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Best Pregnancy Skincare For The Summer

Taking care of your skin is important year-round, especially in the hot summer months. Pregnancy skincare is not discussed as commonly as other pregnancy limitations, but it’s important to be aware of the skin products you’re using during this time. Certain ingredients may not be harmful to you but will be harmful to your baby once its absorbed into your skin. Also, as your body is going through many changes, your skin will likely change too.

Whether you’re looking for a pregnancy-safe option to protect your skin from the sun or a product to combat new skin issues, there are certain things to keep in mind for your summer skincare routine. At Green Valley OBGYN, we specialize in obstetrics to ensure each woman’s healthiest and safest pregnancy.

How Your Skin Changes During Pregnancy

According to Healthline, the most common skin issues pregnant women experience are dry skin, darkening skin (melasma or chloasma), and acne.  The majority of the time these changes are hormone-related. However, if you have pre-existing skin issues, such as acne or eczema, it’s possible that your symptoms may worsen during pregnancy.  

Regardless of pregnancy, the summer heat can cause your skin to be dehydrated. Therefore if you’re pregnant in the summer, you’ll want to be extra sure to stay hydrated and moisturized to combat dry skin and stretch marks. Stretch marks, or striae gravidarum, are inevitable during pregnancy for up to 90% of women. Topical treatments won’t completely prevent or remove them, but we recommend applying pregnancy-safe oils or balms generously to problem areas. 

Hyperpigmentation or dark spots are other areas of concern for pregnant women during the summer months. Proper sun protection is crucial, as exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet rays can worsen dark spots

Is SPF Pregnancy-Safe? 

Using sunscreen is so important during pregnancy. In a perfect world, you could avoid sun exposure entirely, but that’s neither realistic nor fun for the summer. Most sunscreens on the market are pregnancy safe, so you may not have to replace your favorite SPF. Mineral or physical sunscreens are the safest options for pregnant women.

On the other hand, chemical sunscreens contain an ingredient called oxybenzone that has been linked to affecting healthy fetal development. Mineral-based sunscreens that contain Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide will be your best friend this summer. These SPF products sit on the surface of your skin without being absorbed; therefore, they won’t affect your child. Here are some of the most popular sunscreens for pregnant women

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Your Pregnancy

Aside from chemical sunscreens, there are other standout ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. One of the main ingredients to steer clear of is Vitamin A or retinol. Retinol is typically used to fight acne and fine lines or wrinkles. It’s a popular ingredient in many anti-aging skin care products. Unfortunately, retinoids have been the cause of significant birth defects in babies.

A prescription retinol, Accutane, caused so many health issues for infants that the National Institue of Health now requires any woman on this medication of childbearing age to be on two forms of birth control while also taking monthly blood tests in order to obtain their refill. If you’re considering pregnancy and have taken Accutane, be sure not to try for a baby for at least one or two months after stopping the medication. 

Another popular ingredient to look out for is formaldehyde. It is typically used as a preservative in skincare products. However, the CDC stated that it could increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage. 

When making your pregnancy to-do list, changing your skincare routine may not have been at the top of the list. However, it can make a massive difference for you and your baby’s health this summer. If you have any more questions or concerns regarding pregnancy skincare, contact us at (336) 378-1110

4 Steps Toward Creating Your Ideal Birth Plan

With nine months to plan, it may seem easy to create your ideal birth plan. However, there are a variety of factors that you must consider that change in the blink of an eye. The most important part of a birth plan is being open to changing it. Once you have considered the extensive case scenarios, you can feel confident moving forward in your pregnancy.   

Steps Toward Your Ideal Birth Plan

Your ideal birth plan is only steps away. At Green Valley OB/GYN, we understand that it can be overwhelming to embrace how much things can change throughout your pregnancy. However, having a plan in place can make the process a whole lot less daunting. 

Create A Document Of Preferences and Considerations 

While there are various scenarios that can play out during delivery, your birthing plan can have your preferences for any of them. It may seem extensive but running through the possibilities gives your delivery team the knowledge to follow your exact wants. Otherwise, you would have to express opinions in an already stressful situation. Pre-planning saves you stress and makes it easy to keep control over the situation. 

The American Pregnancy Association explains that if you do not agree with a typical policy or procedure then this is something to discuss in the considerations of your plan. This usually looks like a first page of plans for an uncomplicated delivery, and a second page that includes the handling of complications. When both of these plans are complete, you are ready to answer questions that may arise during your delivery. 

