Is it Winter Blues, or lack of Vitamin D?

Feeling more tired than usual lately?  Or are you experiencing unexplained aches and pains? It may be a lack of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a vitamin your body absorbs primarily through exposure to sunlight on bare skin, but can also be found in some foods and vitamin D supplements. It helps your body absorb calcium, which is why a lack of vitamin D can lead to brittle bones and aches and pains in both children and adults. Vitamin D deficiencies have also been linked to other conditions like high blood pressure and the “winter blues.”

“Vitamin D is critically important to alleviating depression and maintaining healthy bones,” said Dr. Carlos Cardenas, an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. “Unfortunately, many people don’t get the amount they need.”

People at a greater risk of vitamin D deficiencies are those who spend a good deal of time indoors and those with darker skin, as their skin pigment blocks the absorption of vitamin D. People who are overweight or obese are also at a higher risk for deficiencies, as vitamin D is fat-soluble, which means more is needed for those with higher body weights.

Being in the sun is the easiest way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, but even here in sunny Texas, it can be difficult. Skin protected by clothes during the winter months won’t absorb vitamin D, and neither will skin protected by sunscreen. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained aches and pains, or feeling more tired than usual lately, a simple test can determine if you need to boost your levels.

“Testing for vitamin D deficiencies is done by a blood test, which an OBGYN can order,” Dr. Cardenas said. “Blood tests are the only way to measure the amount of vitamin D in a person’s body. From that point, a treatment course is recommended, whether it’s supplements or increased daily exposure to sunlight.”

Dr. Cardenas emphasizes the importance of a patient talking to their physician about symptoms they’ve been experiencing. “We can only treat the symptoms we’re aware of,” he says. “If a patient doesn’t talk to us about their symptoms, vitamin D deficiencies can be more difficult to identify.”

Nursing mothers should also talk to their OBGYN about taking a vitamin D supplement to support the growth of their baby’s healthy bones.

“Mothers who are exclusively breast-feeding their infants should be taking a vitamin D supplement so it passes on to their baby,” Dr. Cardenas advised. “Otherwise, the baby is more likely to be vitamin D deficient.”

While it’s always important to protect your skin from the sun, getting outside a few times a week for a walk or a bike ride may help to naturally increase your body’s levels of vitamin D.

“Take advantage of the beautiful weather in Texas, even during the winter season,” Dr. Cardenas urged. “It’s more beneficial than you think!”

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/is-it-winter-blues-or-lack-of-vitamin-d/

Choose an OBGYN Doctor Today

The very personal choice of an OB/GYN (OBG) physician is likely not as difficult as it might seem. There are many online sites and friends/ family to consult on this matter. I will outline some of the considerations that seem to be most helpful below.

• Training and Board certification – although no guarantee of quality , this is usually an easy place to start and readily available both on physician website biographies or online.
• Experience – again no guarantees here, but as in everything in life a little experience does seem to count when your health is concerned. Don’t be afraid to ask about a particular area of professional experience if you are concerned.
• Hospital affiliation(s) – the facility reputation and standing can be just as important if not more so. Readily available online or at the facility website. If pregnant what kind of NICU is available if baby needs special care after delivery.
• Office hours and location – very subjective look for access, parking, safety considerations and if family members or kids are welcome in the office.
• Coverage when the Doctor is away – look at the other members of the practice, their qualifications are important too! Personality compatibility with the group members towards you is a consideration.
• Insurances accepted by the Doctor or group (and the facilities they use!)

So most of the things listed above are to think about BEFORE you come to the office. What about AFTER your visit?

• How did you feel coming into or leaving the office? Good experience? Nervous? Intimidated? You should definitely listen to that inner voice here. Your first instinct is usually correct.
• Did you feel comfortable discussing highly personal information with the Doctor? The staff? Was privacy important to the practice?
• Availability of Doctor after hours? Who picks up the phone? How often is your Doctor on call?
• Office staff. Appearance? Professionalism? Compatibility with your personality? Privacy concerns?

Although this is not an exhaustive list of concerns or a perfect way to choose, it should be a good start. Never forget to ask questions and try to be prepared for all visits yourself as this can be a two way street!

