Tag: pregnant

A person injecting weight loss drugs into their thigh

Weight Loss Drugs, Trying to Conceive, and You

Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy have received a lot of attention both in the media and the medical community over the past couple of years. This class of medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, was initially developed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes; however, their benefits for weight loss has resulted in a sharp increase in popularity in recent months. Because of this, we are seeing higher numbers of women taking these drugs during their reproductive years. You might be wondering about GLP-1 agonist use yourself and how that pertains to TTC (trying to conceive) either now or in the near future. Let’s take a look at what we know.

Written by on April 4, 2024

A doctor conducting alpha-fetoprotein testing

What is alpha-fetoprotein testing, anyway?

At Kamm McKenzie, we offer fetal screening tests in the first and second trimesters to all of our
patients. One test that I have found raises a great deal of confusion is the blood test for alpha
fetoprotein (AFP). In the past, AFP was used as one of multiple markers in the Quad and Tetra
screens which evaluated for the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s
syndrome. Now, we almost universally screen for chromosomal abnormalities with cell-free DNA
(cfDNA) testing. With the widespread use of cfDNA, we now use AFP on its own for a different screening indication – to assess the risk of fetal structural or anatomic defects.

Written by on March 25, 2024

cold cut deli meat sandwich to represent listeria concerns in pregnancy

“What’s the deal with deli meat anyways?”: Dr. Buckheit’s take on Listeria prevention in pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, odds are good that someone has told you not to eat deli meat. Why? Listeria. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and some animals. When food contaminated by Listeria is consumed, it can cause listeriosis, a rare but potentially serious illness. But why is everyone so obsessed with deli meat? Well, it’s because Listeria can live and thrive in the cold, which sets it apart from most other bugs that cause food borne illness.

Written by on January 8, 2024

Pharmacy, OTC pill, aka OPill medicine bag or portrait of woman giving package to pov patient in customer services.

OPill: The Latest OTC Contraceptive Option

Did you hear the big news? On July 13, 2023, the FDA officially approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill available in the United States! This OTC pill, called “OPill” differs from traditional, prescription birth control pills in a few ways. Here, we’ll dive into some of the key points to know if you considering this contraceptive option.

Written by on September 8, 2023

Young hispanic woman holding birth control pills screaming proud, celebrating victory and success very excited with raised arm

Praise for the Pill

Oral Contraceptive Pills, aka “the pill”, have been around for over 60 years. First approved for use in the United States in 1960, 1.2 million American women were using the pill within the first 2 years of its distribution. Today, the pill is still the most popular method of reversible contraception in the U.S., with 16% of women between ages 15 and 44 taking the pill – that accounts for 30% of all American women!  To say that A LOT has changed between its initial approval and today, however, would be an understatement. From the pill dosage, risks and benefits, and reasons we love it – there is much to praise the pill for in its modern form.

Written by on August 31, 2023

A mom with a baby research postpartum birth control options

Navigating Postpartum Birth Control while Breastfeeding

Birth control might not be the first thing on your mind in the whirlwind of new parenthood and breastfeeding, but it’s important! Preventing pregnancy for the first 12-18 months after delivery improves bonding with your baby, promotes your physical recovery, and reduces the risk of complications in your next pregnancy. You may be concerned that birth control could negatively impact breastfeeding, but fortunately there are some great options that won’t interfere with your nursing or pumping journey.

Written by on August 22, 2023