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Blog Archive

Does Gestational Diabetes Affect the Baby Too? Apr 1st, 2024

Gestational diabetes develops only during pregnancy. It’s a type of diabetes that develops when your body can’t produce enough insulin to meet increased demands during pregnancy. It affects up to 10% of pregnancies in the United States and typically develops around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes...

I'm Nervous About Having My First Baby; What Are My Options for Pain Control? Mar 1st, 2024

Your pregnancy can be an exciting time as you prepare for motherhood, but if you also feel nervous, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about labor, especially if you’re having your first baby. Our team here at Westover Hills Women’s Health wants you to know that knowledge...

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine Feb 20th, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy: Prevention Tips Feb 1st, 2024

Iron plays a pivotal role in your pregnancy. Your body needs iron for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.  During pregnancy, your body's demand for iron increases to support your growing baby and the expansion of your blood volume. If your...

Understanding the Role of a Midwife During Labor and Delivery Jan 2nd, 2024

Midwifery is a woman-centered approach to maternity that’s been practiced for as long as women have had babies. While the earliest midwives were simply mothers who attended the births of women in their town, midwifery soon became a profession.  The first formal midwifery training took place in the 17th century,...

Third Trimester Fetal Movement: What's Normal, and What's Cause for Concern? Dec 2nd, 2023

As your baby grows throughout the third trimester, so does your awareness of your baby's movements. Those once-soft flutters in the second trimester have now been replaced by larger movements.  Many expectant women find fetal activity during this period to be a reassuring sign of their growing baby's health 一...

All About Gestational Diabetes: Risk Factors, Treatment, and Prevention Nov 6th, 2023

November is a month when you often focus on gratitude (and rightly so), but it’s also a time to spread awareness about diabetes.  In honor of National Diabetes Month, our team of doctors and certified nurse midwives at Westover Hills Women’s Health want to spotlight gestational diabetes, a type of...

Understanding the Link Between Incontinence and Menopause Oct 1st, 2023

Menopause is a natural stage in your life that signifies the end of your fertility. While this transition brings about several hormonal changes and symptoms, one lesser-discussed issue that affects many women during menopause is urinary incontinence.  Our team of doctors and certified nurse midwives at Westover Hills Women’s Health...

Living With PCOS: The Importance of Managing Your Blood Sugar Levels Sep 1st, 2023

September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month, and if you’re dealing with this condition, you're well aware of the challenges it can bring to your daily life.  PCOS is notorious for causing missed periods, weight gain, acne, and unwanted hair growth, but today, our team of doctors and certified nurse midwives are focusing on a...

I've Been Diagnosed with High-Risk HPV: Now What? Aug 1st, 2023

Receiving a diagnosis of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) can be distressing and overwhelming, but you’re far from alone in this experience. About 80% of women are diagnosed with HPV at some point, and about half of those are considered at high risk. High-risk HPV can increase your chance of developing cervical cancer 一 another...

Our Top Tips for Safe Prenatal Exercise During this Summer Jul 13th, 2023

Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time for women, and staying active during pregnancy can have numerous benefits for both mother and baby.  Prenatal exercise supports a balanced mood, helps you maintain a healthy weight gain, reduces back pain, eases constipation, and even helps reduce your risk of complications, such...

How to Deal With Back Pain When You’re Pregnant Jun 2nd, 2023

Various aches and pains can develop during pregnancy. Many of them are no more than an inconvenience and pose no harm to your or your baby. For example, many pregnant women experience back pain. In fact, back pain is one of the most common pregnancy problems, according to the American College of...

A Breakdown of the Lab Work We Do During Your Pregnancy May 1st, 2023

During your pregnancy, laboratory testing can provide you and your health care professional with important information. Having notice of possible medical problems allows us to take steps to address these problems early, when treatment is most likely to be beneficial. For example, if lab testing shows that you have an infection,...

When to Call Your Care Provider About Fetal Movement Apr 1st, 2023

Feeling your baby move inside you is among the most exciting pregnancy moments. When you feel your baby move, you have a sense that they are healthy and strong and that you perceive a glimpse of what they will be like after they’re born. Your care providers use fetal movement...

The Best (and Worst) Foods to Eat During Pregnancy Mar 9th, 2023

During pregnancy, eating a healthy diet is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your baby. Healthy food provides your baby with the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to grow. And it gives you the nutritional boost you need to sustain a healthy pregnancy and maintain...

