Know when to schedule your first appointment with an OBGYN.

Whether you think you might be pregnant or you already received a positive at-home test result, not only do you want to confirm that you have a new bundle of joy on the way but also that you and the baby are getting the proper care from the very beginning.

When should I schedule my first prenatal visit?

As soon as you find out that you are pregnant it is important that you schedule an appointment with an OBGYN. In most cases, your first prenatal appointment will happen at around 8 weeks. If you have certain health conditions or are experiencing any symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or abdominal discomfort then you may come in sooner. Even if this isn’t your first pregnancy you should still come in for regular prenatal appointments.

The first prenatal appointment is one of the most important visits and so it can often take longer. This is a time for us to sit down with you and get to know you better. Think of the first appointment as establishing rapport with our OBGYN team. After all, we will be with you throughout your pregnancy so we want you to be comfortable and happy with the care you are receiving.

What will happen during my first appointment?

We will need to go through your detailed medical history, which can include everything from any gynecological issues you might have to drug allergies, chronic health problems, or medications you are currently taking. We will also need to discuss any habits that could affect your pregnancy such as smoking or drinking.

We will also talk to you about the different genetic tests available to you throughout the course of your pregnancy. These tests can be a great way to screen for certain birth defects or genetic disorders like Down syndrome. We will discuss in detail the screenings tests that you can choose to have.

A physical and pelvic exam will also be performed during your first visit. We will also need to take a sample of blood to test for any undiagnosed health conditions or STDS. A urinary sample will also be taken to check for urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other issues.

Of course, during this appointment and any subsequent visits you have, we want you to know that if you have any questions or concerns that you shouldn’t hesitate to ask us. We can provide you with tips, advice, and support throughout this exciting and whirlwind time in your life to make sure that your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.

Your obstetrician is here to provide you with the care, treatment and education you need to help navigate your pregnancy. We provide comprehensive maternal fetal medicine to ensure that you and your baby get the care you both deserve during this exciting time.

Your OBGYN treats a number of common gynecological conditions, including irregular vaginal bleeding. It’s a concern that can be related to anything from stress, chronic conditions, or reproductive problems. Learn the common causes of irregular bleeding in gynecology, and how you can get your menstrual cycle back to normal. 

Irregular Vaginal Bleeding

In their reproductive years, women menstruate about every 28 days as the uterine lining sheds itself. The bleeding is often moderate to heavy during the first couple of days, then tapers off during the next few days. A normal menstrual cycle lasts up to a week. If the process does not repeat every 28 days or so, or a cycle is missed, or the flow of blood is too heavy or too light, that is considered irregular bleeding. Additional symptoms may include poor mood, problems sleeping, and sharp abdominal pains.

Possible Causes

You should talk to your OBGYN if your menstrual cycle starts to change or becomes irregular. Irregular bleeding can be caused by one or more of the following factors:

• Certain medications (including birth control pills).

• Endometriosis (tissue that’s supposed to be inside of the uterus grows on the outside).

• Stress and lifestyle.

• Blood clotting disorders.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (a hormonal problem).

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection usually caused by an STD).

• Uterine fibroids (benign growths in the uterus).

• Cervical or uterine cancer.

• Chronic medical conditions (not necessarily related to the reproductive system).

Treatments for Irregular Bleeding

In some cases, irregular bleeding resolves on its own. For instance, if the irregularity is related to stress, de-stressing activities may help, like light exercise, dietary changes, or bed rest. If the problem is your birth control, your gynecologist will discuss other birth control options. If it’s related to another gynecological condition, the treatment may require an ultrasound and further testing. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary.

See Your OBGYN

Schedule a visit to your OBGYN if you’re experiencing irregular bleeding. It could an easily treatable issue that your gynecologist can resolve with medications or a minor procedure.

If this is your first pregnancy you may certainly feel like you’re in uncharted territory. There are so many unknowns as you reach 40 weeks and your OBGYN is going to be a crucial part of guiding you throughout this journey into motherhood. An OBGYN will provide you with care, treatment, checkups, and support along the way. One question you may be asking yourself is: Can I exercise while pregnant?

The simple answer is that yes, exercise is part of maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It can help boost your energy and mood, especially during the earlier months when you may be feeling a bit tired and sluggish. Working out can even alleviate aches and pains throughout your pregnancy. In fact, regular physical activity could even be key to preventing gestational diabetes.

If you were working out prior to becoming pregnant then there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to continue working out; however, some things will need to change. While you may wish to workout at the same intensity and level you had been, your body is going through a lot of changes. Low-impact aerobic exercise such as walking or even swimming may be recommended by an OBGYN over high-intensity training.

What if you were a dedicated Crossfitter, HIIT queen, or marathon-running champ before getting pregnant? If you are a serious athlete, it’s even more important that your obstetrician works with you to create a training and workout program that will help you maintain what you’ve worked hard for while also being safe for both you and baby. This is particularly important for women who are personal trainers or professional athletes.

Starting Exercise While Pregnant

If you haven’t been working out prior to becoming pregnant you may want to take up a more regular exercise regimen to maintain good health throughout your pregnant. Before starting a new workout routine it’s important to consult your OBGYN. It’s important that you start out with slow, easy activities like a brisk walk through the neighborhood. You wouldn’t go from not being active to suddenly tackling a Warrior Run, so you certainly don’t want to do it when you’re pregnant, either. Err on the conservative side when choosing workouts to do while pregnant, especially if you are new to regular exercise. Your OBGYN can provide you with a list of pregnancy-approved exercises.

How Much Exercise is Enough?

Most pregnant women will reap the benefits of exercise if they participate in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week, as recommended by the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Of course, if you have any health problems such as heart disease or asthma, it’s extremely important that you talk with your OBGYN before you start any workout routine.

Workouts to avoid include any contact sports, exercises that could lead to falls or abdominal injuries, as well as exercising in extreme weather conditions. If you have questions about exercise during pregnant, talk with your OBGYN today.

Have you been screened for STI's, or Sexually Transmitted Infections? Surprisingly, most Americans do not prioritize this important health testing. Plus, many health care providers do not routinely offer testing for STI's of any kind; so, patients must ask them about it, says the American Sexual Health Association.

How often should you be screened for STIs?

The short answer is that everyone from ages 13 to 65 should receive a baseline screening for HIV, or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, states the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). STIs, including HIV, often show no symptoms but can cause serious health issues over time. Also, says the CDC, routine testing, treatment, and follow-up limits transmission of disease from sexual partner to partner. So, all adults should ask their doctors for testing once a year. In fact, they should insist upon it.

Who is at risk for an STI?

Potentially anyone is at risk. However, some populations definitely are more prone to infection. They include:

• Male homosexuals
• People who have several sexual partners
• Women under the age of 25
• Sex workers
• Individuals who have unprotected sex

Transmission of STIs is easier than most people realize. Oral, anal, or vaginal sex can spread the microbes or insect vectors responsible for these often dangerous and hard to treat diseases. While many people believe they cannot ever have a Sexually Transmitted Infection, WebMD says the vast majority of Americans actually have had an active form some kind of STI.

What do tests look for?

Screening tests look for:

• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, which is linked to oral and cervical cancer
• Hepatitis B and C, caused by viruses
• Herpes
• Trichomoniasis, a parasite infection

Tests are simple, utilizing a urine sample, blood draw, or swab of oral or genital tissues.

Don't ignore the obvious or not so obvious

STIs can impact your health and interpersonal relationships. So, be sure you know where you stand. Women, talk to your OB/GYN about testing, and men, do the same with your primary care physician. It's what you do not know that can truly harm you and your loved ones.