Penn's Women's Health Newsletter | Penn Medicine

The Penn Women's FIRST Clinic is specifically designed to address pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Learn what to expect and how specialists in gastroenterology, colon and rectal surgery and urogyne...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2023/march/relief-from-pelvic-floor-disorders

Is my baby eating enough? That’s a question we often receive from new parents, and one that’s become ever more urgent during a nationwide formula shortage.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2022/may/baby-formula-shortage

We all experience forgetfulness from time to time, but when is it a sign of something more?

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/june/forgetfulness-or-something-more

Prenatal genetic screening can identify potential genetic risks and birth defects before delivery. A noninvasive screening test for Down syndrome has recently become available, which is more accu...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2012/august/screening-for-down-syndrome

If you’re pregnant, you’re likely concerned about how COVID-19, an infection caused by a novel coronavirus, can affect the health of you and your baby.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2020/march/covid-and-pregnancy

We answer common questions about opioid use disorder, pregnancy, breastfeeding and infant care to help you learn how to best care for you and your baby.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2021/february/opioid-use-disorder

Your baby may be at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) if you have opioid use disorder. We answer common questions about pregnancy and NAS.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2021/february/neonatal-abstinence-syndrome

Sarah Hughes just thought she was tired. Six days earlier, she delivered her second child and was now at home caring for her newborn daughter.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2018/may/the-warning-signs-of-preeclampsia-before-and-after-pregnancy

Irregular periods could be a cause for concern. Educate yourself on the different reasons you could have an irregular, late, or missed period.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2020/november/irregular-periods-why-is-my-period-late

Midwives have been a vital part of the birthing process for centuries. However, there are still some questions about how a midwife, OB/GYN, and doula differ, as well as how they collaborate for m...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2020/september/how-certified-nurse-midwives-work-with-patients-before-during-and-after-delivery

Second-time mom Kimm shares how everyone she encountered at Penn Medicine – from her Ob/Gyn to environmental services staff – made a difference as she prepared to welcome her daughter, Elin, ...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2020/september/welcoming-a-baby-during-covid-19

We talked with Elizabeth A. Howell, MD, MPP, about her research, narrowing disparities in health care, and what she’s most looking forward to in her new role.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2020/september/meet-elizabeth-howell-md

Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two, especially for people who are pregnant.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2020/july/flu-coronavirus-pregnancy

Here are answers to six frequently asked questions about HPV and the HPV vaccine, including the vaccine's safety, risks and effectiveness.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2020/may/hpv-vaccine-faqs

Many women don’t realize they have osteoporosis until they experience a fracture. Learn how we can help keep your bones healthy.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2019/june/how-penn-medicine-is-improving-womens-bone-health

Many women have ovarian cysts. They’re usually harmless, but sometimes, they can cause concern. Here’s what you need to know.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2019/june/ovarian-cysts-101

So how can you protect yourself and your unborn child from the measles virus? We answer some frequently asked questions about measles during pregnancy.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2019/may/measles-in-pregnancy-faqs

Dr. Joshua Fosnot, plastic surgeon at Penn Medicine, answers frequently asked questions about breast reduction surgery and recovery.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2019/april/breast-reduction-qa

The Translational Center of Excellence offers hope in the fight against the deadliest gynecologic cancer.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2019/march/ovarian-cancer-tce

Recovery after delivery can be difficult and exhausting , and leaving the house in those first weeks can often feel like a chore. However, if you have preeclampsia, connecting with a doctor for b...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2019/march/heart-safe-motherhood

Our nation’s first hospital is celebrating yet another first in its storied history: Perinatal Care Certification from the Joint Commission.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2019/february/pah-perinatal-care-certification

Thyroid problems can affect your whole body, and can even wreak havoc on your sex life.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2019/january/how-thyroid-problems-might-be-hurting-your-sex-life

Your annual visit to the gynecologist isn’t something you’re likely to get excited about. However, it is one of the most important events on your calendar in regards to your health.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2018/october/a-gynecologists-advice-on-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-annual-appointment-at-any-age

Regularly examining your breasts can help you learn the nuances of your body to more easily detect any changes — which could signal breast cancer or other breast diseases.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2018/october/get-to-know-your-breasts

There is some overlap in what a women’s health specialist does and what your primary care provider can do, so, deciding which doctor to see isn’t always clear.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2018/august/when-to-see-a-womens-health-specialist-instead-of-your-primary-care-provider

Dr. Ashley Haggerty, MD, MSCE, shares her experiences breastfeeding her son, Riley, and how it helped her connect with her son while he was in the NICU.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2018/july/world-breastfeeding-week-ashley-and-rileys-story

