Westar OB/GYN

02/27/2026

While everyone needs different amounts of vitamins and minerals, women have unique nutrition needs that may be difficult to meet when cutting calories to lose weight. Make sure your eating style includes the following to reduce your risk of falling short of these beneficial nutrients. See more:

While everyone needs different amounts of vitamins and minerals, women have unique nutrition needs that may be difficult to meet when cutting calories to lose weight.

02/26/2026

Constipation is common near the end of pregnancy. Eating more foods with fiber can help fight constipation. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. You should aim for about 25 grams of fiber in your diet each day. Good sources of fiber include:

Apples
Bananas
Lentils
Raspberries
Split peas
Whole-wheat pasta
Check the labels on packaged foods and choose higher-fiber options if possible. If you have not been getting your 25 grams a day, increase the amount of fiber you eat a little each day. Drink a lot of water as you increase your fiber intake.

02/25/2026

Endometrial ablation is a treatment option for heavy but regular menstrual bleeding. Endometrial ablation can be done in the office with sedation or at the hospital with anesthesia, but it is only done on women who do not plan to have any children in the future.

02/24/2026

In the United States, the most common type of childbirth pain relief is an epidural block (or simply “epidural”). Epidurals are usually very effective at relieving pain below the waist and can be used at any point in labor. You remain awake and alert and are able to push when the time comes.

Epidurals can continue helping after delivery, too. They can offer pain relief if you need stitches for tears in your vaginal area, treatment for heavy bleeding, or other postpartum care.

If you get an epidural, an anesthesiologist will insert a thin, soft tube into the space around your spinal cord. The medication will be continuously infused into your body through this tube. You can control the dosage by pushing a button connected to a pump. (The pump is designed so you can’t give yourself too much.)

02/23/2026

During their reproductive years, approximately 10% of women develop a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovarian syndrome. Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance (the body does not use insulin well), resulting in too much insulin in the body. Increased production of androgens, or male hormones, also is a hallmark of PCOS. These hormonal abnormalities can cause metabolic and reproductive disruptions. PCOS tends to run in families, but the exact cause is not known. Symptoms may include:

02/20/2026

Perimenopause, the years leading up to your last period, can last longer than you expect. This was true for Lena, who first noticed symptoms of perimenopause around age 50 and has continued having menopausal symptoms after her periods stopped. Now 63, she shares what strategies have helped her cope with hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and vaginal irritation.

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/my-menopause-story-how-i-navigated-the-challenges-of-perimenopause

02/19/2026

Some women have severe pain, or heavy or irregular bleeding with their me**es. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to recurrent pain, while secondary dysmenorrhea results from reproductive system disorders. Both can be treated. If you are concerned about your menstrual pain, please bring it to our attention, we will evaluate and discuss your options. Learn more about dysmenorrhea from the Cleveland Clinic here: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea

02/19/2026

Hormonal changes occur throughout adolescence, pregnancy, and midlife. Ongoing gynecologic care helps address symptoms and supports overall health during these transitions. If you have questions or are experiencing changes, we encourage you to discuss them with your provider at your next visit.

02/17/2026

If you’re happily surprised by a positive pregnancy test and want to move forward with prenatal care, you may have missed some of the steps that usually come with planning for pregnancy. But don’t worry: Once the initial shock wears off, you can begin to focus on what comes next. Here are eight things you can do right away to get your newfound pregnancy off to a strong start:

8 things to do to set your pregnancy up for success.

02/17/2026

Pregnancy places additional demands on the cardiovascular system. Monitoring blood pressure and other health indicators during prenatal care supports both maternal and fetal health.

02/14/2026

02/13/2026

Happy Galentine’s Day 💗
To the friends who hype you up, check in on you, and show up no matter what — today’s for you.

Tag your Galentine(s) and send them a little love 💕✨