Category: Greenville Women’s Clinic Blog

Yeast infections are fairly common. If you’re like three-quarters of women, you’re likely to get at least one during your lifetime, and fifty percent are likely to get two or more.

More times than not, a yeast infection is due to an overgrowth of Candida. Candida is a type of yeast that occurs naturally on the skin. Yeast is part of the fungi family and, in normal amounts, is harmless.

Women are more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection when they:

• Are pregnant
• Have a weak immune system
• Are taking an antibiotic
• Have diabetes
• Use vaginal sprays or douches
• Take birth control with high doses of estrogen

It’s not possible to completely prevent a yeast infection, but here are some things you can do to prevent your chances:

• Wear breathable underwear and change it regularly. We recommend cotton as it doesn’t hold heat or moisture, and it tends to keep you drier.
• Wear loose clothing. Tight jeans, skirts, underwear, yoga pants, tights, pantyhose, etc. can raise your body temperature and the amount of moisture and friction around your private parts. These things can increase your chances for a yeast infection.
• Change out of wet clothes, specifically this time of the year, wet bathing suits. When possible don’t sit in a wet bathing suit or gym clothes after working out, try to change into dry clothes right away.
• Hot and damp are not a girl’s best friend. Avoid hot tubs if possible, but if you indulge change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
• When using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back. Doing this will help prevent microorganisms from being pushed into the vagina or introduced into the urinary tract.
• We don’t recommend douching. Feminine hygiene products like this can alter the balance of bacteria in your vagina by removing bacteria that is there to prevent infections.
• When using feminine products, skip the scents. This includes soaps, sprays, bubble baths, tampons, and pads. Again, this can disturb the balance of bacteria in your vagina; and, cause a yeast infection.
• Change tampons, pads and liners frequently when you’re on your period.
• If you have diabetes, manage it. Be sure to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and keep them under control.
• Use antibiotics only when prescribed and when needed. You shouldn’t take them for a cold, because they won’t do anything for a virus.

Keep in mind, some people are more prone to yeast infections than others. If you are more susceptible here are some additional things to keep in mind, specifically if you have a yeast infection:

• Avoid sexual activity. Yeast infections can be passed back and forth, and they can also be transferred to other areas of the body.
• Wash certain garments regularly and in hot water using a gentle detergent.
• Eat foods that help balance your microflora in the body, such as yogurts containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, a type of natural probiotic.

Even with preventive efforts, you can still get a yeast infection. So, how do you know when to give Greenville Women’s Care a call? You should consider calling for an appointment if:

• This is your first infection,
• Your symptoms won’t go away, and you’ve tried an over-the-counter product,
• You have recurrent infections,
• You have unrelated symptoms and finally,
• You’re not sure if you actually have an infection.

Osteoporosis is a condition of fragile, brittle bones, and if not prevented or treated, can lead to easily breaking a bone like your rib or hip after a fall.  Osteoporosis is a health threat for millions of Americans. It is estimated that 10 million people have the condition and over 30 million others have low bone mass, also known as osteopenia, placing them at risk for osteoporosis.

Although osteoporosis is more common in older people, and is thought of as an older person’s disease; it can strike at any age. Everyone loses some bone density (mass) as they age, however some will lose more, or lose it faster, than others.  The rate at which we lose bone density depends on hormonal status, medical conditions like thyroid disease and even diet. 

Approximately 80% of people affected by osteoporosis are women. This is due to the fact that women have lighter, thinner bones and can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density after menopause, which makes them more predisposed to the disease. A woman’s risk of osteoporosis is actually equal to her combined risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• older age
• a family history
• being petite and thin
• certain ethnicities, such as Caucasian and Asian
• a history of broken bones
• a poor diet, especially low in calcium, Vitamin D or if drinking numerous carbonated beverages
• low estrogen levels as in premature menopause or if ovaries are removed at a young age (< age 50)
• an inactive lifestyle
• smoking and excessive alcohol use
• certain medications, conditions & diseases

Since you cannot feel your bones getting weaker, you probably will not know you have osteoporosis until you break a bone. If you have osteoporosis, you can fracture a bone from a minor fall, or in extreme cases, from a simple sneeze. Spinal fractures may first be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities. In many cases, a spinal fracture can even occur with no pain.

