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Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or pregnant already, you have probably done some research on what changes your body will undergo during pregnancy.  A lot of people are familiar with the physical changes during pregnancy, but knowledge about what happens to your body after giving birth seems less common. Being pregnant transforms your body in a lot of ways, so it stands to reason that after the baby is born, it is something of a process to get back to normal. Here are some things you can expect to happen after you give birth: 

Post-Baby Belly

Once the baby is born, your belly won’t just bounce back to its pre-baby size. For a while after giving birth, you’ll still have a bit of a bump or some roundness in your belly. The uterus, abdominal muscles, and skin stretch a great deal throughout pregnancy. It can take weeks or even months for everything to shrink back.

Soreness

Unsurprisingly, giving birth will cause soreness. Vaginal deliveries will stretch and bruise the perineum (the area between the vagina and the rectum). Tearing in that area is also a possibility. This often makes sitting painful for a while after delivery. Taking sitz baths, cleansing with warm water after using the bathroom, and using ice packs with witch hazel can help with soreness in this area.

If you have a C-section, which is considered major abdominal surgery, you can expect pain and soreness around the area of the incision.

Other side effects from the anesthesia may include constipation and nausea. Your doctor can give you safe painkillers and will keep you in the hospital to recover for a few days.  

Changes in the Breasts 

Breast milk usually doesn’t come in until three to four days after you give birth. However, your breasts will produce small amounts of a thick yellowish substance called colostrum immediately after birth. Newborns are most alert during the first couple of hours after being born, so you should attempt to nurse during this time. 

When you begin nursing, your nipples may get sore or chapped as you and your baby work to get the right latch. While you’re in the hospital, you should get help from the nurses or a lactation expert if needed so you can start correctly early on. As you continue to breastfeed and both you and your baby get better at it, discomfort should dissipate. If you continue to have issues, a lactation consultant can help. 

Once the breast milk does come in, your breasts may increase in size (even if they’ve already gone up in size during pregnancy). Nursing frequently can help with the discomfort associated with full breasts. 

Bleeding

Whether you have a vaginal birth or deliver by C-section, you will have bleeding after childbirth. It’s actually not just blood, but a discharge called lochia, which also consists of mucus and tissue from the lining of the uterus. Bleeding can be heavy for up to 10 days after giving birth. If you see clots or have sudden gushes of blood, this may also normal. But if you feel you are bleeding too much or the bleeding is heavy for an extended period, contact your doctor.

Retaining Water Weight

After giving birth, you will lose some weight right away due to the expulsion of amniotic fluid, the placenta, and of course the weight of the baby. However, you may have swelling and carry extra water weight for a week or so after delivery. You lose the weight through frequent urination and sweating (night sweats are commonly reported during the postpartum period).

Cramping

After giving birth, your uterus will continue to have contractions. This time, instead of trying to get the baby through the birth canal, these contractions are intended to tighten the uterus and get it back to its normal non-pregnant size. Known as after pains, many women report feeling them more while nursing. Luckily, after pains should stop being as noticeable in about a week.

Difficulties Going to the Bathroom

Your body has just gone through a lot physically, as you are already well aware. The strain of childbirth can lead to soreness in many places as we’ve touched on earlier, and this can, in turn, make it difficult to use the bathroom. A vaginal birth can bruise your bladder and make your perineum sore, making urination difficult. If you had a C-section it can also be difficult to pee after the catheter is removed. Anesthesia can also have an effect on bowel movements and cause constipation. 

Mood Fluctuation

The day your baby is born will likely be one of the happiest of your life. You’ve just given birth to a little miracle of a person that you’ve spent much of the last year carrying with you. However, the period after you give birth can be highly emotional, with both highs and lows. This is due in part to the changing hormones that come with childbirth, but can also be caused by discomfort from the physical effects mentioned above, or feeling out of your depth when learning to care for a newborn. Then, there’s usually a jarring lack of sleep in the beginning. All this can lead to a perfect storm of mood swings. These mood swings are normal and to be unexpected. What’s referred to as postpartum or baby blues can leave you weepy or sad for seemingly no reason, but should only last a few days after you give birth.

To cope with these mood swings, go easy on yourself as much as possible. Give yourself time to adjust to this monumental change in your life. When family and friends offer to help with things, take them up on it. Take any opportunity you can to get rest. These steps can help you feel better and stabilize your mood.

