Will You Need a C-Section to Deliver Your Baby?

A woman laying in a hospital bed going into labor while connected to a monitor.Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s New Beginnings unit provides the women in our community and their families with the ultimate birthing experience. Each month, we cover a new topic exploring an important aspect of health and well-being for expectant mothers. This month, we’ll discuss some of what you need to know about cesarean birth (also known as a C-section).

During a C-section, your baby is delivered through incisions made in your abdomen and uterus. This happens when the health risks of vaginal delivery are too significant for either yourself or your baby. It can be planned ahead of time if:

  • You experience serious medical conditions that could worsen with a vaginal birth
  • You’ve had a previous C-section
  • You’re expecting multiple babies
  • Your baby’s exit from the cervix is obstructed
  • Your baby is in an abnormal position in your uterus

Even if these factors do not apply to you, unforeseen circumstances can occur that make a C-section necessary for safely delivering your baby, such as when:

  • You experience prolonged labor
  • Your baby develops an irregular heart rate
  • The umbilical cord compresses your baby’s head, neck, or body, or comes out of the cervix before the baby
  • The placenta separates from the wall of your uterus, preventing your baby from receiving oxygen and nutrients

Flushing Hospital’s New Beginnings unit offers spacious, modern delivery suites and advanced postpartum care, providing you with a safe environment to give birth and comprehensive follow-up medical support for you and your baby. To learn more about the unit, including accommodations and services provided, please call us at (718) 670-5702.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Doctor holding pregnant woman's hand with catheter.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects occur in approximately one out of every 33 babies born in the United States each year. Birth defects generally appear during fetal development and can cause a wide range of medical problems in children, such as physical deformities, physical or mental developmental impairments, and potentially fatal diseases such as sickle cell anemia.

While some birth defects happen due to avoidable factors during pregnancy, not all causes are preventable. However, it’s still important to know the most common ways birth defects occur so that you can prevent these causes (when possible) or manage symptoms effectively as your child ages. Typical causes of birth defects include:

Genetic factors: Conditions such as Down syndrome, as well as inherited medical conditions, occur due to abnormalities in the child’s chromosomes, which contain genes and control physical development. While these defects are not necessarily preventable in your child, it can help for you to get genetic testing done before pregnancy to screen for potential medical problems that your child could inherit.

Exposure to substances: Substances such as alcohol, caffeine, prescription medications, and non-prescription drugs can all contribute to your child’s likelihood of developing a birth defect. Make sure to discuss any medications you take with your doctor before getting pregnant and to avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible while pregnant.

Complications during pregnancy: Birth defects can occur due to complications that occur during pregnancy, such as infections, amniotic band syndrome, or a lack of amniotic fluid around the fetus in your uterus. Talk to your doctor about ways you can keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy and prevent these complications from occurring.

Other risk factors, including age and chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity, can also increase your baby’s likelihood of developing birth defects.

You can get help from a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Department to manage risks during pregnancy and keep yourself and your baby healthy. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5702.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is observed on October 13th each year to spread awareness about metastatic breast cancer and the need to develop new, targeted treatments that will improve survival rates among patients.

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as advanced or stage four breast cancer, spreads beyond breast tissue to other organs in the body; typically, these include the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. The process through which cancer cells spread to these other organs is called metastasis.

Approximately 6% of all people assigned female at birth who receive a breast cancer diagnosis have metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, most cases of this advanced form of cancer are also cases of recurrent cancer, meaning that it is cancer that returned after previous treatment. This generally occurs when prior treatments did not destroy all cancer cells present at the original affected area.

Despite the fact that metastatic breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is considered and treated as breast cancer. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bones is still breast cancer (not bone cancer) and is treated with breast cancer drugs, rather than treatments for a cancer that began in the bones.

Treatment for metastatic breast cancer focuses on improving the length and quality of your life. It involves working with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that takes many different factors into account, including:

  • Characteristics of the cancer cells
  • Where the cancer has spread
  • Your current symptoms
  • Age and health
  • Past cancer treatments

The types of treatments available for metastatic breast cancer include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and drugs that target genes spreading cancerous cells. Clinical trials also offer opportunities for new, experimental treatment options that may be beneficial to you. Talk to your doctor about recommended treatment options that are appropriate for your specific circumstances.

If you need diagnostic testing or treatment for breast cancer, you can work with a cancer care specialist through the MediSys Health Network’s collaborative oncology program with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition that occurs during pregnancy and can complicate the delivery of a baby. Up to 15% of premature births in the United States occur because of this condition.

Preeclampsia often occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but can develop sooner. It can also occur after pregnancy, typically following the first few days or week after delivery; this is known as postpartum preeclampsia.