Because 85-90% of adult bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and 20 in boys, building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can help to prevent osteoporosis later in life. Several steps that you can take to optimize bone health and prevent osteoporosis are:

1. Get your recommended daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D
2. Participate in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
4. Talk to your physician about bone health
5. If appropriate, have a bone density test and take medication.

The only way to diagnose and determine your risk for osteoporosis is a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test.  A standard BMD screen is recommended at age 65 unless there are concerns sooner.  A BMD measures bone mass and is necessary to determine whether you need medication to help maintain your bone mass, prevent further bone loss and reduce fracture risk. A BMD is accurate, painless and noninvasive.

Since osteoporosis can be undetected for decades, sometimes not until a fracture occurs, early diagnosis is important. It is never too early or too late to start your prevention program, so consult your physician at Greenville Women’s Care to learn more about the prevention and detection of osteoporosis.

Whether you’re heading to the gynecologist for an annual checkup or to get help with a medical issue, there are several things you can do, or avoid, beforehand to make your visit as streamlined as possible. Having efficient and thorough appointments is important because many women use their OB-GYN as their primary care doctor.

1. Make sure you ask for the appropriate type of appointment.

Physicals can be quicker but if you are having concerns make sure you ask for adequate time with your doctor or ask for an additional problem visit another day.

2. Try not to schedule your appointment while you are on your period.

Many times a visit to the gynecologist will involve a pelvic exam, it is best to not be on your period for these exams. Blood may interfere with the results of tests, like a Pap test. Although, there are certain situations when making a visit on your period may be inevitable or necessary, for example if you have heavy or irregular periods. However, if you happen to be on your period during your scheduled appointment, do NOT cancel! While the situation may be a little ‘uncomfortable’ for you, remember it’s not for your OB-GYN – it’s what they do

3. Keep track of your cycle.

At some point during your appointment, your provider will ask you, “When was the first day of your last period?” Make it easier on yourself, and your gynecologist, by knowing the answer to this question. You can keep up with your cycle in a planner or in your phone, there are even period tracker apps!

4. Have health updates for your doctor.

It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you have begun or stopped taking. You should also note any changes in your health since your last visit. Bring up the “small” stuff too. Remember, the more your doctor knows about your health, the better! Don’t overlook family medical records, either. If your grandmother was just diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor should know. This will give your provider more information about your potential health risks, which will help give you a more thorough and focused checkup.

5. Come prepared with questions.

Do you ever think back on an appointment and kick yourself because you forgot to ask something you wanted to? Feel free to keep a list of questions for your provider. At Greenville Women’s Clinic we want to give women the knowledge and power to take control of their health.

6. There are certain things you should avoid doing before your appointment. 

It is advised to not have intercourse or douche before going to see your OB-GYN. Both can obscure or mask abnormal cells that the Pap test is screening for, which can lead to an erroneous result. You do not need to clean in any way outside of your normal routine before an appointment. You should be using a gentle cleanser daily.

While going to the gynecologist isn’t something many women look forward to, it is an important part of staying healthy. At Greenville Women’s Care, it is our goal to make every woman feel as relaxed as possible, no matter the reason they come to see us. Our doctors, nurses and staff are here to make sure you have a pleasant experience in our office. By following the above advice and with just a little preparation, you can help make your next appointment the most informative and productive yet! Are you due for your annual checkup? Call us today to schedule your appointment!

First things first. What is an infertility evaluation?
An infertility evaluation is a combination of exams and tests that are used to help determine the reason why you and your partner have not conceived. The goal of this evaluation is to find a cause, so that a possible treatment can be determined. In many cases, a successful treatment for infertility can be found even if a specific cause isn’t discovered during the evaluation.

Now, you may be wondering “When should I consider having an infertility evaluation?” If any of the following apply to you, you should talk to your healthcare provider at Greenville Women’s Clinic about considering an infertility evaluation:

• You have not become pregnant after 1 year of having regular sexual intercourse without the use of birth control.
• You are older than 35 years old, and have not become pregnant after trying for 6 months without using birth control.
• Your menstrual cycle is not regular.
• You or your partner have a known fertility concern.

