With all the forms of birth control on the market, it’s common to receive mixed reviews and faulty information. At Cheyenne OBGYN, we place your health at top priority and want you to have all the correct facts before making important decisions about your body. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are now one of the most popular methods of birth control. With popularity comes many questions, and we’d like to clear some of those up. Here is everything you need to know about IUDs:

 

What is it?

An IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are a few different types of IUDs – some release hormones and some do not. Hormone-releasing forms include brands like Mirena and Kylenna, which prevent pregnancy for 5 years and Skyla, that prevents pregnancy for 3 years. ParaGard is a non-hormonal IUD that releases copper instead, which is toxic to sperm. This type prevents pregnancy for 10 years.

 

How effective are IUDs?

IUDs are known as one of the most effective types of birth control, with only a 0.2-0.8 percent failure rate. They require minimal maintenance after insertion.

 

How is it inserted?

Insertion involves a quick medical procedure in which a doctor dilates a woman’s cervix and passes the IUD through her cervical canal and into the uterus. Please be aware that this can be an uncomfortable procedure and may cause abdominal cramping and bleeding for up to a week. Cramping can generally be controlled with ibuprofen and/or Tylenol.

 

What are the benefits?

• After the initial discomfort and/or bleeding associated with insertion, hormonal IUDs often minimize the intensity of menstrual cycles tremendously.
• They are reversible at any time and can be used by women before and after they have children.
• IUDs have come a long way in the last 50 years. IUDs today are considered highly safe with minimal complications.

 

What are the side effects?

Like with any form of birth control, there are certain side effects that we want women to be fully aware of.

• Although very unlikely, there is the possibility of uterine perforation, i.e. the IUD pokes through the wall of the uterus, causing complications that should be addressed immediately.
• The IUD may detach itself and push itself out of the cervix, eliminating its ability to prevent pregnancy.
• ParaGard IUDs can cause heavier or worse periods.
• IUDs are not recommended for women who have had STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or other infections, vaginal bleeding not associated with menstruation, or certain other medical complications.

 

Like with any decision regarding your health, it is imperative to talk to your doctor to see which option is right for you. Speak to one of our knowledgeable team of OBGYNs today by calling 307-634-5216 to discuss IUDs in further detail.

Pregnancy is an exciting – albeit sometimes challenging – time in a woman’s life. Because our number one priority is keeping you and your baby healthy during this nine-month trip, we have a few tidbits of advice to share. Talk to your OBGYN for specific guidelines that apply to your unique situation, but here are a few general dos and don’ts to start you off:

DO:

• Get enough folic acid and other prenatal vitamins. Folic acid is essential for your health and your baby’s health and can prevent serious birth defects. In addition, prenatal vitamins provide all the nutrients your baby needs to develop properly.
• Stay active. The better shape you’re in, the easier your delivery will be. Stay active with power walks, yoga and other forms of exercise that get your body in motion.
• Get plenty of sleep. We all know sleep won’t happen once the baby comes, so take advantage of it now! Plus, all the changes your body is going through can be exhausting, so you need more sleep than usual.
• Get the flu shot. If you’re pregnant during flu season, it is recommended to get the flu shot to keep you and your baby extra healthy.
• Visit the dentist. In the past, some have believed that dental cleanings are unsafe for pregnant women, but that isn’t the case. Keep those gums healthy and free of infection during pregnancy and visit the dentist!

DON’T:

• Eat raw meats and seafood. Undercooked meats and seafoods (as well as eggs) could carry dangerous types of bacteria that lead to birth defects and miscarriage. Be sure everything is cooked thoroughly.
• Smoke or drink. This might seem like a no-brainer, but smoking and drinking during pregnancy causes birth defects and poses dangers to your baby. Talk to your doctor about what is considered safe for alcohol consumption.
• Hang out in a hot tub. Saunas and hot tubs can cause you to overheat and get dehydrated. Plus, the rising of your core temperature is unhealthy for your baby and could lead to miscarriage or birth defects.
• Eat for two (but also don’t diet). Unfortunately, being pregnant doesn’t give you a free pass to eat anything and everything. Still be conscientious of what’s going in your body, but don’t feel the need to diet either. Get your doctor’s opinion on a healthy weight to gain during pregnancy.
• Clean the litter box. Cat poo is known for having millions of parasites, particularly ones that are harmful to expecting mothers. Avoid cleaning the litter box while pregnant for the safety of your little one.

 Talk to our team of doctors if you have any further questions so you can have a happy and safe pregnancy!

We always go into the New Year with good intentions: exercise more, eat better, sleep more. Then reality hits. Working late prevents you from going to the gym; eating out between kids’ activities makes it difficult to eat well or weekend events disrupt your REM cycle. This year take baby steps. Work on getting into good habits that will give you healthy, positive results in the long run. And by taking it slow you’ll most likely be able to keep them up throughout the year. Here are a few ways to get you started in 2019.