Talk To Your Doctor 

As you are addressing the possibilities, it is useful to have your healthcare provider weigh in when necessary. Your obstetrician has seen many deliveries and can help answer questions that come up as you create your plan.

This may even look like scheduling a meeting to go over the completed birth plan. Here, the trained professional can provide insight and advice on the plan as a whole. This may also be a great opportunity to receive more resources as the delivery approaches. 

Embrace Change With Confidence 

Even with these decisions, your delivery may not look exactly like your birth plan. Going into it with confidence that you have addressed the idea that it may not go perfectly can make it a much calmer experience. 

You’ve covered all of the possibilities. Once you have accepted that, you can feel trust in your own plan and the doctors who are going through it with you.  Even if something was to happen that is not addressed on your birth plan, your doctor will be able to talk it through with you and help you make the best decision for your situation. 

Find Ways To Stay Positive 

Your pregnancy is such an exciting time! It can seem impossible to not work through scenarios in your head, but a comprehensive birth plan can subdue some of of those worries. After you have gotten your questions answered, you can embrace the rest of your pregnancy and go into the delivery process excited about your new baby. 

Your ideal birth plan is not out of reach. With these four steps, you can have the plan complete, while also looking at the delivery in a positive mindset. Planning ahead can make a difference for you and your doctors. Are you looking for advice on your current birth plan, or the one you are about to begin? The doctors at Green Valley OB/GYN are here to guide you through the process to figure out what is best for you. Check out our website or give us a call at (336) 378-1110 for more information.

5 Things You Need to Know About Epidurals

As if there was not enough to learn about pregnancy already, add epidurals to the list. We’ve all heard about the device used to relieve pain during pregnancy but rarely do patients understand what an epidural is before pregnancy. That is why we are here to tell you the basics and things to know about epidurals before you experience one.  

Learning About Epidurals

At Green Valley OB/GYN, we are here to set our patients up for success through their pregnancy journey. Learning about epidurals is a very useful part of that. Here, we have broken it down into five main topics that get your most essential questions answered. 

What Is An Epidural? 

An epidural is a method of pain relief and control often used in the case of the delivery of a baby. What people often do not know is that it is also used for other types of surgery or injuries such as a broken rib to control the pain. 

It is very common for women during delivery as a great way to relieve pain during the experience. However, it is not required and is completely dependent on the patient’s choices and plan for their birthing experience.  

How Does The Administrative Tube Get Put In? 

When an epidural is used, it is administered by inserting a small tube called a catheter into the patient’s back. This is done in a few steps that make it easy to get access to pain relief. First, the spot of insertion is cleaned. Then the medical professional will numb your back with medicine in a small needle. This is often the most painful part of the process. Then, a needle places the tube into your back. Finally, the needle that secured the tube is removed. The tube is connected to more tubing taped to your back. From there, the extra tubing is connected to the machine that holds the medicine providing pain relief through the tube. 

How Long Does The Tube Stay In? 

According to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, this tube remains in your back until the pain is under control. When it comes to pregnancy, the tube stays in until the baby has been delivered. When there is no longer pain to control, the tube is no longer necessary. 

What Is The Removal Process?

The tube will be removed by a medical professional on your team from the pregnancy process. This is not often painful. Once it is removed, the skin where the tube was inserted is left open to receive air. It is very easy to remove the tube, and this is done in a way that prevents damage or unnecessary side effects. 

Are There Side Effects? 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, it will take 20 to 30 minutes for pain relief and the loss of feeling in the limbs to wear off. There are often cases of low blood pressure that cause patients to feel light-headed. Along with this sometimes people can have hot flashes or rashes. Some of the more severe side effects are rare. Sometimes people experience infection from the epidural, bleeding, and in very rare cases, spinal fluid leakage.  

If you choose to have an epidural during your delivery, it is useful to have an understanding of it beforehand. These five questions give you the opportunity to learn and educate yourself before ever encountering the epidural. Are you in the third trimester and looking for more answers about epidurals? Our doctors at Green Valley OB/GYN are here to help. Check out our website or give us a call at (336) 378-1110 for more information. 

4 Fun Ways To Share Your Pregnancy With Friends & Family

A new pregnancy is such an exciting time in anyone’s life. As if that was not enough, you then get to share it with family and friends. There are so many ways to choose to share your pregnancy with others. It is about finding the right way to celebrate. Whether you’re looking for a smaller-scale method or a big event, one of these options could be great for you. 

