Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.
"I really want to exercise, but I can’t find any motivation during these shorter, rainy days. What do you suggest?"
Set a goal that you know you can reach. Be upfront and real with yourself about what’s attainable, because getting and staying motivated are hard to do. Knowing how far you can push yourself will help you set the right goal.
When you’re setting a goal:
Write it down. Don’t just keep it in the back of your mind. When you write it down, it will help you unpack the what, why, where, when and how of your goal to make it work and keep you accountable.
Make it SMART: Make sure it’s specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and time-bound. For example: “I want to run a 5K in 45 minutes by the Fourth of July,” or “I want to squat 100 pounds by St. Patrick’s Day.”
Once you’ve met your goal, celebrate and reward yourself! Send a selfie of you meeting your goal to a friend, or post it to social media and watch the likes roll in. Or treat yourself to that new workout outfit you’ve been eyeing. This is the time to reward yourself for a job well done!
— Joann Markham, ACSM-CPT, personal trainer, Tai Chi instructor and health coach, SamFit — Albany
"I had a C-section for my first child, but I really want to have a traditional birth with my next child. Is it safe?"
Statistically speaking, a trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) is very safe in the right setting. The highest concern is that the previous C-section incision will open up, but the risk is less than 1%. This is especially true if your uterine incision was horizontal (often called low transverse).
If you are considering a TOLAC, your doctor will want to review the reasons for your prior C-section to determine if you are a good candidate. If the baby was not in the right position (i.e., breech) or if your little one had signs of distress during labor, you are more likely to be successful with a TOLAC. If your labor was not progressing or if you were pushing for a long period of time, then your chances of success are lower but a TOLAC is still available.
Your doctor will want to look at your operative report from your C-section, if available. We will want to see when you had your last surgery, what type of incision was used, and how your uterus was repaired to help determine if a TOLAC is safe for you and your baby.
During your current pregnancy, there are also some factors that may affect your chances of success. One of the biggest concerns is the need for induction of labor. The risk of the uterus opening up increases to 1 to 2% with an induction. While this is still a small number and we are often able to still proceed with TOLAC, it is something your doctor will want to discuss with you further when the time comes.
If you are considering a TOLAC, you’ll want to talk to your provider about your goals for this pregnancy and future family planning, so you can make the best decision for your pregnancy and child. It is a collaborative process throughout the pregnancy as well as during labor and delivery to ensure that both you and your baby are safe, happy and healthy.
— Erin Massey, MD, Samaritan Obstetrics & Gynecology — Corvallis
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Call Samaritan Health Services Find a Doctorline at 800-863-5241 to find a provider who is right for you.