Get ready to mark your calendar! With the holiday season just beginning, we want to make sure you’re not caught unaware on a day you’re seeking care.
Take a look at our Thanksgiving hours below, and from all of us at Covington Women’s Health Specialists, happy Thanksgiving!
11/27: Closed starting at 12pm
11/28: Closed
11/29: Closed
12/2: Open starting at 8AM
Your annual visit with your women’s health provider starts with a discussion of how you have been feeling, including questions about your overall health and symptoms. The way you describe your symptoms sometimes tells the provider how your current medication(s) are working.
Some reasons for recommending a medication change are:
New medical information may also cause your provider to recommend a medication change. Since medical research is always taking place, publication of new information since you started the medication may be available. You should also be informed when new, more effective, medications become available.
If your provider discusses a medication change with you at your annual exam visit, understand the reasons why the change is recommended. Ask when the new medication should take effect and how you should stop your old medication so as not to be bothered by an uncovered time gap between when the old medication wears off and the new medication’s effects begin. Some medications require weaning off the old medication before starting the new one.
Medication changes, like all aspects or your care, should involve you and the provider in a shared decision. For example, if you like the description of a new medication and how other women have been helped by it, you are sharing in the decision to change medications. However, if you tell the provider that you would rather not risk adjusting to a new medication, you are sharing in the decision not to change your medication even though a new medication may offer more relief.
Hormones are an important medication for many women. A woman may trust and rely on her hormone medication to keep her feeling the way she wants to feel. New information concerning hormone safety and effectiveness are publicized often, even more than other types of medication.
Your women’s healthcare expert is obligated to discuss new information with you, as well as to make recommendations based on safety concerns. Changing hormone medications may be hard to do if the new medication does not work right away or does not work as well. Scheduling a time to change may be important if you are faced with a trying time for your family or big projects at work, so that you are not changing medications during a stressful time period. Again, your decision to change the medication and when to make the change are decisions shared with your provider.
If you have concerns about your medications, especially hormonal medication, please contact Covington Women’s Health Specialists, LLC. Our providers will discuss your symptoms, medication concerns and answer your questions. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 770-385-8954.
Calling them ”mood swings” sometimes feels like an understatement. It’s one thing when you can trace anger, frustration, or sadness to a specific source that’s easily ridden out. But when you’re in a foul mood with no identifiable reason, it can feel even more disorienting. You may feel helpless and confused over your emotions, which then amplifies their intensity.
If this sounds familiar, it’s possible your hormones are to blame. Here, we dig deeper into the connection between hormones and mood swings, and explore some strategies to help you cope.
Hormones influence neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that regulate your mood. Women encounter many hormone fluctuations throughout different periods of their lives, and therefore, many mood swings — all for different reasons, with different results.
As early as puberty — when your body is transitioning from “child” to “young adult” — hormones play a significant role in mood. Your brain has started strengthening the parts that enable intense and complex emotions, but the area responsible for regulating these emotions is still developing. As a result, moods may shift more frequently and intensely.
Once menstruation begins, you may experience other mood changes up to two weeks before your period arrives. Feelings like anger, anxiety, and irritability are attributed to fluctuating estrogen levels that occur during the luteal phase of your cycle. These symptoms fall under the broader condition known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can also be accompanied by weight fluctuations, breast tenderness, and headache, among other physical symptoms.
For up to eight percent of women, the physical and mental symptoms of PMS are severe enough to interfere with their daily life. These intense mood and bodily changes are known as premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), a condition that was first recognized in 1987.
Pregnancy also brings an onslaught of hormone changes, which can be sudden and intense. For many women, mood swings peak at gestation of six to ten weeks, wane during the second trimester, and ramp up again as their due date nears. Afterward, the sudden decrease in estrogen and progesterone following childbirth can lead to intense feelings of sadness or anxiousness known as the “baby blues,” which are usually experienced two to three days following delivery.
Lastly, but certainly not least, perimenopause and menopause also lead to a decrease in estrogen, which can initiate more lasting mood changes, like depression. Experienced by approximately 40% of women, mood changes related to menopause may mimic those of PMS, and can include irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Yet, unlike PMS, which lasts several days at a time, the menopausal transition lasts several years.
Sometimes, mood swings can be managed with lifestyle modifications. For example, mild mood changes might be alleviated with:
But if your mood swings have begun to harmfully interfere with your daily life, there’s no need to suffer through them — especially if they’re intense or long-lasting. Your women’s healthcare provider can help you determine if your mood changes are indeed related to hormones, and if so, what treatment can alleviate them.
