From the moment a child is born, we can’t help but be fascinated by their every move and sound. Here are a few fun facts that will have you more amazed by your new bundle of joy, and hopefully let you understand them a little bit better.

1. Newborns Can’t Shed Tears: Newborns welcome the outside world with a big ol’ cry. However, there aren’t any tears with that cry. A newborn’s tear ducts and glands can only produce enough liquid to lubricate and protect their eyes. They don’t actually shed tears until they are between one to three months old.

2. No Hard Kneecaps. Although a baby can start crawling as early as six months, their kneecaps don’t actually start to develop into hard bone until the ages of three to five. Before then, a newborn’s kneecaps are made entirely out of cartilage.

3. Objects That Are Out of Sight, Are Out of Mind: Newborns don’t have the ability yet to understand that an object may still exist or be there even though they can’t see it. That’s why they love playing “peek-a-boo.” When you hide behind your hands they think you’re permanently gone until you open your hands and re-appear! It’s also why they might throw a tantrum when you step outside of a room for a minute!

4. The Womb Influences Their Fingerprints: Genetics are certainly a big factor in shaping the patterns on our fingerprints. However, while a fetus is developing, pressures in the womb can influence the ridges of the fingerprints. That is why identical twins don’t even have the same fingerprints!

5. Newborns Have More Bones Than Adults: Newborns are born with 300 bones, while adults have only 206 bones in their bodies. As babies develop, many of their small bones fuse together. The smaller bones make it easier for infants to pass through the birth canal.

We love educating our patients with important pregnancy care tips, but we find these facts to be just as interesting. Consider Cheyenne OBGYN for your healthcare needs throughout your pregnancy.

If you ever feel like a pregnant belly seems to translate to, “Please give me your random opinion,” we have your back. While there isn’t much we can do about strangers spewing out their words of wisdom, we can help set the record straight if you’ve been receiving mixed pieces of advice. Here are just a few of the most common pregnancy myths…and the real scoop.

 

Myth: Alcohol is Okay

This one seems like a given, but it’s still important enough that we feel it is worth mentioning. Alcohol is harmful to a developing baby, so we strongly recommend avoiding consumption while pregnant. Talk to your doctor about your usual consumption and how it should change during pregnancy.

 

Myth: A Baby’s Position Indicates the Sex

Some might claim that you can tell whether the baby is a boy or a girl based on tummy position (or a host of other indicators). The vast majority of these methods are not backed by science and are not regarded as foolproof by any means. The only true way to find out the sex of your baby is by ultrasound.

 

Myth: Dying Your Hair During Pregnancy is Harmful

Well…this one is a partial myth. In theory, absorbing chemicals through the scalp can be harmful. However, there are a few stipulations. To be on the safe side, avoid dying your hair during the first trimester when the baby’s organs are forming. When coloring your hair during the second and third trimesters, look into an organic or natural-based hair dye that doesn’t contain chemicals.

 

Myth: You Should Double Your Food Intake

While it is true that you might be eating for two, that doesn’t mean you’re eating for two grown adults! Growing a baby technically requires an extra 300 calories per day, so while it is perfectly acceptable to eat a little extra, don’t go overboard.

 

Myth: Avoid Sex While Pregnant

Again…not true! There is no reason to cut out intimacy while pregnant unless you have a health condition that would cause sex to be unsafe. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns, but we’re willing to bet that you’ll get the a-okay!

 

Myth: Cut the Caffeine Altogether

Here’s the true part: Ingesting caffeine does affect your baby because it crosses the placenta. With that being said, don’t pound the espresso shots like they’re going out of style – no need to give junior the jitters. In most case, though, fewer than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day is considered a safe amount. However, talk to your doctor to get their final word.

 

Our qualified team of professionals is here to guide you through all your pregnancy questions, concerns and false pieces of advice. Give us a call at 307-634-5216.

Nearly 3.1 million women in the United States are currently receiving treatments or are in remission from breast cancer. With it being one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, it is imperative that women schedule regular mammograms and know the early warning signs. To help you stay healthy and in control of your wellbeing, we’re sharing a few tidbits you should know about breast cancer in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

Early Warning Signs:

If you notice any abnormalities with your breasts, it could be an early warning sign of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor if you find any of the following:

• Portions of the breasts are swollen
• Abnormal breast or nipple pain
• Red or irritated skin on or surrounding the nipple
• Nipples are turning inward
• Discharge is coming from the nipples (other than milk)

 

Detection:

The best way to detect breast cancer is to schedule an annual mammogram. This appointment can detect breast cancer in its earliest phases when treatment options may be more manageable. Still, it is important to do self-breast exams in between mammograms to check for potentially cancerous lumps. Here are a few ways to check yourself, according to The National Breast Cancer Foundation:

• In the shower, use the pads of your fingers to move around your entire breast in a circular pattern, moving from outside in.
• Visually inspect your breasts in front of a mirror by raising your arms overhead and look for any changes in the contours or dimples of the breasts.
• Lie down and place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Move the pads of your fingers around your right breast in small circular motions. Repeat for your left breast.

