Blog Archive

You have just found out you are pregnant, and you are overwhelmed with excitement. There are so many things to do and plan for, but first things first. That means schedule your first prenatal visit with Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates! To help you prepare for that all important visit, here...

Endometriosis is a confusing condition with various symptoms, no symptoms, or severe symptoms. It’s not always easy to diagnose, leaving many women to suffer with pelvic pain and other unpleasant symptoms for years. Here are six signs you may have endometriosis. THE ILLUSIVE CONDITION OF ENDOMETRIOSIS When the tissue lining...

The CDC recommends that if you are a woman considering getting pregnant, start taking folic acid. If you just found out you are pregnant, start taking folic acid and continue to take it while you are pregnant. Even if you are a woman of child bearing age, the CDC says...

Most of us are wary of looking stupid or asking stupid questions, but at your OBGYN, there is no such thing as a “stupid” question or subject. Trust us, we have heard it all. So squelch that feeling, and ask us whatever you want. That’s why we’re here. Here are...

A woman’s body goes through many changes during the nine months of pregnancy. Some are expected like nausea in the early months, weight gain (of course), and certain crazy cravings. When you notice something unexpected or concerning, don’t ever hesitate to contact Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates. There are certain...

Heavy bleeding during your period is sometimes known medically as menorrhagia. Although every woman is different and menstrual cycles can vary, when should you see Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates about a heavy period? WHY SHOULD YOU SEE YOUR GYNECOLOGIST ABOUT A HEAVY PERIOD? One third of women have heavy menstrual bleeding,...

It’s difficult to overemphasize the importance of regular breast self examinations when one in eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. When it comes to breast exams and screening tools, more is always better. Let’s find out how to do a breast self exam, when to...

Three of our beloved, long-time clinicians — Judith Cox, RN, CNM, Marie Kilroy, RNCNP, and Susan Whitlock, RNCNP — have retired. JUDITH COX, RN, CNM Judith joined Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates in 1990. In January 2000, Judith became Nurse-Midwifery Service Director for Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates. MARIAE KILROY,...

You have spent several months preparing the nursery for your bundle of joy including new furniture, curtains, paint, and a spanking new rocking chair just for you. That feeling of satisfaction shouldn’t lull you into a sense of complacency, though. Sorry, there is still much to do! You have the time before...

What questions should you ask your obstetrician about genetic testing? The best approach depends on what you really want to know. Every parent-to-be wants to have a healthy beautiful baby, but of course there is always a chance your child will have some abnormality or disorder. The good news is...

Yes, they show up about every 30 days, they are uncomfortable or sometimes painful, can give you headaches and slow you down, and can transform you into the wicked witch of the east every month before they start. No wonder they’re known as the “curse.” Yes, the decades of having...

This particular choice for your medical care is not one made lightly at it is very personal and intimate. Maybe you decided on a doctor that your friend recommended. Perhaps you chose one near your home and place of work for convenience. The question is: are you getting the right...

You’re already dealing with aches, pains, and (most likely) what feels like world’s smallest bladder. Now add in sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose and you’ve got a perfect pregnancy!  …or maybe you sense the sarcasm there. But, is there an actual connection between your pregnancy and allergies? ARE ALLERGIES WORSE WHEN PREGNANT?...

WE KNOW EVERYONE IS OVERWHELMED WITH ALL OF THE NEWS ABOUT COVID-19. ATLANTA OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR PATIENTS ARE INFORMED AND PREPARED, BUT NOT PANICKED. HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS (AS OF NOW) FOR SOME OF YOUR FAQS. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORONAVIRUS AND COVID-19?...

Everyone knows that using birth control gives a woman control over when and if she becomes pregnant. What you may not know is that there are some great birth control benefits that are beyond pregnancy prevention. A REMEDY FOR IRREGULAR PERIODS Many women live with a menstrual cycle that is...

Coping with endometriosis is a constant struggle. This painful disorder causes tissue that should be lining the uterus to grow outside of it and in various other places. If you are currently struggling with endometriosis, or beginning to suspect it might be the source of your pain, these 6 life...

If you’re new at this breastfeeding thing, it’s certainly worth taking some time to review this advice from others who have gone through it themselves and have a few tips to share. RELAX You’ve never done this before, and neither has your baby. The most important tip is to relax....

The only two vaccines recommended as safe for all pregnant women are for the flu and whooping cough, yet only about 35% of women get them both, whereas only half get the flu shot. There can be serious consequences for your baby if you neglect to heed the warnings. THE...

Endometriosis is a very painful condition with no cure in sight, and often it can remain undiagnosed for years. It’s no wonder that women suffering from endometriosis need some coping skills. WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS? It is believed that 176 million women have endometriosis. Endometrial tissue normally grows on the inside...

Women who decide to put off having children may find later in life that they have difficulty trying to conceive or carry to term. If you are not ready for kids just yet, but still think you may want them someday, it is wise to consider all the factors that...