As your partners in women’s wellness, our providers can help you address hormone imbalances experienced during any phase of life. We’ll alleviate the symptoms of intense emotional changes or any other difficulties you may encounter. We’re also here to support you through non-hormonal challenges, whether it’s uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, urinary incontinence, endometriosis, or a variety of other conditions or infections. Request an appointment with one of our providers using our online form or by calling (770) 385-8954.
Jennifer Walker, CNM, is once again sharing her unique insights as one of our midwives, giving you an insider’s view of life at Covington Women’s Health Specialists in our next Midwifery Musings blog.
As your trusted partners in the pregnancy journey, we’re highlighting what to expect during your appointments leading up to the third trimester. Missed our earlier posts? Catch up on the Pregnancy Confirmation Appointment and the Initial Prenatal Exam.
After your initial prenatal exam, we recommend seeing you every four weeks until you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy. At each of these follow-up visits, we’ll check your weight and vital signs. Depending on any preexisting medical conditions, we may ask for a urine sample to monitor for dehydration, infections, or elevated protein levels. Your provider will also use a fetal doppler to listen to your baby’s heartbeat. Starting at 20 weeks, we’ll measure your belly to ensure your baby’s growth is on track with your gestational age.
If you’ve opted for genetic testing, we’ll schedule blood work after 15 weeks to complete the second part of the screening. Around 18-20 weeks, you’ll also have an anatomy ultrasound to assess your baby’s development. This scan can often reveal your baby’s sex (if they’re in a good position!) and detect any potential birth disorders, such as cleft palate or clubbed feet, as well as check for any serious conditions related to the brain, heart, bones, or kidneys. Additional ultrasounds may be recommended based on your medical needs.
Each appointment is an opportunity to ask questions or discuss any concerns you have about your pregnancy. These check-ins are just as important as any other part of your prenatal care, as they help us monitor your health and guide your care into the third trimester.
Once you reach 28 weeks, you’ll officially enter the third trimester, and we’ll see you more frequently for the final stretch of your pregnancy. Stay tuned for the next installment of Midwifery Musings, where we’ll cover what to expect in the third trimester!
If you have any concerns outside of regular office hours, here’s what to do:
However, please remember that we are always accessible via MyChart messaging or phone to address any questions or concerns you may have during business hours.
We’re proud to be your partners on this incredible journey, offering the compassionate care and expertise you can count on. Keep an eye out for more Midwifery Musings as we continue to explore the unique path of pregnancy together. Ready to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists? Call 770-385-8954 or book online.
Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that frequently occur in women of childbearing age. These growths are particularly common among African American women, but they can affect any woman. At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we have extensive experience caring for patients with fibroids both during pregnancy and at other stages of life. It’s essential to understand that while fibroids can be monitored, there are limitations to the treatments that can be provided during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the hormonal changes can sometimes cause fibroids to grow, leading to discomfort or pain for the expectant mother. While this can be concerning, it’s important to note that neither obstetricians nor specialists can remove or shrink fibroids during pregnancy due to the potential risks to both the mother and the baby. Our approach involves careful monitoring and managing any symptoms to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and child. Specialists often assist obstetricians in this monitoring process, providing additional expertise and care when needed.
While pain is the most common symptom fibroids cause during pregnancy, fibroids are also associated with early miscarriages and bleeding during pregnancy. Women with fibroids experience preterm delivery and cesarean section delivery more commonly than women without fibroids. For most women with fibroids, the baby’s growth progresses normally; however, fibroids can sometimes hinder fetal growth. Complications like early leakage of amniotic fluid or preterm labor are difficult to predict, even with close monitoring by an obstetrician or specialist.
While we cannot prevent the growth of fibroids during pregnancy, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support. We provide monitoring and when needed work closely with specialists to keep a close eye on the condition and address any concerns that arise. If you have fibroids and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, schedule your prenatal or gynecological appointment online or by calling our office at (770) 385-8954 to discuss your condition with one of our providers to develop a tailored care plan.
At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we deliver at Piedmont Newton Hospital, our trusted partner healthcare institution. Here are some resources that Piedmont Newton offers expected mothers as the preparation for their new baby:
This class is offered on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This tour is every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This class is every third Wednesday and Thursday of the month from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we prioritize the well-being and comfort of our patients. We take pride in our affiliation with Piedmont Newton Hospital and their anesthesiologists’ and anesthetists’ commitment to offering advanced pain management techniques to enhance patient recovery. One such technique is the use of nerve blocks, a method that has proven to be highly effective in reducing postoperative and postpartum pain while minimizing the reliance on narcotic medications.
Nerve blocks are a form of regional anesthesia that involves injecting medication near specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This targeted approach provides significant pain relief in the immediate postoperative and postpartum periods. Unlike systemic narcotic medications, which can affect the entire body and cause a range of side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, and constipation, nerve blocks work locally, allowing patients to experience effective pain relief without these unwanted side effects.
