anxiety while pregnant in the midst of a pandemic isn’t easy, but is doable. What works for others may not work for you. At Raleigh OB/GYN, we are here to help every step of the way. Give us a call at (919) 876-8225 to make an appointment.

Menstruation, or getting your period, is a normal and healthy part of life for most women. However, it’s still stigmatized in many places, including the US.  Some girls and women feel embarrassed or ashamed when they have to address their periods. It can even cause some people to avoid certain activities and miss out on important experiences. That’s why menstruation awareness and events like National Period Day on October 10th are so important.

Why Menstruation Awareness Matters

Menstruation awareness is something of a recent phenomenon on a national stage. While women have been working to make hygiene products accessible and erase stigmas for a long time, only recently has it been making public waves. Menstruation awareness emphasizes making hygiene products available to those who need them, but it has other facets as well.

Breaking Down Stigmas

A girl’s first period can be exciting because it is a symbol of entering womanhood. But it can also be confusing and a bit intimidating. That’s because a lot of girls are not equipped with all the right information to manage their first menstrual cycle. It’s rare that periods and feminine hygiene is openly talked about in a way that would make a girl feel at ease with this new stage in life. 

Society often treats periods and women’s health in general as if it’s something you don’t talk about in public. Menstruation awareness can help erase the stigmas around periods. That doesn’t just apply to girls who will experience menstruation firsthand. Boys need to be in on the conversation too so they know there’s nothing “gross” about a girl being on her period.

Educating Young People

Another really important issue menstruation awareness helps with is educating young people about their periods and feminine hygiene. Because of the stigmas we talked about earlier, some girls may not want to talk to their parents or guardians about their periods. If they hear the facts from reliable sources, they will not have good information to follow, the mystery surrounding periods will go away. 

Normalizing open conversations about menstruation will help girls learn about the different feminine hygiene products available to them and how to properly use them. According to Unicef, poor menstrual hygiene can pose physical health risks and has been linked to reproductive and urinary tract infections. Creating awareness and openness is one of the most effective ways to help teach girls how to properly manage their menstrual hygiene. 

Addressing Period Poverty

Another reason menstruation awareness has become an important issue is period poverty. Period poverty includes According to reporting by Forbes, 35 states in the US have a tax on menstrual products because they are considered “non-essential goods.” The increased cost of things like pads, tampons, and menstrual cups means many women can’t always afford the products they need every month. This is referred to as period poverty. 

Non-profits created and lead by young women have been a huge part of the menstruation awareness movement. Organizations like PERIOD have partnered with brands and other non-profits to form a Menstrual Movement Coalition that is working to make freely accessible period products available in places like schools and shelters.

Contact Raleigh OB/GYN Centre

The physicians, nurses, and medical staff at Raleigh OB/GYN offer a comprehensive list of gynecological and obstetric services to the women of the Raleigh, NC area. If you have questions or concerns about menstruation, call our office at (919) 876-8225 to make an appointment.

September marks the start of PCOS Awareness Month, so we wanted to take some time to discuss the symptoms and treatments of this common syndrome. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormone disorder that is common among women who are at reproductive age. The disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but there are PCOS symptoms that may help your doctor come up with a treatment plan.

While the exact causes for PCOS are unknown, there is a correlation between women with PCOS also having resistance to insulin. This resistance means that the body is unable to effectively use insulin. If the insulin levels start to build up, this may lead to higher levels of the male hormone androgen. Obesity can also contribute to increased insulin levels, ultimately worsening PCOS symptoms.

The Top 4 PCOS Symptoms

PCOS usually develops during puberty, but can also develop in response to substantial weight gain. 

Women with PCOS most commonly experience:

• Prolonged or infrequent periods
• Excess levels of the male hormone androgen
• Ovaries that develop small collections of fluid, and fail to regularly release eggs

While it can be difficult to diagnose, common PCOS symptoms include:

1. Polycystic ovaries: Women with PCOS commonly experience enlarged ovaries that contain follicles that surround the eggs. Because of this, the ovaries might fail to function properly. 
2. Irregular periods: When the ovaries are not able to regularly release an egg, this can lead to prolonged or irregular periods. Some menstrual cycles may be longer, shorter, or lighter than others, and some cycles may be missed altogether.
3. Infertility: The combination of malfunctioning ovaries and irregular periods make it difficult to ovulate, leading to infertility.
4. Excess body hair, acne, and/or weight gain: Elevated levels of androgen may result in a variety of physical factors, such as excess facial and body hair, weight gain (specifically in the abdomen), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.

If you have two or more of these symptoms, your doctor may administer certain tests to form a diagnosis. Ultrasounds can produce images of the ovaries to see if they are enlarged, or if there are any visible cysts. Blood tests check for hormone levels and can determine if there are high levels of androgen.  

Treatment Options for PCOS

PCOS symptoms can be more extreme if the woman is obese, so diet and exercise are two of the best steps to reducing PCOS symptoms. Making healthy changes can also help your body use insulin more efficiently, lower blood glucose levels, and may also aid in ovulation.

Additional treatments may include certain medications to help aid in ovulation. While these medications can help the ovaries to release eggs regularly, it’s important to note that there are certain risks, like ovarian hyperstimulation, where the ovaries release too many hormones. 

If you don’t plan to become pregnant, birth control may also serve as a treatment to PCOS by helping to control periods, lowering levels of androgen, and clearing up acne.

In some cases, medications used primarily for helping with diabetes can also help with PCOS symptoms. For example, if a woman with PCOS also has a resistance to insulin, these medications can help lower this resistance. In turn, this may lead to more regular ovulation and lower levels of androgen.

If you have any concerns with irregular periods or any other potential PCOS symptoms, give Raleigh OB/GYN a call at 919-876-8225 or request an appointment.