Pregnancy Planning Center - Brookline, MA
Brookline Obstetrician-Gynecologist Doctors for Pregnancy PlanningType of Physician: Obstetrician-Gynecologist What is a Obstetrician-Gynecologist? A certification by the Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology; practitioners provide medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders, to the extent that it distinguishes them from other physicians. This training enables them to serve as consultants to other physicians and as primary physicians for women. Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology Common Name: Ob/Gyn or Ob-Gyn Obstetrician-Gynecologist Doctors in Brookline * Alliance Health Care  Warren J Becker MD  Commonwealth Ob/Gyn  Altman & Carroll MDs  Boston Ob/Gyn  New England Ob/Gyn Associates  Altman & Carroll MDs  Boston Ob/Gyn  Commonwealth Ob/Gyn  Jerome M Federschneider MD  New England Ob/Gyn Associates  Jeffrey E Katz MD  Cindy G Kobelin MD  New England Ob/Gyn Associates  Boston Ob/Gyn  New England Ob/Gyn Associates  New England Ob/Gyn Associates  Commonwealth Ob/Gyn  New England Ob/Gyn Associates  Commonwealth Ob/Gyn  Boston Ob/Gyn  New England Ob/Gyn Associates  Pramila R Yadav MD  Boston Ob/Gyn  J Gregory Kane MD  Boston Health Care For Women  Brigham Urogynecology  Ralph D Aserkoff MD  Center for Reproductive Medicine  Center for Reproductive Medicine  Brigham & Womens Hospital Ob/Gyn  Brigham & Women's Hospital Ob/Gyn  Brigham & Women's Hospital Gynecologic Oncology Department  Nicole H Boudreau MD PC  Nicole H Boudreau MD PC  Brigham & Womens Hospital Ob/Gyn  Anjan Chaudhury MD  Center for Reproductive Medicine  Center for Reproductive Medicine  Brigham & Women's Hospital Ob/Gyn  Center for Reproductive Medicine  Brigham & Women's Hospital Gynecologic Oncology Department  Center for Reproductive Medicine  Brigham & Women's Hospital Ob/Gyn  Helen Jackson MD  Ob/Gyn Associates Inc  Brigham & Women's Hospital Gynecologic Oncology Department  Boris Orkin MD  Brigham & Women's Hospital Ultra Sound & Fetal Medicine  Brigham & Womens Hospital Ob/Gyn  Sandhya Shah MD  Brigham & Women's Hospital Ob/Gyn  Brigham & Women's Hospital Ob/Gyn  Caritas Physicians Network Ob/Gyn Group  Brigham & Women's Hospital Ob/Gyn  Center for Reproductive Medicine  Brigham & Women's Hospital Ultra Sound & Fetal Medicine  Paul Winig MD  Center for Reproductive Medicine  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Ob/Gyn  BIDMC OB/Gyn & Reproductive Endocrinology  BIDMC OB/Gyn & Reproductive Endocrinology  BIDMC OB/Gyn & Reproductive Endocrinology  Children's Hospital Boston Gynecology Clinic  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Ob/Gyn  Joan R Golub MD  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Ob/Gyn  Beth Israel Deaconess Women's Health  Children's Hospital Boston Gynecology Clinic  Children's Hospital Boston Gynecology Clinic  BIDMC OB/Gyn & Reproductive Endocrinology  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Ob/Gyn  Diagnostic Ultrasound Associates  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Maternal & Fetal Medicine  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Ob/Gyn  Children's Hospital Boston Gynecology Clinic  Samuel Nun MD  Daniel W Cramer MD  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Ob/Gyn  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Ob/Gyn  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Ob/Gyn  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Ob/Gyn  Caritas Physicians Network Ob/Gyn Group  Swati R Chokalingham MD  Maria Falzon MD  Caritas Ob/Gyn Group at Brighton  Caritas Physicians Network Ob/Gyn Group  Caritas Ob/Gyn Group at Brighton  St Elizabeth Medical Center  Dimock Community Health Center  Whittier Street Health Ctr  Marian Craighill MD  Brigham Faulkner Ob/Gyn Associates  MIT Medical Department OB/GYN  Brigham Faulkner Ob/Gyn Associates  Brigham Faulkner Ob/Gyn Associates  Center for Women  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Cambridge  Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Cambridge  Women's Health Center Brookline, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2012-06-10
2012-06-10
2012-06-16
2012-07-03
2012-07-28
2012-08-19
2012-09-22
2012-09-30
2012-10-21
2012-11-11
Pregnancy PlanningRead the Pregnancy Planning article » What is pregnancy planning and why is it important?Having a baby is one of the most important events in a woman's life. Women considering pregnancy are encouraged to start planning for the pregnancy with their doctors early. This early planning process is called pregnancy planning. The goals of pregnancy planning are to create a healthy environment for the fetus and to prevent birth defects and other pregnancy related problems to the greatest extent possible. The issues addressed during pregnancy planning include nutrition, vitamins, body weight, exercise, avoidance of certain medications and alcohol, immunizations, and genetic counseling. Even though many women will have normal pregnancies without any planning, pregnancy planning improves the chances of a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. Unfortunately, over 