MD
Dr. Erica Montes is a Fellow of the American College of OB/GYN. She has 14 years of experience and specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures having done her training in the daVinci Robotic Surgical System. The Texas-based doctor has keen interest in high-risk obstetrics, gynecologic surgery, and abnormal uterine bleeding. She won the "Arizona Big Shot" award from the Arizona Partnership for Immunization in 2014, in recognition of her contribution to preventive care through immunizations. When not busy treating her patients, she likes spending time with her husband and sons, traveling with them.
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It is not common for women to experience unexplained bad breath during pregnancy. Bad breath can be defined as “offensive odors emanating from the mouth or air-filled cavities, such as sinuses, nose, and pharynx” (1). The source of bad breath, also called halitosis, is the oral cavity in 90% of all cases (2). Read this post to learn more about the causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of bad breath in pregnancy. [mj-toc] Is Bad Breath Normal In Pregnancy? Bad breath in pregnancy is common and usually occurs as a result of changes happening in the body. The bad odor from the mouth comes due to the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are mainly hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. Many oral bacteria produce these compounds that lead to bad odor (3). [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]Tongue coating is considered the most prominent source of VSCs; maintaining appropriate tongue hygiene can help eliminate them (3).[/mj_protip] [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="//www.finesse-bg.com/articles/pregnant-metallic-taste-in-mouth-causes-tips-to-deal_00782185/" title="Metallic Taste In Mouth...
Finding the right position to sleep comfortably during pregnancy is a struggle for most pregnant women. Although sleeping on your back during pregnancy may be tempting, it is generally not a widely accepted medical recommendation. As relaxing and comfortable it may be, this position is typically safe only during the first trimester. Towards the later trimesters, it may cause complications for the baby and yourself (1) (2). Read to know more about sleeping on the back while pregnant, including its side effects and tips to sleep comfortably. [mj-toc] Why Is Sleeping On The Back Not Recommended During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_883867" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Sleeping on your back, especially in later stages, is not recommended during pregnancy for the following reasons: The weight of the growing uterus and fetus presses on the inferior vena cava (the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart). It may, therefore, slow down the return of blood to the heart...
Contractions during pregnancy refer to the sensation of tightness and hardness in the uterine muscles. During a contraction, the pain or cramping usually starts in the lower back and moves to the front. Some pregnant women may feel as if they are having heavy menstrual cramping or back pain and pressure; however, not all pregnant women experience the same sensation. Even after a cesarean section, you may feel contractions for the first few days, which are called afterpains. However, these contractions last for about 7-10 days after postpartum recovery. Read on to learn about the different types of contractions, how to manage them and keep yourself comfortable during active labor, and when to visit a healthcare provider. This article also addresses some frequently asked questions about pregnancy contractions. [mj-toc] Different Types Of Contractions You might have heard of the different names for contractions. 1. Braxton Hicks contractions [caption id="attachment_889253" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] They are regarded as “[simple_tooltip text="prodromal" tooltip="The...
Regular handwashing for kids is critical for preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as cold and the flu (1). Children are often more susceptible to viral and bacterial diseases due to school environments and a general lack of hygiene knowledge. Hence, it is important to teach children the importance of hand hygiene. It is equally important to follow it ourselves as children learn from examples. This post discusses the importance of keeping hands clean and how to wash them properly. [mj-toc]How To Teach Handwashing To Kids? [caption id="attachment_595505" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several bacterial and viral infections spread when hands come in contact with contaminated surfaces (1). Therefore, washing the hands frequently and in the right manner can help prevent the transmission of diseases. Steps To Be Followed By Children While Washing Hands Wet the hands under warm water. Close the tap and then take an ample amount...
[mj-toc] Is It Normal To Bleed After A C-Section? Vaginal discharge or bleeding after C-section (cesarean delivery) is common. This is because the body expels a material after pregnancy, known as lochia, through vaginal discharge. Moreover, if you had a cesarean delivery, it’s common for small quantities of fluid to seep from the incision. However, you should consult your doctor if the drainage does not cease after some days (1). Read this post to know more about bleeding after a c-section, including the causes, the normal duration and amount of bleeding, when to consult a doctor, and the steps you should take to recover and stay healthy. How Long Do You Bleed After A C-Section? Vaginal delivery bleeding might last until 14 days after delivery, whereas in the case of C-section, you may experience a smaller amount of lochia after 24 hours of delivery when compared to vaginal delivery, and the bleeding might stop four to six weeks after the...