The benefits of using nerve blocks over narcotics are particularly important in the context of obstetrics and gynecology. After surgery or childbirth, effective pain management is crucial for a smooth recovery. Nerve blocks not only reduce physical discomfort but also help new mothers stay alert and engaged during the crucial early bonding period with their newborns. Additionally, minimizing the use of narcotics helps prevent potential issues related to dependency and ensures a safer recovery process.
The skilled anesthesiologists and anesthetists at Piedmont Newton Hospital are highly trained in administering nerve blocks, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care. By prioritizing patient comfort and recovery, we are striving to enhance the overall patient experience and ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
To schedule a prenatal visit to learn more, call our office at 770-385-8954 or request an appointment online.
Covington Women’s Health Specialists, an all female OB-GYN and midwifery care practice, is now opening an additional new location (5165 Cook Street N.E., Covington) offering complete obstetrics and maternity services.
Conveniently located near the existing Cook Street gynecology office and our main office at the Piedmont Newton Hospital campus, our new third location will offer comprehensive obstetric care, including ultrasounds and advanced 3D imaging in a private environment.
“It’s a privilege to expand our services with this new location,” says Dr. Cathy T. Larrimore, founder of Covington Women’s Health Specialists. “This facility allows us to enhance our offerings and continue delivering exceptional healthcare to the community.”
Covington Women’s Health Specialists provides a wide range of maternity and gynecology services focusing on promoting women’s reproductive health at every stage of life. Services include midwifery, cutting-edge surgical services, trans and nonbinary healthcare, multiple convenient locations, and on-site Quest diagnostics.
The location is now open for patient visits. Hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mondays – Thursdays and 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Fridays.
Request an appointment online or by calling our office at (770) 385-8954.
At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we’re excited to highlight the growth that many of our longstanding patients have observed. With a dynamic team consisting of six OB/GYN doctors, seven Certified Nurse-Midwives, and three Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners, we strive daily to deliver personalized, patient-centered care.
We’re thrilled to introduce Rosalie Plofchan, CNM, to our dynamic team. Rosalie is excited to share insights on a topic we often receive questions about: the differences between OB/GYN doctors and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs). Although both play crucial roles in our specialty, their education and credentials differ. Here’s Rosalie insights on these important distinctions.
OB/GYN doctors undergo extensive training in medical illnesses and surgery. With four years of medical school and four years of residency, our Medical Doctors (MD) or Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. Board-certified in this specialty, their training equips them with expertise to manage routine and high-risk pregnancies, perform surgical procedures related to the female reproductive system, and diagnose and treat various gynecological conditions and non-pregnancy related medical illnesses. Our OB/GYNs bring a wealth of specialized medical knowledge and surgical expertise to the team. They are skilled to handle complex pregnancies, high-risk deliveries, and a myriad of gynecological conditions.
In situations requiring intervention or advanced medical care, OB/GYNs play an indispensable role. Their ability to navigate intricate surgeries, manage complications, and provide a range of treatment options ensures that patients receive the highest level of care, especially in critical situations.
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who pursue advanced training and hold master’s or doctoral degrees in nursing. Completing two to four years of graduate education, they are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and licensed by the state to practice. Emphasizing holistic, patient-centered care, CNMs focus on promoting natural childbirth, providing education, and supporting women throughout the childbirth process. They are trained to recognize and manage complications during pregnancy and childbirth. CNMs offer prenatal care, attend births, and provide postpartum care for low-risk women. Additionally, they deliver routine gynecologic care and support women with health maintenance and regular testing outside of pregnancy. Our CNMs collaborate with our physicians to care for medium to high-risk pregnancies.
The diversity of care we offer, with both CNMs and OB/GYNs, is one of the beautiful aspects of our practice. Women have different needs, preferences, and circumstances, and having a range of healthcare providers ensures that those needs are met. While some women may prefer the personalized, low-intervention approach of midwifery, others may require the specialized care and expertise of an OB/GYN due to medical conditions or other factors. The key lies in recognizing that each provider has a valuable role to play in women’s healthcare.
Our dedicated team of healthcare providers is ready to support you throughout your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum journey, addressing any questions or concerns you may have along the way. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call at 770-385-8954.
At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we take pride in our affiliation with Piedmont Newton Hospital, a healthcare institution that consistently demonstrates excellence in women’s services. Here are just a few reasons why we choose Piedmont Newton as our trusted partner:
We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care, which is why we partner with Piedmont Newton Hospital. Together, we strive to ensure that every patient receives compassionate, comprehensive, and cutting-edge healthcare services.
