We know this year hasn’t been easy, and the holiday season seems to never brings a reprieve of stress. Every other year before it was the guest lists, cooking, shopping, and cleaning that would get the best of us and this year it’s the not knowing if we should be preparing guests lists, cooking, shopping or even cleaning for those who may or may not be celebrating at our homes…now this is some type of stress.  This holiday season, Cheyenne OBGYN is encouraging you to take care and take time for yourself with our 12 days of taking care this holiday season!

1. Make time for you
2. Read a holiday book
3. Take a nap
4. Go for a walk outside
5. Do something creative
6. Treat the person behind you in line for coffee
7. It’s okay to say “no”
8. Put away your phone
9. Watch a Hallmark movie, or binge a few
10. Decorate a gingerbread house
11. Practice gratitude
12. Schedule a check-up with us for the new year

While we suggest doing one of these each day, in the holiday spirit, feel free to do all of them in one day or spread them out over a month! However you choose to do it, remember to take a little time for yourself this holiday season.

There are many factors that can affect a pregnancy, from the mother’s diet and weight to her genetics. Of course, we always hope for mothers to have safe and healthy pregnancies, but it is important to be aware of disorders and diseases that can develop during the pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs in about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the US.

What happens during preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia, a blood pressure disorder, can develop during pregnancy, usually during the third trimester. It can affect the mother’s entire body, causing headaches, nausea, sudden weight gain, difficulty breathing, changes in vision, and pain in the abdomen.

What causes preeclampsia?

Doctors are not entirely sure what causes preeclampsia. However, there are certain factors that can put mothers at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia. These include having kidney disease, being pregnant with more than one child, having preeclampsia in a past pregnancy, and chronic hypertension.

What are the risks to my baby if I develop preeclampsia?

The risks of preeclampsia to the baby are severe. If the mother has preeclampsia, the baby may need to be delivered immediately, even if he or she is premature. Of course, babies born prematurely also have an increased risk of complications. If preeclampsia does occur during your pregnancy, your doctor will be able to answer all of your questions about the risks to you and your baby as well as their recommendations to make sure you both stay healthy and well.

How do I prevent or treat preeclampsia?

In order to best prevent preeclampsia, it is best to identify any factors that you may have which could put you at a higher risk of developing the disorder. Manage these factors first, before becoming pregnant. For example, a woman who is overweight should lose weight before becoming pregnant, or if you have diabetes, see your doctor to ensure the condition is under control.

Preeclampsia will usually need to be treated in the hospital, where doctors will work to stabilize your condition and may recommend that the baby is delivered immediately, especially if it is after 34 weeks. It is also likely that you will be given medications to help reduce blood pressure and prevent seizures.

 

Every mother’s pregnancy is different, and it is important to continue to see your OBGYN during your pregnancy to monitor the development of your baby and identify any potentially dangerous conditions, such as preeclampsia. If preeclampsia does occur during your pregnancy, your doctors will determine the best course of action for you.

If you have questions regarding your pregnancy or need to schedule an appointment with your doctor, please call 307-634-5216.

For more information about preeclampsia, we recommend you visit this resource from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

We have heard a lot about health this year. Wash your hands, wear a mask, do not touch your face, stay indoors. We hope that you and your family have not been directly affected by the coronavirus – but it is safe to say that everyone has been affected indirectly in some way. Whether you are scrambling to work from home while keeping kids focused on their schoolwork or feel like you just cannot take another day inside by yourself, we have all felt the impact of the coronavirus. This month, we want to talk women’s health. But not coronavirus safety – we are talking breast health, nutrition, and your mental health.

Breast Health

Breast cancer awareness is pushed every October, and for good reason. In the United States, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Thanks to increased testing and early detections, the survival rate of breast cancer is increasing. In fact, there are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the US today! The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 45-54 should get a mammogram every year. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast which helps with early detection of cancer. For more information, resources, and a list of mammography facilities in Wyoming, we encourage you to visit wyomingbreastcancer.org.

Nutrition

We all know that eating right is important but putting that into practice is often easier said than done. However, we are here to remind you that it is time to prioritize your nutrition. What you eat directly affects how you feel each day, as well as can impact your health long-term. Every woman is different; you should speak to your doctor about nutritional goals or what specific nutrients your body needs. It is good to start with eating a variety of foods from different food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein. Limit your intake of added sugars, saturated fats, and other processed foods. Ask your doctor if you have questions about what you should be eating.

Mental Health

We have all been dealing with a lot of stress this year, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed and worried. If you have felt your mental health declining over the last several months, you are not alone. Identify things that help you to feel better. This could include getting a good night’s sleep, taking a relaxing bubble bath, going for a run, or having a long talk with a friend. Make an effort to include these things in your routines – they are important!

If you struggle with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or bi-polar disorder, be sure to seek out the help that you need. Talk to a trusted friend, a counselor, or your doctor about what you are feeling.

