BRCA gene mutations have been in the news this week since Angelina Jolie announced she has the BRCA1 gene mutation and opted to have a bilateral mastectomy to reduce her risks of developing breast cancer. She became aware of her risk because her mother developed breast cancer in her mid-40s and died at age 56. What exactly are the so-called breast cancer genes and who should be tested to see if they are a carrier?
Women’s Health
The University of Michigan’s Women’s Health Program and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital connects women to the very best resources in health care, research and education.
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The benefits of prenatal yoga and how to get started
When you are pregnant, it may feel like your body is not your own any more as your body changes in unexpected ways.
Being aware of your new body is just one of the many benefits of prenatal yoga, which is why I encourage pregnant women to try it.
I talk to all of my patients about the benefits of exercise and prenatal yoga, so if this is a conversation that you haven’t had yet with your healthcare provider, it is one you want to have. You should talk to your doctor or midwife before you start yoga or any type of exercise class during pregnancy.
Why prenatal yoga?
There are numerous studies about the benefits of prenatal yoga. Possible benefits include improving sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing the strength and flexibility of muscles.
Breastfeeding Basics
Support and resources for moms who plan to breastfeed
Each woman’s breastfeeding experience is different (even from her first baby to her second), but the one constant is that there are a variety of supports in place to provide answers and encouragement. At no point should you feel like you have to do this alone, because there is a team of people and resources to support you.
Trying to get pregnant with a second child
Whether getting pregnant the first time was easy or required assistance, there are many factors that influence your ability to get pregnant a second time.
If you are planning a pregnancy, please remember the importance of prenatal vitamins, eating well, and regular activity.
It is difficult to predict from a prior experience how long it might take you to get pregnant. Your increased age and changing medical history can be factors. Changes in a woman’s ovaries, uterus, and tubes can make it easier or harder to get pregnant for the second time.
Here are some factors that can impact your ability to conceive:
Support for women with MRKH
When menstrual periods do not come as expected by age 15 or 16, some teens are diagnosed with MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome), which is an uncommon disorder in which the uterus and the vagina fail to develop properly.
The diagnosis of MRKH, also known as vaginal agenesis, is often an unknown entity to the teenager and family and can cause them all to experience feelings of disbelief, grief and loss.
Prenatal exercise: Listen to your body
One of the questions I ask all of my patients during their first trimester is if they currently exercise and what their plans are for prenatal exercise.
Exercise is vital to the health of a pregnant woman, not only for her physical health, but also for her mental well-being. The numerous benefits of exercise include helping to maintain your body weight during pregnancy and helping to prevent and control gestational diabetes. Exercise is also powerful in preventing depression.