40% of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and many more women who are anticipating conceiving do not seek prior medical consultation. Public education is important to improve pregnancy planning. Pregnancy planning can help prevent exposure of the mother to potentially harmful medications or substances during the early days of pregnancy. The baby's organs begin developing as early as 17 days after conception, and the fertilized egg begins to grow even before the first day of the missed period. Some women continue to have light bleeding that may be mistaken for a menstrual period during the first few months of pregnancy and may not even realize that they are pregnant. Others may not recognize that they are pregnant until they experience a weight gain or abdominal enlargement. By then, they may have already been exposed to medications or substances potentially harmful to the fetus. In addition to avoiding medications and substances that are potentially harmful to the fetus, other important health issues are addressed during pre-pregnancy planning.
Recommended Reading Related to Pregnancy PlanningIntroduction to dizziness (feeling dizzy)Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms that will prompt a person to seek medical care. The term dizziness (or dizzy) means different things to different people, so it is difficult to define. Does "feeling dizzy" mean lightheadedness or the feeling of weakness and almost passing out? Or does it refer to the sensation of vertigo, in which a person feels as if they have just gotten off a merry-go-round? Dizziness (lightheadedness) is often caused by a decrease in blood supply to the brain, while vertigo may be caused by disturbances of the inner ear and the balance centers of the brain. It is important that the health care practitioner understand what you mean when you complain of dizziness. You may be asked additional questions so that the proper direction can be taken for a diagnosis and treatment.
What are some common causes of dizziness?While classif... Other Related Pregnancy Planning ArticlesEmergency Contact for Brookline
Nearby Brookline Hospitals *Brigham & Women's Hospital Dana Farber Cancer Institute Children's Hospital Boston Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center New England Baptist Hospital VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus Arbour HRI Hospital Kindred Hospital Boston Franciscan Hospital for Children Arbour Hospital Caritas St Elizabeth's Medical Center Radius Specialty Hospital Boston Boston Medical Center M I T Medical Faulkner Hospital Cambridge Hospital Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Mount Auburn Hospital Youville Hospital and Rehabilitation Center Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged Massachusetts Mental Health Center Bournewood Hospital Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Tufts New England Medical Center Massachusetts General Hospital Shriners Hospitals for Children Boston Burn Hospital Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Somerville Hospital Caritas Carney Hospital VA Boston Healthcare System West Roxbury Campus McLean Hospital Lawrence Memorial Hospital Milton Hospital Lawrence F Quigley Memorial Hospital Newton Wellesley Hospital Whidden Memorial Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Quincy Medical Center HEALTHSOUTH New England Rehabilitation Hospital Winchester Hospital Melrose Wakefield Hospital Westwood Lodge Hospital Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital Caritas Norwood Hospital Massachusetts Hospital School Lahey Clinic Medical Center Kindred Specialty Hospital Natick MetroWest Medical Center Leonard Morse Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Braintree New England Sinai Hospital & Rehabilitation Center North Shore Medical Center Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital South Shore Hospital Emerson Hospital MetroWest Medical Center Framingham Union Hospital Salem Hospital & the Birthplace Kindred Hospital Boston North Shore North Shore Children's Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Stoughton Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital Boston VA Healthcare System Brockton Tewksbury Hospital Beverly Hospital Isham Health Center UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital Saints Medical Center Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital Westborough HC Solomon Mental Health Center Lowell General Hospital Pembroke Hospital Westborough State Hospital Milford Regional Medical Center Lawrence General Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Pregnancy Planning by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
66 articles-
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Alcohol intake by a pregnant mother may result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in her child. A child with FAS may be hyperactive and have a low IQ, a small head, a growth lag, short eye openings, flattened cheekbones, a short nose, a smooth, thin upper lip, shortening of the fourth and fifth fingers, and a heart murmur.
