CGees-It's a Woman's World!

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section

2011-02-12T23:02:00.003-05:00

With the cesarean section rate approaching 33% in the United States (meaning that one out of every three women will undergo a cesarean section), interest is re surging in the VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section). The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recently updated their guidelines encouraging women that are candidates for a trial of labor to consider VBAC. In the late 1970s through the 1980s, VBACs were very popular. Previously, the idea persisted that "once a cesarean section, always a cesarean" led practitioners to steer away from trials of labor and recommend repeat cesarean section. However, as more data accumulated regarding the success of VBAC, greater amounts of physicians began to offer this as an option to women.

As more women began to VBAC case reports of uterine rupture began to increase, which lead to a subsequent decrease in the rates of trials of labor after cesarean section and VBACs. Much of this decrease was driven by malpractice and litigation concerns. Admittedly, a patient hearing the words "uterine rupture" can be enough to make a woman jump on the OR table and offer to perform the c-section herself. However, before you decide that a VBAC isn't for you, there are several things you should know. First, while the risk of uterine rupture exists, the risk is only 0.5% of one previous cesarean section! Think of it like this. You have a 1 in 77 chance of dying in some sort of transportation incident in the next year, yet you still drive, take a bus, ride a train, or fly regularly done you? You have a 0.4% chance of dying from a fall in the shower, yet you shower (hopefully) daily. So yes, VBAC isn't risk free, but neither is a repeat cesarean section. Complications include bleeding, infection, injury to internal organs. Before jumping on the table, you might want to consider other options. Plus, your recovery is much faster after a vaginal delivery compared to a cesarean section. Finally, if you are planning on having a large family it behooves you to consider VBAC as the incidence of complications increases as the number of previous cesarean section increases.

Who are the ideal candidates? If you have had a previous vaginal delivery, a previous c-section for breech presentation or in an emergency, or a previous VBAC then you should ask your practitioner today!!! Regardless, you should consult with your OBGYN regarding if VBAC is right for you. Remember, PUSH! While labor is tough (after all it ain't called labor for nothing!), the benefits of VBAC are endless and should be considered!

Breastfeeding Survival 101

2011-01-31T10:01:00.008-05:00

Survival??? Sounds a bit dramatic? That's because for many women, the first few weeks of their infant's life is spent trying to get the hang of nursing their little one. For those newborns who latch on right away, count your blessings. For those who find it challenging, hopefully the information in this article will help you stick with it. It does get easier! If you can hang in there for the first couple of weeks, you and your infant will become a professional nursing unit in no time!

1) Breathe! You can do it! Breast milk is the most natural and loving source of nutrition that you can provide for your infant. YOU CAN DO IT!

2) Find your hospital's lactation consultant. Prior to delivery, contact your planned delivery hospital and speak with them regarding nursing support. You can ask if they have any suggestions or if any courses are offered for expecting mothers. Similarly, you may contact your area La Leche League, which provides nursing support for expecting and new mothers.

3) At birth, if your infant does not need to be transported to the warmer for a medical reason, request that your baby be placed onto your skin. Skin to skin warming helps promote bonding between mother and child and it prepares baby for his/her first feeding.

4) Attempt to nurse your baby within the first hour of delivery. Ask your nurse for tips regarding latching on. The baby's mouth should be over your areola to facilitate proper placement of the nipple into your infant's mouh. Do not simply place only the nipple into the baby's mouth as this will eventually leave you with very sore nipples. While the initial first suckles might be a little uncomfortable, the discomfort should disappear after that and the majority of the nursing session should NOT be uncomfortable. Pain lasting more than the first minute of feeding indicates an improper latch.

5) Pain medications used during and after labor can make your baby drowsy initially. You may have to stimulate or irritate your intant initially to feed. Newborns need to feed every two hours (every three hours at most) during the first few weeks of life. However, don't be shocked if your infant feeds more frequently than this. Ask your pediatrician for signs that your baby is getting enough milk (typically 6-8 wet diapers a day by day 3).

6) Colostrum is a form of milk! You can rest assured that your Infant is receiving food by the appearance of their stool. Right after birth, the first few stools will be dark brown (called meconium). As your infant takes in your milk, the color and consistency changes to a seedy yellow color.

