While there is no guarantee that preterm labor can be prevented, there are some changes you can make to have a healthy pregnancy and reduce your risk of having a premature baby:

• Quit smoking, drinking alcohol or using street drugs.
• Talk to your health care provider about how much weight you should gain during pregnancy and do your best to get to a healthy weight before you get pregnant.
• Talk to your health care provider and come up with a plan to manage any chronic conditions you have.
• Make your first prenatal appointment when you find out you are pregnant. Go to all of your prenatal appointments, even if you are feeling well. Prenatal care helps your health care provider make sure you and your baby are healthy.
• Eat a healthy diet, exercise and take prenatal vitamins.
• Reduce your stress; ask for help from family and friends.
• Protect yourself from infections.
• Know the signs of preterm labor and alert your health care provider if you’re experiencing them.
• Talk to your health care provider about how long you should wait before having your next baby.

Pelvic organ prolapse affects approximately half of the women who have had children by vaginal delivery. Other factors that can contribute to prolapse include advancing age, obesity, hysterectomy, chronic straining and abnormalities of the connective tissue.

Learn more: http://www.virginiawomenscenter.com/services-urogynecology-pelvic-prolapse-repair.html

When diabetes starts during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. Women with diabetes (whether or not it is classified as gestational diabetes) need special care during pregnancy.

Diabetes is a condition that prevents the body from using food properly. The body receives its major source of energy from a sugar known as glucose. Insulin, a hormone manufactured in the pancreas, must be available for glucose to be used in the tissues. During pregnancy, some of the hormones produced by the placenta have a blocking effect on insulin. Gestational diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces its maximum amount of insulin, yet that is not enough to overcome the effect of the placenta’s hormones.

What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is more common in women who

• are overweight or obese
• are older than 25
• have had gestational diabetes in a prior pregnancy
• are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, Latina or Pacific Islander
• have a family history of diabetes
• have previously given birth to an infant that weighed more than 10 pounds
• had excess amniotic fluid in a prior pregnancy
• had an unexplained stillbirth or miscarriage in a prior pregnancy

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

At Virginia Women’s Center, we screen for gestational diabetes at 28 weeks of pregnancy. You will have to drink a syrupy glucose solution and then have your blood sugar level measured one hour later. If your blood sugar level is higher than normal, you will have to do a follow-up glucose test. The follow-up test involves drinking another glucose solution and having your blood sugar level checked every hour for a three hour period. If at least two of the blood sugar readings are higher than normal, you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

What if I am diagnosed with gestational diabetes?

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you will work closely with our nurse practitioners to create an individualized food plan. You will not have to give up foods you love, but you may have to limit them or eat them with other foods so that your blood sugar isn’t negatively affected. During pregnancy, you will have to manage your blood sugar so that it stays in the optimal range and reduces your risk for complications. Usually, this can be done through diet and exercise. You will also work closely with our physicians and may need additional testing to monitor the baby’s health and reduce the risk of complications throughout your pregnancy.

For most women, once the baby is delivered, gestational diabetes will go away. You will be tested again at your postpartum visit. If it does not go away, it is reclassified almost always as type II diabetes. Women who had gestational diabetes are at high risk of having diabetes later in life. Choosing to pursue a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritiously and exercising regularly may help prevent or postpone diabetes.

Additional Resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions on Gestational Diabetes
• Healthy Weight Management

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There is no question that Jamia is our Richmondmom.com April Rock Star!

Read her story below:

Jamia is an upbeat and outgoing woman who credits MS for teaching her to slow down and take each day as it comes.

Jamia’s MS symptoms started in August 2004, when she experienced temporary numbness in her foot. Attributing it to stress, it went away and she didn’t think much of it until early January 2005 when she noticed her foot was numb while walking in the grocery store. Later that month, over the weekend, Jamia’s right side of her body went completely numb. Feeling flu-like and having trouble walking, she attributed it to stress and stayed home from work for a few days, returning that Thursday.
Unable to wear her much-loved high-heels due to her symptoms, she became alarmed when she fell over in her office. The next day she went to see a doctor who referred her to a neurologist. He performed an MRI and a spinal tap and diagnosed her with relapsing-remitting MS. It took awhile for the diagnosis to sink in, and she revealed it only to close family members at first.

