As the nation’s attention turns toward the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, providers are seeing many pregnant patients engaging in unhealthy behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use, to cope with the stress of the pandemic. Across all demographics, mental health issues have increased with the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a…
Patients who have epilepsy and are thinking of getting pregnant may have questions about how epilepsy affects pregnancy or a fetus. Epilepsy affects each person differently, based on medication, hormones and other factors. Here are some things to know if your patient has epilepsy and wants to have a baby. Epilepsy is an umbrella term…
Sexual health is important for any adult’s well-being, but patients with cancer face a new set of challenges when it comes to sexuality. Laila S. Agrawal, M.D., breast cancer oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute, is spearheading efforts to develop a sexual health clinic at Norton Healthcare. “The World Health Organization says that sexual health is…
The latest episode of the “MedChat” podcast, “Common Issues in Women’s Health” is now available. Often times, when female patients seek medical attention it is either for a specific complaint or their annual wellness exam. It is recognized that there are key issues affecting women’s health that can be overlooked if practitioners do not evaluate…
Successfully treating pregnant women for opioid use requires building a relationship with the patients, who often are experiencing shame and guilt as a result of their drug use, according to Jonathan W. Weeks, M.D., maternal-fetal medicine physician with Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “I don’t let my moral, ethical feelings come out in the way I…
Knowing when to refer a patient for specialized urogynecology care isn’t always clear, and the guidelines aren’t necessarily uniform. Norton Urogynecology Center has four locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana, with three physicians and three advanced practice providers offering sophisticated care for your patients. Conditions to refer to a urogynecologist Pelvic organ prolapse Elevated post-void…
Turning 18 comes with a lot of milestones and new beginnings for young adults. One milestone young women should consider after turning 18 is transitioning from pediatric gynecologic care to an OB/GYN provider who works with adults. Providers can help with that transition by starting conversations with patients before these young adults start managing their…
Patient safety is our top priority. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have revised policies as needed to help stop the spread of infection. There have been policy changes that affect labor and delivery for pregnant patients. If you have patients who will deliver in the next month, please let them know of the changes…
A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is a board-certified nurse practitioner who works with mom and advocates for her wishes. The CNM works in a hospital setting, and mom benefits from the safety for herself and her baby. CNMs are trained to care for low-risk pregnancies. They work closely with obstetricians to determine the need for…
Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are indicators for an increased chance of heart disease later in life. Preeclampsia occurs in about 5% to 8% of pregnant women after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth. High blood pressure is accompanied by protein in the urine or other physical symptoms, such as a severe persistent…
By Maggie Roetker Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital has been redesignated a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) and Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS) by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). Status as an accredited Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecology means that Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital…
By Amy Higgs For Danielle Roberts, CNM, her job as a certified nurse midwife is “a great marriage of Westernized medicine and holistic care.” “We see patients from their first prenatal appointment all the way through their delivery and postpartum recovery,” Danielle said. “We provide the same evidence-based medical care as an OB/GYN, with an…