Last updated 3 days ago
Your OB-GYN will help to ensure that your pregnancy is as safe and healthy as possible. Sticking to a healthy eating plan and getting regular exercise both play important roles in achieving that goal. However, while exercise can help you stay strong and keep your weight gain under control during pregnancy, you can’t approach activity the same way you did before you were pregnant. Here is what you need to know about incorporating exercise into your pregnancy:
Getting Started with Exercise
If you were active before your pregnancy, your OB-GYN will likely recommend that you continue with your existing exercise program and make some minor tweaks as you go. If you are new to exercising, you should start very slowly. Pre-natal yoga is an ideal activity for pregnant women who had not previously been following an exercise regimen. Be sure to discuss your exercise plans with your OB-GYN before you begin. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may place further restrictions on your activities.
Gauging Intensity
You may have pushed yourself to the limit before you became pregnant, but with a baby on board, it’s important to lower the intensity of your workouts. If you become breathless while exercising, then your baby will, too. This restricted oxygen supply can be dangerous for your baby. During your second and third trimesters, you should also avoid exercises that require you to lie on your back. Being in that position reduces the blood flow to your baby. Contact sports should be avoided throughout pregnancy.
Trusting Your Body
Your OB-GYN is a great source of information about safe exercises, but above all else, listen to your body. If it feels like you are pushing yourself too hard, you probably are. Be alert to symptoms like shortness of breath and pain, and curb your activity accordingly.
The doctors at Women’s Integrated Healthcare can help you develop a plan to stay fit and healthy during your pregnancy. Schedule an appointment for personalized OB-GYN care in the Grapevine, Keller, or Alliance area by calling (888) 870-5671. Be sure to ask about all of our services, including ablations and robotic surgery.
Last updated 11 days ago
Join us THIS Saturday and Sunday, May 18th & 19th, for The Ultimate Women's Expo! Located at the Fort Worth Convention Center from 10:00am - 5:00pm both days!
Last updated 18 days ago
Osteoporosis weakens the structure of your bones, making them more susceptible to fracture. This is a common condition among older women over the age of 50.
Osteoporosis is frequently diagnosed following a minor fall or trauma that results in a broken bone. However, even women who have not broken bones may still be at risk for osteoporosis. A bone density test can be performed using X-rays to determine your bone density relative to a healthy, young woman’s. You can learn more about osteoporosis and how your doctor will diagnose this condition by watching this video.
Women’s Integrated Healthcare is dedicated to providing comprehensive, quality healthcare to women of all ages. We offer a variety of services to patients throughout Grapevine, Keller, and Alliance, including ob-gyn care, da Vinci robotic surgery, and other top-quality treatments. You can learn more about us by calling (888) 870-5671 or clicking on our website.
Last updated 26 days ago
Menopause occurs as your body changes with age and begins to adjust the amount of estrogen and progesterone created. The symptoms of menopause can last for months or years and affect each woman to a different degree. Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause that affects up to 90% of menopausal women. Visiting your gynecologist can help you evaluate your options when it comes to managing your symptoms.
Hormone Therapy
Menopause and its accompanying symptoms occur because of lowered levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body. Hormone therapy supplements your body’s existing levels of these hormones to minimize the symptoms caused by their absence. Your gynecologist will evaluate your health and needs to determine whether this treatment is an option for you, as hormone therapy is not right for every woman.
Dietary Changes
Some foods and drinks cause hot flashes, so discovering your specific triggers and avoiding them can bring relief. Alcohol, coffee and caffeinated drinks, and spicy foods often bring about episodes of sweating. Options such as black cohosh and soy help to prevent hot flashes in some women, so you may wish to try adding these to your diet. Ask your gynecologist whether you can benefit from supplementary vitamin B and E as well to prevent hot flashes. If you find yourself overheating, drink a glass of cool water to help.
Stress Relief
Anxiety and stress can trigger hot flashes and sweating. Learn to manage your stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation to enjoy fewer, less severe hot flashes. Other options for stress relief include taking a few moments each day to relax or performing light exercise such as walking.
Talk to your gynecologist at Women’s Integrated Healthcare today about relieving your menopause symptoms. Our team is here to provide you with comprehensive healthcare specific to your needs as a woman, including hormone therapy options, gynecology, obstetrics, da Vinci surgery, Essure, and NovaSure. You can learn more about our practice and its goals to achieve excellence in every aspect of women’s care by calling (888) 870-5671.
Last updated 1 month ago
During pregnancy, you have a special set of nutritional needs to encourage healthy growth of your baby. A variety of nutrients including vitamins and minerals are essential for fetal development prior to birth. Your obstetrician will help you to understand your specific needs based on your health prior to and during your pregnancy.
Foods to Include
A variety of fruits and vegetables should be included in your daily diet. Vegetable options such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, and squash provide vitamin A and potassium. Melons, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, and prunes provide vitamins A and C and additional potassium. Be sure to include sources of calcium and protein in your diet as well, such as low-fat milk and yogurt, nuts, beans, and lean meats.
Foods to Avoid
Seafood options including shark, tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish should be avoided. Small amounts of tuna, no more than twice per week are permissible. These fish have high levels of mercury that can be harmful while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Steer clear of raw and undercooked foods. Order or prepare your food well-done and choose only pasteurized cheeses, dairy, and juices to avoid food poisoning. Choose beverages that don’t include alcohol which can affect your baby’s development.
Dietary Supplements
While obstetricians recommend that pregnant women take prenatal vitamins to supplement their diet, these supplements are not a substitute for healthy food choices. If you have certain allergies or food aversions, your obstetrician can suggest alternate options or dietary supplements that are right for you. If you took any supplements prior to becoming pregnant, discuss these as well to ensure that they are still the right choice while you are carrying your child.
You can get more information about your nutritional and health needs during pregnancy from your obstetrician at Women's Integrated Healthcare. Our experienced and compassionate staff of doctors specializes in all aspects of women’s health to provide you with the very best in care in Grapevine, Keller, and Alliance. Contact us today at (888) 870-5671 or visit our website to learn more about our team.