5 Things Your Pregnancy Labs Can Reveal Feb 13th, 2023

During your pregnancy, we recommend various tests to check on your health and the health of your baby. Among the tests you typically receive are lab tests, when we send a sample of your urine or blood to a laboratory for analysis. Lab tests, or “labs,” as they are sometimes...

How to Manage Your Diabetes Throughout Pregnancy Jan 11th, 2023

Diabetes affects more than 1 in 10 Americans, and 2-10% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. If you have diabetes during pregnancy — either because you had it before you got pregnant or because you developed it during pregnancy...

What Kind of Baby Movement Is Normal During Pregnancy? Dec 7th, 2022

One of the most exciting moments of a pregnancy is feeling your baby move for the first time. For some women, that movement helps deepen their bond with their baby and makes motherhood feel that much closer and more real. But when you’re pregnant — especially for the first time...

How to Manage Low Iron During Your Pregnancy Nov 1st, 2022

Eating healthy foods during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby.  Healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, beans, legumes, eggs, dairy foods, nuts, and seeds contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that you and your baby need.  Not...

I'm Struggling with Chronic Back Pain During Pregnancy Oct 10th, 2022

If you’re experiencing back pain during your pregnancy, rest assured: Back pain is a common discomfort for pregnant women. Typically, back pain occurs when your growing baby and your expanding uterus strain the muscles, nerves, tendons, and bones of your spinal system. This strain can lead to anything from mildly annoying...

Signs of Anemia in Pregnancy Sep 14th, 2022

Anemia is a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Your red blood cells do important work during pregnancy, carrying oxygen to your body and your baby. Anyone can develop anemia, but it’s more common in women of childbearing age, because they lose blood every...

How Often Do I Need a Pap Smear? Aug 9th, 2022

A Pap smear is one of several tests that we use to screen for cancer of the cervix, a potentially fatal cancer that we can successfully prevent or treat if caught early. How often you should receive a Pap smear depends on several factors, including your age and your health history. We let...

What Are the Routine Labs Needed in Pregnancy? Jul 7th, 2022

Most pregnancies are healthy and proceed without complications or medical concerns. But to ensure that you and your baby are doing well — and to catch any potential health issues early — your provider offers several kinds of routine laboratory tests throughout your pregnancy. Our caring doctors and certified nurse midwives at Westover Hills Women’s Health recommend laboratory...

Know the Signs of Labor Jun 1st, 2022

It’s almost time for your baby to arrive. You’re excited, but also a bit nervous. That’s completely normal. It’s also normal to have lots of questions, especially if this is your first baby. One of the most common questions pregnant women have is how they’ll know they’re in labor. Fortunately,...

Bladder Leakage? What Every Woman Should Know About Urinary Incontinence May 1st, 2022

Your bladder is a muscular organ that stores urine until you’re ready to go to the bathroom. But if you suffer from a condition known as urinary incontinence, your bladder may not hold urine as well as it should. As a result, your bladder may leak urine during the day...

Understanding the 3 Stages of Labor Apr 1st, 2022

If you’re pregnant, you probably have a long list of questions about labor. How do you know when you’re in labor? What does labor feel like? How does the experience of labor change as it progresses?  Labor is divided into three stages. Each stage includes different experiences. To help you understand...

8 Common Skin Changes That Can Occur During Pregnancy Mar 1st, 2022

So much happens in your body while you’re pregnant. Not only are you building a new human being inside you, but your hormone levels are changing dramatically. It’s no surprise that various changes occur throughout your body. Among the differences you may notice are variations in your skin. Because it...

How Can I Manage Contraction Pain? Feb 1st, 2022

If you're pregnant, you're probably wondering how labor will feel. How much will it hurt? What can you do to relieve labor discomfort? What are your medical and non-medical options for managing contraction pain? Pregnant women tend to have a long list of questions about managing labor pain. Fortunately, our...

Why You Might Need Your Labor Induced Jan 1st, 2022

Most women who give birth vaginally go into labor naturally. But in about a third of deliveries, a doctor or midwife opts to induce labor, which means they use medication or other methods to get labor started. Labor induction stimulates the uterus to begin contracting. If you're pregnant, you may...

5 Benefits of Midwife Care Dec 1st, 2021

During pregnancy and delivery, you may wish to receive care from an OB/GYN. But if your pregnancy is low-risk, you may also choose to be seen by a midwife. Here at Westover Hills Women’s Health, we’re proud to offer our patients the option of having prenatal and delivery care from...