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/choose-an-obgyn-doctor-today/

Cord blood research continues with promising results

Before you give birth, consider the value of cord blood. After a baby is born and the umbilical cord cut, some blood remains in the placenta and the portion of cord attached to it. Cord blood is one of the fastest growing sources of stem cells used in pediatric transplants, and the medical community uses cord blood to treat at least 80 diseases today.

Since it contains blood-forming stem cells, also called hematopoietic cells, it’s used as an alternative to bone marrow in organ transplants and to treat diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, blood-disorders, and bone marrow failure. With these health benefits in mind, researchers are trying to find ways to make the most of each precious cord blood donation. A new stem cell harvesting technology presented at the 2014 American Society of Pediatric/Hematology/Oncology association gives parents the opportunity to collect twice the number of stem cells from the cord.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 20,000 stem cell transplants came from cord blood last year, and research on what else cord blood can treat is being conducted every day. Duke University has a trial testing whether these stem cells can repair damaged cells from cerebral palsy and Type 1 diabetes. Other research focuses on cord tissue and whether it can be used to treat lung cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Parents have the option of storing your child’s cord blood and stem cells to fight future diseases or donating it to our local cord blood bank to help other families who may not have access to it. Moms should talk to your OB/GYN about the benefits of saving your cord blood versus donating it to a public bank and what will work best for your family.

I’ve recommended banking cord blood to some of my patients, but it’s a completely personal decision. When parents ask for my input, I take into consideration the family history, genetic makeup, and whether they already have or plan to have more children.

If you decide to donate your cord blood, be sure to research both private and public storage. As the significance of cord blood research has grown, the number of facilities has increased and unfortunately not all will be reputable. You can also ask your OB/GYN about banks we would recommend based on our experience with them. Methodist Hospital, Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, and North Central Baptist Hospital also participate in the Texas Cord Blood Bank program.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/cord-blood-research-continues-with-promising-results/

Uterine Fibroids

As many as 3 out of 4 women will develop uterine fibroids in their lifetime, so it is one of the most common gynecologic conditions seen in our practice. Fortunately, uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are noncancerous masses of muscle which develop from the uterine muscle cells. Although fibroids are often called tumors, they are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and rarely develop into cancer.

Doctors are not sure what causes fibroids, but the following are considered possible factors:

• Genetic changes — many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in normal uterine muscle cells.
• Hormones — Estrogen and Progesterone, two ovarian hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle, appear to promote the growth of fibroids.
• Other growth factors — substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may affect fibroid growth.

Any woman of reproductive age may develop uterine fibroids. Other risk factors include heredity and race. If a woman’s mother or sister had fibroids, she is at increased risk of developing them. African-American women are more likely to have fibroids than women of other racial groups. They are also more likely to have larger and more numerous fibroids which develop at a younger age.

Other risk factors include starting first period at an early age, having a diet high in red meat and low in green vegetables and fruit, and alcohol use.

Many women with fibroids have no symptoms, but those that do have symptoms most commonly complain of the following:

• Unusually heavy or painful periods
• Long periods lasting more than seven days
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Chronic pelvic pressure or pain
• Pain consistently with intercourse
• Difficulty emptying bladder
• Constipation
• Lower backache or upper leg pains

The absence or presence of symptoms may depend on the number, size and location of the fibroid tumors. Fibroids range in size from seedlings to large masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. They can be single or multiple, in extreme cases enlarging the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage. Fibroids can develop deep within the muscular uterine wall, on the surface of the uterine wall, or within the inner uterine cavity.

Uterine fibroids are frequently found on routine annual pelvic exams or incidentally during a prenatal ultrasound. The fibroid tumors that cause no symptoms may not require treatment. Those patients will be followed with regular pelvic exams and pelvic ultrasounds to assure the tumors are not growing or multiplying. If they are, then they are more likely to cause symptoms which warrant treatment.

Treatment may include medications to manage symptoms without removal of the fibroids, or a surgical procedure to remove the fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. This procedure is called a myomectomy, and depending on the size and location of the fibroids, may be performed hysteroscopically (vaginally) or laparoscopically (through small abdominal incisions), or through a single larger incision which is called a laparotomy.

