WHAT TO EXPECT WITH HEPATITIS C (HCV) AND PREGNANCY, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease in women, and in pregnant women can be transmitted to the fetus. The presence of a positive antibody to HCV gives no indication of the extent of viremia, or the severity of the underlying liver disease. Therefore, it is important to obtain an
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AND PREGNANCY, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Fortunately, there are not many women of child-bearing age who experience a myocardial infarction (MI, or “heart attack”). Since this is generally uncommon, there are no large data from which recommendations can be made for pregnant women with a prior MI. The believed risks of pregnancy for women with a prior MI relate to the
OUR PHILOSOPHY: EPIDURALS, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
This is an interesting perspective on epidurals for women in labor. The author raises an important issue for discussion regarding the use of the term “natural” to describe labor without an epidural, as well as the unnecessary stigma some women feel if they ask for an epidural in labor. At MFM Associates, our philosophy regarding
EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Exercise During Pregnancy in NYC One of the most frequent discussions I have with pregnant patients revolves around their level of physical activity during pregnancy. Usually, the woman is used to an active lifestyle involving regular exercise and she is inquiring whether she can continue exercising during pregnancy. Frequently, however, most of the conversation is
ZIKA VIRUS UDATE – JULY 11, 2016, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Recently, there has been a significant amount of press (and fear) regarding the effects of the Zika virus on pregnant women and the risk of birth defects, most notably microcephaly. Since our understanding of the biology and effects of Zika virus are evolving, there are many questions that remain unanswered. If a women travels to
FACTOR XI DEFICIENCY, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Factor XI deficiency is an autosomal disorder that affects both men and women, and results in a bleeding disorder with a range of severity. It is not truly a recessive disorder, since some heterozygotes may have mild bleeding, while other mutations may lead to an autosomal dominant disease pattern. Normal levels of factor XI range
PREGESTATIONAL DIABETES DURING PREGNANCY, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Women with pregestational diabetes are at an increased risk for congenital malformations and pregnancy complications more than women without this condition. The most common malformations seen include cardiac defects, spinal bifida, and cleft lip and/or palate. Women with pregestational diabetes are also at risk for other complications, including miscarriage, fetal growth, preeclampsia, stillbirth, cesarean delivery,
EHLERS DANLOS SYNDROME, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
What is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome? Ehlers Danlos syndrome refers to a group of genetic disorders of connective tissue, primarily the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls. Common symptoms include overly-flexible joints that may dislocate, skin hyperextensibility or over-elastic skin, and fragile tissue. Typically classified as six types (unfortunately not numbered 1-6…), the symptoms frequently overlap
GUIDE TO GESTATIONAL DIABETES AND PREGNANCY, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is one of the most common complications during pregnancy, occurring in 3 to 15% of all pregnancies. Some risk factors involved in developing GDM include age, family history of diabetes, ethnicity, inactive lifestyle, and obesity. Once GDM is diagnosed, the most common treatment is diet and exercise to decrease the chance of
CROHN’S DISEASE, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Crohn’s Disease Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the rectum. However, most CD cases affect the small bowel, colon, or both.The symptoms of CD depend on the area it involves, and may