7) Avoid giving your infant a pacifier for the first month of life as it may interfere with feeding cues. Likewise, avoid giving your infant formula during the first month unless instructed to by your physician as this can interfere with establishing milk production. Introducing bottles too early can lead to "nipple confusion", causing the baby to reject the breast.

8) Breastfeeding initially can be exhausting. Have your spouse/significant other/support person make night time feedings easier on you by having them change the baby's diaper and bring him or her to you in bed at night to make feeding more comfortable during the wee hours of the morning.

9) At the end of feedings, allow your breast milk to air dry on your nipples as this will provide natural moisture and help to prevent chapped nipples. If you need more moisture, you can purchase Lansinoh cream to place on your nipples at the end of feedings. If you feel that your nipples are too sore to nurse, you can purchase a nipple shield to place over your nipple while feeding until they heal. This will allow you to continue to nurse and maintian milk supply.

10) Initially offer both breasts to your infant during feeding. Once your milk supply is well established you can alternate, however, remember that you will need to make sure to utilize both regularly to keep your milk supply up.

11) Nursing pads for bras are essential. Place these into your bras when you are out and about to prevent milk from leaking onto your clothes.

12). Remember, you can do this! If you make it past the first two weeks, you are good to go! Don't feel guilty if you are frustrated! Keep trying! Tears are not unusual for both you and your Infant, but rest assured that many successful nursing mothers have felt like this. The feeling is only temporary!!!!

H1N1 and pregnancy

2009-10-31T19:38:00.004-04:00

Recently, H1N1, also known as "swine flu" has gained a high magnitude of media attention. With all of the information and attention that H1N1 has attained, it is only natural that people of all ages are interested in knowing the implications of "catching" this virus.

Pregnant women are no different. In fact, women in the third trimester of pregnancy (women that are greater than 28 weeks or 7 months pregnant) bear a disproportionate burden of disease. Women in the third trimester are more likely than their non pregnant counterparts to suffer respiratory compromise when contracting H1N1 (and the flu in general prior to H1N1). This is thought to be due to the effect of the growing uterus and decreased lung capacity in the third trimester. Put another way, in the third trimester, the baby begins to take up so much space that lungs become less spacious and therefore put pregnant women at a higher risk to have complications compared to someone that is earlier on in their pregnancy when the lung volume is greater.

Symptoms of the flu include Fever AND/or cough with or without sputum and sore throat at a minimum. Other symptoms that may or may not be present include body aches, difficulty breathing, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is important to remember the top symptoms which are Fever with a cough or sore throat. If you have diarrhea for one day or are nauseated one time, it DOES NOT mean you have H1N1. Normal ailments of pregnancy will continue, so it is important not to be overly paranoid.

Treatment for H1N1 exists. It is most affective when starting treatment within the first 48 hours of symptoms. The medication helps to prevent the virus from multiply and spreading to more cells within the human body, therefore helping symptoms to resolves faster. Some women with severe symptoms may require hospitalization, which will be determined by the health care provider. Telephone followup is another way in which health care providers may choice to follow patients once treatment begins to ensure that symptoms aren't worsening, while providing minimal exposure to others.

Though the virus is spread through droplets (meaning by air) when someone coughs or sneezes, it is important to practice proper hand washing as well. When you sneeze, try and use your arm to cover your sneeze or cough rather than your hand, thus decreasing the spread of germs in general. It is recommended STRONGLY that pregnant women receive the flu vaccine. This year's standard flu vaccine does not include protection from H1N1 due to the fact that it was manufactured prior to emergence of H1N1.

Each year, epidimiologists look at current flu strains predict which strains will be prevelant for the following year, thus flu vaccines are made approximately a year in advance. When the epidiemiologist get it right, there are lower rates of flu in suceptiable populations receiving the flu vaccine. When they are wrong, or a new strain develops outside of the flu season, suceptible populations are at greater risk of contracting some form of the flu. It is important, however, to still receive that standard flu vaccine if you are pregnant even if you do not receive the H1N1 vaccine. The "regular" flu is responsible for more than 30,000 deaths yearly and pregnant women are at greater risk for serious complications.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, make sure to contact a health care provider near you! :)

The Children of Hurley Medical Center need your help!!!!

