Health and Medicine | MedBlog | UT Southwestern Medical Center

How proactive physical therapy can improve pregnancy and postpartum care

Physical therapy can help reduce or prevent pregnancy-related aches and pains, especially for patients with activity restrictions. See how UT Southwestern is ramping up our acute PT offerings for pregnant patients.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

April 25, 2023

Self-serve birth control? The future of OTC contraceptives

All women deserve safe, effective birth control should they want it. Shivani Patel, M.D., talks about how we can improve access to contraception while keeping women safe and healthy.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

November 22, 2022

4 factors that can decrease breast milk supply – and how to replenish it

The amount of breast milk a woman produces after childbirth depends on a variety of factors. For example, stress and dehydration can decrease the milk supply. In this week’s blog, Shivani Patel, M.D., discusses four common lactation-reducing factors and how to fix them. Learn more.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

May 16, 2022

Will my period change after pregnancy?

Learn what to expect before, during, and after your first postpartum menstrual cycle.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

October 12, 2021

Having a baby when you have kidney, heart, or cancer risks

Pregnancy is possible for many patients with kidney, heart, or cancer risks. See how maternal-fetal medicine experts help women achieve positive outcomes.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

May 26, 2020

6 FAQs about COVID-19, pregnancy, and adjusting at home

As the pandemic continues, pregnant patients are asking more questions about COVID-19. Get answers to 6 coronavirus FAQs on the Your Pregnancy Matters blog.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

May 5, 2020

What women and men need to know about reproductive coercion

Reproductive coercion is a type of intimate partner violence in which an abuser exerts power and control over a victim’s reproductive health and decisions. Dr. Shivani Patel discusses the ways reproductive coercion can manifest and how your health care provider can help.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

January 14, 2020

Can bumping my pregnant belly hurt the baby?

During pregnancy, bumping the belly during daily activities is inevitable. The baby is well protected in the womb, but there are guidelines women should follow to protect the baby. Find out what’s safe, what’s not, and when to call the doctor in this week’s Your Pregnancy Matters blog.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

October 8, 2019

Can breastfeeding increase heart disease risk?

While breastfeeding is known to benefit babies, recent research suggests it might worsen symptoms of two types of heart disease. In this Your Pregnancy Matters MedBlog, Shivani Patel, M.D., discusses these risks and the potential heart-health benefits of breastfeeding.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

July 16, 2019

Why pregnant women need ‘pit crew’ Ob/Gyns, not ‘cowboys’

Checklists, cowboys, and pit crews – Shivani Patel, M.D., discusses how these three seemingly unrelated phrases can save patients’ lives in every area of medicine. Learn more.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

June 11, 2019

SADFACES: Diagnosing depression and anxiety during pregnancy

Fatigue and appetite changes are considered “normal” side effects of pregnancy – but these symptoms can also be signs of depression. In this week’s #YourPregnancyMatters blog, find out why we screen patients twice with the SADFACES survey and why physical and cognitive symptoms matter.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

June 4, 2019

PTSD after pregnancy: When a doctor becomes a patient

Approximately 40 percent of women develop post-traumatic stress disorder after a complex birth or pregnancy -- even doctors who care for these patients every day. In this week’s Your Pregnancy Matters article, Shivani Patel, M.D., shares her personal PTSD story and what women need to know.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

April 9, 2019

Sex after pregnancy: 5 common concerns, and when to call the doctor

After childbirth, some women can’t wait to resume an active sex life. But other women have absolutely no desire. In this week’s blog, Shivani Patel, M.D., discusses what to expect regarding sex after pregnancy, and when to worry.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

March 12, 2019

Erica's pregnancy story: Heart attack at 31, baby at 36

Heart attack survivor Erica Hoyle was thrilled to find out she was pregnant, but her joy quickly turned to fear: Because of her complex condition, no doctor would take her as a patient. That is, until she met the high-risk pregnancy team at UT Southwestern. Read Erica’s inspiring story now.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

February 19, 2019

3 exercises to avoid during pregnancy – and 7 that are safer

From yoga to running, swimming, and even rock climbing, exercise is highly recommended for most women with normal pregnancies. That said, a few activities are too dangerous and should be avoided until after recovery from childbirth. Learn more.

Shivani Patel, M.D.

December 11, 2018