The University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix has named Dr. Dean Coonrod, MD, as chair of the executive committee of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the downtown Phoenix medical college.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that healthy young women begin seeing and establish a relationship with a gynecologist during adolescence, typically around age 15.

MomDoc Midwives is a fully integrated OB/GYN practice with Dr. Grayson Guzman and four supporting midwives that will provide an alternative to the typical care offered to childbearing women during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Guzman, Emily Rose, CNM; Melissa Troncale, CNM; Alexis Gee, CNM; and Kimberly Swift, CNM provide personalized and comprehensive care for women and their families. Services include care to women during pregnancy and birth, primary care to women, well-woman care related to reproductive health, annual gynecological exams, family planning, and menopausal care.

MomDoc Midwives is a fully integrated OB/GYN practice with Dr. Grayson Guzman and four supporting midwives that will provide an alternative to the typical care offered to childbearing women during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Guzman, Emily Rose, CNM; Melissa Troncale, CNM; Alexis Gee, CNM; and Kimberly Swift, CNM provide personalized and comprehensive care for women and their families. Services include care to women during pregnancy and birth, primary care to women, well-woman care related to reproductive health, annual gynecological exams, family planning, and menopausal care.

Getting enough calcium is an important part of everyone’s diet, and that is especially true during pregnancy. In fact, the need for calcium is even greater during gestation, particularly in the second and third trimesters.

Banner Ironwood Medical Center will hold an OB/GYN Open House 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at the new facility, 37000 N. Gantzel Road. Participants can tour the women and infant services area, and speak informally with physicians and staff who provide medical services at Banner Ironwood.

Our practice is filled with sadness to hear of the passing of Eddie Basha. Eddie has been a friend of ours for almost 40 years. He was an integral part of the decision to locate our practice in Chandler and he will be missed greatly. As a Chandler Hospital board member, Eddie spearheaded fundraising efforts community-wide to bring up-to-date equipment to the hospital and our OB/GYN patients in 1976. As we all know, his philanthropy continued throughout his life.

Expectant mothers nearing the end of their pregnancies often ask whether labor should be induced, or be allowed to happen naturally. While pregnancy can become uncomfortable as a woman's due date draws close, inducing labor, defined as using medications to start and maintain the labor process, is generally reserved for specific medical conditions.

As more women choose to delay having children, childbirth after age 35 is becoming increasingly common. While it is possible to have a child at this stage in life, there are many factors that should be considered when deciding the right time to start a family.

While the primary purpose of birth control pills is to prevent pregnancy, they have several other uses as well. In fact, many women who do not need contraception take birth control pills for their non-contraceptive benefits alone.

While the primary purpose of birth control pills is to prevent pregnancy, they have several other uses as well. In fact, many women who do not need contraception take birth control pills for their non-contraceptive benefits alone.

One of the most effective methods of birth control for women is the intrauterine device (IUD), also known as intrauterine contraception (IUC), or an intrauterine system (IUS).

A common belief among new mothers is that breastfeeding acts as a natural contraceptive. While it is true that breastfeeding delays ovulation, other factors must be taken into consideration to determine if a woman can trust breastfeeding as a method to prevent pregnancy.

Often attributed to poor diet and exercise habits and the obesity epidemic in our country, diabetes, a serious condition where the body does not respond properly to sugar, has become more common in recent years. Nearly 8 percent of the U.S. population is already diagnosed with the disease, and almost 18 million more people unknowingly have it.

After having a baby, regardless of what type of delivery it was, it is important for a new mother to get plenty of rest her first week at home. Being up at night with a newborn, experiencing fluctuating hormones, having breast milk come in, and having a lower blood count all contribute to exhaustion, which can also lead to depression. A new mother should plan to take naps while her baby sleeps, and try to arrange for help with older siblings and daily household duties so she can concentrate on recovering from childbirth and taking care of her baby.

After having a baby, regardless of what type of delivery it was, it is important for a new mother to get plenty of rest her first week at home. Being up at night with a newborn, experiencing fluctuating hormones, having breast milk come in, and having a lower blood count all contribute to exhaustion, which can also lead to depression. A new mother should plan to take naps while her baby sleeps, and try to arrange for help with older siblings and daily household duties so she can concentrate on recovering from childbirth and taking care of her baby.

Pregnant women often ask when they should first be able to feel their babies move. Fetal movement can usually be detected by the 20th week of pregnancy for first-time mothers, and by the 18th week of pregnancy for women who have had other children. Some women describe a feeling of butterflies fluttering or bubbles popping when the baby is moving.

Pregnant women often ask when they should first be able to feel their babies move. Fetal movement can usually be detected by the 20th week of pregnancy for first-time mothers, and by the 18th week of pregnancy for women who have had other children. Some women describe a feeling of butterflies fluttering or bubbles popping when the baby is moving.

Cord blood banking is a relatively new option for pregnant women, and one that has significant health benefits for a child as well as for immediate family members. The blood from the umbilical cord is rich in stem cells, which are considered "master cells" because they serve as the building blocks of organ tissue, blood and the immune system. Like bone marrow, cord blood can be used in future medical treatments that a child or family member might need, providing a guaranteed genetic match. By collecting cord blood and saving it through a cord blood bank, a family can preserve this valuable source of stem cells.

Cord blood banking is a relatively new option for pregnant women, and one that has significant health benefits for a child as well as for immediate family members. The blood from the umbilical cord is rich in stem cells, which are considered "master cells" because they serve as the building blocks of organ tissue, blood and the immune system. Like bone marrow, cord blood can be used in future medical treatments that a child or family member might need, providing a guaranteed genetic match. By collecting cord blood and saving it through a cord blood bank, a family can preserve this valuable source of stem cells.

With summer temperatures steadily rising above 100 degrees, pregnant women should take special care to stay cool, comfortable and safe. Maintaining good hydration while pregnant is extremely important, and even more so during the summer when our bodies can become dehydrated. Expectant mothers should drink at least eight 12-ounce glasses of water daily, and avoid consuming sugary or caffeinated beverages.

With summer temperatures steadily rising above 100 degrees, pregnant women should take special care to stay cool, comfortable and safe. Maintaining good hydration while pregnant is extremely important, and even more so during the summer when our bodies can become dehydrated. Expectant mothers should drink at least eight 12-ounce glasses of water daily, and avoid consuming sugary or caffeinated beverages.

Preparing a birth plan is a frequent topic of articles on websites and in pregnancy magazines. Many pregnant patients wonder about this concept, wanting to understand what it is and whether it is necessary.