Not everyone with preeclampsia may experience noticeable symptoms; in fact, most expecting mothers are unaware they have this condition until receiving a prenatal checkup. If symptoms do occur, some of the first signs typically include high blood pressure, retention of water weight, and protein in urine (detectable through diagnostic tests). Other symptoms may include:

  • Headaches
  • Visual disturbances, blurring, dark spots, or light sensitivity
  • Right side abdominal pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Edema (swelling of the hands and face)

Certain severe symptoms of preeclampsia may indicate a medical emergency, requiring a hospital visit and, potentially, early delivery of the baby. These include blood pressure of 160/110 mmHg or higher, fluid in the lungs, decreased urine production, low blood platelet levels, and decreased liver or kidney function.

While medical experts are uncertain what specifically causes preeclampsia, certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing this condition. These include:

  • A family history of preeclampsia
  • A personal medical history involving high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, or an autoimmune disease such as lupus
  • Multiple expected babies

You should consult your doctor about the most effective approach to treatment for preeclampsia. In most cases, this condition can only be resolved once the baby has been delivered; however, your doctor may provide medication to assist with managing your blood pressure and the development of the fetus’ lungs.

If you are experiencing symptoms of preeclampsia and require specialized medical care to protect the health of yourself and your baby, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology at (718) 670-5702 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our New Beginnings labor and delivery unit.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a type of pelvic floor disorder. It occurs when the muscles and tissues that support a woman’s pelvic organs become weak and no longer capable of holding those organs in place.

A woman’s pelvic organs include the rectum, uterus, bladder, cervix, and urethra, all of which are held in place by pelvic floor muscles. However, these muscles can become stretched or torn as a result of childbirth or other factors including:

  • Pelvic floor injuries
  • Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements
  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • Hormonal changes
  • Hysterectomy
  • Genetic disorders that weaken connective tissues
  • Having a condition that causes frequent coughing

When pelvic floor muscles are no longer able to hold pelvic organs in position, they drop lower in the pelvis. This creates a bulge or prolapse into the vagina, and in severe cases may cause pelvic organs to bulge onto other organs or outside the body.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “POP affects 1 in 4 women in their 40s and 1 in 3 in their 60s. By the time women reach their 80s, POP affects half of all women.” Some may experience symptoms that include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Pressure of pain during sexual intercourse
  • Problems inserting tampons
  • A feeling of pressure, fullness or aching in the pelvis
  • Incontinence
  • Spotting or bleeding of the vagina
  • Feeling or seeing a bulge coming out of the vagina

POP is diagnosed by conducting a series of tests that include a pelvic examination. There are various treatments available such as inserting devices called pessaries to support the pelvic organs, pelvic floor therapy, or surgery to support or close the vagina.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a wide variety of treatments for POP, this includes sacrocolpopexy, a surgical procedure that can be performed with the assistance of a surgical robot by our highly trained surgeons.

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please contact Flushing Hospital’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What is Chorionic Villus Sampling?

Approximately 120,000 babies are born each year with a genetic defect, leading to one in five children dying within their first year of life. This is why genetic testing is an essential component of effective pre-natal care and a valuable means of identifying potential health issues for your child early. One such diagnostic method is chorionic villus sampling.

This test takes a tissue sample from the placenta to determine whether your baby may have chromosomal abnormalities or other genetic problems. It’s typically performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy and is followed by a blood test between weeks 16 and 18 to check for neural tube defects.

Chorionic villus sampling may be conducted in two ways. The first, referred to as transcervical chorionic villus sampling, obtains a tissue sample from the placenta through a catheter inserted in your cervix. The second method, transabdominal sampling, obtains this sample through a needle inserted through your abdomen and uterus.

If you have a family history of genetic disorders, you may be recommended to undergo this procedure. It may also be recommended if your other genetic and diagnostic tests have shown abnormal results or if you will be 35 years of age or older by your pregnancy due date.

If your doctor does not make a recommendation for you to receive this test, you may still choose to do so. However, this procedure is invasive and comes with some risks, such as cramping, bleeding, infection, preterm labor, and rarely, more serious problems such as infant limb defects or miscarriage.

You should discuss the benefits and risks of chorionic villus sampling with a doctor. You can schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Department by calling (718) 670-5702.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What is a Liver Hemangioma?

Approximately 5% of the general population will develop a liver hemangioma at some point during their lives. Liver hemangiomas are the most common type of benign liver lesion, meaning that they generally are not a cause for concern if you’re diagnosed with one. Occasionally, however, they can lead to certain unpleasant symptoms and potentially serious complications.

Liver hemangiomas are more likely to cause symptoms when they’re larger than average. Typically, they’re only about three centimeters, but can be as much as ten centimeters in size. Abnormally large liver hemangiomas can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. Rarely, they can also compress blood vessels, cause bleeding in the abdominal cavity, lead to blood clotting, scarring, or calcium deposits, or potentially cause serious internal bleeding due to a rupture in the tumor.

It isn’t clear what causes liver hemangiomas to develop, but they’re more common in middle-aged people assigned female at birth. This may be due to a connection between liver hemangiomas and high estrogen levels.