-
Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding
- It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Breast milk is easily digested by babies and contains infection-fighting antibodies and cholesterol, which promotes brain growth. Formula-fed babies actually need to eat somewhat less often since formula is less readily digested by the baby than human milk. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of both forms of feeding.
-
Cystic Fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis is a disease of the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. The outcome of the disease leaves the body malnourished, bulky and fouls smelling stools, vitamin insufficiency, gas, painful or swollen abdomen, infertility, susceptible to heat emergencies, and respiratory failure. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, treatment of symptoms is used to manage the disease.
-
Ectopic Pregnancy
- An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube. Symptoms include abdominal pain, amenorrhea, and vaginal bleeding. Treatment options include observation, medication, or surgery.
-
Endometriosis
- Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.
-
Viral Hepatitis
- Hepatitis is most often viral, due to infection with one of the hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G) or another virus (such as those that cause infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus disease). The main nonviral causes of hepatitis are alcohol and drugs. Many patients infected with hepatitis A, B, and C have few or no symptoms of illness. For those who do develop symptoms of viral hepatitis, the most common are flu- like symptoms including: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness, and aching in the abdomen. Treatment of viral hepatitis is dependant on the type of hepatitis.
-
Hepatitis A and B Immunizations
- Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are the two most commnon viruses that infect the liver. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be prevented and treated with immunizations (vaccinations) such as Havrix, Vaqta, Twinrix, Comvax, Pediarix, and hepatitis b immune globulin (HBIG).
-
Pycnodysostosis
- Pycnodysostosis (pyknodysostosis) is an inherited disease of the bone. Characteristics of individuals with pycnodysostosis are short stature, brittle bones, short fingers, the midface is less full than usual, a prominent nose, small jaw, and more. There is no cure for pycnodysostosis.
-
Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia)
- Sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease), a blood disease which shortens life expectancy, is cause by an inherited abnormal hemoglobin. Symptoms may include bacterial infections, painful swelling of the hands and feet, fever, leg ulcers, fatigue, anemia, eye damage, and lung and heart injury. Treatment for sickle cell anemia aims to manage and prevent the worst manifestations of the disease and focuses on therapies that block red blood cells from stacking together, which can lead to tissue and organ damage and pain.
-
Varicose Veins
- Varicose vein: A dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated with incompetency of the valves in the vein. These visible and bulging veins are often associated with symptoms such as tired, heavy, or aching limbs. Spider veins are a group of widened veins that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
-
Prolactinoma (Pituitary Tumor)
- Prolactinoma is an adenoma (benign tumor) of the pituitary gland. Causes of many prolactinomas are unknown. Symptoms in women include changes in menstruation and infertility, decreased libido, or painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness. The most common symptom in men is impotence (erectile dysfunction). Treatment of prolactinomas are medication or surgery.
-
Down Syndrome
- Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that results in the presence of an additional third chromosome 21, also referred to as trisomy 21. Most individuals with Down syndrome have widely recognizable physical characteristics. The severity of Down syndrome ranges from mild to severe. Diagnostic testing for Down syndrome include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and percutaneous umbilical cord sampling. The most common risk factor for Down syndrome is a woman's age.
-
Phenylketonuria
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disorder that is inherited. PKU disorder increases the levels of phenylalanine in the blood. Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is obtained through diet, and is found in some artificial sweeteners. Signs and symptoms of PKU may vary from mild to severe. PKU has an autosomal ressesive pattern of inheritance.
-
Restless Leg Syndrome
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS or restless legs syndrome) is a common cause for painful legs that typically eases with motion, and becomes worse and more noticeable at rest. This characteristic nighttime worsening can frequently lead to insomnia. Treatment of the symptoms of restless leg syndrome is generally with medication as well as treating any underlying condition causing restless leg syndrome.