Ways To Share Your Pregnancy With Friends and Family 

At Green Valley OB/GYN, we know it is important to have a community around you during your pregnancy. Making them excited about the pregnancy from the beginning is a great way to make people feel like they are a part of it, even if it is in a minor way. Share your pregnancy in a way they will never forget!

Have A Party 

A great way to share your pregnancy with friends and family is to throw a party. Whether you say what the party is for, or keep it under wraps until the day, it brings together everyone to celebrate. There are so many themes and ideas for a pregnancy announcement party for you to consider. It is all about finding the one that will make you happy as you share such exciting news with your loved ones. 

Play A Game

A game is a surprise pregnancy announcement waiting to happen. Whether you incorporate a game of charades into your next get-together or even a game of Scrabble, you can make it fun as your friends and family try to get the hint. Share your pregnancy in the comfort of your own home while participating in an activity that is fun for everyone involved. 

If you are looking for even more inspiration, Healthline details how the perfect game of Pictionary can turn into a celebration of your new pregnancy for anyone you want to share with. 

Make A Baby-Themed Meal 

Another way to subtly share the news is by creating a meal entirely centered around babies. Your guests will have to connect the dots as they dine, and you never know who is going to figure it out first. SheKnows has some great ideas for menu items such as baby back ribs, baby carrots, a bun in the oven, and anything else that the store labels as “baby.” 

Send Out Announcements 

Sometimes, the pregnancy itself can have enough tasks at hand that a big pregnancy announcement party is not going to come together. If that is the case, this is a great way to avoid the process of a party while still getting to share your pregnancy. It is always fun to get to put together a creative announcement. 

Whether you use a digital resource or physical mail, a pregnancy announcement card is a great option. If you have had the chance to take pregnancy photos, you can incorporate them into the card as the main photograph. Using this method, you can send it to many people and not have to worry about having everyone in the same place to share the news. You do not even have to use mail. There are so many ways to send the announcement in e-mail format that cut costs and travel time. 


Your pregnancy journey is something to be excited about! Once you feel comfortable, share your pregnancy with friends and family in a way they will never forget. It gives you a reason to catch up with loved ones while getting to enjoy such an important stage of your life. Are you looking for even more ideas? At Green Valley OB/GYN, we are here to help from before the first pregnancy announcement to the postpartum checkups, and everything in between. Check out our website or give us a call for more information.

Debunking 6 Myths About Pregnancy

We’ve all encountered myths about pregnancy that seem like they must be true. From the morning sickness not only being in the morning to a variety of other truths, you never know what you’re going to hear. Just because you hear something often, does not mean it is the truth. Your pregnancy is a time to trust the experts so that you can go into it feeling confident and correct. 

Top Myths About Pregnancy, Debunked 

You are already feeling enough stress and anxiety going into a pregnancy. You do not need to add on trying to figure out if something is true about your pregnancy or not. At Green Valley OB/GYN, we are here to debunk the myths about pregnancy, so you do not have to worry about it. 

Myth 1: There are ways to tell the gender of the baby, separate from the ultrasound. 

People often believe that there are wive’s tales that give you the chance to confirm the gender of your baby before the ultrasound can even determine it. These ideas present themselves in a variety of ways. Pregnancy Birth & Baby describes the position that the baby is in in the womb, how active the baby is in the womb, and even the direction a ring moves if you hold it over the mother’s uterus, all as myths people have created about this idea.

The truth is, not even an ultrasound is 100% effective at telling the gender of your baby. Some people make it a complete surprise and simply wait until the birth to find out the baby’s gender. Often, myths about pregnancy come from stories people have heard over time.

Myth 2: Morning sickness only occurs in the morning.

Now, this is one of the myths about pregnancy that we wish was true. Morning sickness, by the name, would seem to anyone to be a sickness derived from pregnancy that only occurs in the early hours of the day. However, women who are pregnant can experience nausea anytime during the day throughout pregnancy. As each pregnancy is unique, some may simply experience it in the morning, but that is not always and rarely the case. 

Myth 3: You have to eat for two people.  

Now, this is one of the important myths about pregnancy to keep in mind for your health and diet. When pregnant, you may think that it is necessary to eat for two people to bring enough nutrients in for your and a growing baby. However, during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, your baby is able to grow based on the nutrient-dense diet you provide to yourself.

Only in the third trimester do you have to increase your calorie intake more substantially, but even then it is not an entire other human’s worth of food. Your diet is a great thing to discuss with your doctor, especially if you have questions about what is best to eat for your baby’s growth and development. 

