5 minute read
Cherokee Women’s
Tips for Choosing OB-GYN or Midwife
BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC
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Many women who are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, wonder if they should see an OB-GYN, a midwife, or both. To make the best decision, it’s important to know the difference.
Both OB-GYNs and nurse midwives have extensive training. An OB-GYN is a doctor who has studied for at least 12 years between college, medical school and 4 years of residency. Most midwives earn bachelor’s degrees, work as registered nurses, and go back to school for two or more years to obtain a master’s degree in midwifery.
OB-GYNs and midwives work in separate but complementary professions. Both focus on quality prenatal and postpartum care; however, these providers offer different services. OB-GYN
• Attends and assists with births within a hospital setting. • Handles high-risk pregnancies and can perform surgeries, such as cesarean sections. • Uses forceps or vacuum delivery for difficult deliveries. • Offers external cephalic versions to turn breech babies. Certified Nurse Midwife
• Attends births in hospital settings, also assists in birthing centers or home births. • Relies on clinical experience and guidelines to provide expert care in normal pregnancies. • Spends more time with patients during labor. • Uses natural approaches, such as showers, water births, massages, breathing techniques, acupressure and alternative delivery positions during labor. Considerations In Making a Decision
• Is vaginal birth your priority? • Have you been told you have a high-risk pregnancy? • Would you prefer an epidural or managing your pain using natural techniques? • Do you want your caregiver with you throughout your labor? • Are you a new parent who needs more educational support and advice about nutrition, breast-feeding and exercise during pregnancy and after delivery?
By knowing what you want and understanding all of your options, you can make the decision that is right for you. The most important thing is to clearly communicate your expectations, goals, needs and desires with your provider. By choosing a practice that has both OB-GYNs and midwives, you can ensure you have all the options to keep you and your baby safe, healthy and happy.
PLUS...
Cherokee Women's Health Specialists, PC has seven physicians with offices in Canton and Woodstock. 770-720-7733. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.
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Ask The Doctors SUBMITTED BY NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
Osteoarthritis
The most common chronic joint condition, it often is known as the “wear and tear” disease. It occurs when the protective cartilage between two bones wears down and causes the cartilage to break down. Joint pain symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, are most commonly reported. Although there is no known cure, there are ways to alleviate pain and discomfort, such as physical therapy.
DR. VICTOR CHEN
Dr. Victor Chen is a board-certified physician in rheumatology, and he completed his fellowship at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. He specializes in treating and managing diseases of the joints, muscles, bones and immune system.
1. What are the symptoms? Joint pain and functional impairment often develop slowly and worsen over time, and include loss of flexibility, grating sensation and swelling.
2. What joints are affected? The most common joints affected by osteoarthritis are knees, hips, hands and spine. Other affected joints include shoulders, elbows, ankles and feet.
3. How is it diagnosed? Osteoarthritis is diagnosed by medical history, physical exam and diagnostic tests. During the physical exam, joints are examined for tenderness, swelling, redness and flexibility. Diagnostic tests include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood tests and joint fluid analysis. • X-rays. Cartilage doesn’t show up on X-ray images, but cartilage loss is revealed by a narrowing of the space between the bones in your joint, and can show bone spurs. • MRIs. An MRI can produce detailed images of bone and soft tissues, including cartilage. An MRI commonly isn’t needed to diagnose osteoarthritis, but can help provide more information in complex cases. • Blood tests. Although there’s no blood test for osteoarthritis, certain tests can help rule out other causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis. • Joint fluid analysis. Fluid from an affected joint is tested for inflammation, and can rule out gout or infection.
DR. FORREST POWERS
Dr. Forrest Powers completed his fellowship in rheumatology at Medical University of South Carolina, and is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology. He specializes in treating rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, gout, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and more.
1. How can I reverse osteoarthritis? There are no therapies available to reverse or slow osteoarthritis at this time; however, there are a variety of ways to alleviate pain. Typically, physical therapy is recommended to strengthen the muscles. And, medical therapy involves taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen to reduce inflammation. Supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine, or creams and rubs like capsaicin cream and menthol cream, also may be prescribed.
If osteoarthritis is found in the knee, hyaluronic acid injection (viscosupplementation) can help relieve pain. At times, especially in the larger joints, joint replacement surgery can help significantly.
2. What foods or other triggers should I avoid?
There are no known foods that cause osteoarthritis. For your overall health, it’s recommended to eat as little processed food as possible. Being overweight will place more pressure on joints, but weight loss can help significantly with joint pain.
There are no clinically proven natural therapies for osteoarthritis, but turmeric and ginger have natural properties to reduce inflammation, and they often are recommended.
