How can providers help pregnant women make informed decisions that match their values when it comes delivery options such as induction of labor or vaginal birth after C-section? Allison Shorten, Ph.D., RN, and Ann Peralta, founder of Partner to Decide, discuss how decision aids give women and their care teams clear, research-based information to guide conversations about options and preferences regarding delivery. Learn about their current collaboration on an aid for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

There’s no way to anticipate the unique questions, concerns, and types of support you’ll need during pregnancy, and that’s why perinatal nurse navigators are an important part of UAB's pregnancy care team. Nurse navigators Jasmine Maye, RN, and TeShawn Hardy, RN, join Dr. Huh to explain how they engage with patients and the rest of the team. They highlight some key moments when having a perinatal nurse navigator makes a big difference.

Placenta accreta spectrum, a condition where the placenta doesn’t detach after delivery, can quickly become life-threatening. Dr. Huh talks with gynecologic oncologists Michael Straughn, M.D., and Trey Leath, M.D., about what makes this a dangerous condition; how it may affect the bladder; and why it’s most often managed with a hysterectomy. Learn why early diagnosis and referral to a tertiary center can make all the difference.

Placenta accreta spectrum, which refers to a placenta that attaches too deeply, is a little-known condition with serious risks for pregnant women. Dr. Huh speaks with Akila Subramaniam, M.D., and Haller Smith, M.D., about the condition’s rising incidence, how it is diagnosed, and how team-based planning improves outcomes. Learn how early recognition helps providers prepare for safer deliveries.

Black women in Alabama are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

Audra Williams, M.D., and prenatal nurse navigator Jasmine Maye discuss the clinical and socioeconomic hurdles to improving Black maternal health, as well as the programs making a positive difference.

Occasional exhaustion is normal during and after pregnancy, but it's important to watch for signs of emerging mental health conditions. In Part 2 of their discussion on perinatal mental health, Dr. Huh, Rachel Fargason, M.D., and Katie Orr, M.D., explain key warning signs, available treatments, and how loved ones can provide meaningful support. They emphasize that the best approach is often a combination of medical and non-medical therapies.

Resources:
UAB Community Psychiatry Program: 205-934-4108
UAB Comprehensive Addiction in Pregnancy Program (CAPP): 205-934-5795
UAB Beacon Recovery Program: [email protected]; 205-917-3733
Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net; Helpline: 1-800-944-4773
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-852-6262

Up to 85% of women experience postpartum mood disorders. Rachel Fargason, M.D., and Katy Ashley Orr, CRNP, join Dr. Huh to discuss perinatal mental health and explain the differences between temporary “baby blues” and more serious mental health conditions. Learn how to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, key risk factors, and when to seek support.

Stay tuned for part 2, when the panel will discuss perinatal mental health treatment options and resources.

UAB Community Psychiatry Program: 205-934-4108
UAB Comprehensive Addiction in Pregnancy Program (CAPP): 205-934-5795
UAB Beacon Recovery Program: [email protected]; 205-917-3733
Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net; Helpline: 1-800-944-4773
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-852-6262

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally a safe and effective way to relieve numerous symptoms and risks related to life after menopause. Gretchen Wells, M.D., a cardiologist with expertise in women’s heart health, joins Dr. Huh to give context to a study that created some reluctance among doctors and patients to utilize HRT. Learn what the Women’s Health Initiative study actually concluded about HRT; how women can generally lower their risk of cardiovascular disease; and which individual factors determine if HRT is right for you.

Almost every drug and treatment advancement available to you had to be proved safe and effective by way of clinical trials — studies on human participants. Learn the fundamentals of clinical trials from Rebecca Arend, M.D., medical director of the Clinical Trials Office at the O’Neil Comprehensive Cancer Center. She discusses the the stages of clinical trials, important research concepts, and the safeguards for participants. Dr. Arend explains why she believes many patients should seek out clinical trials for their condition.

Do you know the difference between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a yeast infection? What about trichomoniasis, which has similar symptoms of vaginal inflammation and discomfort? These are the most common causes of vaginitis, and they each have different treatment regimens. Learn more about the common conditions from the physicians who lead the UAB Vaginitis Clinic, Christina Munzy, M.D., and Olivia Van Gerwen, M.D. They discuss the widespread prevalence of vaginitis; different causes and treatments; and how their clinic manages recurrent and severe cases with the latest diagnostic tools.