What should I expect during my infertility evaluation?
In most cases, an infertility evaluation can usually be completed within a few menstrual cycles. During your first visit you can expect to answer questions about your medical history, menstrual periods, medication, past pregnancies and lifestyle habits. You will also receive a physical examination. During you first visit and subsequent visits you will have tests, including laboratory test, imagining test and certain procedures.

So, what causes infertility?
The most common cause of infertility in women is the lack of or irregular ovulation. The most common cause of infertility in men are problems associated with the testes that affect how sperm are made or function. There are other factors that can contribute to fertility problems in both women and men. After your infertility evaluation, your healthcare provider may be able to offer a more detailed explanation for your specific situation.

You may also have the concern, “Will age affect fertility?”
The short answer is, yes. A healthy couple in their 20s or early 30s, will have about a 25%-30% chance of conceiving in any menstrual cycle. Once a women reaches the age of 37, this percentage decreases rapidly. By the age of 40, a woman’s chances of getting pregnant drops to less than 10% per menstrual cycle. A man’s fertility also decreases, but is nowhere near as predictable.

Can lifestyle affect fertility?
Women who are overweight, underweight or exercise too much may have problems associated with infertility. In both men and women, moderate or heavy consumption of alcohol can also be a factor in infertility. In men specifically, smoking cigarettes can decrease sperm count and movement.

If you and your partner are experiencing problems associated with fertility, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider at Greenville Women’s Clinic. We are here to answer questions and help you determine your next steps. This can often be a hard time for couples, our staff is here to make the experience easier.  The journey to growing your family is possible.  The means by which you do so is our commitment to you to identify any obstacles, and work through them to realize the precious moment of welcoming a precious child into one’s life. 

What happens when labor begins?

As you begin to labor, your cervix will open or dilate. Your uterus, which contain muscles, will contact at regular intervals. This will cause your abdomen to become hard. Between contractions it will soften as your uterus relaxes.

Feeling as if the baby has dropped lower is a sign that labor is approaching in anywhere from a few weeks to a few hours. This movement, called lightening, is when the baby’s head has settled deep into your pelvis.

An increase in vaginal discharge (clear, pink or slightly bloody) is another sign that labor is approaching. During your pregnancy a thick mucus plug accumulated at the cervix. When the cervix begins to dilate, the plug is pushed into the vagina. This is called show and can happen several days before labor or at the onset of labor.

What is false labor?

False labor is when your uterus contracts off and on before “true” labor beings. These irregular contractions during false labor are referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions. They are normal, but often times can be painful and are noticed more at the end of the day.

How to tell the difference between true labor and false labor?

One way to tell the difference between true labor and false labor is by the timing of your contractions. True labor contractions come at regular intervals and get closer together as time goes on. Each of these contractions lasts about 30 to 70 seconds. False labor contractions are irregular and do not get closer together.

Another way to determine true labor versus false labor is by moving around. In true labor, contractions will continue even if you move around or change position. In false labor, the contractions may stop when you walk, rest or change position.

The strength of your contractions can also differentiate between the two. True labor contractions steadily increase in strength. False labor contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger or they may start strong and get weaker.

Finally, note the pain of your contractions when trying to decide if it is true labor or not. True labor pain usually starts in the back and moves to the front – while false labor is usually only felt in the front.

If you have any questions about true versus false labor or contractions, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider at Greenville Women’s Clinic. We are here for you through every step of your pregnancy. The more you know about labor, the more prepared you will feel when the big day comes.

An ovarian cyst is a pouch or sac that forms in or on the ovary. It is filled with fluid or other tissue. Ovarian cysts are very common and can occur in women during childbearing years or after menopause. In the majority of cases, ovarian cysts are benign, meaning that are not cancerous, and they go away on their own without treatment. Rarely, a cyst may be malignant, or cancerous.