If you experience more severe symptoms that prevent you from caring for yourself or your baby, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. If this is the case, you should talk to your partner, family, or a trusted friend about how you’re feeling. It’s often hard to confront, but it’s nothing to be guilty or ashamed about and admitting you need help is the best decision you can make.  Contact your doctor as soon as possible to seek professional treatment.

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At Green Valley OB/GYN we will be there to care for you throughout your pregnancy and during the postpartum period when your body is recovering from childbirth. If you have questions or concerns about what happens to your body after you give birth, call 336-378-1110. You can also access our patient portal to manage appointments and access other health information. Our doctors and nursing staff have years of experience providing care to women through all stages of life, so you can be confident that you’ll get the highest quality postpartum care available in the Greensboro area.

Having a balanced diet is important to your overall health whether or not you are expecting a baby. However, when you are pregnant nutrition becomes even more important. After all, you are nourishing yourself and your baby. Your OB/GYN should go over basic pregnancy nutrition tips with you, but you can also use this list as a handy reference guide.

1. Don’t Skip Breakfast

If you feel sick to your stomach in the morning, try dry whole-wheat toast or whole-grain crackers when you first wake up. Eat them even before you get out of bed. Eat the rest of your breakfast (fruit, oatmeal, hot or cold cereal, or other foods) later in the morning

• Try fortified ready-to-eat or cooked breakfast cereals with fruit. Fortified cereals have added nutrients, like calcium.

2. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods

Eating high-fiber foods, drinking water, and getting daily physical activity may help prevent constipation. Try to eat whole-grain cereals, brown rice, vegetables, fruits, and beans.

3. Snack Smart

Eat fewer foods high in sugar, including candy, cookies, cake, and dried fruit; and drink fewer beverages high in sugar, including juice, fruit-flavored drinks, or soft drinks. For snacks, choose foods low in sugar such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and unsweetened yogurt.

4. Take Prenatal Vitamins & Doctor Recommended Supplements

Ask your OB/GYN about which prenatal vitamins and supplements they recommend. You need more of certain vitamins and minerals during pregnancy including iron, calcium, and folic acid. 

Maternal iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency during pregnancy. Pregnant women need at least 27 milligrams of iron each day. Ask your doctor if you need to add an iron supplement to your routine during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, calcium is needed for the healthy development of a baby’s teeth, bones, heart, nerves, and muscles. It is important to consume adequate amounts of calcium daily before, during, and after pregnancy. The recommended amount of calcium during pregnancy is 1,000 milligrams per day for women aged 19 to 50. You can get this through eating calcium-rich foods or talking to your doctor about supplements.

Folic acid can reduce the risk of certain birth defects. it’s recommended you get 600 micrograms of folic acid each day throughout your pregnancy. If your prenatal vitamin doesn’t meet this goal, take an additional supplement of folic acid and eat foods high in folate and foods fortified with folic acids.

5. Pay Attention to the Fish You eat

Avoid fish and shellfish with high levels of mercury. Don’t eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish. If you eat tuna, choose canned light tuna. Albacore (white) tuna has more mercury. Common fish that are low in mercury include shrimp, salmon, and catfish.

6. Check with Your Doctor about Certain Meats and Cheeses

Some foods may have bacteria that can hurt your baby. Ask your doctor about the most up-to-date advice for pregnancy nutrition when it comes to things like soft cheeses, uncooked sushi, and cold-cut lunch meats.

7. Avoid Alcohol and Limit Caffeine

Do not drink alcohol, such as wine, beer, or hard liquor.  Limit your caffeine intake to about 200 mg a day. Enjoy decaf coffee or tea, drinks not sweetened with sugar, or water with a dash of juice.

8. Eat Several Smaller Meals to Relieve Heartburn

Another important part of pregnancy nutrition is to make sure you can take in all the nutrients you need. Heartburn can get in the way of meeting your nutritional goals, but there are ways to treat and avoid reflux. Instead of large meals, have several smaller meals throughout the day. Try to eat slowly and avoid spicy and fatty foods (such as hot peppers or fried chicken). Have drinks between meals instead of with meals. Don’t lie down soon after eating.

Contact Green Valley OB/GYN

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 pregnancy nutrition, call us at (336) 378-1110 to schedule an appointment.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. The aim is to educate people on this health condition that affects millions of people around the world. While awareness has increased in recent years, many people don’t know about the condition. While your women’s health provider is the best resource you have, you can find out more about the symptoms of endometriosis and how they’re treated in this post.