• Meal prep in advance: It’s much less tempting to order take-out when you know most of the meal prep is already done when you get home. Have items like hard-boiled eggs ready to add to a salad or meals like roasted chicken and broccoli on hand that can be reheated quickly.
• Conduct a body-check every month: Make an effort to take a close look at your skin and overall body parts. Note anything that might seem different, even if you think it might not be a problem. Let your gynecologist know if you notice anything like abdominal pain or unusual odor. It’s always best to err on the side of caution.
• Take a Moment to Feel Grateful: With more contributing factors, like social media, affecting people’s mental well-being, it’s important to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Keep a gratitude journal or take time to acknowledge all the worthwhile things you accomplished over the week to give you some positive reinforcement and enhance your state of mind.
• Wear a Pedometer: It’s been said that people who wear a pedometer are encouraged to take more steps during the day. A pedometer will likely motivate you to take the stairs over the elevator. So, if you don’t make it to the gym after work, you won’t feel so bad!
• Schedule doctor appointments: If you’re a mom, especially with young ones, we bet you’re pretty vigilant about your children’s doctor appointments. Why shouldn’t you be about your own? From primary care to the gynecologist, everyone should make sure to stay up-to-date on health screenings.
• Wear Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day. Make sure to apply it to not only your face––but your ears, neck and hands, too. This is especially important since we live in a high altitude. Sunscreen will help prevent skin damage and lower your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

 

We also encourage a yearly exam with your OBGYN for optimal health. Call Cheyenne OBGYN today to schedule your annual exam – we are always accepting new patients.

Baby on board or no baby on board, one thing is certain: The most wonderful time of the year turn into the most stressful time of the year. When you’re an expecting mother, it is extra-important to take time for self-care during this chaotic time. Here are a few ways to decrease stress while pregnant during the holiday season.

 

1. Get Plenty of Rest

Resting while your bundle of joy is practicing his kickboxing skills? Yeah right. While sleeping and pregnancy don’t always go together, it’s still important to set aside enough time for a good night’s sleep and an afternoon nap here or there. The holidays can be exhausting – work your sleep schedule into your agenda.

 

2. Cut Down on the Number of Holiday Activities

When there is so much to do, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Try cutting down on your to-do list by forgoing some of the less necessary activities. If you usually bake 12 dozen batches of Christmas cookies, maybe limit it to just a few this year. Got invites to every Christmas party in town? Pick your favorite friend. Just remember, it’s okay to say no!

 

3. Add Joy by Creating Memories

Add a splash of positivity to the holiday stress by capturing this special time in unique ways. Take some sweet holiday-themed pregnancy photos, or make an ornament in honor of your baby’s first Christmas.

 

4. Stay Hydrated and Well-Fed

Don’t forget to take time to care for yourself! Always be sure to drink plenty of water (and maybe some apple cider!), and snack on nutritious foods throughout the day. If mama and baby are happy, everyone is happy.

 

5. Plan Out Your Schedule Well in Advance

Avoid getting caught up in an endless sea of tasks by planning out a detailed schedule well in advance. Make a list of everything you want to accomplish over the next month and a half, and then prioritize each task by most to least important. Assign a time frame of when you hope to start and accomplish each to-do item. It might sound tedious, but it will save you a headache or two in the long run!

 

The holidays are a magical season, but they can also be overwhelming. Take a moment to destress, and remember, our team of doctors are here to care for you and your little one!

 

 

Having a baby may be one of the most overwhelming events a woman experiences in her life. This time is filled with an influx of hormonal changes, not to mention an extreme disruption in the routine of daily life. Baby blues are completely normal, but when these blues reach extreme levels of anxiety, anger, irritability and despair, you may be battling postpartum depression (PPD).

 

Up to 20 percent of women experience PPD, but many feel ashamed and try to shove it aside. We want all new mothers to know that this is a medical condition, and there is help available. Here are just a few things you should know about PPD, as well as some tips for battling for varying levels of severity:

 

1. You are not alone.

If there is one thing women need to know about PPD, it’s that they are not alone in their suffering. As previously mentioned, PPD affects about one in five new moms. It doesn’t matter if you have an extensive support system or are a single mother – PPD can impact anyone. Talk to your OBGYN if you are experiencing serious depression and anxiety following the birth of your child to discuss options.

 

2. Find social outlets.

In the craziness of caring for a newborn, social interaction can seem like nothing more than a pipe dream. Isolation, however, only makes depression worse. Try to find some time here or there for one-on-one conversations with your partner, a coffee date with a girlfriend or phone call with your mom. Taking a break from baby talk is good for your mental health.

 

3. Get moving.

Again, when are you supposed to find the time for exercising after having a baby? Try to set aside 10-15 minutes each day for a neighborhood walk or even some self-guided yoga. Getting moving will release natural endorphins and help you feel better about yourself overall.

 

4. Don’t neglect basic self-care.

Attempting to bring a bit of normalcy back to your life is incredibly helpful in beating the blues. Just because your little one becomes your first priority, it doesn’t mean you should neglect showering, a healthy diet, sleeping and other self-care methods.

 

5. Talk to your doctor about antidepressants.

If your PPD reaches severe levels, consider taking antidepressants. Some medications are safe to consume while breastfeeding and have minimal side effects. Talk to your doctor to find out what is safe and beneficial for you to use.

 

PPD is real but there is help available. Call Cheyenne OBGYN at 307-634-5216 to discuss your options today.