Obstetrics - Gynecology

The Zika virus is accompanied by minor symptoms that can last approximately one week. Those infected rarely experience symptoms serious enough to cause a hospital visit; however, contracting the virus during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly and Guillian-Barre Syndrome. Currently, there is no vaccine for Zika.   Lexington Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology Zika Fact Sheet. For more information and prevention tips, visit, cdc.gov/zika.

In the event of an exposure to Fifth's Disease, you would need to contact your doctor. Lab tests can be done to determine your immunities.

During a normal pregnancy, it is completely safe to have intercourse.

American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG) recommends a weight gain of 25-35 pounds if you are of normal weight pre-pregnancy. However, your doctor will let you know how much weight you should gain based on your weight.

Some vaginal spotting and "twingy" cramping can be normal, but we do not like to completely ignore these symptoms. Please call your physician to get his/her recommendations.

It is completely safe to get the seasonal influenza and the H1N1 injectable vaccines while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) affects about 10% of mothers and can be treated. If you have symptoms such as sadness, uncontrolled crying spells, anxiety, despair that you have trouble coping with daily tasks, thoughts of suicide, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others, you will need to contact your physician immediately for treatment. Treatment may include medication and/or a referral to a psychologist. Please refer to our Postpartum Instructions for more information.

Heavy bleeding or bleeding in between your normal cycle is common but not normal. There are many things that may cause this and depending on your diagnosis, there are a few options; uterine ablation, Mirena IUD, birth control or hysterectomy.

Unless you have been told otherwise, routine pelvic and breast exams should be performed yearly.

If you think that you may have been exposed to an STD, you should make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss and possible be tested. 

This is very common but not normal. We can examine you to find out what the cause of the urine leakage is. Depending on your age and medical history, the problem can usually be repaired.