There are plenty of myths and rumors out there about the causes and treatment of urinary tract infections. Here, we dispel five common myths and separate fact from fiction when it comes to UTIs.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2018/july/can-cranberry-juice-cure-my-urinary-tract-infection

Water workouts use many of your body’s muscles and contribute to fewer exercise-related injuries and muscle strains than other, dry-land aerobic activities.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2018/june/water-workouts-during-pregnancy-can-have-several-benefits-for-moms-to-be

As rates of maternal opioid use have surged over the past decade, so too have rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Learn how Penn is tackling this issue and proving mothers and their babies with ...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2018/march/mothers-matter-offers-compassionate-care-for-maternity-opiate-use

When most women think about heart disease during pregnancy, they may think about high blood pressure or other conditions that develop during pregnancy.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2013/january/managing-high-risk-pregnancy-in-women-with-cardiac-disease

The beginning of a new pregnancy is an exciting, yet sometimes nerve-racking time. Knowing how to best equip yourself for your first prenatal visit can help ease your mind and prepare you to welc...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2018/march/what-happens-at-your-first-prenatal-appointment

There is a lot of anecdotal information and old wives' tales out there that surround pregnancy, but how do you know what is true? For some clarification, we asked Dr. Peter Vasquez, Ob/Gyn at Pen...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/september/pregnancy-myths

Breastfeeding may be natural, but it's not always easy. While nothing can prepare you for the real thing, tips, advice and what to expect from a lactation consultant can come pretty close. So, me...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/july/breastfeeding-advice-from-a-penn-lactation-consultant

For over 40 years women have opted into receiving care from a midwife during their pregnancies at Penn Medicine hospitals. Here's why.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/july/midwives

A complicated pregnancy requires extra care and precautions from an experienced maternal fetal specialist. Penn Medicine is fortunate to have the best specialists on their team, including Dr. Oxf...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/july/complicated-pregnancies

Over 80 percent of adults will develop some form of HPV in their lifetime, but does that mean they will all get cervical cancer? Here, Ashley Haggerty, MD, a gynecologic oncologist at the Hospita...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/july/hpv-and-cervical-cancer

Solutions for Women - Pennsylvania Hospital's women’s health boutique - is on the move! Find out more about the expanded services we're offering, especially our lactation and breastfeeding supp...

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/june/solutions-for-women-at-pennsylvania-hospital

Many individuals on the LGBT spectrum face unique challenges when it comes to reproduction, family building and healthcare.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/may/caring-for-the-reproductive-needs-of-the-lgbt-community

Talking to kids about sex is a common concern among parents. A Penn physician explains why earlier might be better.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/february/whens-the-right-time-to-talk-to-kids-about-sex

CMV is a common infection, but most people have never heard of it. Here is what pregnant women should know about this virus.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/february/reducing-risk-of-cmv

Many women wonder whether they should have a C-section birth or deliver vaginally. Find out when women should and should not have C-sections.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2017/february/should-you-have-a-c-section-birth

Menopause is often referred to as “The Change.” But have you heard of perimenopause? Here are nine questions and answers about perimenopause, the change before The Change.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/december/the-change-before-the-change

Busy days, longs nights and plenty of responsibility is reality for many of us. Check out these four strategies for fighting burnout.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/october/burnout

Learn about the factors that can change the effectiveness of oral contraceptive, and find out what you should do when you're wondering "Will my birth control work when..."

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/september/do-birth-control-pills-work-when

Why schedule an annual well-woman visit? Here are nine reasons to keep your appointment.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/august/nine-reasons-to-visit-your-obgyn-annually

First comes pregnancy, then comes...deciding where you will have your baby. Find out what it means to choose a Baby-Friendly Hospital.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/august/7-things-you-can-expect-in-a-baby-friendly-hospital

The HPV vaccine can prevent cancer, but there are many misconceptions about it. Here are six myths dispelled about the HPV vaccine for girls and boys.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/july/6-myths-about-the-hpv-vaccine

You might feel a bit hesitant about swimming while you have your period, but it’s actually very safe. Here is the truth about some common swimming-with-a-period myths.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/june/swimming-and-your-period-5-myths-debunked

Learn how gastrointestinal (GI) disorders can effect women, and what you can do to treat discomfort.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/july/gi-health-for-women

You may have heard of a pessary as a treatment for urinary incontinence, but do you know how it works? Get the facts here.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/womens-health/2016/may/what-is-a-pessary