What is Driving High Cesarean Rates?

An interesting infographic has been circulating the blogspace illustrating how the rising trends in Cesarean section rates have impacted nations all around the globe. Despite the fact that the World Health Organization insists that cesareans should be performed in no more than 15% of deliveries, the cesarean rate in our country alone exceeds 30%. This is a pretty startling discrepancy between what is suggested and what is actually practiced by physicians, and it has been persisting through the past decade. Here's a very interesting article detailing what is actually behind the alarming cesarean rates, and how you can avoid being pressured into undergoing one for your own pregnancy.

The infographic can be shared from here

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HPV: A Brief History

Attribution: Novartis AG

The subject of cancer is always a sobering one since the notion of a cure is far from being a reality. Despite all the awareness, all the charity, and all of the races for the cure, cancer continues to decimate the human population with no discernible end in sight - it is arguably the greatest medical obstacle that our race faces.

We are not helpless against every type of cancer, however. In fact, the discovery that cervical cancer was mostly caused by viral infection was an enormous stride for scientific thought in the fields of gynecology and oncology: viruses, as we all know, can be prevented through vaccination; cervical cancer became something that could potentially be avoided by taking a few trips to the doctor's office.

At the beginning of the 1990s scientists began developing a defense against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus which is responsible for many, many cases of cervical cancer. Like most viruses, the vaccine needed to be able to introduce a person's immune system to a 'clone' of the HPV virus in order for the system to learn how to effectively interact with, and defeat, the intruding virus. If exposed to authentic HPV in the future, the vaccinated person's immune system would already be...acquainted with, so to speak...the alien virus, making it possible to neutralize the virus before infection and subsequent disease are allowed to take place.

This was revolutionary, because research later went on to suggest that HPV was not only responsible for cervical cancer, but for cancers of the mouth, throat, rectum, and genitals. Not to mention, prevention of HPV meant that it would lose mobility, and wouldn't be transmitted to other subjects through sexual activity.

Over 40 different strains of HPV have been observed in the virus' history, with strains ranging from the innocuous to the cancer-causing. In fact, about 50% of women between the ages of 14 and 59 have contracted some type of genital HPV in their lifetime. HPV often manifests as small warts on the body's extremities (hands and feet), but can also be indicated by fleshy warts in the genital regions. The viral strains that cause these growths are considered "low-risk", and although they lead to mild skin growth they are not as harmful as their "high-risk" counterparts which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and, possibly, cancer. A recent article from Science Daily provided an apt illustration for this type of rogue cell production:

Human cells infected with high-risk HPVs have trouble stopping mistakes made in new cells. The infected cells are like an auto assembly line with no supervisor: New cars roll off the line, but some are missing pieces. Just as production mistakes can make a car ride dangerous, mistakes in infected mucosa can drive a cell toward cancer.

The HPV vaccine was developed to prepare the body for this kind of runaway cell generation. The vaccine offers the body's immune system a preview of the virus without any of the serious adverse affects of full-fledged contraction. Because of this, a vaccinated person can be up to 1000 times more prepared for an HPV attack than a person who is not vaccinated.

Types 16 and 18 of the HPV virus are two that are considered high-risk and result in cervical lesions and genital warts in some patients. However, it is believed that this type of HPV can be prevented with just two doses of Gardasil, the current HPV vaccine. HPV is something that can't be ignored, simply because it is so preventable. Gynecologists like the ones at Frisco Women's Health are available to educate you on HPV and provide professional evaluations of your health.

Women Can Live Beyond 80

Women of today live longer than women who lived centuries before and those dying at 50 or earlier are considered to be too young to die. This is of course based on the times and the kind of society we live in –one blessed with medical advancements.

How can one extend one’s life?

Routine healthcare is vital in keeping post-menopausal women healthy because as we age, the more prone we are to diseases. With this said, women ages 65 and above should get regular check ups and yearly physical exams. Tests such as mammograms, fecal occult blood tests, lipid profile assessments, colonoscopy exams, sigmoidoscopy tests, bone density screenings, urinalysis, fasting glucose tests, among others.

Other additional tests should be done. This includes skin exams, dental exams, and hearing exams.

Living a healthy lifestyle is also a good way to maintain good health. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly will help keep the body in good condition.

If there are things you do not understand, it is always a good idea to bring a family member with you when getting a check up. Sometimes there are certain concepts that older people do not understand and it pays if additional guidance and support is present. Understanding is paramount when your health is concerned. If you feel more comfortable with a female OB GYN, Frisco, TX has some of the best.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression or PPD can occur right after giving birth or a few months or even a year later. More often than not, postpartum depression happens within the first three months after the delivery. The question is, what causes it? Women are susceptible to mood changes and this becomes worse when they are pregnant. Mood changes are also experienced after giving birth. Such a thing happens because of hormonal changes possibly due to worrying about one’s ability of being a good mother, having less time for oneself, physical changes due to pregnancy and giving birth and changes in one’s work and social relationships. All these things pose as a threat to the mother’s well-being.

Feelings of anxiety are common according to doctors and mothers usually feel this a week or so after the delivery. Aside from anxiety, moms who just gave birth are usually easily irritated and are restless. Sometimes, bouts of depression occur too. It is interesting to note that according to statistics, mothers who are under the age of 20 and those who did not plan on getting pregnant in the first place. Stressful events can also cause postpartum depression. This can include premature delivery, birth defects, death of a loved one among other things.

