Physicians for Women > Frequently Asked Questions > All

No. Simply contact our practice at 919 678 6900. However, if there are severe weather conditions, resulting in power outages, and the on-call service does not return your call in a timely fashion, please do the following: if you are in labor, call Wake Med Cary labor and delivery at 350-2525; if you have any other medical emergency, call your local emergency room.

Physicians for Women
600 New Waverly Place

Suite 310

Cary, NC 27518
Phone: 919 678 6900
Fax: 919 678 6901
www.physicians-for-women.com

Physicians for Women is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Yes, both Dr. Seidel and Dr. Sheshadri are presently accepting new patients

No, Ob/Gyn is considered to be a primary care field by most insurance companies; therefore, making it unnecessary to obtain a referral from another physician.

No, Medicare does not cover routine gynecological exams. They cover problem visits, as well as pap smears every 3 years. That is, unless you have had a prior gynecological problem in the past.

PMDD is fairly common, and fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms of moodiness, bloating and irritability. There are vitamins that may be obtained without prescription that are intended specifically for symptoms of PMDD. Avoiding caffeine, or decreasing caffeine intake, limiting salt intake, as well as a good exercise routine are other ways to help with irritability and cramps. If these measures don't help, certain medications prescribed by your doctor may.

Skipping even one birth control pill may produce a hormone imbalance, causing what is known as "breakthrough bleeding." This is a normal occurrence and you should take the missed pill as soon as you realize you've missed it. If you skip more than two birth control pills, you should use another form of birth control for the rest of the month, and contact your physician for additional instructions.

It is important to increase your fluid intake when you notice these symptoms. Cranberry juice has long been recognized as being helpful to alleviate symptoms of what may be a bladder infection. It is advisable to have a urinalysis performed in order to confirm the diagnosis. Your physician may then want to prescribe medication or other treatment.

Most women have some vaginal discharge, and it may occur more or less at different times of the month. If, however, the discharge is accompanied by a foul odor, it may indicate some type of bacterial infection. The color of the discharge is also important to note. A thick, white discharge, accompanied by itching, may indicate a simple yeast infection. Abnormal vaginal discharge can usually be treated with medication. It is advisable to come in for a simple exam to confirm the diagnosis and treat appropriately.

Getting in touch with us is very simple, just dial our main office number (919)678-6900 and follow the instructions.

Labor is defined by regular contractions causing cervical change. Contractions will typically start far apart and progressively become more frequent and stronger over time. As contractions become closer, they will also increase in intensity and duration. Once you begin to have contractions, typically they last one minute from the start to the end of the contraction. Once they are five minutes apart give us a call and let us know. Your water may break once this process has begun or before you show any signs of labor. If your water breaks at any time, let us know so that we may advise you further. Finally, if you have any heavy bleeding towards the end of your pregnancy please call us.

It is important that you call us if you think you might be in labor. We can often help you determine where you are in labor and whether you need to be seen. If we determine that you need to be seen, we will call to make the arrangements.

Pain control options are numerous. They range from breathing techniques and meditation to epidurals. Most people don’t know what will work for them until they are actually in labor. So, it is important to keep your options open. Natural methods may include techniques such as controlled breathing, use of the birthing ball, Jacuzzi baths, showers, reflexology massage, and acupuncture. These methods might not be adequate for all people. Pharmacological methods include the use of narcotic analgesics and epidural anesthesia. All of these methods are safe during labor.

We will provide you the hospital registration material at your initial OB visit. We encourage you to register no later than 26 to 30 weeks.

It is at the age of 35 where the risk of having a child affected by a chromosomal abnormality is equivalent to the risk of having a complication as a result of aggressive testing such as amniocentesis. It is therefore at this age that aggressive testing like amniocentesis and chorionic villious sampling is offered. Because of the risk associated with these more aggressive procedures many patients do not choose to do this testing initially. Other options can include first trimester ultrasound screening, serum screening, and detailed second trimester ultrasound. These tests when combined can help detect up to 85-90% of pregnancies affected by chromosomal abnormalities. Amniocentesis remains the gold standard detecting greater than 99% of chromosomal abnormalities.