Myth 4: Weird cravings will definitely happen. 

You may have heard from pregnant friends or relatives that they had a sudden and unexpected craving during their pregnancy. This may or may not happen, but it is not something you have to fully expect. Similarly to diet, there does not have to be dramatic changes just because you are pregnant. Sure you may find yourself wanting a specific sweet treat or something salty, but you do not have to expect out-of-the-blue combinations to suddenly pop into your head. 

Myth 5: You should avoid cats when pregnant. 

You may have never expected myths about pregnancy to include your household pet. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there is no reason to worry about your cat being present during your pregnancy. One thing to understand is that cat feces can contain the infection toxoplasmosis.

However, this is usually found in cats that spend a lot of time outside hunting. Realistically, the only thing a pregnant woman needs to avoid is the cleaning of the litter box. That is the best way to stay away from cat feces. 

Myths about pregnancy can seem normal enough that people will always believe them. However, getting the correct information from a medical professional or other reliable sources can keep you from worrying about unnecessary things. We know there is tons of information available online and sorting through it can be a huge task of its own. Do you have questions about other pregnancy myths you have heard? Our doctors at Green Valley OB/GYN are here to answer them and provide any necessary resources you may need. Check out our website or give us a call at (336) 378-1110. 

Pregnancy Tips To Get You Through The Holiday Season

Pregnancy is one of the most special times in a woman’s life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. From morning sickness to mood changes, pregnancy takes a toll on the mind and body. The same can be said for the holiday season: one of the happiest and most stressful times of the year.

With holiday shopping and pregnancy hormones taking over the holly jolly season, it may be hard to enjoy the holidays while pregnant. Take a look at these pregnancy tips to help you make the most of the most wonderful time of the year.

Pregnancy Tips To Get You Through The Holiday Season

The holidays are all about giving back to others – to friends, family, and the community. But pregnant women also need to make their own health and wellbeing a priority. Whether it’s healthy eating or taking the time for much-needed rest, follow these pregnancy tips to get through the holiday season.

Eat Mindfully

The holidays, especially Thanksgiving, are often considered synonymous with over-eating. It’s important to maintain a healthy, nutritious diet throughout pregnancy, even when celebrating the holidays. Fill your plate with vegetables and proteins, and don’t skip meals to save your appetite for the main course. 

Pregnant women also have an increased risk of food poisoning, so be sure to follow these tips for safe eating and food preparation this holiday season.

Take It Slow

Last-minute shopping, preparation for visitors, and getting the house ready for the holidays can run you ragged. Be sure to listen to your body and pace yourself during this busy time of year. If you feel your energy levels running low, take a break from the holiday madness and reset. 

Travel Safely

The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year as people hit the road or airport to visit loved ones. Most women can safely travel through most of their pregnancies, but travel may not be recommended for women with pregnancy complications. Consult your gynecologist before traveling while pregnant. 

It’s especially important to travel safely in 2020 due to the increased risks of Covid-19. Be sure to follow CDC recommendations for traveling during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as guidelines for celebrations or gatherings with loved ones. 

Get Moving

Regular physical activity during pregnancy can help counteract some of the discomforts of pregnancy, manage stress, and even reduce the risk of complications like preeclampsia. With the overeating and stress that come with the holidays, it’s especially important to get up and get moving. Check out this guide to exercising during pregnancy.

Manage Stress

Holiday obligations paired with the fluctuating hormones and physical discomforts of pregnancy are a recipe for increased stress. Stress can lead to difficulty sleeping, headaches, and a racing pulse. It’s important for your health and your baby’s health to manage stress and its effects. If you’re feeling stressed this holiday season, try these strategies for combating stress and feelings of depression during the holidays.

Accept Help

Sometimes accepting a helping hand can feel like you’re admitting failure – as a mom-to-be, a holiday host, or both. Your friends and family are there to help, so let them take the lead on holiday chores and cleaning while pregnant. That doesn’t mean you can’t chip in, just leave the heavy-lifting to others.

Sleep

Sleeping can already be difficult during pregnancy, and stress from the holidays may make it even harder. Getting plenty of sleep is one of the most common pregnancy tips, as lack of sleep can increase the risk of complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean section. Take advantage of afternoon naps and sleeping in late, which are already typical during the holidays, and get some shut-eye whenever possible. 

Enjoy the Happiest Time of Year

One of the best ways to get through the holiday season? Enjoy it! Moderation is key, but indulge in that Christmas cookie, celebrate with your family, or sing and dance to your favorite holiday songs to make the most of the season.

