Myths, prenatal care, infertility

1) "10 Common Pregnancy Myths Debunked"

Pregnancy is an exciting and joyous time for expectant mothers, but it can also be overwhelming and nerve-wracking. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding pregnancy that can add to the stress and confusion. At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom, we want to provide our patients with accurate information to help ease their worries and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Here are 10 common pregnancy myths debunked:

Myth #1: You shouldn't exercise during pregnancy.

The truth is, exercise can be incredibly beneficial during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. Of course, it's important to discuss with us your planned exercise program before starting any new exercise routine, but in general, staying active can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and postpartum depression. For most women who are already physically active they can maintain their current exercise routine for most of the pregnancy.

Myth #2: You can't dye your hair while pregnant.

There is no evidence to suggest that dyeing your hair while pregnant is harmful to the baby. However, some women may choose to avoid chemical treatments during pregnancy due to the potential for irritation or allergic reactions.

Myth #3: You shouldn't eat fish while pregnant.

While it's true that some types of fish contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to the baby, there are many types of fish that are safe to eat in moderation during pregnancy. These include salmon, sardines, and trout, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are important for fetal brain development.  It is also safe to eat shrimp, crab or lobster.  Fish to avoid are tuna, swordfish, Mahi Mahi and shark.

Myth #4: You should eat for two during pregnancy.

This is a common misconception, but the truth is that most women only need to consume an extra 300 calories per day during pregnancy. And if you started your pregnancy above your ideal body weight you might even need less. Eating too much can lead to excessive weight gain, which can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, cesarean sections and other complications.  To answer your diet questions you can work with our onsite Registered Dietician.

Myth #5: You can't have sex during pregnancy.

As long as you have a healthy pregnancy and no complications, it's safe to continue having sex throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. However, it's important to talk to your doctor about any concerns or discomfort you may experience.

Myth #6: You can't travel while pregnant.

Traveling during pregnancy is generally safe, but it's important to take precautions and talk to your doctor before making any travel plans. If you're traveling by plane, be sure to get up and walk around periodically to prevent blood clots, and avoid destinations with a high risk of Zika virus if you're pregnant.  Obviously during the last month of your pregnancy you shouldn’t travel more than two hours from Mercy Hospital of Folsom

Myth #7: You'll always experience morning sickness during pregnancy.

While it's true that many women experience morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy, not all women do. In fact, some women may not experience any nausea or vomiting at all.

Myth #8: You can't get a flu shot while pregnant.

Getting a flu shot during pregnancy is not only safe, but it's also strongly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect both the mother and the baby from the flu.  When you get a vaccine some of your immune response will be transmitted to your baby, giving your baby some protection after birth.

Myth #9: You can predict the sex of the baby based on how you're carrying.

There is no scientific evidence to support this myth. The shape and size of your belly during pregnancy are determined by factors such as your body type, the position of the baby, and the amount of amniotic fluid.

Myth #10: You can induce labor by eating spicy food or having sex.

While these methods may be rumored to induce labor, there is no scientific evidence to support them. It's important to let labor happen naturally and avoid any potentially harmful or risky methods of induction.

In conclusion, pregnancy can be a confusing and stressful time, but it's important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to common pregnancy myths. By staying informed and seeking guidance from Dr. Timothy E. Phelan, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

2) "The Importance of Prenatal Care: What to Expect"

Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative experience, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. One of the most important aspects of a healthy pregnancy is prenatal care, which involves regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your health and the health of your baby. At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom, we believe that prenatal care is crucial to ensuring a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby. Here's what you can expect from prenatal care and why it's so important:

What is Prenatal Care?

Prenatal care is the healthcare you receive throughout your pregnancy. This typically involves regular check-ups with Dr. Phelan, including physical exams, ultrasounds, and blood tests to monitor your health and the health of your developing baby. Dr. Phelan will also provide guidance on healthy lifestyle choices and answer any questions you may have about your pregnancy.

Why is Prenatal Care Important?

Prenatal care is important for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Regular check-ups can help detect and address any potential health issues early on, before they become more serious problems. For example, monitoring your blood pressure can help identify and manage conditions such as preeclampsia, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

Prenatal care also provides an opportunity for education and support. Dr. Phelan can provide guidance on healthy lifestyle choices, such as nutrition, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol. Along with Dr. Phelan we also have a nurse practitioner and a registered dietician who can answer any questions you may have about your pregnancy and offer support throughout the process.

How Often Should You Receive Prenatal Care?

The frequency of your prenatal care visits will depend on your individual needs and Dr. Phelan’s recommendations. In general, at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom we will see you monthly for the first 7 months. Then the visits will be every two weeks. Until the last month when you will be seen weekly.. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need more frequent appointments.

What Happens After Delivery?

After delivery, you and your baby will continue to receive care from Dr. Phelan. This will involve a postpartum check-up to monitor your physical and emotional health.

In conclusion, prenatal care is an essential part of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. By working closely with Dr. Phelan and the staff at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom we can help ensure a successful pregnancy, delivery and a smooth transition to parenthood. If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, don't hesitate to reach out to us 

3) "Navigating Infertility: Causes and Treatments"

Infertility is a challenging and emotional issue that affects many couples trying to conceive. At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom we understand the difficulties that come with infertility and believe in providing support and guidance to our patients. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and treatments of infertility, as well as some tips for navigating this challenging journey.

Causes of Infertility

Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, both in men and women. In women, the most common causes of infertility include:

Irregular or absent ovulation: This can be caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or premature ovarian failure.

Fallopian tube blockages: This can be caused by infections, endometriosis, or previous surgeries.

Age-related decline in fertility: As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs can decline, making it more difficult to conceive.

In men, the most common causes of infertility include:

Low sperm count or poor sperm quality: This can be caused by infections, hormonal imbalances, or genetic factors.

Erectile dysfunction or other sexual problems: These can make it difficult for men to ejaculate, which is necessary for fertilization.

Varicoceles: This is a condition in which the veins in the scrotum are enlarged, leading to reduced sperm count and quality.

Treatments for Infertility

The good news is that there are a variety of treatments available for infertility. These can range from lifestyle changes to medical interventions. Here are some of the most common treatments for infertility:

Lifestyle changes: In some cases, making changes to your lifestyle can improve fertility. This may include losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and managing stress.

Medications: There are several medications that can be used to improve fertility, including clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, and letrozole.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI): This involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.

In vitro fertilization (IVF): This involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them in a lab, and then transferring the embryos back into the uterus.

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct issues such as blocked fallopian tubes or varicoceles.

Navigating Infertility

Navigating infertility can be a difficult and emotional journey. Here are some tips for coping with infertility:

Seek support: Talk to your partner, family, and friends about your feelings. You may also want to consider joining a support group or seeking the help of a therapist.

Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about the causes and treatments of infertility. This can help you feel more in control of your situation.

Take care of yourself: Practice self-care by engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.

Don't give up hope: Infertility can be a long and difficult journey, but many couples are ultimately successful in conceiving a child. 
In conclusion, infertility can be a challenging issue, but there are many treatments available to help couples conceive. By working with Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom and taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally, you can navigate this journey with hope and optimism.