The patient A 41-year-old pregnant patient at 38 weeks’ gestation was admitted for elective cesarean section. Her medical history included three pregnancies, two live births, two prior cesarean sections, anterior placenta with polyhydramnios (amniotic fluid index 35), pituitary macroadenoma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and headaches. Echocardiogram in 2019 demonstrated an ejection fraction (EF) of 56%….
Midwife services are now available at Norton Hospital, as Norton OB/GYN Associates in downtown Louisville introduces a new midwife program. This significant addition to the practice expands existing comprehensive prenatal care services. Previously, midwifery services were available only at a Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital location in St. Matthews. A certified nurse midwife is a…
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of the female population. It is commonly defined as pain perceived to originate from the pelvic region that has been present for longer than six months. This differs from acute pelvic pain, which usually has a clearly identifiable cause…
Patients who have been pregnant and especially those who had complicated pregnancies are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, but the condition typically arises 10 or 15 years after the pregnancy. Patients are screened months after their pregnancy for cardiovascular disease, but as the patient ages, pregnancy is a very important part of their medical…
When considering gestational diabetes diagnosis criteria, carbohydrate intolerance with onset or recognition during pregnancy after 20 weeks is foremost. Gestational diabetes accounts for about 6 in 7 cases of diabetes in pregnancy. Risk factors are similar to nongestational diabetes: obesity, advanced maternal age, hypertension, family history of diabetes, nonwhite ethnicity and prior macrosomic infant. Diagnosing…
The patient A routine ultrasound at 20 weeks’ and four days’ gestation showed cervical insufficiency. A pelvic exam by the patient’s primary obstetrician revealed her cervix was 3 centimeters dilated, with a bulging bag of water beyond her cervix. The patient was admitted to Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, and a referral was sent to…
Pelvic health physical therapy can alleviate pain and improve the strength and function of pelvic floor muscles — enhancing quality of life, hygiene, safety and independence. Sometimes therapy is all that’s needed to address pelvic-health-related conditions such as bladder or bowel control, stool or urine leakage, pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. Physical therapy can…
A passion for subspecialty gynecology care and improving patients’ quality of life has inspired a father and son to work together at Norton Healthcare. Urogynecologist Andrew D. Doering, M.D., joined Norton Urogynecology Center in August, treating patients with pelvic floor disorders, including prolapse or vaginal bulging, and urinary or fecal incontinence. His father, David L….
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility, affecting from 8% to 20% of U.S. women of reproductive age, according to research. It is treatable but often difficult to diagnose, especially outside of the gynecologist or OB/GYN setting. Diagnosing and treating PCOS early can help control symptoms and prevent long-term issues from developing,…
Low-dose aspirin (LDA) prophylaxis is a safe and effective method to help prevent or delay preeclampsia in at-risk patients. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor carries anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet properties that can support a patient’s health during pregnancy. “Norton Women’s Care has recommended to all providers low-dose aspirin therapy for all pregnant women at risk for hypertensive disorders…
The transition from pediatric gynecology care to an adult OB/GYN provider comes with several considerations. “The best time for a patient to transition from pediatric to adult care can depend on their individual needs and circumstances,” said Rosemary C. Sousa, M.D., OB/GYN with Norton Women’s Care. What is the best age to transition from pediatric…
Iron supplementation is recommended for all patients at the beginning of their pregnancy, regardless of a patient’s race, and all obstetricians at Norton Healthcare should follow this guidance. Updated guidance for anemia in pregnancy In 2021, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) changed its protocol for treating anemia by standardizing anemia values for…