Contact Green Valley OB/GYN

If you have questions about pregnancy or are looking for more pregnancy tips, contact your gynecologist. Green Valley OB/GYN has been providing the highest quality of obstetric and gynecological care for over 70 years, offering a comprehensive list of services, including obstetrics and pregnancy care. To set up an appointment or talk about your health, call us at (336) 378-1110 to schedule an appointment.

Your Guide to Exercising During Pregnancy

As your belly gets bigger and your clothes get tighter, you may wonder, “Is it safe to exercise?”. The short answer is to consult with your healthcare provider first because every woman is different. However, if your doctor approves, here are a few tips to get you started. 

Will exercise affect my baby?

If you have a healthy pregnancy, exercise will not hurt your baby, but you may find that you will get tired faster. 

Why should I exercise?

You might begin to feel really uncomfortable and not just from tight clothes, but from constipation, back pain and swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. Regular exercise can help ease your discomfort and help you gain the right amount of weight. In addition, it’ll help you manage your stress and sleep better at night. Most importantly, it’ll reduce your risk of complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, premature birth, and cesarean birth. 

How much should I exercise?

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), healthy pregnant women need at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity cardio each week. Try working out daily for 30 minutes a day or breaking it up to 10 minutes three times a day. Make sure you’re repeatedly moving your large muscles (i.e. arms and legs) to the point of increasing your heart rate and breaking a sweat. A good example of this is a brisk walk where you can still talk normally. If you can’t talk normally, you’re working too hard.

What activities are safe during pregnancy?

If your provider says it’s OK to exercise, try picking exercises you enjoy. After you choose an activity, remember to drink plenty of water and listen to your body at all times. Here are a few safe prenatal activities. 

  • Walking is always a great place to start. Change up your routine by walking in your neighborhood, local parks or during your lunch breaks.
  • Swimming and water aerobics helps support the weight of your growing baby and alleviates lower back pain. Not to mention it’s easy on your joints.
  • Stationary bikes are safer than a regular bike since you’re less likely to fall as your tummy gets bigger.
  • Yoga and pilates are rejuvenating low-impact floor exercises. Check for gyms and centers that offer prenatal classes. 
  • Strength training will help you build muscles and keep your bones strong. Be sure to ask your doctor how much you can lift. 
  • Be creative and find new ways to be active in your everyday life, like low-impact yard work, taking the stairs or parking further to increase your steps. 

What should I avoid?

Avoid activities where there is a risk of falling or being hit in the stomach like soccer, surfing, and skiing. Avoid activities that put pressure on your uterus like sit-ups and laying on your back. Avoid activities that increase your body temperature like hot yoga, hot tubs or exercising outside on a hot day to avoid hyperthermia. 

When should I stop exercising?

Stop and call your provider if you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms:

  • Vaginal bleeding or leaking.
  • Chest pains, difficulty breathing or rapid heartbeat
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Headaches
  • Muscle weakness, trouble walking or pain/swelling in lower extremities
  • Regular and painful contractions
  • Your baby stops moving

Does pregnancy change how I exercise?

Absolutely. As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes making balancing more difficult. You’ll begin to experience more internal pressure on your organs making breathing more difficult. You’ll find your heart rate is faster and you’re sweating sooner. This is ok. Your body is working harder to get nutrients and oxygen to your baby. Since your body is working harder, you’ll find your energy is decreasing. While exercising is good for you, take care of yourself and be mindful of the changes happening in your body. 

At Green Valley OB/GYN we strive to provide comprehensive care for our patients so that they have the healthiest and safest pregnancy possible. If you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy health, including exercising during pregnancy, call our Greensboro office at (336) 378-1110 to make an appointment.

5 Things You Need to Know About Being Induced

If you are pregnant and contemplating your birth plan, you might also be wondering about measures that may need to be taken if something does not go according to plan. One topic you should be educated on is labor induction, or being induced, which is sometimes necessary for the health of you and your baby. Below are five important things you need to know about being induced.

1. Being Induced Stimulates Uterine Contractions

Labor induction is a term that refers to the artificial start of the birth process through medical intervention. Inducing labor is intended to stimulate contractions of the uterus to have a vaginal birth. Being induced is often avoided but can become medically necessary if the mother and/or baby is in distress.