 

Treatment:

The type of treatment needed for breast cancer depends on the stage, origin of the cancer and several other factors. Possible treatment routes include the following:

• Surgery is typically a part of the treatment. This can range from just removing the lump itself to removing the whole breast through various types of mastectomies.
• Many women receive radiation therapy, depending on the type of surgery that was performed. Radiation therapies include external beam radiation and internal radiation. One or both types may be required.
• Chemotherapy is commonly used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Your doctor may or may not recommend this route, depending on the patient’s individual situation.

 

Breast cancer is a daunting subject, but our licensed professionals are here to answer any questions you may have. Call us at (307) 634-5216 to set up an appointment today.

 

A new baby comes with so many decisions – vaccinations, where to give birth, maternity leave, the list goes on. One very important decision you will have to make is whether or not to breastfeed your newborn. While breastfeeding is generally the preferred choice during the first 6-12 months for the overall health of the baby, there are many factors to consider.

Advantages:

• Nutrition. Breastfeeding provides the most complete source of nutrients to your newborn baby.
• Protect against illness. Breastmilk also contains unique antibodies that help protect the baby from illness and future allergies.
• Aids in losing baby weight. Breastfeeding burns an average of 300-500 calories each time, which is great when trying to lose that stubborn baby weight. In addition, it can help your uterus return to normal size after delivery.
• Cheaper and more convenient. Because you don’t need to spend money on formula or take the time to prepare and sterilize the bottle, breastfeeding is oftentimes a less expensive and more convenient option.

Disadvantages:

• Difficult for working mothers. Because babies require to be breastfed 6-8 times a day, this can pose scheduling difficulties for working mothers. Formulas also fill up babies more, which means they need to be fed less often.
• More diet restrictions for mothers. Babies ingest everything you ingest when breastfeeding, which poses more diet restrictions. If a mother is on medication that could be harmful for the baby, breastfeeding could be unsafe.
• Breastfeeding can create sore nipples and leaky breasts, making this an uncomfortable option for many women.

Like every baby, every woman is different. And remember, there is no wrong decision in this instance – the most important thing is your baby is getting the nutrition he or she needs. Talk to your doctor to see which route is the healthiest option for you and your child.

 

Along with it being football season and time for pumpkin spice lattes, September is also Baby Safety Month. At Cheyenne OBGYN, we are committed to the care of you and your little one so that you can experience the healthiest pregnancy possible. Discussing your pregnancy with your care specialist is the best way to ensure you and your baby are staying safe, but here are some rules of thumb to keep in mind:

1. Take the right prenatal vitamins.

It is best to start these prior to pregnancy.  The neural cord develops in the first trimester, so it is extra important for your baby to get plenty of nutrients right off the bat. Prenatal vitamins are packed full of important nutrients – including calcium, folic acid and iron – that are essential to your baby’s healthy development.

2. Avoid heavy lifting and toxic chemicals.

Don’t look at this one as a restriction – consider it a free pass to get out of household chores! Throughout your pregnancy, be careful not to put too much strain on your body, so avoid lifting heavy objects. In addition, toxic chemicals, such as those in cleaning supplies and kitty litter, are harmful to breathe in, so limit your use of such items.

3. Know which foods and drinks to avoid.

Remember – everything you ingest, your baby ingests as well. Several everyday food and beverage items may seem harmless but actually contain certain bacteria that could be harmful to your baby. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, soft cheese, sushi or other raw fishes and lunchmeat. For a full list of foods to avoid, contact your care specialist.

4. Say goodbye to your sunbathing days.

While everyone wants to have the perfect glow for summer, we recommend taking certain precautions. Be sure you use sunscreen when out in the sun (SPF 30 or higher), as pregnancy makes your skin more sensitive. Avoid tanning beds as well, since studies have shown that they can hurt your baby.

5. Find the best time to travel.

If you choose to travel during your pregnancy, it’s imperative to find the right time for the safety of you and your baby. The second trimester is traditionally the best time to travel, as the first trimester carries the highest risk of miscarriage and travel during the third trimester could result in a delivery away from your intended hospital.

6. Exercise!

Exercising during pregnancy is a great way to stay in shape, lower your risk of miscarriage and increase chances for an easier birth. Taking a pregnancy exercise class or going for frequent walks is a good idea, as long as you are careful to not overdo it. Additionally, try practicing kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Talk to your doctor about the safest route for exercising.

As always, our doctors have all the answers to keep you and your baby safe during your pregnancy. Call us at (307) 634-5216 to set up an appointment today.