 

At Cheyenne OBGYN, we are the providers who care. We have been Cheyenne’s preferred provider for women’s healthcare for over 40 years. The women of southeastern Wyoming, as well as surrounding areas, trust us for compassionate and individualized OBGYN care. Put your health first today.

If interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our physicians, please call 307-634-5216.

Did you know that an estimated 14,000 women will lose their lives to ovarian cancer this year? Additionally, the pap test does not detect ovarian cancer. Due to a lack of early detection tests, 80% of the time, ovarian cancer is not detected until it has reached an advanced stage. That is why the month of September is designated to ovarian cancer awareness in the United States.

Because ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, it is important to know the signs and symptoms and to receive regular health checkups with your gynecologist.

What are symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer rarely causes symptoms early on, and in later stages, symptoms are often brushed off. They can include feeling unusually full, bloating, weight loss, a frequent need to urinate, discomfort in the pelvis area, and constipation or other changes in bowel habits. It is important to discuss these symptoms (and other things you may be experiencing) with your doctor at your regular checkups.

Who gets ovarian cancer?

About 1 in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer during their lifetime. There are certain factors that can increase a woman’s risk for getting ovarian cancer. These include having a close family member that had ovarian cancer, having an eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background, having endometriosis, being middle aged or older, or having difficulties getting pregnant. Of course, you are still at risk of getting ovarian cancer even if none of these factors apply to you, so it is important to pay attention to your health.

How is ovarian cancer treated?

Ovarian cancer can be treated in two ways, and often a combination of them: surgery or chemotherapy. During a surgical operation, cancerous tissue is removed. Chemotherapy is a form of medicine that kills the cancer that can be taken in the form of a pill or intravenously.

If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you will be referred to a gynecologic oncologist who specializes in the treatment of cancers in women’s reproductive systems. Your doctor will help you decide the best form of treatment for you.

How can I help in the fight against ovarian cancer?

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition has a lot of resources and ways that you can support and join the fight! The September awareness campaign focuses on earlier awareness of symptoms and the lack of an early detection test. You can spread awareness by sharing on social media and following #KnowOvarian, join a local Run/Walk, wear a teal ribbon (symbolizing ovarian cancer support), or talking with friends and family about your experiences with ovarian cancer. Find more information at ovarian.org.

If you’d like to speak with one of our providers at Cheyenne OBGYN about ovarian cancer, please schedule an appointment with us at 307-634-5216.

The month of August is acknowledged as National Breastfeeding Month, and during this time, many organizations, women’s health clinics, and individuals advocate for breastfeeding awareness and support for mothers. For more information on this year’s theme, Many Voices United, please visit usbreastfeeding.org.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

There are many reasons that mothers choose to breastfeed or not, and it is ultimately a personal decision that needs to be made by the mother and her family. However, if you are able, there are many benefits to the baby that breastfeeds.

Many medical experts advise breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of your baby’s life. After the six month mark, other vegetables, fruits, and proteins can be introduced alongside of breast milk, which should continue for at least a year. Breast milk provides the best nutrition for infants and has hormones, enzymes, and antibodies that cannot be replicated in a formula. Mothers’ bodies are able to produce the perfect blend of vitamins, proteins, and fats that their child needs. A mother’s milk can also adapt between feedings to produce exactly what her baby needs. Babies who breastfeed have fewer respiratory illnesses, ear infections, bouts of diarrhea, and trips to the doctor.

Breastfeeding is not only beneficial to the baby; it is good for moms, too! Breastfeeding releases oxytocin which can help the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size and reduce uterine bleeding. Breastfeeding has also been known to reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

How to Support Breastfeeding Moms

Being a new parent is a transition in itself, let alone breastfeeding! It can affect a mother’s life dramatically, as a newborn often wants to breastfeed for most of the time that he or she is awake. Managing to eat and sleep in between feedings is a lot for new moms, or even experienced mothers who are also raising older children at the same time.

Mothers who are breastfeeding often feel intense connections with their babies. Breastfeeding hormones are produced, and she feels the need to stay nearby to nurse her baby.

There are many ways to support a breastfeeding mother, whether you are a partner, family member, or stranger! If you are the partner, do your part by cleaning pump parts, helping take the baby off mom’s hands in between feedings, and taking care of other baby needs such as burping and changing. When in public, stand up for moms who are feeding, and be encouraging! When in doubt, do not be afraid to ask mom how you can help, if she wants company, or just tell her how great she is doing.

 

Breastfeeding is an amazing thing that women can do! The physicians at Cheyenne OBGYN encourage you to take this month of August, National Breastfeeding Month, and learn about how you can support the moms who are breastfeeding in your community. Whether they are your partner, a neighbor, a family member, friend, or stranger, we should all be aware of the challenges breastfeeding mothers face and do our best to make their lives easier. If you have questions, please give us a call at 307-634-5216.