2. You Should Only Be Induced When Medically Necessary

While elective labor induction is sometimes used to accommodate schedules and make things more convenient (such as if the patient lives far away from the hospital), the American College of Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that induction only be used when it is medically necessary. Medical necessity comes into play when it is riskier to let the baby remain inside the uterus than to induce labor. Elective inductions should never be given before 39 weeks of pregnancy.

3. Induction Can Be Necessary for Several Reasons

There are a handful of scenarios in which being induced is the safest option. All of these scenarios include potential risks to the mother and/or baby. Some reasons that induction may be needed include: 

  • The baby is overdue by two weeks. Prolonged pregnancy past 42 weeks can pose a threat to the baby as the nutrition from the placenta gradually decreases after a certain point.
  • There is a complication that makes waiting for natural labor dangerous. Complications can include:
    • Gestational diabetes
    • Hypertension
    • Preeclampsia
    • Heart disease
    • Bleeding
  • An infection inside the uterus known as Chorioamnionitis is present.
  • Labor has not started within the first 24-48 hours following the rupturing of the amniotic sac.
  • The baby is at risk of not getting proper nutrients and oxygen from the placenta.

 4. There Are Three Methods Used for Inducing Labor

 Depending on your specific condition and what you decide with your doctor, labor can be induced in three ways. 

  1. Medications: You may be given hormonal medications that will start labor. Two medications are commonly given when being induced:
    • Oxytocin: This is a hormone that the body naturally produces to stimulate the uterus and cause contractions for labor. Small doses of the hormone can be administered through an IV to start contractions. Two brands of oxytocin you may be familiar with are Pitocin and Syntocinon. This medication can also be used to speed up labor that is not progressing quickly enough. One thing to know about being induced with oxytocin is that the contractions can progress quickly, making them difficult to manage without pain medication.
    • Prostaglandin: This medication comes in the form of a vaginal suppository, which is inserted in the evening. It will stimulate the uterus and cause the start of labor by morning. An advantage of prostaglandin is that the mother is not connected to an IV drip so she can move more freely around the labor room.
  2. Artificial Rupture of the Membranes (AROM): In this method, the amniotic sac is artificially ruptured to increase the production of prostaglandin and start or speed up contractions. The membranes are ruptured with a sterile thin plastic hook, which is brushed against the membranes just inside the cervix. This will cause the baby’s head to move down and press against the cervix, which increases the strength of contractions.
  3. Nipple Stimulation: This more natural method can be performed manually or with an electric breast pump. The stimulation of the nipples increases oxytocin production, which can cause contractions and initiate labor. Similarly, after the baby is born, nursing can stimulate contractions and slow postpartum bleeding.

 5. After Being Induced, You Can Still Make Your Own Decision About Pain Medication

The goal of induction is to have a normal vaginal birth, so even when you are induced, you will be able to choose whether or not to receive pain medication during labor. Some women prefer to stick to breathing exercises and pushing at their own pace without medications, while other women opt to get an epidural or other pain medication.

 

At GreenValley OB/GYN, our doctors have more than 200 years of combined experience with pregnancy care and delivery, so we are well versed in subjects like labor induction. If you have questions or concerning things you need to know about being induced, our expert physicians and staff are here to provide advice and guidance. To make an appointment, call our office at 336-378-1110 or request one through our online patient portal.

9 Questions to Ask at Your First Prenatal Appointment

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! You are probably feeling a lot of different things right now– excitement, nervousness, uncertainty, joy, disbelief and just about every other emotion under the sun. When you go to your first appointment (usually at 8 to 10 weeks) you can calm a few of those emotions by having a plan and a list of questions to ask your doctor. You may have your own questions ready, but also consider these nine questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment:

1. What lifestyle changes do I need to make immediately?

Once you learn you are pregnant, you’ll need to change some things about your lifestyle right away. Depending on your habits pre-pregnancy, these changes may seem drastic or they might not be super noticeable. Either way, you will not have a problem making these changes for the good of your child (and your own health while carrying the child, which is top priority).

