Author: Capital Women's Care

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and change, but it’s also a time to pay close attention to your body. While many symptoms are completely normal (hello, nausea and fatigue!), some may signal a more serious issue that warrants medical attention.

Moms-to-be want to keep stress levels manageable and reasonably low during their pregnancy. But without fretting or worrying, it’s also important to treat red flags with the care and attention they deserve. Some of the warning signs below could be a natural part of your pregnancy, but if you’re not sure, it’s always best to seek professional insight to make sure you and baby are staying safe and healthy.

Talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

1. Heavy Bleeding

Spotting can be normal in early stages of pregnancy, but heavy bleeding (especially with cramping or clots) may signal a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placental problem. Always call your provider right away if you experience bleeding.

2. Severe Abdominal Pain

Mild aches and stretching sensations are common, but sharp or intense pain, especially on one side, could indicate a serious issue like ectopic pregnancy or placental abruption. Don’t wait to get it checked.

3. Severe or Persistent Headaches

Occasional headaches are common, but frequent, severe, or sudden headaches could be a sign of high blood pressure or preeclampsia, especially if paired with vision changes or swelling.

4. Vision Changes

Blurred vision, flashing lights, or seeing spots may also be warning signs of preeclampsia. It’s important to let your provider know if your eyesight changes suddenly at any point during pregnancy.

5. Sudden Swelling

Some swelling in the feet or ankles is normal, especially later in pregnancy. But sudden swelling in the hands, face, or around the eyes may signal preeclampsia and should be reported immediately.

6. Decreased Fetal Movement

As your baby grows, you’ll get used to their kicks and rolls. A noticeable decrease in movement, especially after 28 weeks, could mean something’s wrong. If you’re concerned, call your doctor right away.

7. High Fever

A fever over 100.4°F (38°C) during pregnancy may be a sign of infection, which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Always reach out to your healthcare provider if you develop a high temperature.

8. Painful Urination

Burning or pain while peeing may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is more common in pregnancy. If untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney infections and preterm labor, so don’t delay care.

9. Severe Nausea and Vomiting

While morning sickness is normal, unrelenting nausea and vomiting (especially if you can’t keep food or fluids down) may lead to dehydration and a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Your doctor can help manage it.

10. Fluid Leaking

If you notice a sudden gush or slow trickle of fluid, it could be your water breaking prematurely, even if you’re not full term. Call your OB-GYN right away, especially if you’re not yet 37 weeks.

Trust Your Instincts—No Concern Is Too Small

When you’re pregnant, even minor changes can feel alarming. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to contact your OB-GYN. Early detection and timely care can prevent complications and protect the health of you and your baby.

You know your body best, and your peace of mind matters! Contact Capital Women’s Care at (301) 681-3400 today if you have questions or want to talk more about warning signs during pregnancy.

Menopause is a natural part of life, but the hormonal changes that come with it can bring some unexpected challenges—particularly when it comes to vaginal health. As your body adjusts to lower levels of estrogen, you may notice changes in your vaginal health that can affect your comfort, intimacy, and overall quality of life. 

The good news? There are solutions to help you manage these changes and feel like yourself again! Let’s take a closer look at some common vaginal health issues after menopause and how to address them.

Continue reading “Vaginal Health After Menopause: Common Issues and Solutions” →

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that a woman develops when she is pregnant. She doesn’t have it prior to pregnancy, and she usually doesn’t continue to have it after she gives birth. Unfortunately, it is a complication of pregnancy and can cause problems for both the mother and the baby. Keep reading to become more knowledgeable about understanding gestational diabetes: causes and risk factors.

What Is Gestational Diabetes and Its Causes?

Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes impacts how your cells utilize sugar. This condition leads to elevated blood sugar levels, which can pose risks to both your pregnancy and the health of your baby. 3 to 8% of all pregnant women in the U.S. are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes occurs when hormones produced by the placenta interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin properly. As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream rather than being absorbed into the cells. It is not due to a deficiency of insulin like Type 1 diabetes, but by pregnancy hormones that diminish insulin’s effectiveness, namely insulin resistance. These symptoms will disappear after delivery.

What Are Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes?

Your doctor will usually check for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks or sooner especially if you have any of the following risk factors:

• You had gestational diabetes during an earlier pregnancy
• You gave birth to a baby over 9 pounds
• You are overweight
• Type 2 diabetes runs in your family
• You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• You are African American, Latino, American Indian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, or a Pacific Islander
• You have pre-diabetes
• Sometimes age is a factor

What Are Potential Complications for Baby?

Any complications are generally manageable and preventable with careful control of blood sugar levels as soon as the diagnosis is made.

If not managed properly it can lead to some complications for your baby.

• Your baby may be overweight, and your baby may need a C-section, get caught within the birth canal, or may experience birth injuries.
• It may increase the chance of early labor and delivery.
• Your baby may develop serious breathing issues.
• Babies may develop low blood sugar or hypoglycemia which may lead to seizures or require intravenous glucose (sugar).
• It can result in stillbirth or death just before or after birth.

What Are Potential Complications for Mom?

If not treated and managed in a timely manner gestational diabetes can cause you to need a C-section or surgical delivery.

• You may develop very high blood pressure (preeclampsia) which is dangerous for you and your baby with other serious symptoms.
• There will be an increased risk that you will develop type 2 diabetes later in life. 

Talk with Capital Women’s Care about how to prevent gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, especially if you have other risk factors. Call (301) 681-3400 to schedule an appointment in Germantown and Silver Spring, MD.

Continue reading “Understanding Gestational Diabetes: Causes And Risk Factors” →