Birth defects are more common than you may think. In fact, about 1 in 33 babies born in the US has a birth defect, according to the CDC. Not all birth defects can be prevented, but you can take steps that will increase the likelihood of giving birth to a healthy...

Here’s a quick math lesson. 1 + 1 = ? TWO. That’s the answer, and it’s also how many little ones you’ll be having if you’re expecting twins. Although you may have expected that answer, you may not know exactly what to prepare for during and after your pregnancy, so...

If you have been confused in the past by changes in breast cancer screening guidelines, buckle up! Recently, more changes have been passed down as guidelines, so it’s important to make sure you’re knowledgeable.  Differing guidelines are espoused by three important groups involved in protecting women from breast cancer. The...

If you have been trying to get pregnant but have been unsuccessful, you are not alone. Although comforting to know, the challenge comes in finding your reason for infertility, and there happens to be many possibilities. Once you become acquainted with the causes, you can learn how to better your odds against them....

Whether you are a parent or a young adult, you should understand the significant dangers of the HPV virus and how it is spread. As a parent you do everything in your power to protect your children from harm. You may have seen ads on the television about getting a...

Whether you are male, female, young, or old, there are 5 essential healthcare appointments that you need to schedule this year if you have not done so already. We all have busy lives so it makes sense to sit down and make those important healthcare appointments all at the same...

These days we hear about super foods for this and super foods for that. There is one group of super foods you shouldn’t ignore though, and those are designated for expectant moms. Eating for two doesn’t mean packing on the pounds, but it does mean eating those foods with the...

If night sweats and day sweats aren’t enough to ruin a normal day, now your clothes seem to be shrinking a bit. At least that’s what you keep telling yourself. Now the knockout punch comes; you begin to realize how menopause can affect your sleep schedule. Women who have never had trouble...

What was commonly known as the Sexual Revolution back in the 1960s and early 1970s burst on the scene due to the invention and FDA approval of the birth control pill. That little pill managed to change how the US and the rest of world think about sexual health, and...

BREAST CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON CANCER AMONG AMERICAN WOMEN. In 2018, an estimated 266,120 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, while 63,960 will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer. With early detection and treatment, women can fight back against breast cancer. DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER? HERE ARE...

Intrauterine devices, abbreviated as IUDs, have been around for years. However, they only recently became popular among women in the United States. Learn why so many women are choosing IUDs as their method of birth control, and whether or not this type of birth control may be ideal for you....

Many women experience weight gain as a side effect to menopause. Your body is trying to deal with a reduction in estrogen, and as a result, you are likely to see a few extra pounds added to your frame. The worst part of this news is that women are not always...

If you are pregnant, summertime is not your friend. You already know how uncomfortable you feel even with the AC cranked up, and how quickly any kind of activity wears you out. You are familiar with the humidity and the hot temperatures, but be aware also that the heat of...

The CDC estimates that 20 million new Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) infections occur each year, and sexually experienced persons aged 15-24 make up over one-half of all new infections. With so much information in the public eye about using condoms to prevent STDs, why do the numbers continue to rise? AN ACCELERATING...

It is with mixed emotions, Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology is announcing Dr. Debra E. Brand’s retirement after 28 years of providing excellent care and service for her patients. Please join us in extending best wishes to Dr. Brand as she begins her new journey in life. We wish her much...

New moms may think they are ready to tackle anything once they’re at home with their sweet baby. After all, they have been through nine months of ups and downs, difficult sleeping, and morning sickness. Now that they have given birth, it should be smooth sailing, right?  There are some...

Pregnancy is a joyful time for moms-to-be, but as you decorate the nursery and plan for the baby’s arrival, don’t forget to take precautions to prevent prenatal infections. They can be dangerous for both mother and baby. WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY This may sound simple, but practicing good hygiene will...

According to the CDC, this flu season has hit the United States harder than in recent years. Because pregnancy can increase the length of infection and can lead to more complications, such as pneumonia, it’s important to know how to prevent the flu during pregnancy. GET VACCINATED The flu vaccination is...

Nearly everyone will experience some type of stress in their lives. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors including, work, money, health, family and a laundry list of other items that are often unavoidable. You may know that long periods of stress and anxiety can leave you feeling...

Each year, it is estimated that there are 20 million new cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the United States. Here’s your guide to preventing, diagnosing, and treating STIs.  PREVENTING STIS IN ATLANTA GA Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are preventable, so there are many ways you can protect yourself...

While ovarian cancer is only the ninth most common cancer in women, it is the leading cause of death for cancers of the female reproductive system. The ovaries are responsible for releasing eggs during ovulation and producing female hormones. Over time, cancerous cells can develop on ovarian tissue. SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER...

WHEN IT’S TIME FOR YOUR FIRST GYNECOLOGY VISIT, WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW. If you’re scheduling your first visit and are curious what a gynecologist is, you aren’t alone. Many women have questions when it comes to seeing a gynecologist and when they should schedule an appointment. WHAT DOES A GYNECOLOGIST DO?...