What is Endometriosis? 

Endometriosis occurs when tissue, similar to the lining of the endometrium, grows outside the uterus. The tissue that grows outside the uterus in endometriosis is not the same as endometrial tissue, but they have some features in common.

The tissue can develop anywhere in the body, but it usually affects the pelvic area, including:

• the ovaries
• the fallopian tubes
• tissues that support the uterus
• the outside of the uterus

Endometrial tissue can also develop in other areas, including the digestive tract, the lungs, and around the heart.

The body usually expels this type of tissue during menstruation, but the tissue that forms in endometriosis may remain in the body, which can lead to inflammation. As tissue decomposes, scar tissue can form.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are pain and infertility. Other common symptoms of endometriosis include:

1. Painful or even debilitating menstrual cramps, which may get worse over time
2. Pain during or after sex
3. Pain in the intestine or lower abdomen
4. Painful bowel movements or painful urination during menstrual periods
5. Heavy and/or irregular menstrual periods
6. Premenstrual spotting or bleeding between periods
7. Problems getting pregnant
8. Diarrhea and/or constipation
9. Low back pain
10. Chronic fatigue

Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but there are treatment options for related pain and infertility.

Healthcare providers consider several factors when determining the best treatment for endometriosis symptoms, including:

• Your age
• How severe your symptoms are
• How severe the disease is
• Whether you want children

Not all treatments work well for all women with endometriosis. Also, endometriosis symptoms may return after the treatment is stopped or, in the case of surgery, as more time passes after the procedure.

Treating Pain Caused by Endometriosis

There are several ways that doctors treat the symptoms of endometriosis and relieve pain.

• Pain medication: Pain medications may work well if pain or other symptoms are mild. These medications range from over-the-counter pain relievers to strong prescription pain relievers. The most common types of pain relievers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone treatments stop the ovaries from producing hormones, including estrogen, and usually prevent ovulation. This may help slow the growth and local activity of both the endometrium and the endometrial lesions. Treatment also prevents new areas and scars (adhesions) from growing, but it will not make existing adhesions go away
• Surgical treatments: Healthcare providers may recommend surgery to treat severe symptoms of endometriosis. During these procedures,  the surgeon can locate any areas of endometriosis and examine the size and degree of growth; he or she also may remove the endometriosis patches at that time.
  • Laparoscopy: A surgeon inserts a small viewing instrument with a light, called a laparoscope, lasers, or other surgical instruments to remove or destroy the lesions and scar tissue that could be causing pain.
  • Laparotomy: In this major abdominal surgery procedure, the surgeon may remove the endometriosis patches. Sometimes the endometriosis lesions are too small to see in a laparotomy.
  • Surgery to sever pelvic nerves: If the pain is in the center of the abdomen, healthcare providers may recommend cutting nerves in the pelvis to lessen the pain.

Treating Infertility Linked to Endometriosis

In most cases, healthcare providers will recommend a laparoscopy to remove or vaporize the growths to also improve fertility in women who have mild or minimal endometriosis. 

If pregnancy does not occur after laparoscopic treatment, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be the best option to improve fertility. Taking any other hormonal therapy usually used for endometriosis-associated pain will suppress ovulation and delay pregnancy. 

Contact Green Valley OB/GYN

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.

On March 14-20, we recognize Sleep Awareness Week. It’s a time to learn the benefits of sleep and focus on trying to get enough of it. Most adults don’t get enough sleep and it can be harmful to both our mental and physical health. But why do you need sleep? And how much sleep do you need?

Why You Need Sleep

Before we answer the big question, we should look at why it’s is so important to our health. Everyone knows they feel worse when they don’t get enough sleep. But why exactly do we need sleep? 

As the Sleep Foundation says, sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy and stave off diseases. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly. This can impair your abilities to concentrate, think clearly, and process memories.

Not getting enough sleep can interfere with your mental and physical health. Sleep deprivation can cause hormonal imbalances and has been linked to certain conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, decreased fertility, and poor mental health.

Now we know why we need sleep. So it’s on to the big question: how much sleep do you need?

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

Now you know why you need sleep. So how much sleep do you need? As with most things, the key to sleep is balance. You want to get in the sweet spot between too little and too much.

