All September long is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. GCAM is used as an opportunity to encourage women to become more informed and aware about cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, ovaries, and uterus. Early detection and prevention is KEY! Gynecological cancers encompass all cancers of the female reproductive system, including...
Before starting anything new in life, it’s always good to ask questions and be curious. This applies to new hobbies, activities, life changes, major purchases, and of course, sex. Especially asking the person (or people) you will be having sex with, all the questions. Being honest with your sexual partner(s)...
The society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and other pregnancy experts recommend a COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant and lactating mothers. Here are the answers for just some of the most common questions expecting mother's have about the vaccine and pregnancy. What are the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy?...
To breastfeed successfully, you really don't need anything more than your breasts and your baby. That being said, breastfeeding isn’t always easy and it's even easier for mothers to forget that they need to care for themselves as well as their baby! It’s important not only to be informed on...
First things first! Congratulations on your pregnancy! You’re already off to a great start by recognizing how important quality, supportive prenatal care is...but it’s tough to stay excited about your journey ahead if you aren't sure how you’ll afford your pregnancy care and delivery. This does not have to be...
What is pregnancy glow? Pregnancy glow refers to skin that looks luminous or rosy cheeks that give you a radiant, slightly flushed look. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body increases by about 50 percent, making your skin look brighter. This increased circulation can give you an...
First off, what are fibroids? Fibroids, also called myomas, are benign growths within your uterus. A fibroid can be as tiny as a pea, as big as a grapefruit, or any size between. Fibroids can also grow in small clusters. What are the symptoms of fibroids? In most cases, fibroids...
Women should perform a self breast exam every month to look and feel for changes. Regular breast exams can help you maintain breast health and detect abnormalities early on, when it is easier to treat and more likely to be cured. Many lumps and abnormalities aren’t cancerous, but you should...
Our bodies are designed to keep themselves healthy (for the most part). When we eat well, get enough exercise and sleep, and limit our alcohol intake, we’re helping our bodies function at their very best. So when our bodies are out of whack, we can usually tell. But unfortunately, when...
A first time pregnancy is such an exciting time for both the new mom and new dad-to-be. If your pregnancy happens to overlap with Father’s Day, it becomes a question of whether the expectant parents should join in the celebrations. We say, absolutely! The first Father’s Day doesn’t have to...
Health: 1. Understand what a healthy body weight is for you and how to achieve wellness early on.2. Start good habits for healthy bones and joints. (It's NEVER too early for this)3. Learn about UTI's, vaginal infections and signs/symptoms to look out for.4. Get early treatment for vaginal discharge, itching,...
Certified Nurse Midwives, or CNMs, are Registered Nurses with graduate education in Midwifery. Meaning they provide reproductive/sexual health care from menarche (first menstrual period) to post-menopause (last menstrual period). This includes prenatal care, labor and birth, postpartum care, lactation support, basic newborn care, annual exams, pap smears, birth control (including...
Birth Control What birth control options can I consider? The team at Bella Women’s Care offers a full range of birth control methods. When you come in for birth control, your provider first reviews your medical history and performs a thorough exam to be sure you don’t have any health...
Saturday, March 20th marks the 1st day of Spring! Are you due to have your little bundle of joy soon? Or do you simply love the season of sunshine and renewal? Here are some of our favorite Spring inspired names for your bouncing baby girl or boy! 1. Pascal...
What are the signs of an STD? There are often no signs at all, so it's very important to have your STD screenings as recommended. In some cases, particularly in the more advanced stages of an infection, you may experience: Unusual vaginal discharge Genital rash Pain or burning during urination...
Dr Rebecca Lee Crumpler- was the very first African-American woman to become a medical doctor in America. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College in 1864 and later went on to practice in Boston, Massachusetts and Richmond, Virginia. Dr Patricia Bath- The first African-American female doctor to receive a...
What is a miscarriage? A miscarriage is embryo or fetus death before 20 weeks gestation. The majority of miscarriages are in the first trimester, and 10-15 out of every 100 pregnancies end in miscarriage today. Does bleeding or spotting always mean miscarriage? Not necessarily. Although bleeding or spotting can be...
What are the benefits of an IUD? An IUD is a flexible, T-shaped device that fits inside your uterus. These are the top benefits of IUDs: Highly effective IUDs are nearly 100% effective, making them just as effective as a tubal ligation and more effective than most other birth control...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus. But...
PERIOD PAIN...You don't have to suffer! Feeling that dull pain in your lower belly is often the first sign that your period is starting. In those moments, most women can reach for a heating pad or ibuprofen to calm their cramps, but others suffer from severe, more intense cramps...
Braxton Hicks vs. Contractions: What's the difference? When you're nearing the end of your pregnancy, it can be difficult to tell if you are having real contractions, or 'fake' contractions, otherwise known as Braxton Hicks. Braxton Hicks can be uncomfortable just like real contractions, so it's always best to call...
Suffer from Morning Sickness? When is it time to see your Doctor? Morning sickness is a very common and completely normal symptom during first trimester pregnancy. The changes in your body, particularly the surge of pregnancy hormones, a heightened sense of smell, and a temporarily more sensitive digestive system likely...
Some of us dream for months (and sometimes years) for that positive reading. For others, it’s a complete surprise. Either way, you’re definitely not alone if you find yourself wondering, “I got a positive pregnancy test—now what?” Finding out you’re pregnant is a life-changing moment that comes with its fair...
First of all, let’s start with what postpartum depression is and what it looks like. One in five new mothers will experience Postpartum Depression (PPD) and symptoms usually occur a few days after delivery or as late as a year after giving birth. Women who experience PPD will have alternating...
First of all, it’s important to understand that a woman’s menstrual cycle is not the same as her period. The actual time that a woman bleeds is known as menstruation, and her menstrual cycle is the time from one period starting to the next. While there have been some truly...
When it comes to menopause, 65 percent of women say they feel unprepared for what it may bring, according to a study in the journal Maturitas. But unlike other hormonally tumultuous times like puberty and pregnancy, you’ve actually got a lot more control over how you weather this one. The...
Are you wiping front to back? - Hopefully at some point in your life someone told you how important it is to wipe front to back when using the restroom! But if you missed the memo, it's not too late to learn this practice right now. Why is it so...
It’s a no-brainer that pregnant women should stock up on extra rest because once baby comes, the chances to enjoy uninterrupted sleep becomes more and more challenging. Being pregnant, especially during the second and third trimester, can wreak havoc on your sleeping routine. It can be difficult to get comfortable...
A healthy diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals you need — but even if you eat a healthy diet, you might fall short on key nutrients. If you're pregnant or hoping to conceive, prenatal vitamins can help fill any nutritional gaps you run into. Here...
Breastfeeding is a unique journey between you and your baby. It can be easy for some, and can require time and patience for others. Since it's such a good way to nourish and bond with your little one, it's well worth the effort. Here are some extra tips from Bella...
A crying baby is expressing their emotions in the only way they know how – by being heard! This post is going to focus on teaching you how to calm a crying baby and arm you with simple, basic knowledge that will help you and your journey as a new...