Below you will find several articles written by our care providers. We hope they will help answer questions you may have about issues concerning your health. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your health is first concern.
Water birth
Certified Nurse Midwives
It’s Not Just a Pap Smear
Should I have genetic testing done when considering pregnancy?
How do I check to see if I have osteoporosis?
Should I be taking hormones?
Who should see an Obstetrician/Gynecologist?
Should I be taking hormones?
Am I a candidate for infertility care?
What can I expect at my OB visit?
How do you check for osteoporosis?
How much discomfort is normal with my period?
Who should see an Obstetrician/Gynecologist?
Many women believe they can only see an ob/gyn for care related to a pregnancy. While an obstetrician/gynecologist provides specialized care of normal and complicated pregnancies, an ob/gyn is trained in the medical and surgical care of women’s health throughout their lifespan. We treat conditions unique to the reproductive system such as ovarian cysts, gynecologic cancers, and menstrual disorders. We commonly see patients for advice on contraception, planning for pregnancy, menopause and treatment of urinary incontinence.
Ob/gyns are also considered primary care providers. We perform health maintenance exams and screening, including measurement of weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Preventive care also includes advice on lifestyle and safety issues, smoking cessation and immunizations. Women should have annual physicals starting at age 18 and annual or biannual mammograms starting at age 40.
Dr. Sarah Freitas is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn Physician and Surgeon at Western Ob/Gyn Women’s Health Center. She sees patients in Waconia, Chaska and Chanhassen. If you would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Freitas please call 952-442-2137 for more information.
TOP
Should I be taking hormones?
Hormones are chemicals that control when and how certain organs work. In women, the hormone estrogen plays an important role in the reproductive system. At menopause, a woman’s estrogen levels decline. The lack of estrogen can bring on symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Relief of these symptoms is the most common reason women take hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement is also used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Not all women will experience symptoms severe enough to require hormone replacement. The decision to take hormone replacement should take into consideration a woman’s medical history, family history and symptoms. It is a personal decision that you and your health care provider should make together.
Dr. Sarah Freitas is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn Physician and Surgeon at Western Ob/Gyn Women’s Health Center. She sees patients in Waconia, Chaska and Chanhassen. If you would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Freitas please call 952-442-2137 for more information.
TOP
Am I a candidate for infertility care?
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse, or the inability to carry a pregnancy to a live birth. There are many things that impact fertility, some of which you have control over, and some of which you do not. Lifestyle choices you make can help preserve fertility such as practicing safe sex, maintaining a normal body weight and diet, avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol intake. A woman’s age can put her at risk for a fertility problem; A woman in her late 30s is about 30% less fertile than she was in her early 20s. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, can be linked to fertility problems. If you have a history of irregular or painful menstrual cycles, have had several miscarriages, or have had pelvic, ovarian, uterine or tubal surgery you should talk to your health care provider about fertility.
Dr. Sarah Freitas is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn Physician and Surgeon at Western Ob/Gyn Women’s Health Center. She sees patients in Waconia, Chaska and Chanhassen. If you would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Freitas please call 952-442-2137 for more information.
TOP
What can I expect at my OB visit?
If you are pregnant, good prenatal care can help prevent and treat many complications of pregnancy. It will also provide you with the education and support you’ll need to have a healthy pregnancy. The initial OB visit will include a review of medical and family history, general physical examination, and routine lab work. Subsequent visits will assess the continued well-being of both the mother and the fetus, and include monitoring weight, blood pressure, urinalysis and measuring the size of the uterus as it grows. Each visit you’ll listen to the fetal heart beat. Usually, an ultrasound is performed halfway through the pregnancy and at other times if complications arise. You’ll also be given guidance and education about nutrition, exercise, and how to manage common discomforts of pregnancy such as backache, constipation, and nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Sarah Freitas is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn Physician and Surgeon at Western Ob/Gyn Women’s Health Center. She sees patients in Waconia, Chaska and Chanhassen. If you would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Freitas please call 952-442-2137 for more information.
TOP
How do you check for osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak to the point of breaking. This may be due to aging or caused by other factors that combine with age. It is important to screen for osteoporosis early because symptoms do not occur until a lot of bone strength is already lost. The most common screening method is bone densitometry. The bone densitometer uses small amounts of x-ray to produce images of the spine, hip, or even the whole body. The test is painless and typically takes less than ten minutes. You will be asked to lie on your back, remaining in your normal clothing in most cases. The results will give you an assessment of your risk of fracture. Your health care provider can then suggest ways to reduce your risk. Not everyone needs to have this testing done, so ask your provider if you should have this test.
Dr. Sarah Freitas is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn Physician and Surgeon at Western Ob/Gyn Women’s Health Center. She sees patients in Waconia, Chaska and Chanhassen. If you would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Freitas please call 952-442-2137 for more information.
TOP
How much discomfort is normal with my period?
More than half of women who have menstrual periods have some pain for at least 1-2 days each month. Usually, the pain is mild. Sometimes, however, the pain is severe enough to keep them from their normal activities. When the pain is this severe, it is called dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is a common cause of women missing work and school. It is caused by contraction of the muscle wall of the uterus during menstruation. There are other causes of painful periods such as endometriosis, fibroids, or infection. Common treatments include pain medications and hormonal therapy such as an oral contraceptives. Some women find relief by exercising, applying heat, getting enough sleep and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga. If you have severe menstrual cramps or cramps that last more than 2 or 3 days, talk to your health care provider.
Dr. Sarah Freitas is a Board Certified Ob/Gyn Physician and Surgeon at Western Ob/Gyn Women’s Health Center. She sees patients in Waconia, Chaska and Chanhassen. If you would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Freitas please call 952-442-2137 for more information.
TOP