2009-09-29T20:11:00.002-04:00

Let's face it. Michigan is probably among the most economically deprived states in the country. If you had to pick a city that has been harder hit by the economic downfall, look no further than Flint.

As you might remember, Michael Moore has described the economic downturn in Flint several times in his documentaries. This is mainly due to Michigan's dependence on the once bustling (now collapsing car industry).

I know, I know. Cry me a river right? Well before you get all bah-humbug and only think about yourself, I am BEGGING you to take 2 minutes out of your day to create an email account and vote for Hurley Medical Center to receive a new game room courtesy of the Children's Miracle Network. All you have to do is visit the Children's Miracle Network Website by clicking HERE or for those of you who do not trust links simply type in the following address: http://xbox.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/

It will ask you to create an account. All you need is a valid email address. You may vote 10 times every day. PLEASE REGISTER ALL OF YOU EMAIL ADDRESSES AND VOTE FOR HURLEY MEDICAL CENTER. When you log in, select Michigan as the state and Hurley Medical Center will pop up! You can vote daily until October 16th! Please do so!

The children of Flint thank you!

Urinary Tract Infections

2009-08-19T20:38:00.003-04:00

Ever had the following symptoms? Burning with urination, the feeling that you have urinate more often, with lower abdominal pain (*and are NOT pregnant)? If so, then you were probably diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Many women have had the unfortunate experience of this burning, unpleasant sensation. The UTI is far more common in women as compared to males. This is due to the variations between the female and male anatomy. The urethra (which is where urine exits the body), is located closer to the rectum (and vagina, which yes, we hopefully all know men do not have a vagina). Also, the urethra is located at a shorter distance from the bladder when compared with males. Given this information, it is not surprise that UTI occur more commonly among the female sex.

Interestingly, many women note the onset of UTI with changes in sexual partner or with marked increases in sexual activity. "Honeymoon cystitis" describes a bladder infection that many brides notice upon returning from their honeymoons. Many myths to decrease sexually related UTIs include whiping from front to back (which is also a myth regarding the prevention of UTIs in general) and voiding/urinating immediately after intercourse. Unfortuantely, various studies have shown that these methods do not decrease the risk of UTIs.

Another popular remedy, the consumption of cranberry juice to prevent UTIs, also has yielded mixed results. It is unsure as to whether drinking cranberry juice definitevly treats UTIs, however, there isn't strong evidence to say that it is ineffective.

Some women also experience recurrent bladder infections. This is generally defined as 2 or more UTIs in 6 months or 3 or more episodes in 12 months. Therefore, if a person experiences a bladder infection once a year, they would not meet the criteria for recurrent UTIs though they experience them often. Women with recurrent UTIs may have additional tests performed, such as a urine culture to make sure that the antibiotics are directed against the right bug/bacteria. Once the organism/bug is identified, antibiotic therapy can be directed toward the patient's specific circumstances.

For example, if the patient is experiencing recurent UTIs that are associated with intercourse, one option is to provide the patient with medication to take immediately following sex. This has been shown to decrease the rates of recurrent bladder infections associated with intercourse. If the patient is unable to pinpoint any factors that are associated with her UTIs, low dose amounts of antibiotics can be taken for a period of 6-12 months. After this time passes, the health care provider will instruct their patient if it is appropriate to discontinue therapy and see how the patient responds.

Most women experience an improvement of symptoms within 48 of begining medication for their UTI. If symptoms have not improved, or if they have worsened patients are usually instructed to inform their health care proider for futher evaluation.

Overview of the Prenatal visit!!!

2009-02-01T00:57:00.002-05:00

The Prenatal visit

After taking “the test” and finding out you are indeed pregnant, it’s time to select an obstetrician, certified nurse midwife, or family practitioner to care for you and your growing baby. Ideally, one should select a care provider prior to becoming pregnant. However, the majority of women begin the selection process after the fact. This article serves as an outline of things to expect during each trimester. While many practitioners have their own style, at a minimum, you should encounter the following during your pregnancy journey.