Myomectomy is usually performed for a woman who desires future fertility, and she is advised that she may develop new fibroids in the future. The only proven permanent solution for uterine fibroids is removal of the uterus, or a hysterectomy. This procedure should be reserved for women who are done with childbearing because it ends their ability to bear children. Hysterectomy ends menstrual periods, but it does not cause menopause to occur unless the woman desires to have her ovaries removed at the same time.

Hysterectomies may be performed laparoscopically or with robotic assistance with rapid recovery times. Other cases may require a laparotomy. Radiologists offer uterine artery embolization where small particles are injected through the groin vessels to block the arteries supplying blood flow to the fibroids causing them to die.

Although uterine fibroids are not usually dangerous, they are very common so women should have their annual gynecologic exam done, and see their doctor sooner if they develop unusual persistent symptoms previously discussed. Iron deficiency anemia, infertility, and multiple miscarriages are possible complications associated with fibroids. The earlier a woman’s fibroids are diagnosed, the more treatment options she will have. At this time, very little is known on how to prevent fibroids. The good news is, the management and treatment of fibroids is well established.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/uterine-fibroids/

What is Urogynecology?

Urogynecology (official name: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery) is a subspecialty within Obstetrics and Gynecology. It is dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of disorders of the pelvic floor in women.

Urogynecologists have completed medical school and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. They become specialists with additional training and experience in the study and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs. Many have completed formal accredited fellowships (additional training after residency) that focused on the surgical and non-surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders. We encourage you to feel comfortable asking about the training and expertise (and Board Certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery) of any doctor caring for you.

So what are the pelvic floor disorders (“PFDs”)? The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that provides support for a woman’s pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum). The pelvic floor is important in keeping these organs in their proper place as well as in making them function properly.

Women with a weakened pelvic muscles or ligaments may have trouble controlling their bladder and bowels. They can experience leakage of urine, bowel gas or stool, difficulty emptying their bladder or having a bowel movement or overactive bladder. Some women can also feel or see tissue coming out of the opening of their vagina. This can be a prolapsing uterus or vagina (pelvic organ prolapse). It is also possible to experience several of these problems at the same time.

While primary care physicians, general gynecologists and general urologists can start the evaluation and initial treatment of PFDs, if the diagnosis is not clear, if you experience several pelvic floor problems at the same time, if the initial approach has not helped or if a surgery is considered as treatment, we recommend that you are evaluated by a Fellowship-trained Urogynecologist, with Board Certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/what-is-urogynecology/

Solutions to Common Breastfeeding Challenges

Even though breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful things a woman can do, it often comes with its challenges. One important thing to note is that every woman’s body is different, therefore some might face breastfeeding challenges while others might not. The important thing is to always be prepared and know how to solve problems that may arise. Before you start breastfeeding, it is very important to ask your doctor everything you need to know about it.

Here are some common breastfeeding challenges and tips on how to manage them:

Running Low on Milk?

Sometimes it is difficult to know if your baby is getting enough milk and if you will be able to produce the milk your baby needs. It is normal for your breasts to feel less full after a couple of months. Let your doctor know if you are concerned. Remember to always check your baby’s weight and growth to see if she/he is getting enough milk. Here are some things you can do if you are concerned about your milk supply:

• Limit the use of the pacifier.
• The more you nurse, the more you supply. Remember to always follow your baby’s lead- he will let you know when he is done.
• Use both your breasts when feeding. Start with one breast and if he is still sucking and swallowing offer him your second breast.
• Your baby does not need solid foods until he is 6 months old. Try to only breastfeed him and avoid offering him formula or solid foods. The less interest the baby has in your breast milk, the less you will supply.

Supplying Excess Milk?
While some mothers worry about the low milk supply, other mothers worry about oversupplying milk. This can be very uncomfortable for both the mother and the baby. Here are some things you can do if you are an over supplier.

• Try to gradually increase the length of time you breastfeed on each side.
• When your breast feels extremely full and it’s not time to breastfeed yet, hand express it for a couple of minutes or use a cold washcloth to reduce swelling.
• Try to prevent aggressive sucking and feed your baby before he or she becomes very hungry.
• Positions like “side lying” and “football hold” may help with milk ejection.

