What started as an exciting moment turned into panic for first-time parents Faith and Jake Pugh. The couple couldn’t wait for their baby’s gender reveal at their 20-week ultrasound, but once their appointment started, they quickly learned that something was very wrong. “We found out I was in preterm labor,” Faith said. The OB/GYN “gave…
Norton Women’s Care, with childbirth services at Norton Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, has been recognized as High Performing in Adult Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report, the highest award a hospital can earn in the U.S. News list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. This is the second…
What is dysmenorrhea? Dysmenorrhea is another term for pain associated with the menstrual period, also known as period pain. It often involves period cramps that can be felt in the lower abdomen and/or lower back. “Many women experience menstrual cramps for a couple of days during each cycle — but not all pain is normal,”…
Weight gain often happens as people age, and for many, it becomes especially noticeable around the time of menopause. “Even though menopause weight gain is common, it can still be prevented,” said Rosemary C. Sousa, M.D., OB/GYN with Norton Women’s Care. “For example, implementing healthy lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise, can go a…
Can you get a Pap smear or pelvic exam on your period? The answer is yes! If you’ve scheduled an appointment with your gynecologist and you’re on your period, there is no need to cancel the appointment. Normal vaginal bleeding should not get in the way of a Pap smear or pelvic exam. “An OB/GYN…
Four years ago, Sara Westerman was diagnosed with breast cancer. She chose treatment that included a double mastectomy with reconstruction. While preparing for surgery, Sara discovered pillows designed for patients who have this surgery. Sara’s mom, Betty, is a retired home economics teacher and promptly created a version of the pillow for her daughter’s recovery….
Rhonda Cash calls herself a breast cancer “thriver.” She practices self-care by giving back to her community and shares comforting gifts with cancer patients going through treatment. “I want other cancer patients to be as blessed as I am. I want them to have that little something special that they can use more than once,”…
At Norton Healthcare, we believe annual mammograms are one of the most important forms of self-care a woman can practice. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual reminder to do a self-check for signs and symptoms, schedule a mammogram and keep in mind those who are fighting breast cancer or have lost their lives…
Menopause can cause an increase in sex drive or a decrease as hormone levels fluctuate, but very often it’s the symptoms of menopause — mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes and vaginal dryness — that can leave you uninterested in sex. Lower estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness as blood supply to the vagina…
The body goes through many changes after having a baby, and having some yellow discharge after birth is normal. This type of discharge is called “lochia.” It is part of the body’s way of healing itself after delivery, and it is a normal part of recovery after a vaginal birth or cesarean section (C-section). How…
Bladder control, bladder incontinence, urinary incontinence, peeing when coughing — whatever you might call it, it’s an issue that affects many women. It’s not just a “change of life” or aging issue — urinary leakage affects women of all ages. There is a certain stigma to it that keeps many women from getting treatment. However,…
For many women, it may be difficult to relax during a pelvic exam, but it can be a traumatizing experience for survivors of sexual abuse. Although a pelvic exam can help screen for various gynecological conditions, including fibroids and cancer, the procedure may feel intrusive or triggering for some trauma survivors, said Rebecca P. Walker, M.D.,…
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