Air travel is safe for most women up to 36 weeks of gestation. Most US carriers allow domestic travel up to this time. It is important to check with your individual carrier to determine their rules. Most international airlines allow travel up to 35 weeks of gestation. If you have any complications during your pregnancy, air travel may not be recommended. Please check with us to determine if air travel is recommended for you. If you are deemed to be a good candidate for air travel, several precautions can be taken to make your travel more comfortable. Gas producing food and drink should be avoided before scheduled flights. If you have nausea or air sickness, an anti-nausea medication may be helpful. Support stockings and movement of the lower legs may help to prevent blood clots in the legs. Since air turbulence cannot be predicted, seatbelts should be used continuously while seated. Seatbelts should be low on the hips below your belly.

The guidelines for automobile travel are very similar to that for air travel. In general, it is okay to travel up to 36 weeks, assuming that you have an uncomplicated pregnancy. It is important to keep in mind that if you do have complications while you are away, especially between 24 and 34 weeks, that require delivery of your baby, your baby may require an extended hospital stay, which may be very inconvenient for your family.

It is best to avoid all over-the-counter medications during pregnancy, especially the first three months; however, if necessary, the following treatments are thought to be safe for you and your baby.

Certain types of fish may contain mercury. Fish thought to be the highest risk include shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. You can safely eat up to 12oz per week of shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock and catfish. If you prefer white albacore tuna then you may only eat 6oz per week. It is not recommended to eat raw fish at any time during pregnancy.

We like you to have chosen a pediatrician by approximately your 32nd week. Once you come into the hospital in labor, the hospital staff will ask you which pediatrician you have chosen and they will alert their office of your delivery.

Yes, Splenda is made from all-natural ingredients and is safe during pregnancy. However, you should avoid aspartame. Which is found in Sweet and Low.

If you have been active, you may continue. Exercise at a pace where you can talk comfortably. If you haven't been active, now is not the time to begin an exercise regime; however, walking would be fine.

Drink a lot of fluids, eat well and rest. A vaporizer may help. Tylenol, Sudafed, Dimetapp and plain Robitussin are permitted after the first trimester. Do not take anything with ibuprophen in it, such as Advil.

Although it isn't encouraged, you can if an acrylic paint is being used and you make sure the house is well ventilated.

You may try Rolaids, Riopan, Maalox or Tums. You can also try Pepcid AC or Zantac. Sometimes, a glass of milk may help. Too. But, make sure you pay attention to which foods are aggravating it, and alter your diet to avoid them.

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, yes. For traveling by car, plan to stop every 2 hours to get out to walk. After 34 weeks, check with your physician. And, always make sure your insurance information is up-to-date and you have contact information for your physician.

Purchase Anusol HC at the pharmacy and follow directions on the box, or use a stool softener such as Metamucil, Citrucel or Senokot.

Headaches are not uncommon during the first 17 weeks. If needed, Regular or Extra Strength Tylenol may be used according to package directions.

Local anesthesia is fine. Be certain your abdomen is shielded if it is absolutely necessary to have dental x-rays.

Using a tanning booth is not recommended in general. Because your body is going through a lot of changes right now, it would not be uncommon for you to burn more than tan. So, if you must tan or be in the sun, make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen.

Hot tub use is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. You should avoid anything that would raise your core body temperature, such as hot tubs saunas or steam rooms.

Severe headaches, contractions, bleeding, cramping or any loss of fluid from the vagina, decreased movement of your baby, fever over 100.4 degrees or any other feelings you feel is abnormal.