What to do if you have a rush of milk:

• Carefully and gently hold your nipple with your forefinger and middle finger to lightly compress milk ducts and reduce the milk ejection force.
• Let excess milk spray into a towel if you feel your baby is choking.

Are Your Nipples Sore?

It is normal for breasts to be sore, especially if you just started breastfeeding. Once you find a comfortable position and your baby has a good latch everything should be easier and feel better. Here are some things you can do if your nipples are sore.

• Changing positions can ease the pain and help you find a good comfortable latch.
• If your baby is not getting a good latch and only sucking on your nipple, carefully break your baby’s suction by placing your finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth and try again.
• Heal your nipples with your milk. Once you are done breastfeeding gently rub a few drops of milk on your nipples and let your nipples air-dry.
• Try to stay away from bras and clothes that can put a lot of pressure on your nipples.
• If you can’t deal with the pain or can’t seem to get a good latch don’t hesitate to get help from your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Nursing Strike:

If your baby refuses your breast all of a sudden, your baby is going into a “nursing strike”. This usually means that your baby wants you to know that something might not be quite right. Here are some of the major causes of nursing strikes.

• Distraction while breastfeeding.
• Overuse of pacifier or reduced milk supply.
• Reaction to overstimulation, stress, constant late breastfeeding, and a mother’s strong reaction to a baby’s bite.
• Loud noises or discussions while breastfeeding.
• Major change in routine.
• Breastfeeding positions might cause pain or soreness.
• Teething pain, fungal infection, ear infection, or a cold sore.

These are just some of the most common breastfeeding challenges. If you are confronted with pain, infections, or other breastfeeding problems, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Click Here For More Information

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/solutions-to-common-breastfeeding-challenges/

Discussing Women’s Health With Your Teen Daughter

As your daughter enters her teenage years, it’s important for her to understand how and why her body is changing. It is also time for her to start seeing an OB/GYN. Parents often feel nervous and embarrassed to bring up the subject. Here are some ways to make talking about women’s health with your teenage daughter easier for both of you:

Start Early

Establishing open and honest communication with your daughter early on will make it much easier for you to talk about sex, puberty, birth control, STDs, and other difficult topics. Don’t start talking to your daughter about her period when she begins to menstruate for the first time and don’t wait to talk about sex when her friends are already doing it. Start approaching these topics early so your daughter feels comfortable coming to you for information. Putting off these conversations may lead her to seek information from the wrong sources.

Don’t Have “The Talk”- Have Many Talks

Trying to teach your daughter everything she needs to know about women’s health in one sitting can be a daunting task. Make it easier for both of you by casually bringing up the subject when the opportunity arises. For example, if a menstrual pad commercial comes up on television, use the opportunity to explain to your daughter what these pads are used for and how she will be using them in the future. Look for “teachable moments” every day to casually bring up the subject.

Spend Quality One-on-One Time With Your Daughter

It’s important for your daughter to have plenty of opportunities in which she can ask questions or talk about the changes that she’s going through. Plan activities where both of you can chat without having siblings or other family members around. Allow your daughter to share what’s going on in her life. Keep an open mind and avoid getting angry at the information that she shares.

Find an OB/GYN Your Daughter Feels Comfortable With

As your daughter enters womanhood, she will need to start seeing an OB/GYN and getting her annual exams. The thought of visiting a gynecologist for the first time can be very scary for her. She’ll probably ask: What will they do to me? Will it hurt? What will they think about my body? Ease your daughter’s fears by letting her participate in the process of selecting an OB/GYN and share some of your own experiences with her. Ask her if she would like for you to stay in the same room during the visit or if she prefers that you wait outside.

For More Information about San Antonio OBGYN visit https://www.ifwh.org/en/

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/discussing-womens-health-with-your-teen-daughter/

The Facts Behind Embarrassing Women’s Health Problems

Women face many health problems that might be too embarrassing to discuss with friends or even their doctors. No matter what you’re going through, chances are most women experience it at one point or another too. Your OB/GYN is probably familiar with these embarrassing conditions and can help you find relief. Here we explain some common embarrassing problems that you might be experiencing.

Help! Why Am I Leaking?