-
Group B Strep
- Group B strep are bacteria called Streptococcus agalactiae that may sometimes cause infections both in a pregnant woman and her newborn. Symptoms include fever, seizures, heart rate abnormalities, breathing problems, and fussiness. Intravenous antibiotics are used to treat group B strep infections.
-
Hydronephrosis
- Hydronephrosis is a condition in which the kidney swells, due to a backup of urine. Hydronephrosis generally occurs with another disease.Symptoms of hydronephrosis include nausea, vomiting, urinary tract infection, fever, painful urination, increased urinary frequency and urgency, flank pain, and swelling of the abdomen. Treatment of hydronephrosis depends on the cause.
-
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a diseases in which blood clots within the capillaries. Causes associated with HUS include E. Coli, birth control pills, pneumonia, medications such as chemotherapy, Ticlid, and quinine. Symptoms of HUS include gastroenteritis, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Diagnosis of HUS includes medical history, physical examination, and medical tests. Treatment includes rest, fluids, possible hospitalization for blood transfusion or complications due to kidney failure.
-
Vitamins and Calcium Supplements
- Vitamins are organic substances that are essential for the proper growth and functioning of the body. Calcium is a mineral essential for healthy bones and is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, and normal blood clotting.
-
Spina Bifida and Anencephaly (Neural Tube Defects)
- Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect in the United States. There are four types of spina bifida; 1) occulta, 2) closed neural tube defects, 3) meningocele, and 4) myelomeningocele. The cause of spina bifida is not known. Theories include genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Lack of folic acid during pregnancy is highly suspected. Symptoms of spina bifida vary from individual to individual. Treatment depends on the type of spina bifida the person suffers.
-
Alpha Thalassemia
- Alpha thalassemia is a disorder in which the alpha globin protein is underproduced. There are two pairs of genes that carry the code for the alpha chains of hemoglobin. When one gene is impaired, that person is in a carrier state and suffers no medical problems. When four genes are impaired, the production of fetal and adult hemoglobin is prevented, resulting in hydrops fetalis and leading to death before birth.
-
Yeast Infection
- Yeast vaginitis is a yeast infection of the vagina. Symptoms include itching, burning, soreness, pain during intercourse and urination, and vaginal discharge. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
-
Alcoholism
- Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law.
-
Women's Health
- Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
-
Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC)
- Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some medications that have been found to cause no problems in pregnancy, however, medications such as Accutane for acne, should never be taken during pregnancy.
-
Birth Control (Types and Options)
- There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. Birth control methods can be reversible or permanent. In simple terms, all methods of birth control are based on either preventing a man's sperm from reaching and entering a woman's egg (fertilization) or preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the woman's uterus (her womb) and starting to grow.
-
Infant Formulas
- Though human milk is the preferred feeding for infants, parents may consider formula-feeding if there is an inadequate supply of breast milk, the baby sucks inefficiently, the parents want to monitor how much the baby is receiving, or the mother is taking medications that are unsafe for the baby and may be passed through the breast milk.
-
Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy
- Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can be treated with synthetic thyroid hormones to maintain the proper thyroid hormone balance. Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, lethargy, and constipation. Treatment of hypothyroidism in pregnant women is important, because inadequate levels of thyroid hormones may affect the fetus, and child during growth and development.
-
Bacterial Vaginosis
- Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge resulting from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Although it may cause some disturbing symptoms (discharge and odor), it is not dangerous and cannot be passed by sex. Diagnosis becomes important to exclude serious infections like gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Many treatment options are available such as oral antibiotics and vaginal gels.
-
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- The cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is unknown. The risk of SIDS peaks in infants 2-4 months of age. SIDS is more common among male infants, particularly African American and Native American infants, during the winter months. Putting the baby to sleep on his/her back, avoiding fluffy, loose bedding, using a firm mattress, and avoiding co-sleeping may help to prevent SIDS.
- See All Related Diseases & Conditions »
-
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
-
Medications
51 articles -
Procedures & Tests
19 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
9 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
30 articles -
Health News
15 articles -
Health Features
29 articles