As the National Sleep Foundation explains, experts agree that the average person should aim for at least seven hours and no more than nine hours a night. So, the tried and true eight hours guideline still holds. 

We mostly talk about sleep loss or deprivation when discussing sleep issues, but sleeping too much can be a problem too.

Healthy Sleep Habits

If there were a magic formula to get the right amount of sleep, we’d let everyone know. But it’s not so simple. One in three people in the U.S. don’t get enough sleep. If you have insomnia or another sleep disorder, you should work with your healthcare team to address it before getting pregnant. But there are some tips that may help you to get more sleep.

• Get sleep between 10 pm and 7 am: This is, of course, dependent on your schedule, but if possible, try to get to bed by 10 p.m. You’ll feel better if you can be awake to get sunlight and can sleep when it’s dark. If that’s not possible, you can try things like blackout curtains and sunrise/light alarms to simulate those conditions at off-times.
• Lay off caffeine by a certain time: In terms of improving sleep habits, you should stop caffeine consumption at least four to six hours before going to sleep.
• Keep sleep patterns regular: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day–even on the weekends. You might be reluctant to give up sleeping in on Sunday morning, but if you get into a routine where you’re getting enough sleep each night, you won’t miss it after a while.
• Relax your mind: You might be used to finishing up some last-minute tasks, reading, or watching a true-crime documentary before bed. But it’s best to skip things that might stay on your mind as you go to bed. If you’re set on watching TV before bed, stick to something light. But make sure the TV and any other devices are off before you actually try to go to sleep as electronics with screens or light can interfere with sleep. And before you shut your eyes, try doing some sort of relaxation technique like meditation or breathing exercises.
• Spend time outdoors: Spending an hour in sunlight can help with your ability to fall asleep and improve its quality. If you need to, break it up into increments that fit into your schedule: have lunch outside, take walks, and play with pets outdoors.
• Avoid supplements or unprescribed sleep aids: Even things that are touted as “natural” like melatonin can interfere with your body’s processes. If you feel you need a supplement or medication to help with sleep, discuss it with a doctor to get their recommendations.

Contact Green Valley OB/GYN

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.

February is American Heart Month, which is the perfect opportunity for women to focus on their heart health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year. But about 80% of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented. Knowing more about heart disease and learning about lifestyle changes that will keep your heart healthy can help you prevent problems down the line.

Exercise to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Exercise is one of the keys to keeping your heart healthy throughout your life. The American Heart Association gives the following recommendations for physical activity in adults:

• Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both preferably spread throughout the week.
• Add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least 2 days per week.
• Spend less time sitting. Even light-intensity activity can offset some of the risks of being sedentary.
• Gain even more benefits by being active at least 300 minutes (5 hours) per week.
• Increase amount and intensity gradually over time.

Don’t worry if you can’t reach 150 minutes per week in the beginning. Everyone has to start somewhere. Even if you’ve been sedentary for years, you can begin to make healthy changes in your life. Set reachable goals. You can work up toward the recommended amount by increasing your time as you get stronger. 

The simplest way to get moving and improve your health is to start walking. It’s free, easy, and can be done just about anywhere. Any amount of movement is better than none. And you can break it up into short bouts of activity throughout the day. Taking a brisk walk for five or ten minutes a few times a day will add up.

Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

Just like exercise, diet plays a huge part in keeping your heart healthy. You should follow an overall healthy diet that is full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein (poultry, fish, nuts, legumes), and low-fat dairy. Of course, these things can be modified depending on dietary requirements due to other health conditions or choices (for instance, if you eat a plant-based diet). Talk to your doctor before you start any dietary program to make sure you make the right choices for yourself.

Basic tips for heart-healthy eating include:

• Eat a variety of fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables and fruits without high-calorie sauces or added salt and sugars. 
• Replace high-calorie foods with fruits and vegetables.
• Choose fiber-rich whole grains for most grain servings.
• Choose poultry and fish without skin and prepare them in healthy ways without added saturated and trans fat. 
  • If you choose to eat meat, look for the leanest cuts available
• Select fat-free (skim) and low-fat (1%) dairy products.
• Avoid foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
• Limit saturated fat and trans fat and replace them with better fats, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.
• Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
• Choose foods with less sodium and prepare foods with little or no salt.
• If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day for women.

Cut Out Bad Habits

Getting your diet and exercise routines in order is a great start for keeping your heart healthy. But you need to pay attention to other habits that can get be harmful to your cardiovascular health.

