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FAQ

Obstetrics FAQ

  • What is a midwife?

    Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are licensed health care providers educated in nursing and midwifery. Certified midwives (CMs) are licensed health care providers educated in midwifery. CNMs and CMs have graduated from college; they have passed a national examination; and they have a licence to practice midwifery from the state they live in. Most of the midwives in the United States are CNMs or CMs.

  • What do midwives do?

    CNMs/CMs help over 300,000 women give birth each year in the United States. Most of these births are in hospitals. CNMs/CMs also care for women who decide to have their baby in freestanding birth centers and/or at home. CNMs/CMs provide health care to women all through life, including: prenatal care, birth, care after birth, care for the new baby, annual exams, birth control planning, menopause, and health counseling.

  • What if I have a “high risk” pregnancy or complication during labor?

    Your CNM/CM will prescribe medicine and order treatment for any common illness that you might get during pregnancy. Midwives work with doctors who specialize in illness during pregnancy. If you have a medical problem during pregnancy or complication during labor, your midwife will work with a doctor to make sure you get the best and safest care for you and your baby. Your midwife will also work with other health care providers: nurses, social workers, nutritionists, doulas, childbirth educators, physical therapists, and other specialists to help you get the care you need.

  • What if I want pain medicine during labor?

    If you think you want pain medicine during labor, your midwife will give you information about the medicines available so you can decide what is right for you. Midwife means “with woman.” If you decide you want pain medicine during labor, your midwife can prescribe it for you.

  • Should I see a midwife if I’m not pregnant?

    Many women go to their CNM or CM for annual check ups, family planning, and to get care for common infections that happen to women. For example, your midwife can answer questions about all the methods of birth control, help you decide what is best and safest for you, and prescribe it for you.

Gynecology FAQ

  • What is a minimally invasive robotic surgery?

    With the Da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons operate through just a few small incisions. The Da Vinci System features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist. As a result, Da Vinci enables your surgeon to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control.

    Minimally invasive Da Vinci uses the latest in surgical and robotics technologies. Da Vinci is beneficial for performing routine and complex surgery. Your surgeon is 100% in control of the Da Vinci System, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body. Da Vinci – taking surgery beyond the limits of the human hand.

    For more information about how the Da Vinci is used in gynecology: THE DA VINCI SURGICAL SYSTEM

  • What is urinary incontinence and what can I do about it?

    Urinary incontinence is simply urine leakage. Urinary incontinence happens in women of all ages. There are many different causes of urine leakage and treatment depends on the cause.

    Find out more about urinary incontinence:

    URINARY INCONTINENCE

  • My doctor told me I have adenomyosis. I need to know more...

    Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus grows into the muscle of the uterus. This can cause pain with menses, bleeding between menses, pain with intercourse and heavy menstrual cycle. The cause of adenomyosis is not known. Adenomyosis is diagnosed using signs and symptoms, a pelvic exam and ultrasound. Sometimes a MRI may also be ordered. Treatments include using NSAIDs to control pain. Hormonal contraception can help with heavy bleeding and pain. Uterine ablation can control bleeding. Hysterectomy (removing the uterus) would be another option for severe pain or if menopause is years away.

  • Which contraception method is right for me?

    Forms of Contraception

    Choosing a contraception method can be complicated and overwhelming. Here are some basics that you can discuss with your health care provider.

    • Barrier methods such as condoms, cervical cap and diaphragm prevent pregnancy by preventing the sperm from getting to the egg.
    • Hormonal contraception includes a hormonal implant, an injection, vaginal ring, a patch. Oral contraceptive pill have different hormones and doses.
    • There are IUDs with and without hormones.
    • Am I finished with child bearing?
    • Permanent contraception methods are Essure and tubal removal.
    • Do I have medical problems and medication that can prevent me from taking certain types of contraception? Your medical provider will review your past medical history and options that would be best for you to consider.
    • I want no devices and no hormones.
    • Withdrawal and natural family planning method is another option to consider.

  • I have fibroids and I want to learn more...

    Uterine fibroids are growths that develop from the muscle of the uterus. Fibroids are different shapes and sizes. Fibroids can causes heavy, painful prolonged bleeding, infertility, pressure and miscarriages. Fibroids are diagnosed by ultrasound, hysteroscopy and HSG. Other testing could include CT scan and MRI. Treatment options are methods vary from doing nothing, taking NSAIDS for pain, hormones to decrease bleeding and surgery either myomectomy (removing the fibroids) or hysterectomy (removing the uterus).

  • My girlfriend had an ablation. I have heavy periods too. Am I a candidate?

    An endometrial ablation detroys a thin layer of lining in the uterus and stops bleeding for some women.