These lesions may be mistaken for cancer when they lack typical identifiable features, though this is rare and diagnostic imaging can usually help to distinguish the two. Liver hemangiomas typically remain stable rather than changing shape or spreading from another part of the body, as cancer typically does.

Most liver hemangiomas won’t require treatment unless they seem to be growing. In this case, your doctor may want to prevent further growth by blocking the lesion’s blood supply. Surgical removal of the lesion may be recommended in severe cases.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that may indicate the presence of a liver hemangioma, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What is Lipedema?

Nearly 11% of adult women worldwide suffer from lipedema, a chronic condition that causes an abnormal buildup of fat in the lower body.

Lipedema occurs almost exclusively in people assigned female at birth and typically begins or worsens during periods of significant hormonal change in the body such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. No specific cause other than genetics has been identified for lipedema.

Although more than half of all patients with this condition are obese, the fat buildup that occurs in patients with lipedema is not necessarily linked directly with the same factors that cause obesity, since calorie restrictions in these patients can cause them to lose weight in their upper body without losing fat in the lower body.

The link between lipedema and obesity also extends to comorbidities that commonly occur alongside this condition. Many people who suffer from this disease may also experience hypothyroidism, venous insufficiency, arthritis, and other chronic conditions for which obesity is a known risk factor.

Aside from fat accumulation, lipedema also causes tenderness and swelling in the affected areas. People with this condition may bruise more easily in these areas and feel a consistent level of pain. Additionally, the accumulated fat can block the body’s lymphatic pathway, causing another condition called lymphedema that involves a buildup of lymph fluid.

Several treatments are available for people with lipedema. Manual lymphatic drainage therapy, which is performed through gentle stretching and massaging of the skin, can help remove waste and break up fibrosis in limbs affected by this condition. Complex decongestive therapy, another noninvasive treatment that prevents lymph fluid buildup, also reduces inflammation and swelling in affected areas.

In severe cases, invasive surgery may be required to effectively treat lipedema. Wet-jet assisted liposuction can remove fat while minimizing the risk of damage to lymph vessels, while bariatric surgery may be helpful for patients with both lipedema and obesity.

You can find a physician to help you create a lipedema treatment plan at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Ectopic Pregnancy

There are a few steps that normally occur for a woman to become pregnant.  The first is a single sperm fertilizing an egg.  The next steps involve the fertilized egg traveling down the fallopian tube and descending to the uterus where it attaches itself to the lining and begins to grow.

The uterus is the only place in the body where the egg can survive and successfully develop into an embryo. Unfortunately, there are instances where the egg does not make it to the uterine lining but instead attaches to the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, or cervix.  This is called an ectopic or extrauterine pregnancy.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), ectopic pregnancies occur in an estimated 1 out of every 50 pregnancies.   Any woman can be at risk for this problem; however, the risks are higher if you:

  • Are older than 35 years of age
  • Had a previous ectopic pregnancy
  • Have a history of endometriosis
  • Have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea (STIs can also lead to PID)
  • Are a smoker
  • Conceived with the aid of fertility drugs
  • Have scarring as a result of pelvic, abdominal, or fallopian surgeries
  • Have had tubal ligation or tubal ligation reversal surgeries
  • Birth defects that change the shape of the fallopian tubes

An ectopic pregnancy typically occurs within the first weeks of pregnancy. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Pelvic pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain in the neck or shoulder
  • Pain on one side of the body
  • Pain or pressure in the rectum
  • The urge to have a bowel movement
  • Dizziness or weakness

Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding are among the first warning signs of ectopic pregnancy; therefore, if you are experiencing this along with lightheadedness, shoulder pain or any other symptoms seek immediate medical care.  An ectopic pregnancy can potentially lead to the rupturing of the fallopian tube and heavy bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

Early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy can reduce the risk of complications.  Treatment includes medication to stop the embryo from growing or surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy.

If you believe you are at risk for ectopic pregnancy and would like to schedule an appointment with an OB/Gyn at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-8992.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Menstrual Cramp Remedies

Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) occurs when elevated levels of the hormone prostaglandin cause the muscles and blood vessels of the uterus to contract.  This results in the mild or severe pain experienced by many women before and during their periods.

Relief from pain may be achieved by trying the following remedies:

  • Applying heating pads to the lower abdomen ( Be sure to follow the instructions on the heating pad to avoid injuries)
  • Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
  • Exercising ( Studies show that low to medium intensity exercises may help in reducing pain)
  • Taking magnesium supplements (This mineral is believed to be effective in relieving cramps)
  • Drinking water ( Dehydration can worsen to muscle cramps)
  • Trying acupressure
  • Trying acupuncture
  • Massaging the lower abdomen

If menstrual cramps and pain persist, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment. Your healthcare provider may order or conduct tests to see if these symptoms are caused by an underlying health problem.  Treatments will be recommended based on your diagnosis and may include medications or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call  718-670-8992.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.