The first visit
Whether the initial visit occurs during the first, second, or third trimester, you can expect a series of initial questions to aid your provider in getting to know you and your expectations for the pregnancy. Expect questioning regarding the date of your last menstrual period, physical health, social habits (drinking, smoking, drug use), medication use, etc. In addition, a general physical exam will occur. If it has been more than a year since your last pap smear, expect to receive one during this visit.
Many providers will also perform a cervical exam. This involves placing two fingers into the vagina until the cervix can be felt and assess how “open” or dilated it is. Eventually your cervix will reach 10cm (or maximal dilation) and it will be time to push, but hopefully this will not occur before 37 weeks! Finally a series of lab work will occur, including testing for sexually transmitted infections and blood work to determine blood type, etc. Finally, the health care provider will make arrangements for you to receive an initial ultrasound to confirm the “due date.” Seems like a lot? Don’t worry, the following visits aren’t as intense J

First and second trimester routine visits
During the first two trimesters, women can expect to visit their healthcare provider at 3-4 week intervals. At every visit, women can expect questions regarding contractions, vaginal bleeding, and whether or not the baby is moving regularly. Fundal height is also measured. This involves placing a tape measure on the abdomen (belly) and measuring how long the uterus is. At 20 weeks, the top of the uterus is within a few centimeters of the belly button. The fundal height helps to assess whether or not baby is growing appropriately.
In addition to the routine visits, many women will receive a second ultrasound between 18-22 weeks to determine if baby’s organs are forming appropriately along with discovering baby’s gender. If everything checks out OK, the majority of women will not receive another ultrasound during the pregnancy.

Third trimester
The third trimester is a time of excitement because the finish line is in sight. The routine prenatal questions and fundal height assessments continue and the time between visits decreases. Additional testing occurs to assess for gestational diabetes (pregnancy induced high blood sugar). This occurs between 24-28 weeks. It involves drinking an orange colored solution and having blood drawn an hour later. Your healthcare provider will notify you of the results and if additional testing will occur. At 36 weeks, testing occurs to determine the presence of a vaginal bacterium called Group B Strep. This is done by placing a cotton swab in the vagina and the rectum to collect a sample which is sent to the lab. If the sample contains Group B Strep, it is necessary to receive antibiotics during labor to prevent baby from catching an infection during birth. In addition to this test, many healthcare providers repeat testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia. The prenatal visits will continue until it’s time for baby to be delivered! Pregnancy is an exciting time. Make sure to enjoy it (even the aches and pains)!

© CGees 2009

Round Ligament Pain

2009-01-15T20:57:00.004-05:00

Round Ligament Pain

With advancing gestational age (meaning the length of time that a woman is pregnant since conception) aches and pains often become more common. The first trimester is often plagued with nausea, morning sickness, and at times, severe nausea and vomiting. The second trimester tends to be the best for many patients especially since the nausea is often resolving, the initial pregnancy fatigue is subsiding, and you can now enjoy shopping for your cute little maternity clothing.

The third trimester has it sets of benefits and annoyances. Now that you can show off your belly like the movie stars, your ever expanding uterus could be causing more discomfort, especially in the groin and pelvic region. For some women, it might feel as though every time they move, climb stairs, lift their leg, or sit a certain way a sharp pain will follow. In the OBGYN community, this pain is known as round ligament pain. There are many ligaments that help to hold your uterus in place during the non-pregnant state. As your baby grows, the uterus must increase in size to hold your bundle of joy. In order for your uterus to stretch, your ligaments and your pelvis must change shape as well. This can cause sharp pains during movement due to spasm of your ligaments. Patients most frequently report the pain occurring in their right groin, but it could occur on both sides.

This pain is different from contraction pain. During a contraction, patients frequently report feeling their baby “ball up” or “curl up” inside of them, along with a tightening feeling over their abdomen. During a contraction, it is also possible to feel your belly (which is your uterus) becoming hard.

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be offered as a treatment for round ligament pain (and no, we will NOT deliver you at 33 weeks because you have groin pain). However, comfort measures such as a heating pad or warm towel can help. Also, try gradually sitting or avoiding sudden movements. That will also help decrease spasms during movement. As always, if your pain feels unusual to you or is worrisome, make an appointment to see your OBGYN, nurse midwife, or family practitioner to further answer your questions in detail.