• Sleep: How much sleep you get (or don’t get) can impact so many aspects of your health. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults ages 18-64 get 7-9 hours of sleep a night for optimum health.
• Smoking: Smoking tobacco is bad for just about every aspect of your health. It can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, we know it can be extremely difficult to kick this habit. Don’t hesitate to seek help with quitting. The CDC and smokefree.gov have resources you can use. Or speak with your doctor.
• Stress: Some stress is unavoidable, but having too much stress in your life can be damaging to your mental and physical health. Learning healthy stress management techniques can help keep your heart healthy.

Contact Green Valley OB/GYN

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.

There are a number of options for contraception available to women who want to prevent pregnancy. The type of birth control you choose is a personal decision. Only you (with the help of your doctor) can decide which method is best for you. You have to consider your health history, lifestyle, and preferences to choose wisely. 

Types of Birth Control

Some types of birth control can be obtained over the counter but many require prescriptions. Others require surgical procedures. To learn more about the effectiveness of different methods, check the CDC’s guide to contraception.

Hormonal Birth Control

Many types of birth control use the female reproductive hormones estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. These types of birth control require a prescription from your doctor.

Oral Contraceptives

Casually referred to as “the pill,” oral contraceptives are a common type of hormonal birth control used by women. Birth control pills usually contain a combination of estrogen and progestin.  However, there are options that use only progestin.

Patches

Hormonal birth control can also be taken transdermally (through the skin) with a patch. The patch is worn on the arm, lower abdomen, or buttocks. It releases progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. The patch is replaced weekly.

Rings

Vaginal rings are another common type of hormonal birth control. The ring is inserted into the vagina for three weeks. Then it is removed for the week of your period. It releases hormones while inserted. 

Hormonal IUD

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a t-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus through the cervix by your doctor. The IUD releases small amounts of hormones to prevent egg fertilization. If an egg were to somehow be fertilized, it also prevents it from implanting in the womb. IUDs can provide extremely effective birth control for 3 to 6 years depending on the device you get. 

Injections

Hormonal birth control can also be given via injection. These shots contain progestin and are given in either the arm or the buttocks every three months.

Implants

Hormonal implants are thin rods placed under the skin of the upper arm. The implant contains progestin and lasts for 3 years. 

Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Some women prefer birth control methods that don’t include the use of hormones. There are several options for non-hormonal birth control that can be effective when used properly.

Barrier Birth Control

As the name suggests, barrier birth control methods provide a barrier that blocks the sperm and egg from meeting for fertilization. Types of barrier birth control include:

• Male condoms
• Female condoms
• Diaphragms
• Contraceptive sponges
• Cervical caps

Copper IUD

This type of IUD does not have any hormones. Instead, the copper wrapped around the device is toxic to sperm. This prevents the sperm from traveling through the vagina to fertilize an egg. It also prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall. It is effective about 99% of the time.

Spermicide

Spermicide is a chemical that is inserted into the vagina to kill or paralyze sperm. It is available over the counter at many drug stores. Spermicide comes in different forms like gels, foams, and suppositories. Spermicide is often used with barrier birth control.

Vaginal Gel

This type of birth control is inserted into the vagina before intercourse. The gel affects the pH level of the vagina so that sperm cannot travel to the egg. It can also be combined with barrier methods.

Fertility Awareness

Fertility awareness birth control methods rely on a woman understanding her monthly fertility pattern. The woman tracks her menstrual cycle and identifies the days of the month that she is fertile. On those fertile days, she and her partner abstain from sexual intercourse or use other forms of birth control.

Permanent Birth Control

Permanent birth control is sometimes referred to as sterilization. The permanent birth control procedure used for women is called tubal ligation. This is commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied.” 

During the procedure, the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked. This prevents eggs from traveling from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes. It also blocks sperm from traveling up the fallopian tubes to the egg. 

Emergency Contraception

If you have sex without birth control or if your birth control method failed, emergency contraception is an option. Emergency contraception can be effective but is NOT a regular method of birth control. There are emergency contraceptive pills that can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. But the sooner you take them, the better.

Contact Green Valley OB/GYN

If you have questions about choosing the right type of birth control for you, 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 preventive care and family planning. To set up an appointment or talk about your health, call us at (336) 378-1110 to schedule an appointment.