Here are some things to discuss at the beginning of the pregnancy to avoid possible negative effects:

  • Diet: Obviously, alcohol should be cut out immediately. Caffeine should be limited and some other foods should be eliminated (usually deli meat, unpasteurized cheese, certain fish). Your doctor will give you a written list of what to avoid and explain why you should do so. They can also give guidance on what kind of foods and drinks to add or increase in your diet.
  • Medication: This is so important because many medications are not safe for use during pregnancy. Both over the counter medications and prescriptions should be looked at as soon as you know you’re pregnant. Working with your doctor, you can decide what is safe to keep taking and at what dosages. And if you need to come off of a certain important medication, they can help you come up with a plan to discontinue use as some are dangerous to discontinue cold turkey. When possible, they may be able to prescribe an alternative.
  • Sleep habits: If you aren’t getting the recommended amount of sleep each night, consider changing your sleep habits. Your body will be going through a lot of changes in the coming months, so adequate rest is important. You’ll also want to be well rested before those sleepless newborn nights start.
  • Work environment: Ask if your occupation or work environment might pose any risks. Make sure you aren’t exposed to chemicals or toxins that could be harmful. Work with your care team as well as a safety manager at your job.
  • Beauty products: If you’re worried about certain beauty products being safe for your baby during pregnancy, check with your doctor. A lot of women are concerned about hair dye, nail polish or treatments (especially chemicals present in some nail salons), sunless tanning lotions, retinols, serums, and essential oils. Your doctor can help steer you in the right direction for making safe choices where these products are concerned. You can also ask about massages or other spa treatments.

2. What things am I at risk for given my personal history?

This is a very important question to ask from the very beginning of your pregnancy. Pregnancy is not an illness by any means, and the human body is built for it. However, pregnancy can still put a lot of stress on your body, especially if you already have a condition that can be worsened.

Chances are if you continue care with your regular OB/GYN your doctor will know most of your medical history. But if you’re using a new doctor due to your pregnancy or for any other reason, you need to be sure they know everything. And it never hurts for a current doctor to go back over and re-check history.

If you have specific concerns your doctor does not address, be sure to speak up. Some common conditions that are important to note include, but aren’t limited to: depression, seizures, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid issues. Any problems with anesthesia, antibiotics, medication, or surgeries should also be brought to your doctor’s attention.

3. What will the frequency of my appointment be?

In order to have an idea of the big picture of your pregnancy care, talk to your doctor about the base number of prenatal appointments you can expect. They’ll want to schedule the appointments regularly and the frequency will increase the further along you get in your pregnancy. The actual number will depend on your individual needs but in general you can expect to see the doctor more near the due date.

4. What vitamins do I need to take?

If you were actively trying to conceive, then you might have been taking a prenatal vitamin before you got pregnant. But if you got pregnant unexpectedly, or weren’t on a prenatal vitamin, your doctor will recommend you start taking one.  He or she will give you guidance on what to look for in a vitamin if they do not prescribe one or recommend a specific brand.

5. What exercise can/should I be doing?

Staying active during pregnancy is important. If you are fit while you’re pregnant, recovery could be easier depending on how labor goes. Exercise and general fitness can also help you feel better both mentally and physically throughout the pregnancy. Many exercise regimens, excluding extreme examples, are safe as long as you feel physically comfortable. However, you should follow your doctor’s instructions on what kind of exercise is appropriate.

6. How much weight should I gain?

The amount of weight you should gain will depend on how much you weighed before you were pregnant. Your doctor can give you a more precise number or range but generally, women with healthy pre-pregnancy weights should gain 25-30 pounds. Women who are underweight should gain about 40 pounds and overweight women should gain 11 to 20 pounds. These weights can change based on your unique circumstances.

7. What about prenatal testing?

During your pregnancy, certain prenatal screenings are required whereas others may be optional. You can expect to have blood work done in the first and second trimester. You can also expect a test to determine whether or not you have gestational diabetes. Genetic testing is also available. What kind of genetic testing you get or if you decide to get it, is a personal decision and you should talk to your doctor about the risks and what certain results might mean, including false positives.

8. What is normal and what should I call you about? And when should I call 911 or go directly to the hospital?

Speak with your doctor about what is normal or common or when you need to call about problems. Make sure you’re clear on what is “normal” for your stage of pregnancy as you go along. But always err on the side of caution. Also ask the best way to contact your doctor with ask questions (email, phone, online patient portal) and who you should call in certain situations.

You should also know who to call in case of a medical emergency and where you should go. This might change based on how far along in your pregnancy you are.

9. What should I start considering to prepare my birth plan?

It might seem premature to start thinking about your delivery since you’re just at the beginning of your pregnancy, but in reality, the sooner you start talking with your doctor about your options and preferences, the more comfortable you’ll feel when the day gets closer. Some things to discuss with your doctor regarding a birth plan include:

  • Birth location: You probably already know which hospital your OB/GYN is affiliated with, but this is still a topic worth discussing. Some people prefer to deliver at birthing centers or at home. If you want to go this route, the sooner your doctor knows, the better so everyone is on the same page.
  • Care philosophy: It’s important to know your provider’s views on vaginal labor, C-sections, induced labor, epidurals, delivering without pain medication, etc.
  • Who will actually deliver the baby? Will it be the doctor you see for your regular appointments or someone else? As mentioned above, if you’re planning on delivery outside of a hospital, your doctor might not be the one delivering the baby, so midwives or doulas may need to be part of the discussion.