In many instances, ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms. This is why it is important to have routine pelvic exams. However, in those that do experience symptoms from ovarian cysts, they report a dull or sharp ache in the abdomen or pain during certain activities. Larger cysts can cause twisting of the ovary, which leads to pain on one side that comes and goes or starts suddenly. A cyst that bleeds or bursts may also cause severe, sudden pain.

There are different types of ovarian cysts that include the following:

Teratoma – a cyst containing different kinds of tissues that make up the body, such as hair and skin. These cysts may be present at birth and can grow during reproductive years. In rare cases, some teratomas may become cancerous.

Functional – the most common type of ovarian cyst. They usually have no symptoms and often go away without treatment, within six to eight weeks.

Endometrioma – a cyst resulting from endometriosis – a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus is found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and other pelvic structures.

Cystadenoma – cysts that form on the outer surface of the ovary. These can grow to be very large but are usually benign.

There are several treatment options for ovarian cysts. Your healthcare provider at Greenville Women’s Clinic can determine the best treatment for you based on the type of cyst and other factors. Common treatment options include watchful waiting and, if the cyst is large or causing symptoms, surgery.

Watchful Waiting – monitoring the cyst with repeated ultrasound exams to note any changes in appearance or size. Many cysts go away on their own after one or two menstrual cycles.

Surgery – may be recommended if the cyst is large, causing symptoms or is suspected to be cancerous. The type of surgery is dependent on several factors including, the size of the cyst, your age, your desire to have children, and your family history of ovarian or breast cancer. A cystectomy is the removal of the cyst from the ovary. In some cases, the ovary itself may need to be removed – this is called an oophorectomy.

If the cyst is benign and not too large, a minimally invasive surgery using a laparoscope is often recommended. In other cases, an open surgery may be required. This surgery involves making a small incision in the lower abdomen.

If you have questions or concerns regarding ovarian cysts, do not hesitate to contact your trusted healthcare provider at Greenville Women’s Clinic.

Although most young women don’t need to have a pap test until they are about 21 years old, there many reason why you should see a gynecologist before you reach that age.

1. Get advice on maintaining a healthy body weight and feel good about your body.
2. Start habits for keeping your bones healthy and strong.
3. Learn how to recognize, prevent and treat urinary tract infections.
4. Get treatment for any vaginal itching, odor and discharge.
5. Learn about what a normal period is supposed to look and feel like.
6. Get advice and relief if your periods are painful.
7. Find out why your periods may be heavy.
8. Find out why your periods are too close or too far apart and why bleeding may happen between them.
9. Discover ways to deal with premenstrual syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS.
10. Learn how to have a healthy relationship with romantic partners.
11. Know when a relationship may be threatening, abusive or harmful.
12. Talk about and think things through if you are considering sex for the first time.
13. Learn about how to have safe sex.
14. Discover the right birth control option, so you can choose to become pregnant when the time is right for you.
15. Plan ahead for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
16. Get tested for pregnancy.
17. Learn about your options if you become pregnant.
18. Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by learning steps you can take to lower the risk of becoming infected.
19. Receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
20. Get tested for STDs of HIV if you are sexually active.
21. Have open and honest conversations about any body changes you may be experiencing.

Teenage years are the perfect time to find the right gynecologist. This healthcare provider will be there with you through some pretty important moments in your life. Greenville Women’s Clinic is committed to providing young women with the best care possible so they can live healthy, educated and safe – even before they turn 21. We encourage every young women to take charge of their health and body, and make an appointment at Greenville Women’s Clinic – even if it is just to ask questions.

Your quality of sleep directly affects your physical and mental health. Fall short of the amount of sleep you need and it can take a serious toll on your daytime energy, productivity, emotional balance and even your weight! There are steps you can take to have a better night’s sleep. The tossing and turning and struggling to fall asleep can become a thing of the past. Simple but important changes to both your daytime routine and nighttime habits can have a profound impact on how you sleep.

1. Try to go to sleep at the same time every night.

By going to sleep at a consistent time every night you help to set your internal clock and optimize the quality of your sleep. Choose a bedtime around the time you normally feel tired, so that you won’t lie awake for hours. If you are getting enough sleep, your body should wake up naturally without an alarm. If you find you need an alarm, you may want to consider setting an earlier bedtime.