Low Iron Levels During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Nov 2nd, 2021

When we test your blood during your pregnancy, one of the things we're looking at is your iron levels. Iron is a mineral that plays a role in the creation of red blood cells. These are cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. When you're pregnant, you need 50% more...

4 Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis Oct 3rd, 2021

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when bacterial levels in your vagina become unbalanced. Although it is a very common condition, it is not one you should ignore, because it can cause trouble if left untreated. For example, bacterial vaginosis can make it more likely that you will develop...

How Does Pregnancy Affect the Skin? Sep 1st, 2021

During pregnancy, most women are not surprised to see changes in their figure and their waistline. But you may be taken aback to discover that expecting a baby can also cause changes in your skin. Fortunately, pregnancy-related skin changes tend to be nothing more than a normal, temporary inconvenience. At...

How to Choose the Right Contraceptive for You Aug 10th, 2021

There are many types of birth control. If you're undecided about which to use to prevent pregnancy, seek the advice of a medical professional. You may be surprised to learn that there is not one best kind of contraceptive. In fact, different kinds of birth control are right for different...

The Importance of Breast Self-Exams Jul 14th, 2021

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer that affects women. (Skin cancers are the most common.) Women in the United States have about a 13% chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their lives. The earlier breast cancer is found, the more treatable it is....

Myths and Facts About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Jun 17th, 2021

You may have heard the phrase, "once a cesarean, always a cesarean." But that's not necessarily true. Although some women who have delivered by cesarean can't give birth vaginally, many can. If you gave birth via cesarean section in the past and would like to deliver your next baby vaginally,...

What Is Vaginal Yeast Overgrowth? May 1st, 2021

Your vagina is home to tiny organisms known as vaginal yeast. Having yeast in your vagina is normal and usually causes no problems. But sometimes, these microorganisms exceed healthy levels and cause a condition known as vaginal yeast overgrowth. When there is too much yeast in your vagina, your vagina...

Do’s and Don'ts of Exercise During Pregnancy Apr 1st, 2021

You know that exercise promotes good health. It strengthens your heart, reduces the risk of many chronic diseases, and helps with weight control. But if you’re pregnant, you may be asking yourself whether you should engage in fitness activities.   The answer to that question is usually “yes.” Most healthy women...

What to Eat During Pregnancy Mar 1st, 2021

Eating nutritious food supports good health during every stage of life. But it’s even more important during pregnancy. The nutrients that you take in while you’re expecting help you build a healthy baby and keep your own body in good working shape. Expectant mothers should take prenatal vitamins, which provide...

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal? Feb 4th, 2021

If you’ve noticed changes to your vaginal discharge, you may wonder: Is it a harmless inconvenience or a sign of a health problem that requires attention? The answer to that question depends on what is causing the discharge. Here at Westover Hills Women’s Health, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Houmam Al-Hakeem,...

7 Signs of Uterine Fibroids Jan 1st, 2021

Uterine fibroids are so common that they affect as many as 80% of women under the age of 50. Also known as myomas or leiomyomas, uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop within the walls of your uterus. For many women uterine fibroids cause no problems or symptoms. But some...

How PCOS Can Affect Your Weight and Body Image Dec 8th, 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common women’s health condition in which hormone imbalances affect your metabolism and your reproductive system. Up to One in 10 women of childbearing age may suffer from PCOS. Here at Westover Hills Women’s Health, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Houmam Al-Hakeem, MD, recognizes that health...

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Female Infertility? Nov 1st, 2020

Infertility is a medical condition that affects 1 in 8 couples in the United States. Infertility means not being able to get pregnant after six months to one year of unprotected sex, or experiencing multiple miscarriages. About a third of infertility is referred to as female-factor, meaning it is caused...

What Is Endometrial Ablation? Oct 1st, 2020

If you suffer from heavy periods, a procedure known as endometrial ablation is a safe, effective way to reduce menstrual bleeding. At Westover Hills Women’s Health, our board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, Houmam Al-Hakeem, MD, has extensive experience using endometrial ablation to treat excessive menstrual bleeding. This procedure can provide a...

Pelvic Pain and Fibroids Sep 15th, 2020

Pelvic pain can be caused by uterine fibroids, a common women’s health condition. Fibroids are among the top causes of pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding At Westover Hills Women’s Health, our board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, Houmam Al-Hakeem, MD, has extensive expertise diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids. Read on to...