Urinary incontinence is a very common problem among aging women, but can affect younger women as well. There are many reasons it happens and can range from leaking a few drops when laughing or exercising, having a frequent urge to urinate, or leaking large amounts. In older women, the pelvic muscles become weak and have less control due to childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, and aging. In other cases, health conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, or stroke can damage the nerves that control urinary impulses and control. Urinary tract infections or drinking too many diuretic drinks, like green tea, can also be a culprit.

The good news is that there are many solutions to this embarrassing problem. The first step is to schedule a visit with your OB/GYN to determine the root cause and find a way to resolve it.

Why Do I Smell Fishy?

Have you noticed that you have a fishy smell recently? You might be suffering from bacterial vaginosis, an infection that is caused by an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in your vagina. Besides a “fishy” odor, BV can also cause pain, burning, itching, and white or gray discharge – but around 84% or women who suffer from this infection report no symptoms at all. Although it can be very embarrassing, it’s a very common condition – affecting 29.2% of women between 14 and 29 years of age in the United States each year. Having multiple sexual partners can increase the amount of harmful bacteria leading to BV. Pregnant women should be even more careful about BV since it can cause premature delivery and low birth weight. Bacterial Vaginosis can be treated quickly with medication and the odor will go away.

Why Do I Bleed So Much?

Do you have to switch your pad or tampon more than six or seven times a day? Does your period last more than seven days? Do you often stain your bed or clothes? Do you get very painful cramps? All of these can be symptoms of heavy menstruation, or menorrhagia. Although it’s common, heavy bleeding is considered abnormal and should be checked by an OB/GYN. The cause can range from hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, noncancerous cysts, or malignant growths. It’s important to get checked and get treatment right away to prevent more serious problems or before the loss of blood leads to anemia.

Gonima, Camilo A., MD
The Institute for Women’s Health

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/the-facts-behind-embarrassing-womens-health-problems/

Period 101

You have probably seen commercials for sanitary napkins, or “pads.” These products help keep you clean when you are going through your period. There are many different types available for your specific flow and preference. There are also some smaller and lighter pads that you can use during the lighter days of your period. Tampons are another product that can be used during your period. Because tampons need to be inserted into your body, I would only recommend that you use them after talking to an adult female that you trust.

Help! I started bleeding and I’m in school.

Sometimes your period can come when you least expect it. If you’re not prepared, relax and find an adult teacher, friend, or coach and ask them if they have a pad that you can borrow. If it stained your clothes, look for a sweater or garment that you can tie around your waste while you find a change of clothes.

Why do I feel funny during my period?

Because your body is producing hormones during your menstruation, you might experience Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS. During the week or days before you get your period you might notice that your breasts become larger and they begin to hurt. You might also get abdominal pain, or “cramps,” mood swings, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and even crying spells. This is completely normal! If the cramps are too painful, you can take an over the counter pain reliever or purchase a medication that relieves cramps.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Institute for Women’s Health, our friendly staff and caring physicians are always ready to help.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/period-101/

I am Pregnant. What Should I Ask My OB/GYN?

The feeling of uncertainty, nervousness, and confusion is normal for any pregnant woman. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first pregnancy or your 5^th; every pregnancy is different. That’s why it is so important that you see an OB/GYN you feel comfortable with and that you ask the correct questions. There are many factors that often get in the way of you asking your OB/GYN the right questions or having your concerns addressed. Below you will find some of the things your can do to reduce distractions or factors that may prevent you from getting the answers your need.

Get To Know Your Doctor:

You don’t have to become best friends, but it is very beneficial for everyone if you get to know them just enough in order to find out if they are the right OB/GYN for you. It is important that you share the same beliefs with your doctor when it comes to labor and delivery.

Do Your Homework: Research and staying informed is the best way to ask the correct questions that will benefit your pregnancy and will address your concerns. There are many ways to stay informed. You can subscribe to pregnancy magazines, read blogs, books, and ask your doctor for information packages.

Write Your Questions Down: It is very important that you take with you a written list of questions that you can check off during your visit, this way you don’t go home only to realize you forgot to ask the most important question.

Minimize Distractions: Minimize distractions by not taking your kids or too many people to your visit. Taking children to your prenatal visits can put them and other pregnant women at risk. Children are often exposed to germs and viruses at school that they can spread if they don’t cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. A minor cold or virus can be very harmful to a pregnant woman or her unborn baby. It is best if you take only your partner or family members that can help you make immediate decisions.

