Sourced directly from Dr. Daniel Sternfeld,'s social posts and replies.
How long can I work during pregnancy?
It is acceptable for women to work until the day they go into labor, or they may choose to take time off before the end of pregnancy. Both options are considered okay.
Is it safe to dye your hair during pregnancy?
It is a myth that you cannot get your hair dyed while pregnant. Hair dye is believed to have minimal absorption into your body, so it does not affect the pregnancy. It is generally considered safe to get your hair done.
Is it safe to lay on your back during pregnancy?
The belief that pregnant women cannot lay on their back is not supported by evidence. It is recommended to lay in any position that provides comfort and the best rest while pregnant.
How much should a pregnant woman increase her caloric intake?
Pregnant women do not need to 'eat for two.' Instead, they only need to increase their daily caloric intake by about 300 to 400 calories, which is equivalent to a small meal or a snack per day.
What is delayed cord clamping and what are its benefits?
Delayed cord clamping involves waiting 30-60 seconds before clamping the umbilical cord after birth, allowing more blood to flow from the placenta to the baby. This process provides several benefits for newborns, including increased iron stores in the first few months of life (reducing the risk of common iron deficiency anemia in infancy), better transitional circulation leading to a more established red blood cell volume, and additional antibodies from the placenta. Overall, it provides a smoother transition to extrauterine life.
Should I discuss my birth plan preferences with my provider?
Patients are encouraged to speak with their provider about what is best for their unique situation and baby when developing their birth plan.
What conditions can be treated with Quick Care virtual visits?
Quick Care virtual visits offer fast and convenient treatment for common illnesses and everyday symptoms, including cold, sinus, flu, and COVID-19 symptoms, UTIs and yeast infections, pink eye, stomach issues (like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), and skin conditions or rashes.
What conditions are suitable for Virtual Urgent Care?
Virtual Urgent Care is ideal for mild allergic reactions, mild to moderate asthma concerns, reactions to medications, guidance for STI testing, when symptoms are not improving, or if you just need an urgent care provider to take a closer look. It connects patients to a clinician who can assess more complex symptoms and guide them to the appropriate level of care.
When should I go to the hospital for labor?
True labor contractions become stronger and closer together and do not go away with movement or hydration. General advice is to come to the hospital when contractions are every five minutes apart, lasting one minute, and have been occurring for about an hour. Patients should also come in for evaluation if they experience decreased fetal movement, water breaking, or vaginal bleeding. If you are ever in doubt, it is always best to come in for evaluation.
What pain management options are available during labor?
Patients have many choices for pain management during labor. The practice offers support with non-pharmacological methods such as labor balls, position changes, warm showers, and breathing exercises. For those who choose an epidural, an anesthesia team is available on-site.
Can I eat or drink during labor?
Most people can have clear liquids or light snacks during early labor, though the ability to do so depends on your provider and birth plan. The practice will discuss options with you to ensure your safety throughout the labor process.
What does post-birth care involve?
Immediately after birth, the focus is on keeping the mother and baby safe and connected. Post-birth care may include skin-to-skin time, delayed cord clamping, assisting with feeding, and newborn checks.
What is the practice's view on childhood vaccinations?
The practice views vaccines as one of the safest and most effective methods to protect children, and one of the most important tools for a child's health. The doctor has personally witnessed the negative impact of vaccine-preventable diseases. While acknowledging it's both a medical and parenting decision, the doctor chose to vaccinate his own children for peace of mind regarding their health and the health of others. Patients are encouraged to consult their doctor to make the appropriate choice for their family.
What are common myths and early signs of colon cancer, and when should I get screened?
It is a myth that colon cancer only affects older individuals, or that you must feel sick for something to be wrong. Colon cancer can manifest very quietly and subtly, and often doesn't show symptoms early on. Early warning signs can include a change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding. While these symptoms don't always mean cancer, they do indicate a need to get checked. Individuals aged 45 or older, or those with a family history of colon cancer, should discuss screening with their doctor.
What is involved in colonoscopy preparation and what are its benefits?
Many people worry about colonoscopy preparation, but it is usually very manageable, involving small diet changes and taking medication to clean out the colon. Ultimately, a colonoscopy helps prevent colon cancer or detect it early, which is crucial for effective treatment.
What is the radiation exposure from a mammogram?
The actual radiation exposure from a mammogram is equivalent to about seven to eight weeks of natural background radiation. There is an extremely low mortality risk with radiation-induced cancers compared to the substantial mortality benefit from early breast cancer detection.
Why are screening mammograms important even without symptoms?
The purpose of a screening mammogram is to detect breast cancers before symptoms appear. Breast cancer can be present even if someone feels fine, as it takes time to develop symptoms. By the time a symptom appears, the cancer may be more advanced and require more intensive treatment, highlighting the importance of early detection through screening.
Is a family history of breast cancer required for screening?
No, the majority of breast cancers (85-90%) seen do not have a family history, emphasizing the importance of screening for all women at average risk.
What is the recommendation for screening mammograms?
The practice recommends annual screening mammograms for women over 40 at average risk.
How much discomfort should I expect from a mammogram?
While mammograms can cause some discomfort, most women report low to moderate levels. Less than 15% report severe pain, which typically dissipates within about 10 minutes.
How effective are mammograms at detecting breast cancer?
Mammograms are very good at detecting breast cancer in about 85-87% of cases, though they do not find everything. Mammography remains the most validated screening tool to decrease breast cancer mortality by about 20-30%.