Blog

Sleep During Pregnancy

It’s not always easy to get enough quality shut-eye when you’re expecting. The emotional and physical demands of pregnancy can stand in the way of getting restful sleep.

Sleep is important for everyone, but even more so for pregnant women and their growing babies. Practicing good sleep hygiene is one of the ways for expectant mothers to help give their baby a better chance of a healthy and full-term birth, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Sleep should be a high priority during pregnancy because it improves your immune system and brain function, and... Read More »

Women: 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Thyroid Health

What if we told you that your thyroid is a little powerhouse?

The butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of your neck produces thyroid hormones, which control many activities in your body, including how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats.

An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease and up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.

That’s why we’ve outlined thyroid-related questions you should ask your doctor at your next visit. Start the conversation and schedule your appointment today.... Read More »

Hillcrest Recognizes Prematurity Awareness Month

Preterm labor and premature birth is a reality for families across the nation. An estimated 15 million babies are born too early every year - this is more than 1 in 10 babies. Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and the most common reason for prenatal hospitalization.

“Prematurity is a term for the broad category of neonates born at less than 37 weeks' gestation,” said Parker Simon, D.O., neonatologist at Peggy V. Helmerich Women's Health Center at Hillcrest Medical Center.

Gestation is the period of development between conception and birth and is... Read More »

Health Curveball: Premature and Early Menopause

Around the time the candles on the 50th birthday cake are blown out, women can expect to soon go through menopause. This is a natural stage in life that every woman shares. However, for some women, that stage can come earlier than expected. In the United States 5% of women will go through early menopause and 1% through premature menopause.

Early menopause is when you reach this stage before the age of 45. Premature menopause is before the age of 40. In both cases women having gone through early or premature menopause cannot get pregnant.

Since this change happens maybe a... Read More »

Breastfeeding Highs and Hurdles

Breastfeeding can be a great experience for both mom and baby, but that doesn’t mean it’s not hard work that comes with a set of big difficulties. Every mom is bombarded with articles that explain the benefits of breastfeeding and, while they are largely correct, it can put more pressure on a very personal situation. We want all mothers and families to feel they are supported and that they can come to us with any questions or concerns.

If you are a new mom or a mom with several children, you probably already know how chaotic, complicated and wonderful parenthood can be.... Read More »

Surviving a Summer Pregnancy in Oklahoma

Being pregnant during the summer is, well, hot.

While carrying your little one, your body is working overtime to cool down and the heat and humidity do not help. Pregnant women are encouraged to take proper precautions so overheating does not happen during pregnancy, which can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The most common signs of heat exhaustion (which can lead to heat stroke) include headache, dizziness, pale skin, profuse sweating, weakness and fainting. Women experiencing symptoms that last longer than one hour should seek immediate medical treatment.

Don't let... Read More »

Ways to Cope with Sleep Deprivation as a New Mother

It goes without saying that one of the challenges you’ll face as a new mother is sleep deprivation. Caring for your baby is a round-the-clock job that you’ll want to be fully rested for. Finding time to sleep and take care of yourself can be difficult during this time. However, it’s especially important as a new mother to find ways to cope with sleep deprivation during this new chapter in your life. Below are some of our tips and tricks for how to stay alert and awake as a new mother.

Practice Deep Breathing Techniques

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety as a new mother or... Read More »

Peggy V. Helmerich Women’s Health Center Nurses Comfort First Time Mother during Delivery

Misha Reed of Fayetteville, Arkansas had no idea she would end up delivering her first child in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Peggy V. Helmerich Women’s Health Center in April of 2018.

Misha was 36 weeks pregnant when she was transferred to Hillcrest Medical Center with severe pre-eclampsia. Throughout her pregnancy, Misha experienced high blood pressure and saw her doctor repeatedly for this, which would generally result in her being sent home.

During one of Misha’s prenatal visits, she was surprised to find out that her doctor would be rushing her to Hillcrest Medical Center in... Read More »