frequently asked questions
what can i expect on my first visit as a new patient? How long will the exam take?
On your first visit, it is important to arrive early to fill out forms detailing your medical history and insurance. These forms can also be downloaded and completed in advance by visiting the Forms section. The visit will take approximately 30 minutes. Each doctor strives to review your health history and concerns.
what tests should i ask my doctor for if i think i am going through early menopause?
A FSH test, which measures the blood levels of your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Your FSH levels increase when your ovaries stop producing enough estrogen, so high levels may indicate your body is entering menopause. The best time to get a FSH test is on the third day of your menstrual cycle, if you are still getting periods.
Two other tests to consider are a thyroid test and a blood test of your estradiol levels. Estradiol is a form of estrogen in your body and its level decrease when your ovaries start to fail. Low estradiol levels may also indicate your body is entering early menopause.
I am still getting normal periods, but I get hot flashes and night sweats. Does this mean I am going through menopause?
Even though the technical definition of menopause is not having your period for at least a year, it is not uncommon for young women going through peri-menopause or premature ovarian failure to still get periods on a regular basis. Hormones can fluctuate at the early stages of peri-menopause, so you may produce enough estrogen to ovulate when your FSH levels are high.
How long will my symptoms last?
Each woman will experience the symptoms for a different length of time. Some may have it for a short time while others experience it for a year or longer.It is most common to experience the symptoms for several years before they stop. You and your physician will discuss various treatments, both pharmacological and alternative, that might ease your symptoms.
Does going through menopause prematurely mean I am aging quickly.?
Going through menopause years before you expected means your ovaries are not functioning the same way as most women in their '20s and '30s. Early or premature menopause does not mean you will have a shorter life span. It does mean you face certain health risks, such as osteoporosis. Each individuals health should be assessed in terms of these changes to minimize health risks.
Preconception
I am on prescribed medications for a chronic medical condition. Should I stop them before I get pregnant or only once I have a positive pregnancy test?
Many women with chronic medical conditions can have healthy babies, although the treatment needs to be discussed with your physician on an individual basis. High-risk pregnancy specialists work closely with a patients general obstetrician to provide coordinated care to maximize the outcomes for the patient and their babies. Very few medications have been associated with an increased risk of birth defects, even when used in the first trimester of pregnancy. On occasion, a medication may need to be adjusted for the pregnancy.
Are vaccines safe during pregnancy?
Many vaccines are produced using a recumbent DNA technology, meaning that they contain no infectious materials. Other vaccines are produced by using killed viruses or proteins produced by a virus and are non-infectious and safe during pregnancy. Examples include tetanus, influenza and hepatitis A. Women who are found to be non-immune to chicken pox (this can be checked with a blood test) should be vaccinated against it at least 3 months before they get pregnant.
What is your cesarean rate?
Cesarean rates vary according to hospital, patient and physician factors. At Good Samaritan Hospital, the cesarean rate is 25%. We are committed to achieving a safe outcome for you and your baby.
I had a cesarean section with my last baby. Can I attempt a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section)?
It depends. You will need a repeat c-section for your next baby if you had a vertical uterine incision during your previous c-section. Your uterus is 8-10% more likely to rupture during a VBAC. You will have a choice between the two procedures as long as there are no complications. Studies have shown that repeat c-section is slightly less risky for babies than attempting a vaginal delivery. About i in 2,000 babies born to mothers who attempt a VBAC will have permanent brain injury from a rupture of the uterus in labor.
Should I be concerned about diabetes during my pregnancy?
Women with pre-existing diabetes should be closely monitored before the pregnancy to make sure their blood sugar levels are at or near normal levels to decrease the risk of birth defects. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that begins during pregnancy and goes away after the birth of the baby. If you have gestational diabetes, you have a high amount of sugar in your blood. This can be controlled through diet, exercise and medication. If left untreated, it can cause problems for you and your baby.
Why do I have to take folic acid?
Every year in the United States, 4,000 pregnancies are affected by birth defects of the spine (spina bifida) and brain (anencephaly). Spina bifida is a defect of the spinal column that occurs during the first 28 days of pregnancy. It can lead to serous disabilities including paralysis of the hands an d legs, learning disabilities and mental retardation. The CDC estimates that up to 3,000 of these birth defects could be prevented if women consumed folic acid each day before pregnancy and in the first few months during pregnancy.
Should I consider pre-natal testing?
If you fall into any of these categories, pre-natal testing is highly recommended:
- Pregnant women who will be 35 or older at their due date.
- Families with a child or close relative with a genetic problem, such as congenital deafness.
- Families with a history of mental retardation, open defects of the spine or other inherited diseases
- Patients with a history of two or more miscarriages or a history of infertility
- Couples who are closely related to each other (blood relatives)
- Pregnant women who have been exposed to drugs, x-rays or other environmental factors that may be harmful to the baby.
What types of prenatal testing and screening are available?
Amniocentesis: a small amount of the fluid surrounding the fetus is removed and analyzed. It can be done between 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Chorionic villi sampling: tests tissue from the placenta to find genetic defects early in the pregnancy.
Ultrasound: uses sound waves to make an image of the fetus. This test helps to check the growth, anatomy and health of the fetus, check the position and also verify the number of babies a patient is carrying.
Quad Test: looks for four specific substances: AFP, hCG, Estriol and Inhibin-A. The tests can detect genetic disorders such as Trisomy 18, Down Syndrome and open neural tube defects, such as Spina Bifida.
E-mail: info@westsuburbanobgyn.com