Ask Questions: Always remember that there is no such thing as a bad question; don’t be embarrassed – chances are your doctors have heard everything. Ask the question you want no matter what. You have the right to an answer.

Below we will share some good routine questions and topics to address with your OB/GYN.

1. Ask about your weight. Have you gained weight? Lost weight? Is it normal? What can be done about it?
2. Is your uterus changing in size too fast or too slow? Those are good things to know because the size of your uterus may imply different issues or circumstances.
3. Is your blood pressure regular? Has it gone up or down? During pregnancy your blood pressure can quickly change. It is important to keep track of the numbers since serious complications can quickly arise.
4. Remember to ask about what symptoms you should be on the lookout for from now to your next appointment. It is always good to know what to expect at every stage of your pregnancy.
5. Ask your OB/GYN about any foods, activities, or medications you should be avoiding at each stage of your pregnancy. It also good to ask what foods and activities he or she recommends.
6. You also have the right to know if you are being watched for any possible complications in your pregnancy. Ask them about your progress and what is normal and what is not.
7. Ask about what emergencies can arise at your given stage and what the action plan should be.
8. Ask who will deliver your baby and how the delivery process will go about.
9. Discuss labor and delivery philosophies.
10. Don’t forget to always ask for any general tips or recommendations on how to make your pregnancy and labor more pleasant and less straining.

If you have any more specific questions or doubts, feel free to contact The Institute for Women’s Health. Our friendly staff and our caring physicians are always ready to help.

For More information about OBGYN Click Here

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/i-am-pregnant-what-should-i-ask-my-obgyn/

The Zika virus: Four things to know if you’re pregnant

You may have heard about the Zika virus, and of the case confirmed recently in Houston, Tx. Last Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommended that pregnant women postpone travel to 14 countries and territories – including Mexico – where Zika outbreaks have occurred. So what is the Zika virus, and what do you need to know if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant?

What is the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness primarily contracted by a mosquito bite. Initially identified in the 1950s in Africa and parts of South and Southeast Asia, the first case was reported in the Americas in 2014.  In recent years, reports of babies with serious birth defects born to mothers infected with the Zika virus have increased sharply.

What are the symptoms of the Zika virus?

Symptoms of the Zika virus are generally mild and may include a fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. However, the CDC states that only about one in five people infected with the virus experience symptoms, so you may not even know if you’ve been infected. Even more alarming, “There’s no vaccine or treatment for the Zika virus,” said Karen Carcamo, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. “Therefore, we recommend women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing mosquito repellant daily and clothing that covers the majority of the skin.”

How does the Zika virus affect pregnant women and their babies?

The Zika virus is believed to be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. Reports have shown poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers infected with the Zika virus during their pregnancy, including serious birth defects of the brain. In light of limited information surrounding the extent of these effects, the CDC is urging all pregnant women to avoid any non-essential travel to the countries identified on this list. “It’s important to note that, while the CDC is recommending travelers to these countries take enhanced precautions, they have a stronger set of recommendations for pregnant women,” Dr. Carcamo cautioned.   The CDC website is an excellent source for the most current information regarding the Zika virus, Dr. Carcamo added.

If you’re pregnant and think you’ve contracted the Zika virus, what should you do?

“First things first: call your obstetrician,” Dr. Carcamo stressed. “Your obstetrician can document the exposure and determine whether further testing may be necessary. Most importantly: Remain calm. The odds are likely it may not be the Zika virus, but rather an upper respiratory infection or allergies.”

Still, since no vaccine or effective treatment exists for the Zika virus, prevention is critical. The Zika virus may sound scary, but fortunately, prevention is relatively simple.

“We strongly urge women in any trimester of their pregnancy to consider postponing travel to any area affected by the Zika virus, including Mexico and the Caribbean,” Dr. Carcamo said. “If you absolutely must travel to these areas, please be diligent about strictly following the steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

Karen Carcamo, M.D., MPH, is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carcamo, please call 210.615.8585.

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/the-zika-virus-four-things-to-know-if-youre-pregnant/