Health & Wellness
You are preparing to embark on one of the most exciting milestones in life – motherhood! Readying yourself and your life for pregnancy can be a daunting task, but Maggie Stroup, DO, with Avina Women’s Care has some tips to ease you in!
Dr. Stroup enjoys serving women of all ages with their gynecologic and obstetric needs as part of the Avina Women’s Care team. Her care philosophy is treating each patient with compassion, empathy, and respect. Dr. Stroup is accepting new patients – schedule with her by calling (937) 644-1244.
Pre-Pregnancy: 3 for Pre
Proactive preconception planning can help you prepare your body for pregnancy – here are 3 top tips:
- Be proactive and get in a good routine
- Start focusing on you and your body early and continue that mindset through your pregnancy!
- Eliminate any unhealthy behaviors now, like smoking or drinking.
- Take care of your body
- Make sure you are eating for health, with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Stay active with moderate 30-minute workouts – aim for 5x a week and anything that keeps your heart rate up, like brisk walks or swimming.
- Build a good foundation
- Begin taking a pre-natal vitamin with folate and iron – it is suggested to begin at least one month prior to conceiving.
- Rest and reduce stress now! Consider meditation, breathing exercises, or visualization to help take care of your mental health.
Pregnancy is here!
Your test has come back positive – yea! You already know there are a million and one suggestions, tips, books, blogs, and videos to get through. But Dr. Stroup has 2 key pieces of advice for your pregnancy:
- “Together, let’s build a strong pregnancy relationship! Hopefully, we have a previous doctor-patient connection, but if not, let’s get to know each other at your first preconception checkup – we can review your medical history, including medications, health conditions, and immunizations. You can also discuss your diet and supplements with me. Additionally, let’s talk about smoking, vaping, and recreational drugs and get you the assistance you may need during your pregnancy. And, always, always, bring questions for us to talk through together.”
- “As an OB/GYN and a mom myself, I can say this with confidence – always listen to your body! Avoid comparing your journey to those of your friends or family. And, rather than focusing on what you might see on social media, follow your body’s cues and the expertise of your healthcare team.”
Labor & Delivery is next!
Every woman’s healthcare journey is unique, and labor/delivery is no different. Understanding what you desire in a birth plan takes considerable research, insight into your desires, and communication with your partner.
Dr. Stroup offers the L & D for labor and delivery of your new bundle of joy!
L: Let’s Remember Our Top Goal
Our #1 priority is a healthy baby and a healthy mom. Our team will certainly listen to your birth plan and work to implement it together. Keep in mind, though, that a birth plan is not set in stone because you cannot predict everything that may occur that day. You or your doctors may need to make changes to the plan once your labor begins. So, try to stay flexible if something unexpected happens.
D: Do Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions! Preparing for birth starts with having a trusting relationship with your care team, knowing that the goal is a healthy outcome for you and your baby. We want you to stay open-minded and feel safe to ask questions as your labor unfolds. We are excited to welcome your new baby to the world!
And finally, don’t forget, care doesn’t stop after you give birth. We’ll be here throughout your postpartum to make sure you and your little one are healthy and recovering.
Memorial provides Pelvic Floor Therapy, too! Did you know it can help during the fourth trimester with treatment of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, prolapse, diastasis recti, and post-partum pain! Want to know more? Take our questionnaire to find out if you have pelvic floor dysfunction and would benefit from therapy!