Infertility Signs and Risk Factors Aug 10th, 2020

You want to have a baby, but despite your best efforts, you’re not getting pregnant. Or you’re having multiple miscarriages. Could it be infertility? Maybe. Infertility is more common than you may realize, affecting 1 in 8 couples in the United States.  Infertility is defined as: No pregnancy after 12...

When to See a Doctor About Heavy Periods Jul 7th, 2020

Menstrual bleeding is no fun. Every month, you have to deal with tampons or pads and worries about breakthrough bleeding. So annoying. But if you are among the one in five women with heavy periods, menstrual bleeding is even more of a concern. Heavy bleeding may interfere with your ability to...

At What Age am I Considered a High-Risk Pregnancy? Jun 24th, 2020

When it comes to your attitude about life, age is just a number, right? You’re as young as you feel, and you’re not getting older, you’re getting better. Well, even though these sayings apply to your outlook, they don’t necessarily apply to your pregnancy, where being over 35 puts you...

Myths and Facts About Osteoporosis May 12th, 2020

May is National Osteoporosis Month, which means it’s an ideal time to review some of the myths and facts about osteoporosis. This common health condition, which causes bone breaks in half of women over age 50, can lead to pain, disability, and a significant drop in your quality of life....

Uterine Fibroids: Understanding All of Your Treatment Options Apr 16th, 2020

Uterine fibroids are so common that they affect as many as 80% of women under the age of 50. Fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, including: Heavy periods Bleeding between periods Abdominal pain Frequent urination Pain during sex They can also increase your risk of pregnancy complications and even...

Could Your Pelvic Pain Be Caused by Endometriosis? Mar 1st, 2020

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, which means it’s the right time to make sure you have the facts about this common women’s health condition. For example, do you know that pelvic pain is the primary symptom of endometriosis? And do you know that treatment can help relieve endometriosis pain? Here...

5 Things You May Not Know About Uterine Fibroids Feb 3rd, 2020

If you don’t know much about uterine fibroids, don’t worry — many women don’t.    Start with this: Uterine fibroids are growths that may occur in the muscular tissue of your uterus. They are fairly common, affecting as many as 80% of women under the age of 50, according to...

How a Pap Smear Can Save Your Life Jan 10th, 2020

Most people have a distinct idea of what it’s like to get sick. They believe their bodies will let them know if something is wrong with a series of side effects, and based on these effects, they will seek help from a doctor. Unfortunately, cervical cancer hardly causes any side...

5 Reasons to Choose a Midwife for Your Delivery Dec 6th, 2019

Whether you’re mulling over a list of names, exploring car seat options, or budgeting for daycare, you’ve got a lot to plan for when you’re pregnant. Even though the reality of childbirth can seem far off when you’re in your first trimester, it’s an ideal time to start thinking about...

My Pap Smear Results Were Abnormal — Now What? Nov 1st, 2019

It’s a sinking feeling to hear that your Pap smear results came back abnormal. But it’s more common than you might think. With 50 million Pap smear tests performed each year in the United States, about 5% — or 2.5 million — are abnormal. These diagnostic tests can tell you...

How Does PCOS Affect My Fertility? Oct 1st, 2019

One in 10 women are suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Are you one of them? If so, you might be wondering how your PCOS impacts your chances of having a baby. You've come to the right place.  Fertility specialist, Dr. Houmam Al-Hakeem, is here to help. As a board-certified...

Deciding Whether to Have a VBAC Sep 1st, 2019

Many women who had a C-section in the past want to avoid having another one. A vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC) can shorten their hospital stay and eliminate their chances of experiencing any complications associated with surgery. Women who want a larger family can also benefit from VBAC because...

What You May Not Know About Modern Midwives Aug 1st, 2019

If you’re expecting, you might assume that working with a midwife is somehow going rogue, rather than trusting all your care to an OB/GYN. But that’s simply not the case. The fact is that your pregnancy and birth experience no longer present an either-or dilemma. Midwives complement treatment by OB/GYNs....

Not Pregnant Yet? When You Should See a Doctor Jul 17th, 2019

Having a baby is a major life event, and to ensure your health and the health of your baby, you need regular visits with a doctor. Since over 50% of pregnancies are unintended, you could be pregnant before you even know it. Be prepared by seeing a doctor before you...

What Every Woman Should Know About HPV Jun 26th, 2019

No one likes to think about sexually transmitted diseases, however, without accurate education about the human papillomavirus (HPV), you could find yourself confronting with even worse issues such as genital warts and even cancer. The good news is, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. At Westover Hills...