Breast-Feeding! DO IT!

2008-12-10T19:35:00.002-05:00

The working mom. The busy mom. The mother of 1, the mother of 4. It really doesn't matter which type of mother you are, if you are the mother (or soon to be mom) of a newborn infant then you SHOULD breast feed your baby!

Breast milk is the best milk. I repeat, BREAST MILK IS THE BEST MILK!

Numerous studies in countries all over the world have demonstrated that human breast milk is superior to any artificial formula on the market. Artificial milk is designed to appear "thicker" than breast milk and more "creamy", which causes many consumers to assume that artificial formula more filling or healthier for their baby. In actuality, the creamy/thick appeareance of formula is due to the larger fat content of artificial milk compared to breast milk. Infants who are exclusively bottle fed are more likely to develop adolescent/adult obesity and are at greater risk for diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease.

In addition to the obesity link, children who breastfeed for the first 6 months of life have fewer sick visits (less trips to the pediatrician), decreased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), lower rates of tonsillitis, upper respiratory infections, and fewer ear infections. In developing nations, breast milk has actually been associated with a decrease infant mortality. In industrialized nations (like the US, Canada, etc) breast feeding has been associated with fewer infant hospitalizations in addition to decrease rate in infant death.

Breast milk contains many unique properties which formula milk lacks. Breast milk contains cells from the mother's immune system that help to provide infants with the tools to fight off infection. A baby's immunue system is immature. Since babies live in a sterile world inside of the uterus an infant is not immediately prepared t deal with all of the germs present in the outside world, thus putting infants at a higher risk of infection when compared with adults. Until the baby's immune system begins to recognize and defend itself against bacteria and viruses, the mother's immune cells are passed through the breast milk into the baby's system and are available to help keep baby healthy and feeling well.

Many of the immune cells are lost with freezing of breast milk, so make sure to squeeze in a few breast feeding meals between pumping. Breast milk is good for 24 hours if kept refrigerated and the immune cells are not destroyed with refrigeration. Therefore, once its time to return to work, you could pump several bottles in the evening, freeze some and leave the others in the refrigerator. That way some of the feedings will contain cells from your immune system and the others will contain vitiamins and minerals that formulas cannot duplicate!

Breastfeeding also benefits mom! Some of the maternal advantages to breastfeeding are:
1) It's FREE (and face it, this is a recesion)
2)It helps your uterus shrink faster than without breast feeding (so you can fit into your Beyonce jeans faster)
3)Birth control-mothers who exclusively breast feed are at a decreased risk of becoming pregnant.
4)Bonding- it is a way to bond with your your newborn

The American Dietetic Association recommends the infants should be exclusively feed breast milk (that means NOTHING ELSE, ONLY MILK FROM THE BREAST) for the first 6 months of life! After 6 months, baby food can be introduced with breast milk until 12 months of life.

Remember, breast milk is truly the best thing for you and your baby. Give your baby the best chance at life and start them off right!

(c) CGees 2008

Sweet Almond Oil

2008-11-28T19:15:00.004-05:00

I was recently watching the comedy "Baby's Mama" and laughing at the scene in the birthing class where it was suggested that the partners massage the expecting mother's perineum (entrance to the vagina) with oil daily to help stretch the area and prevent tearing.

Later, the same week, I came across a review article on the ACOG website that mentioned this same thing! It seems that there is evidence to suggest that starting around 34 weeks, it is helpful to message and gently stretch the entrance to the vagina with oil ( you can really pick whatever oil you like, I'm not really sure why they select sweet almond oil. . .)

Now at 34 weeks, your belly might prevent you from reaching down and massaging the area yourself, so get your partner to do it. You still might tear, but it appears to lower the risk. In general, Caucasians or more likely to tear than African Americans, but hey, anyone can tear. So go ahead and get your significant other/partner/hubby/ whoever to slap a little almond oil down there and stretch :)

(c) 2008 CGees

Birth Control Pills (with estrogen) and Blood Clots

2008-11-17T21:14:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer: ***The information in this article is not meant to substitute for the advice of a professionally trained medical professional. Health related questions are best addressed by your physician/nurse practitioner and NOTHING on the internet should substitute or replace their advice!***

Have you received a form of this email? (the content of the email is in green)

PASS THIS ON EVEN IF YOU DO NOT USE IT
Pass it to women as well as men. Men please pass this to all the women you know .