It wasn’t until 2008, after recruiting friends and family to participate in an MS Walk, that she disclosed her diagnosis to a wider group of her friends. She started Avonex in March of 2005 and she would take it on Fridays as she experienced extreme fatigue and flu-like symptoms that prevented her from working. Tired of the side effects, she switched to Rebif in 2007. The side effects were less intense, but she was bruising from the injections and decided to ask her neurologist about Gilenya in March 2011.

Prior to taking Gilenya, Jamia was experiencing one relapse every other year. Her symptoms were extreme fatigue, numbness from the core down, and burning in her legs. In addition, during an MS relapse in 2007, she experienced optic neuritis in her right eye. Her relapses would last 2-6 weeks and were typically treated with steroids. Jamia started taking her new medication in March 2011 and loves that she can take a pill and no longer has to administer shots.

She has learned the signs of an impending relapse – fatigue and craving sleep – and knows to slow down and rest. In November 2011,she experienced a relapse that included fatigue and core numbness from the waist down. Her relapse lasted one week after taking Prednisone at the outset of symptoms.

Since being diagnosed with MS, Jamia has learned to take each day as it comes and to enjoy the moment. A self-described, “type A” person, Jamia once feared her MS would get in the way of the life she envisioned for herself. She’s thankful, and proud, that she graduated with her MHA, works full time, got married and started her family.

Jamia wants to share her story with others so they can see the rich, full life that is still possible, even with MS. She is an example of a person who is determined, strong-willed, and excited about life. Even in the midst of her challenges with MS, she is an inspiration to women everywhere.

We think Jamia rocks! She will receive a free massage thanks to our incredible sponsor – Massage Envy.

More About Jamia

Jamia Thomas Crockett is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a masters degree in Hospital Administration from VCU.  While making her mark professionally in the health care industry and planning for a new life with soon to be husband, Jamia was given her diagnosis with relapsing Multiple Sclerosis in January 2005.

While exploring the impact of MS to her previously “normal” life, Jamia has re-mastered her life as a wife, mother of 2 busy little boys, and professional trail blazer.  Something she didn’t speak about and rarely acknowledged, Jamia’s outlook on life with MS changed in 2008 when she participated in her first MS walk with the support and encouragement of her family and friends.  There, she was amazed to find many people just like her, living courageously and with purpose.

Jamia’s ultimate strength and calling was realized in 2012 as she embarked on a new path as a  national speaker and advocate for MS.  Sharing her challenges and triumphs with others afflicted, their support systems, and anyone caring to know more about life with MS has brought higher purpose, healing, and a new life.

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Who knew West Creek Emergency Center was an emergency room AND an art gallery?

West Creek Emergency Center in Goochland, Virginia is one of Richmond area’s premier full-service ER facilities offering 24/7 care. They are available for all minor and major emergency needs. All of their staff is PALS certified. PALS certification is for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children, making them a great location when emergencies arise with kids.

Partnership with Nuckols Farm Elementary School

In addition to being a state-of-the-art emergency center, West Creek Emergency Center staff and administration are also very aware of the stress and discomfort often associated with requiring their services. That’s just one reason they have launched a partnership with Nuckols Farm Elementary School (NFES) in celebration of Youth Art Month.

As community partners, West Creek strives to recognize others for their work and this is a way to benefit NFES students and the patients at West Creek.

A ceremony was held at West Creek Emergency Center on March 13, 2013 where NFES and Henrico County Public Schools representatives, along with many parents, students, and guests, were treated to a tour of the facility and the first look at children’s art displayed throughout the pediatric area of the facility.

Emma Hennesey shows her art certificate as she proudly displays her art project.

Children at NFES have created individual pieces of art with mediums that range from tempera and oil pastel, to watercolor and mixed media. They create bright, imaginative, and beautiful images. A recent visit during the opening ceremonies showcased the artistic talents and accomplishments of these young students. The children’s art is bright and colorful, helping patients and their families see a little cheer when being treated for emergency situations.

Art logo by Amanda Rose

NFES students received award certificates for their artwork and they were certainly proud of their accomplishments.

The partnership with NFES enables the emergency center to join the school in recognizing children from kindergarten through fifth grade for their artistic talents and works. It also helps brighten the hallways and examination rooms of the emergency center as a distraction from the clinical setting.

Dana Hennesey, a NFES parent who helped coordinate the partnership, explains “We are excited to work with West Creek Emergency Center on this project. It gives our children a chance to do something for the community and they have a sense of pride in their artwork. Everyone benefits from this project.”