Postpartum depression is a scary disorder because there are instances where the mother even thinks about harming the baby. A few years ago, celebrated model and actress Brooke Shields had to fight the mother lode of all emotional roller coasters – postpartum depression. She said in one TV show that she wanted to put an end to all of it by jumping off the window. From an outsider’s point of view, Shields has it all –a happy family, wealth, fame but in her mind at the time, she felt helpless. PDD is really something that any mother wouldn’t want to experience not only because it takes its toll on one’s emotional health but because it puts one’s life and one’s child’s life in danger.

It is unfortunate that there is not one single test that will tell you whether you have postpartum depression or not. If you think you do however, it is best to consult with your doctor and have you complete a survey to see signs of depression.

How do you treat it?

A mother experiencing PDD symptoms should ask their family members especially their husbands to help in taking care of the baby. It is also a good idea not to hide your feelings because having a baby doesn’t mean you should be happy all the time –there are just those times when you feel really sad. Emotions like sadness or shame or irritability shouldn’t be bottled up inside.

It is also important to make time for yourself. Going out with friends or taking some time off just to read or watch tv on your own is a good idea to ensure your emotional and mental health. Taking care of a baby is not easy especially if you are experiencing PDD. Having a support group is also a fine idea but they should never be used as a replacement for proper therapy or medication.

There are of course other treatments available and this includes medication and therapy or a combination of the two. New moms can be given antidepressants after delivery if they are experiencing PDD symptoms. Such drugs include paroxetine, nortriptyline, and setraline. These drugs are safe for use for breastfeeding mothers.

If your baby blues does not go away, seeking the help of your healthcare provider is necessary especially in instances where you could no longer take care of your child. 

Pregnancy Myths Busted!

So you’re tired of listening to people telling you what’s good and not good for you and your baby. Let’s take a look at the most common pregnancy myths that many believe to be good advice.

Myth 1: You can’t have a manicure

You will be a bit sensitive with the smell of chemicals and might even start getting dizzy because there are a lot of people at the salon but you can’t forgo your weekly mani. If you are afraid to be exposing yourself to dibutyl phthalate, you should request for a brand that doesn’t have this particular ingredient.

Myth 2: No to exercise

Getting a bit of exercise is fine. However there are some women who suffer from certain complications while pregnant that’s why their doctors only recommend low impact workouts for them. Not all types of exercises are bad for you and your baby, so it may be time to take a look at exercise do’s and don’ts while pregnant. Consulting with your doctor is also a very good idea.

Myth 3: Don’t take over-the-counter meds

So you’re in pain eh? If they tell you not to take meds just because you’re pregnant, you better call your doctor –he or she will give you the green light for certain meds to treat that headache.

Myth 4: No more seafood

If you already loved seafood way before you got pregnant, you won’t have a problem eating them while you are. So do not say so long to seafood unless you just feel sick eating any.

Myth 4: Eat more

Pregnancy is not an excuse to pig out. In fact, average women only require 300 extra calories per day to keep their babies healthy.

Myth 5: Don’t drink coffee

Some people advise pregnant women to drink decaffeinated coffee only. It’s true however that caffeine may increase the risk of losing the baby but if it is taken in moderation, it should be fine.

Don't take our word for it, please consult you trusted OBGYN in Frisco. Looking for a female OB, contact Frisco's trusted women's OB.

Benefits of Natural Birthing

The advantages of natural birthing are numerous but one has to take into consideration that in some situations, some mothers-to-be can benefit from conventional birthing i.e. giving birth with the assistance of pain medication. If you are thinking of going through natural birthing, you must make sure that you talk to your trusted obstetrician about it to take a closer look at your options. Remember that what is important here is your safe journey to motherhood and the safety of your baby. Other risk factors determine the options for natural birthing or alternatives, please seek direction from a professional, the following are benefits of natural child birthing.

Benefits of Natural Birthing

Studies show that getting an epidural during childbirth makes it impossible to change positions and this even includes difficulty moving around during and after the birthing process. Mothers who have decided to go through natural birthing can move around i.e. go to the bathroom, walk around and even change positions during the birthing process.

According to medical professionals, the pain during childbirth has a purpose because the pain that the woman feels serves as a guide on which position she should be in. Since one can freely move in natural childbirth, it is easier for mothers-to-be to push their babies better and the birthing process is much shorter. Those who have experienced natural birthing say that their recovery is much faster as compared to conventional birthing since they could walk right up and even eat normal food right away. Many mothers report recovery time is non-existent, they are awake and ready to bond with their newborn.

Dealing with Pain?

The question is, how does the body deal with the pain of childbirth? According to scientists, endorphin's are secreted during natural birthing and have been tested in both the umbilical cord and the placenta.

Healthy Baby!

Another amazing thing about giving birth naturally is that the babies are more alert once they are delivered. In fact, studies show that babies who went through natural birthing show interest in important pre-breastfeeding behavior as compared to babies who were born through medicated birth. There are many factors that go into natural childbirth and what to expect, age, health conditions, complications, blood pressure, delivery factors and more.

Please consult your trusted obstetrician for more information over the best plan for your newborn.

Meet Frisco OBGYN George Branning

Dr. George Branning of Texas OBGYN tells you why he loves being a Frisco OBGYN