2. Avoid sleeping in late – even on weekends.

The more your weekday and weekend sleep habits differ, the worse the “jetlag-like” symptoms will be. If you need to make up for a late night, opt for a daytime nap rather than sleeping in. This will allow you to pay off your sleep debt without interfering with your natural wake-sleep rhythm.

3. When it is time to go to bed, make sure the room is dark.

The blue light emitted from your phone, computer and TV all make it harder for you to fall asleep. Use heavy curtains or shades to block light from windows or try a sleep mask. Your brain secrets more melatonin when it is dark – making you sleepy!

4. Exercise during the day.

People who exercise regularly tend to sleep better at night and feel less fatigued during the day. Regular exercise also helps to improve the symptoms of insomnia and increases the amount of time one spends in the deep, restorative stages of sleep. Even if you are unable to exercise vigorously, just walking for 10 minutes a day can improve your overall sleep quality.

5. Limit caffeine.

Did you know that caffeine can cause sleep problems up to twelve hours after drinking it! Limit your caffeine intake throughout the day and especially at bedtime.

6. Wind down and clear your head.

Many people note that their sleeping problems are the result of residual stress, worry or anger from the day. Practice relaxation techniques before going to bed at night to wind down and prepare for sleep. Deep breathing, muscle relaxation and warm baths are all ways to unwind from the stress of the day. Take the time to discover the bedtime relaxation routine that works best for you.

7. Improve the comfort of your sleep environment.

Making sure you are completely comfortable in your sleep environment is important in achieving a quality night’s sleep. Make sure the room is quite and cool. Most people sleep best in a slightly cool room (65°F). A bedroom that is too cold or too hot can interfere with your quality of sleep.

8. Learn ways to fall back asleep.

It is normal to wake up briefly during the night, but if you are having trouble falling back asleep, avoid looking at your phone or turning on your TV. Keep the lights dim and focus on relaxing.

If you are having difficulty falling or staying asleep at night, do not hesitate to talk with your doctor at Greenville Women’s Clinic. Healthy sleep habits are the foundation of healthy lives.

If you’re sexually active, including oral, anal or vaginal intercourse and genital touching, you can get a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).

STDs often have no signs or symptoms, and even with no symptoms, you can pass the infection onto your partners. It’s important to use a condom during sex, and visit your doctor regularly for STD screenings, so you can identify and treat infections before passing it along.

If you are diagnosed with a STD, it’s important to get treated and inform your partner or partners so they can be evaluated and treated as well.

Left untreated, STDs can increase your risk of infertility or of acquiring another STD such as HIV. A STD can stimulate an immune response in the genital area which might raise the risk of HIV transmission.

Some of the following diseases can be transmitted without sexual contact, like hepatitis which can be transmitted by coming into contact with an infected person’s blood. Others, such as gonorrhea, can only be transmitted through sexual contact.

Common STD’s, their signs and symptoms

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of your genital tract. It usually starts one to three weeks after being exposed. Signs and symptoms can often be mild and passing which makes them easy to overlook. Those may be:

• Painful urination
• Lower abdominal pain
• Vaginal discharge in women
• Discharge from the penis in men
• Pain during sexual intercourse in women
• Bleeding between periods in women
• Testicular pain in men

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection of your genital tract. It can also grow in your mouth, throat, eyes and anus. The first gonorrhea symptoms usually appear within 10 days after exposure. However, it’s not uncommon for people to be infected for months before signs or symptoms occur. Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea may include:

• Thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Painful, swollen testicles in men
• Painful bowel movements
• Anal itching

Genital herpes is highly contagious and caused by a type of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that enters your body through small breaks in your skin or mucous membranes. Most people never know they have it, because they have no symptoms or the symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed.

When present, genital herpes signs and symptoms may include:

• Small red bumps, blisters (vesicles) or open sores (ulcers) in the genital, anal and nearby areas
• Pain or itching around the genital area, buttocks and inner thighs

The initial symptom of genital herpes is usually pain or itching, which begins within a few weeks of exposure. After several days small red bumps may appear. They then rupture, becoming ulcers which ooze or bleed, and eventually, scabs form and the ulcers heal.

