Pregnancy and Postpartum

Key points for pregnancy include the following:

-Published scientific reports are lacking on susceptibility of pregnant women to COVID-19.

-Immunologic and physiologic changes in pregnancy might lead to more susceptibility to viral infections

-Follow advice from the CDC including social distancing, washing hands and avoiding contact with people who are sick (family too)

-Mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19 is unknown. However promising early reports of most infants born to mothers with COVID-19 did not test positive (only one +)

-No ...

Julie Schweitzer, WHNP

May 22, 2019

As we end our long, cold winter and start into our 2019 summer season, the heat is sure to spark up.  What can you do to stay safe and healthy this summer?

Sunscreen

American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.  If you choose to use a water resistant sunscreen, make sure to reapply after getting out of the water or sweating.

Sunscreen is safe and highly recommended when pregnant.

Hydration

Staying hydrated helps ...

by Rachel Bender WHNP

Influenza (Flu) season is upon us. As of October 20, 2018, 427 cases have been reported in Missouri alone. No deaths have been reported, however, last year there were an estimated 80,000 deaths nationwide making that the deadliest flu season in 40 years. Influenza can impact all people, however, those who are very young, old, have a decreased immune system or are pregnant are among the most vulnerable. We want ALL of our patient to get vaccinated. ...

by Angie Warner, WHNP

There are typically a few hundred to a few thousand outbreaks nationwide per year but so far there are 1,242 cases since January 1, 2017 with Missouri and Arkansas showing the most cases.

Symptoms of Mumps may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides.

These symptoms closely resemble that of many other viruses and should be evaluated, especially if your salivary glands are enlarged.

Mumps is spread by coming in contact ...

by Dr. Janet Matuszek

Well, a new virus is among us. This one is called the Zika Virus and it is transmitted by a certain type of mosquito. If you are infected, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Headaches and muscle pain are also symptoms you could have. A rarer disorder is Guillain-Barre’ (which is a rare neurological condition where your body attacks your nervous system. You start feeling weakness and tingling in your ...

by Dr. Kelly Ott

Researchers estimate that nearly one-third of cases of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, are diagnosed in women during their childbearing years. Since many women now are delaying pregnancy until their 30s or 40s, coupled with the fact that melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old, more women could be faced with developing melanoma before or during pregnancy.

Per the Mayo Clinic, the definition of melanoma, the ...