At Green Valley OB/GYN we have extensive experience in managing both high-risk and low-risk pregnancies. And when you’re at the beginning of your pregnancy we know you will have a lot of questions and concerns. Call (336) 378-1110 to make an appointment at our Greensboro office. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and we have an on-call physician available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

Is VBAC Right for You?

If you’ve had a baby via C-section and are looking at your options for your next delivery, you may have considered vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC). This option is attractive to many mothers who want to avoid another abdominal surgery. Only a qualified OB/GYN can determine if this option is right for you. Read on to learn more about this type of delivery and to find out if you might be a candidate for it.

What is VBAC?

If you’ve had a baby with a Cesarean section, you have two options for how you can deliver your next baby. You can choose to schedule another C-section or you can attempt to have the baby vaginally. This is known as vaginal birth after cesarean, which is more commonly referred to as VBAC. The attempt to have a VBAC is called a trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC). If a TOLAC is successful, it results in a vaginal birth. If it is not successful, a C-section is necessary.

Benefits

Many women want a TOLAC or vaginal birth after cesarean because there are several benefits when compared to another C-section.

  • No abdominal surgery: A cesarean section is a major abdominal surgery that takes about 6 weeks of recovery. While C-sections are generally very safe, any surgery carries risks of potential complications.
  • You can use a birth plan: If you have a vaginal birth rather than a C-section you can have more control over your labor and delivery experience.
  • Lower risk of infection: Your risk of developing an infection after vaginal birth is lower than your risk after a C-section.
  • Less blood loss: Surgeries like C-sections generally have a higher risk of blood loss than vaginal birth.
  • Shorter recovery period: The recovery time after vaginal birth is generally shorter and requires less bed rest than the recovery period following abdominal surgery.
  • Less chance of future C-Sections: If you have multiple C-sections, your chances of needing a scheduled cesarean for a future pregnancy increase. 

Risks

While there are many benefits to vaginal birth after cesarean, there are some risks as well. You need to talk to your doctor about what type of birth is best for you based on your history and other factors. In rare cases, there is a risk that the cesarean scar on the uterus may rupture. This is very rare but can be very serious and puts the mother and the baby in danger.

Am I a Candidate for VBAC?

Only you and your doctor can determine whether or not you are a good candidate for TOLAC based on your current health and your health history. However, you can get an idea of whether or not you might be able to attempt VBAC by taking a look at the general guidelines below.

You might be a good candidate for VBAC if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are pregnant with only one baby
  • You have had a vaginal birth before
  • You’ve had 1 or 2 previous C-sections with low transverse incisions
  • Your prior C-section was done with a low transverse incision and not a low vertical incision or a high vertical incision.
  • You have never had a uterine rupture and are not at risk of having one
  • Any past surgeries involving the uterus (such as procedures to remove fibroids) were not extensive or invasive
  • Your doctor determines you do not have any problems that would prevent or complicate a vaginal birth after cesarean
  • You have access to a doctor on-site who can monitor your labor and perform an emergency C-section if necessary
    • Other doctors, medical personnel, and equipment necessary for an emergency C-section must be available

If you are a candidate for TOLAC, you have a high chance of having a successful vaginal delivery. According to the March of Dimes, more than 70% of women who try a VBAC are successful in having their babies vaginally.

Your chances of having a successful VBAC decrease if one or more of the following are true:

  • You are pregnant with more than one baby
  • You have gone beyond 40 weeks of gestation
  • You require labor induction
  • Your labor has stalled
  • Your baby has a high estimated birth weight
    • Generally over 8.8 lbs or 4 kg
  • You are overweight or obese
  • There were fewer than 19 months between your last pregnancy and your current pregnancy
  • You have a high vertical uterine incision
  • You’ve had a prior uterine rupture
  • You are 35 or older

Consult an OB/GYN

Green Valley OB/GYN has been providing the highest quality of obstetric and gynecological care for over 70 years. We offer a comprehensive list of services, including vaginal birth after cesarean. To set up an appointment to talk to a doctor about whether you are a good candidate for VBAC, call us at (336) 378-1110 to schedule an appointment.