In women, sores can erupt in the vaginal area, external genitals, buttocks, anus or cervix.

Ulcers can make urination painful. You may also have pain and tenderness in your genital area until the infection clears. During an initial episode, you may have flu-like signs and symptoms, such as headache, muscle aches and fever, as well as swollen lymph nodes in your groin.

In some cases, the infection can be active and contagious even when sores aren’t present.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common types of STDs. Some forms put women at high risk of cervical cancer, and other forms can cause genital warts. HPV usually has no signs or symptoms, however the signs and symptoms of genital warts include:

• Small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in your genital area
• Several warts close together which take on a cauliflower shape
• Itching or discomfort in your genital area
• Bleeding during intercourse
  

Sometimes genital warts cause no symptoms. Genital warts may be as small as 1 millimeter in diameter or may multiply into clusters. In women, genital warts can grow on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, the area between the external genitals and the anus, and the cervix. In men, they may occur on the tip or shaft of the penis, the scrotum, or the anus. Genital warts can also develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.

Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are all contagious viral infections that affect your liver. Hepatitis B and C are the most serious of the three, but each can cause your liver to become inflamed. Some people never develop signs or symptoms. But for those who do, signs and symptoms may occur after several weeks and may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Dark urine
• Muscle or joint pain
• Itching
• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

HIV is an infection of the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV interferes with your body’s ability to fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause illness and lead to AIDS, a chronic, life-threatening disease. When first infected, you may have no symptoms. Some people develop a flu-like illness, usually two to six weeks after being infected. Still, the only way you know to know for sure is to be HIV tested. Some early HIV signs and symptoms may be:

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph glands
• Rash
• Fatigue

These early signs and symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for those of another viral infection. During this period, you’re highly infectious. More-persistent or severe symptoms of HIV infection may not appear for 10 years or more after the initial infection.

As the virus continues to multiply and destroy immune cells, you may develop mild infections or chronic signs and symptoms such as:

• Swollen lymph nodes — often one of the first signs of HIV infection
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Cough and shortness of breath

Signs and symptoms of late-stage HIV infection include:

• Persistent, unexplained fatigue
• Soaking night sweats
• Shaking chills or fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C) for several weeks
• Swelling of lymph nodes for more than three months
• Chronic diarrhea
• Persistent headaches
• Unusual, opportunistic infections

If you suspect you have any of these or other STDs, or have been exposed to one, see your doctor for testing. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid or delay more-severe health problems and to avoid infecting others.

Having a baby is a big deal, and the birth of a baby can trigger many powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something unexpected — depression.

Mothers often have a lot of different feelings and emotions in the weeks and months after they give birth. These feelings can change often, going from happy to sad to worried to scared and back again. These emotional changes are commonly known as the “baby blues.”

Many new moms experience the “baby blues” after childbirth. Baby blues can begin within the first two or three days after delivery, and could last up to two weeks. Common symptoms of the baby blues may include:

• Mood swings
• Crying spells
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Reduced concentration
• Appetite problems

However, some new moms may experience something more severe and longer-lasting, a form of depression commonly known as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression isn’t a flaw or a weakness; sometimes it’s simply a complication of giving birth.

Postpartum depression may be mistaken for the “baby blues” at first, but the symptoms are more intense, last longer and eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin later — up to six months after birth.

Signs and symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe; some symptoms may include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
• Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you’re not a good mother
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Contact your doctor immediately if your signs and symptoms of depression have any of these features:

• Don’t fade after two weeks
• Are getting worse
• Make it hard for you to care for your baby
• Make it hard to complete everyday tasks
• Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

If you’re feeling depressed after giving birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But, it is important to talk with your doctor about all of your postpartum symptoms. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms — and enjoy your baby.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of “baby blues” or postpartum depression, you should call Greenville Women’s Clinic and schedule an appointment with your doctor today. We are here to listen to any of your concerns or worries after giving birth.