About West Creek Emergency Center

West Creek Emergency Center is the closest ER in the Goochland and Short Pump area, making them convenient from many directions (see table below for distance to surrounding communities and counties). Located just off Route 288 near Broad Street provides easy access. West Creek Emergency Center offers rooms tailored for kids, seniors, expectant moms and those who have experienced a major injury or trauma.

West Creek ER has some of the lowest wait times of any emergency room in the area. You get treatment faster so you are able to get in and out quickly.

West Creek ER provides multiple emergency services including treatment for:

• Full-service emergencies, including pediatrics
• Minor illness and injury such as sprains, breaks, falls, coughs, colds, UTIs
• Major medical concerns such as drug overdose, burns, GYN
• Heart concerns
• Respiratory issues (asthma, COPD, respiratory arrest)
• Neurological issues such as CVA, seizure, migraines, and minor head injuries
• Life issues related to insect bites, allergic reactions, cuts, and wounds
• Emotional wellness for acute and chronic behavioral health

They offer onsite, full-service laboratory services and a full range of imaging including ultrasound, x-ray, and CT scans. They also provide free wireless access, cable television and a community meeting room offering free meeting space for up to 32 people.

West Creek ER kid-friendly waiting area.

Outpatient laboratory and imaging are available for individuals through their 24/7 outpatient imaging and lab services – whether you are seen by a West Creek Emergency Center physician or not. Simply bring the written orders from your physician for lab or radiology services at your convenience. Since they are open 24/7, you don’t have to wait for an appointment during specified hours. Walk-ins are welcome for lab, x-ray, and low-dose lung scan. You can all 804.327.8702 to schedule an appointment for a CT.

For critical situations requiring the services of a full hospital, there is an ambulance available and ready to transport patients to nearby hospitals 24 hours a day/7 days per week.  Patients transferred to nearby hospitals do not have to admit through the emergency room but are transferred directly to patient rooms for service and treatment. There is no fee or charge to the patient when transferred to Henrico Doctors’ Hospital.

For more information, visit their website:

West Creek Emergency Center
12720 Tuckahoe Creek Court
Richmond, VA 23238
804.784.1000
WestCreekER.com

West Creek Distance from Many Locations:

Kinloch	3 miles
Centerville	5 miles
Foxhall	6 miles
Wellesley	6 miles
Raintree	7 miles
Barrington	7 miles
Twin Hickory	8 miles
Wyndham	10 miles
Rockville	11 miles
Oilville	12 miles
Maidens	16 miles
Mineral	39 miles
Zion Crossroads	43 miles
Louisa	45 miles
West Creek & 288	2 miles
Patterson & 288	4 miles
Richmond Country Club	4 miles
Sycamore Creek Golf Course	5 miles
Short Pump Town Center	6 miles
West Broad Village	7 miles
I-64 & West Broad	8 miles
Striker Park	8 miles
Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center	14 miles
Goochland Court House	17 miles

 

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In addition to determining whether or not you wish to have a biological child in the future, you may wish to consider these things:

Your lifestyle

• How often do you have to administer this birth control method? Are ease of use and convenience important to you?
• Do you and your partner agree on this birth control method?
• How many sexual partners do you have? Does this birth control method protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
• Do you have any religious or moral beliefs that limit your birth control options?

Your overall health and age

• Do you have any health conditions or risk factors that limit your birth control options?
• Are there any side effects or risks associated with this birth control method?
• How effective is this birth control method in preventing pregnancy? How would an unplanned pregnancy affect your life?
• Does this birth control method offer added benefits that you are interested in (i.e. lighter cycles)?

The cost of your selected birth control option

• How much will this birth control method cost you on a monthly/yearly basis?

Just like any medication or procedure, it is important that you evaluate the benefits and risks of each birth control method as well as the answers to the above questions with your health care provider. The chart below may help you better understand each method. It divides available birth control methods into hormonal and non-hormonal options. Hormonal options prevent pregnancy by releasing hormones to prevent ovulation. Non-hormonal birth control methods work by providing a barrier so that the sperm cannot reach the egg.

It’s important to remember that there is no perfect method for all women – that’s why there are so many options! Take the time to weigh the positives and negatives of each method with your partner and your health care provider in order to make the decision that is right for you.

Virginia Women’s Center is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com