Pregnant and considering COVID vaccine but have questions???

WCS is in support of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologist’s recommendations for pregnant women to receive the COVID vaccine.  It is known that pregnant women have a risk of severe illness, increased need for mechanical ventilation, death and possible poor outcomes with their fetus.  Here are a few references to help answer some of your questions you likely have.  We are happy to further discuss your concerns at your upcoming visits as we all strive to provide the ...

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CDC Guidance on Coronavirus in pregnant and breast feeding women.

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 ...

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Summertime Safety

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 ...

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FDA approves new treatment for Influenza

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. ...

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Contraceptives prevent more than just pregnancy…

by Angie Warner, WHNP

 

Last week we posted a blog entry about how to reduce your risk of developing cervical, anal, rectal, vaginal, vulvar and mouth/throat cancer.  This week we are discussing how to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.

Many patients are concerned about the risk of cancer with contraceptives, or in other words, birth control.  We have known for many years that contraceptives decrease the risk of ovarian cancer but a recent article published in the British Medical Journal shows ...

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Finally, those of us over 26 y.o. can now be immunized against certain cancers too. FDA approve Gardasil for ages 27-45.

by Angie Warner, WHNP

 

Prior to October 5, 2018 many patients over the age of 26 have been turned away from getting the Gardasil vaccine to protect them from 9 strains of HPV that lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, head and neck cancers as well as genital warts.  Now the FDA has approved the administration of the vaccine series to both males and females age 27-45. Based on continued research and many more years of data collection the FDA has determined ...

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The Flu and Pregnancy

by: Angie Warner WHNP

Influenza (Flu) is a virus that is spread from person to person through direct contact and through the air (by cough, sneeze or talking).  Influenza is not the same as the stomach flu.  The Flu is a respiratory illness that can be very serious, especially in children, elderly and pregnant women.  Although it is spread from person to person, the molecule is too large to cross the placenta and spread to an unborn baby.

However, that being said, ...

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CDC issues a Nationwide Mumps Outbreak Warning.

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 ...

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Smart drivers set down their smart phones

by: Angie Warner WHNP

In this age of technology, we have become a society that is used to having all information at our fingertips at any given time… and that even includes while we drive.  Distracted driving is actually become more dangerous than drinking and driving.  Mainly because there are many more drivers grabbing for their phones than they are for alcoholic beverages.  While most accidents, injuries and deaths are related to texting while driving, talking on the phone also poses ...

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Should I Take Baby Aspirin If I Am Pregnant?

by Dr. Janet Matuszek

The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently recommended that all pregnant women who have one major risk factor for developing preeclampsia be treated with low-dose aspirin which is 81mg daily which is a baby aspirin.  These are listed below:
– Multifetal gestations (twins, triplets)
– Chronic hypertension (having high blood pressure before pregnancy started)
– Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus (not gestational diabetes)
-Patients with renal (kidney) disease, autoimmune diseases (like Lupus)
-Prior history ...

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Updated Zika Blog-Can I go to Mexico on Spring Break? ………….The Zika Virus

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 ...

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Stay safe in the sun because Melanoma is no fun

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 ...

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