Recently this past week, my cousin Nicole Dishuk (age 31...newly graduated student with a doctoral degree about to start her new career as a Doctor...) was flown into a nearby hospital, because she passed out.

They found a blood clot in her neck, and immediately took her by helicopter to the ER to operate. By the time they removed the right half of her skull to relieve the pressure on her brain; the clot had spread to her brain causing severe damage.

Since last Wednesday night, she was battling... they induced her into a coma to stop the blood flow, they operated 3 times... Finally, they said there was nothing left that they could do... they found multiple clots in the left side of her brain... the swelling wouldn't stop, and she was on life support...

She died at 4:30 yesterday. She leaves behind a husband, a 2yr old Brandon and a 4yr old Justin... The CAUSE of DEATH - they found was a birth control she was taking that allows you to only have your period 3 times a year... They said it interrupts life's menstrual cycle, and although it is FDA approved... shouldn't be - So to the women in my address book - I ask you to boycott this product & deal with your period once a month - so you can live the rest of the months that your life has in store for you.

*Please send this to every woman you know - you may save someone's life... Remember, you have a CYCLE for a reason !

The name of this new birth control pill is (Insert any birth control brand name here)

Okay okay okay. For years there have been various forms of this email circulating around the internet urging women not to use birth control pills of different brands, warning that they can cause clots, leading to stroke, death, etc. What many women don’t realize is that you actually have a greater risk of developing a blood clot while you are pregnant. Yup. According to the Katz in Comprehensive Gynecology, 3/ 10,000 women will experience a clot when taking a birth control pill that has an estrogen dose between less than 50 micrograms. 6/10,000 women will experience a clot during pregnancy.

Smoking over the age of 35 raises your risk of adverse effects if you are on an estrogen containing pill, so if you are approaching your mid 30s it is time to start thinking about quitting (though if you are smoking you should be thinking of quitting no matter what age).

If you have a known clotting disorder (protein C, protein S, or antithrombin III deficiency or activated protein C resistance) then you are at a higher risk of developing a clot and you should inform your physician of this prior to starting any estrogen containing pill. Current data suggest that the risk of a deep venous thrombosis (a blood clot in the legs) is about 30/10,000. Routine screening of clotting disorders is not recommended unless there are items in your history to suggest a disorder (like family history of clots at a young age in multiple relatives). If you do have a family history or personal history of blood clots, you can take a pill with only progestin in it (no estrogen).

So in short, your risk of developing a clot on estrogen containing birth control pills is lower than your risk of developing a clot while on birth control for the average woman without a known clotting disorder. If you have questions, consult your health care provider, but don’t let these emails scare you away from your right to prevent pregnancy.

© 2008 CGees

Are you having another baby

2008-11-15T17:37:00.000-05:00

:) It seems that people are having or wanting babies left and right (which is why I'll always have a job, THANKS!!!)However, did you know that optimal birth spacing (time between pregnancies) is 2 to 5 years?

This is because women becoming pregnant less than two years or more than 5 years from their previous birth are at increased risk for obstetrical complications for both mom and baby.Women having children less than 2 years from a previous pregnancy are at increased risk of having babies with low birth weight. Though mothers naturally love their little boo boos, if you think of the fetus as a minature little parasite (I know I know harsh words) that is basically trying to gain as much of your body's nutrients as possible for 10 (not 9) months, then you'll understand why you need to give your body time to recoop from that in order to live healthy not only for yourself, but for future little boo boos that will need the same nutrients that you gave your previous child or children.

Prolonged pregnancy spacing (greater than 5 years) has been associated with increased risk of preeclampsia and still births. Pregnancy between the optimal 2 to 5 year window has been shown to produce improved outcomes for mom (less utuerine bleeding, anemia, depression, etc) and better outcomes for baby and the family as a whole.

