Blog

Please be advised that this blog is a purely informational public platform and in no way constitutes medical advice from the physicians and nurses at West Des Moines OBGYN.

Apr
26
2021
An Overview of Birth Methods: Vaginal, Cesarean & VBAC

For centuries, there was one way to have a baby, and that was a vaginal birth. Fortunately for today’s mothers and babies, 21st-century medicine offers other methods for childbirth that can help ensure a safe, healthy delivery. The C-section or cesarean delivery method involves the surgical removal of the baby. Another option is a vaginal […]
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c-section

cesarean

childbirth

obstetrics

pregnancy

vaginal birth

VBAC
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Obstetrics
Mar
16
2021
COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy

As we begin the second year of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, pregnant women everywhere are making decisions about whether to pursue one of the COVID-19 vaccines. The good news is that several vaccine options are now available. Unfortunately, none of the clinical trials for these vaccines included pregnant women. Based on the science that is […]
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COVID-19

obstetrics

pregnancy
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Obstetrics
Mar
08
2021
Is an IUD the Right Birth Control for Me?

When it comes to birth control, we are fortunate to have many safe and effective choices. The IUD or intrauterine device is among the long-term birth control options because it gets inserted into the uterus. But is it right for you? Let’s explore the IUD birth control options so you can have a productive conversation […]
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birth control methods

IUD

Kyleena

Liletta

Mirena

Skyla
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Gynecology
Jan
27
2021
What to Expect at My First OB Appointment

Whether you have plans to conceive a baby or you have already taken a positive pregnancy test you should schedule your visit with an OB. Your first appointment can be a preconception visit or a prenatal visit. Either way, we are thrilled to work with you to achieve a healthy pregnancy! Preconception OB Visit Even […]
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obstetrics

preconception care

pregnancy

prenatal
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Obstetrics
Dec
10
2020
Primary and Secondary Infertility

Are you and your partner having trouble getting pregnant? You are not alone. Approximately 1 out of 6 couples has difficulty conceiving a baby. When a couple tries without success to get pregnant with their first child for at least 12 months, that is called primary infertility. Secondary infertility is the term used when the […]
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endometriosis

hyperthyroid

infertility

miscarriages

obstetrics

PCOS
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Obstetrics
Nov
30
2020
Got Heavy Periods? Learn the Source.

If you have heavy periods that cramp your style, you may think you’re unlucky, but there may be a real medical reason for heavy flow, long periods, and painful cramps. The medical term for heavy or long menstrual periods is menorrhagia. Periods that are very heavy can also have further medical effects, such as anemia […]
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adenomyosis

endometriosis

fibroids

gynecology

heavy periods

hyperplasia

menorrhagia

polyps
Categories:

Gynecology
Oct
27
2020
How to Perform Your Breast Cancer Self-Exam

Mammograms are one of the best diagnostic tests for detecting breast cancer early, and your annual exam in your doctor’s office also includes a clinical breast exam. Another path to detecting breast abnormalities early is through breast self-exams. Our OBGYN staff believes it is always a good idea to be familiar with your body just […]
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breast cancer

breast exam

gynecology

mammograms
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Preventative Care
Oct
27
2020
Coping with a Miscarriage

Although most don’t speak of it, early pregnancy loss is relatively common. Early pregnancy loss or miscarriage is a term for any loss earlier than 20 weeks of pregnancy. The majority of loss occurs within the first trimester or prior to 13 weeks gestation. Studies have shown that the rate of miscarriage is as high […]
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miscarriage

obstetrics
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Obstetrics
Sep
09
2020
What is Uterine Prolapse and How is it Treated?

Uterine Prolapse & Weakened Pelvic Muscles Uterine prolapse can be a disturbing occurrence. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops into the vaginal canal. In severe cases, the uterus can even protrude out of the vagina. While many think it occurs as part of aging, this issue can occur at any age, whether you are […]
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gynecology

pelvic floor

uterine prolapse
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Gynecology
Aug
31
2020
Best Apps for Cycle Tracking

Understanding your time of the month will come in handy when you are trying to conceive, or not conceive. Trying to keep up with your flow in your mind may pose a challenge. That is where today’s technology steps in. Today, technology has made cycle tracking apps you can access right off your phone to […]
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Tags:

cycle tracking

fertility

gynecology

period tracking
Categories:

Gynecology