For constipation, increase your water intake and try adding high-fiber foods to your diet, such as:

• bran, whole grains, cereals
• fruit (fresh or dried)
• raw vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, celery, etc.)
• cooked vegetables (cauliflower, potatoes, ruhbarb, string beans, corn, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, etc.)

You may also try Metamucil, Citrucel or Fibercon.

To PREVENT morning sickness, try the following suggestions until you find one that works:

• Eat a piece of bread or a few crackers before you get out of bed in the morning or when you feel nauseated.
• Get out of bed slowly, and avoid sudden movements.
• Have some yogurt, cottage cheese, juice or milk before you go to bed or before you get up. Or, try one of these if you have to get up during the night.
• Eat several small meals during the day so your stomach doesn't remain empty for very long.
• Eat high protein foods - eggs, cheese, nuts, meat, etc. - as well as fruits and fruit juices.
• Drink soups and other liquids between meals instead of with meals.
• Avoid greasy or fried foods. They are hard to digest.
• Avoid spicy, heavily seasoned foods.

To REMEDY morning sickness, try these suggestions:

• Sip soda water (carbonated water) when you begin to feel nauseated.
• Take deep breaths.
• Drink spearmint, raspberry leaf or peppermint tea.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCL) 200 mg. in the morning or evening may help.
• Emetrol can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy and is safe to use.
• Many people have "trigger" foods, which, if identified, should be avoided.

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman's uterus. Sometimes the fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix are removed at the same time the uterus is removed.

There is a risk of aspiration of stomach content into the lung while under anesthesia. There are some exceptions for small infants and patients under monitored anesthesia care, i.e. not general anesthesia. Patients will be given that information by their physician prior to surgery.

The pre-op phase is a time for patient and family education is crucial to assuring positive post-op outcomes. This education takes time and requires family involvement. Most patients are distracted at this time, and may not retain all the information being given to them. We rely on family members to reinforce what is taught both before and after surgery. This is also the time for patients to meet the surgical team, including nurses, nurse anesthetists and the anesthesiologist.

Family involvement is crucial. Patients recover in the comfort of their home instead of the hospital and family members must understand post-operative instructions and care procedures because patients themselves will still experience the effects of anesthesia after they return home.

Drowsiness, nausea, unsteadiness and lightheadedness are some of the possible conditions you may experience. Because anesthesia can sometimes cause memory lapses, patients are instructed not to sign important documents or operate machinery, including driving a car or cooking at the stove. Patients should have someone to be watchful of them upon their return home after outpatient surgery.

No, however, your physician will order post-op pain medication to keep the pain at an acceptable level. It is important to follow the physician's directions on the use of post-op pain medications and to report any complications or side effects immediately.

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that affects the ability to conceive children. Conception is a complicated process that depends upon many factors including, the production of healthy sperm by the male, healthy eggs from the female, unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg, the sperm's ability to fertilize the egg when they meet, the ability of the fertilized egg (embryo) to become implanted in the woman's uterus and sufficient embryo quality. For the pregnancy to continue to full term, the embryo must be healthy and the woman's hormonal environment adequate for its development. When even one of these factors is impaired, infertility can result.

We advise couples to seek medical help if they are unable to achieve pregnancy after a year of unprotected intercourse. The doctor will conduct a physical examination of both partners to determine their general state of health and to evaluate physical disorders that may be causing infertility. If no cause can be determined, specific tests may be recommended. For women, these include an analysis of body temperature and ovulation, blood tests, x-ray of the fallopian tubes and uterus and, possibly, laparoscopy. For men, initial tests focus on the semen analysis.

Most infertility cases are treated with conventional therapies, such as drug treatment or surgical repair of reproductive organs.

In the case of infertile couples where women have blocked or absent fallopian tubes or where men have low sperm counts, in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers an alternative resource to achieve parenthood.

In IVF, eggs are surgically removed from the ovary and mixed with sperm outside the body. Once the eggs have been fertilized, the embryos are then placed in the women's uterus, thus bypassing the fallopian tubes.