Now don't freak out if things didn't go according to plan and you find yourself pregnant outside of this interval, just make sure you are getting your regular OB visits like EVERY pregnant woman should. Don't think "oh my gosh, its been 6 years since I've had a child, so now I can't have one" because that's not what I am saying. Or don't think "its been less than 2 years and I'm already pregnant. . . oh no" becuase that's not what I'm saying either. Again, just make sure to consult your doc, take care of yourself, and put it in God's hands. However, if you have the opportunity to plan and you think that you might want another boo boo in the future, just keep this spacing interval in mind since the wide array of contraceptive measures available today make pregnancy planning easier than ever before!

*The advice in this post is in no way shape or form to serve as a substitute for regular physician visits or to suggest one embark on a new treatment plan without first seeing your doctor. It is to provide information so that you can take a proactive role on your health*(c) 2008

Emergency Contraception

2008-11-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

Emergency Contraception
Disclaimer: ***The information in this article is not meant to substitute for the advice of a professionally trained medical professional. Health related questions are best addressed by your physician/nurse practitioner and NOTHING on the internet should substitute or replace their advice!***

Ooops! Did the condom break? Did it slip? Did you have one too many martinis (or margaritas) and just didn’t remember to use protection? Millions of women world wide are faced with similar scenarios yearly and seek a mechanism to prevent unintended pregnancy.

The mechanics of fertilization

For pregnancy to occur, coitus (sex) must happen up to two days prior to ovulation or on the day of ovulation itself. This is because sperm (which are called spermatozoa) only retain their fertilization capabilities for 48 hours after sex and the egg (ovum at this stage) is only capable of being fertilized within 24 hours after ovulation. Ovulation, however, does not always occur at the exact time every month.

For a women with the standard 28 day cycle, ovulation can occur anywhere from day 12-16 of your cycle. Therefore, it is generally thought that a woman with regular cycles has a risk of becoming pregnant is unprotected sex occurs 5 days prior to ovulation or on the day of ovulation itself. . . . giving the average women with a 28 day regular cycle a 6 day window each month where pregnancy could in theory occur. *

*The fertilization window above only pertains to a woman with 28 day, regular cycles. If your cycles are longer or shorter, or irregular, your period of fertilization will be different. Basically, if you are worried that you are pregnant and you have no idea when you ovulate (which is the majority of women) go get Plan B. It’s not going to hurt you to take it, but an unintended pregnancy could alter your life plans.

How emergency contraception works

So as you can imagine, if you have unprotected sex during your “fertile” window (midcycle) and you are not trying to become pregnant and not already on a form of birth control you might decide to try something as a “last resort” before becoming pregnant.

Plan B (0.75mg Levonorgestrel) is a progestin only pill. Plan B is believed to work by preventing ovulation, which means that the sperm would have nothing to fertilize, thus preventing pregnancy. Plan B does not cause an abortion and will not disrupt an already established pregnancy. It is most effective if started within 72 hours of unprotected sex. If you are age 18 and up you DO NOT NEED A PERSCRIPTION for Plan B. Simply go to the pharmacist counter and ask for it! If you are under 18, you will need to find your nearest healthcare professional and ask them to write you a prescription.

If more than 72 hours have passed, but less than 7 days, another option to prevent pregnancy involves the emergency placement of an IUD (intrauterine device). A copper IUD is an effective method of emergency contraception for up to seven days. The copper IUD will not prevent fertilization because it does not contain a hormone. However, it works by preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg into the lining of the uterus, which is required for a pregnancy to become established. An IUD must be placed by a qualified health professional, so you will need to make an appointment, but it is worth it if you still have doubts about your risk of pregnancy and are within the 7 day window.

Why am I using emergency contraception?

Though many women fear pregnancy, not enough attention is given to the risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, etc. The same way you put yourself at risk for needing Plan B is the same way you put yourself at risk of getting any combination of these infections. Plan B, IUDs, birth control, etc do not prevent sexually transmitted infections! Using a condom each and every time is the only way (other than abstinence which is 100% full proof) of getting an STD and helping to prevent pregnancy. You’re worth it!

***The information in this article is not meant to substitute for the advice of a professionally trained medical professional. Health related questions are best addressed by your physician/nurse practitioner and NOTHING on the internet should substitute or replace their advice!***
© 2008 CGees