{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "title": "Harvard Health Posts by Hope Ricciotti, MD Feed", "home_page_url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/hope-ricciotti-md", "feed_url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/hope-ricciotti-md/feed/json", "language": "en-US", "icon": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/img/logos/hhp-logo-mark-lg.jpg", "items": [{ "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fda-warning-on-vaginal-laser-procedures-should-emphasize-informed-choices-not-fear-201808022920", "title": "FDA warning on vaginal laser procedures should emphasize informed choices, not fear", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fda-warning-on-vaginal-laser-procedures-should-emphasize-informed-choices-not-fear-201808022920", "content_html": "", "summary": "", "date_published": "2018-08-02T00:00:00-04:00", "date_modified": "2018-08-02T00:00:00-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "tags": [ "Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/epidurals-dont-prolong-labor-phew-2017102512612", "title": "Contrary to popular belief, epidurals don’t prolong labor. Phew.", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/epidurals-dont-prolong-labor-phew-2017102512612", "content_html": "Challenging a long-held belief, a new study found that women who received epidural anesthesia during labor did not have prolonged labor or higher rates of cesarean births.", "summary": "Challenging a long-held belief, a new study found that women who received epidural anesthesia during labor did not have prolonged labor or higher rates of cesarean births.", "date_published": "2017-10-25T14:30:59-04:00", "date_modified": "2017-10-25T14:30:59-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/9286/conversions/epidural-spin-nerve-block-iStock-511063343-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/your-mom-was-right-morning-sickness-means-a-lower-chance-of-miscarriage-2016102110493", "title": "Your mom was right: “Morning sickness” means a lower chance of miscarriage", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/your-mom-was-right-morning-sickness-means-a-lower-chance-of-miscarriage-2016102110493", "content_html": "A majority of women experience some sort of nausea (morning sickness) during pregnancy. Many have speculated that nausea is a good sign that indicates a healthy pregnancy. Until recently, there was little solid evidence to support this belief, but a recent study suggests there is some truth to this old wives’ tale.", "summary": "A majority of women experience some sort of nausea (morning sickness) during pregnancy. Many have speculated that nausea is a good sign that indicates a healthy pregnancy. Until recently, there was little solid evidence to support this belief, but a recent study suggests there is some truth to this old wives’ tale.", "date_published": "2016-10-21T13:30:21-04:00", "date_modified": "2016-10-21T13:30:21-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/9001/conversions/iStock_27112872_MEDIUM-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/birth-control-right-after-having-a-baby-why-its-important-why-it-should-be-covered-2016083110200", "title": "Birth control right after having a baby: Why it’s important, why it should be covered", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/birth-control-right-after-having-a-baby-why-its-important-why-it-should-be-covered-2016083110200", "content_html": "Many women may plan to start using birth control at their six-week postpartum checkup, but as many as 40% of women do not go to a follow-up appointment. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advocates for offering women the option of long-acting, implantable contraceptives in the period immediately following giving birth, before leaving the hospital. It’s safe, effective, and eliminates the need for an outpatient visit during a hectic time. Making postpartum contraception easily available and a covered benefit is essential to reduce unintended pregnancy and rapid, repeat pregnancy rates.", "summary": "Many women may plan to start using birth control at their six-week postpartum checkup, but as many as 40% of women do not go to a follow-up appointment. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advocates for offering women the option of long-acting, implantable contraceptives in the period immediately following giving birth, before leaving the hospital. It’s safe, effective, and eliminates the need for an outpatient visit during a hectic time. Making postpartum contraception easily available and a covered benefit is essential to reduce unintended pregnancy and rapid, repeat pregnancy rates.", "date_published": "2016-08-31T13:30:17-04:00", "date_modified": "2016-08-31T13:30:17-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8957/conversions/postpartum-bc-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pregnancy","Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/quitting-smoking-second-half-menstrual-cycle-may-help-women-kick-habit-201607219978", "title": "Quitting smoking during the second half of the menstrual cycle may help women kick the habit", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/quitting-smoking-second-half-menstrual-cycle-may-help-women-kick-habit-201607219978", "content_html": "Studies have shown that not only do women have a harder time quitting than men, but they also experience more severe health consequences from smoking. However, new research suggests that it may be easier for women to quit smoking during the second half of their menstrual cycle. During this time, the hormone progesterone is higher, and this appears to aid in quitting and avoiding relapse.", "summary": "Studies have shown that not only do women have a harder time quitting than men, but they also experience more severe health consequences from smoking. However, new research suggests that it may be easier for women to quit smoking during the second half of their menstrual cycle. During this time, the hormone progesterone is higher, and this appears to aid in quitting and avoiding relapse.", "date_published": "2016-07-21T13:30:42-04:00", "date_modified": "2016-07-21T13:30:42-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8925/conversions/period-and-quitting-smoking-blog-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Women's Health","Addiction" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/9829-201606229829", "title": "Progesterone supplements don’t help prevent miscarriage", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/9829-201606229829", "content_html": "Miscarriages can be devastating — especially for women who experience recurrent miscarriage, defined as three or more in a row. Doctors used to give these women supplements of progesterone, a hormone that helps maintain a healthy pregnancy. However, a recent study has confirmed that these supplements don’t improve pregnancy outcomes. For those who experience recurrent miscarriage, the best solution may be to simply keep trying.", "summary": "Miscarriages can be devastating — especially for women who experience recurrent miscarriage, defined as three or more in a row. Doctors used to give these women supplements of progesterone, a hormone that helps maintain a healthy pregnancy. However, a recent study has confirmed that these supplements don’t improve pregnancy outcomes. For those who experience recurrent miscarriage, the best solution may be to simply keep trying.", "date_published": "2016-06-22T13:30:05-04:00", "date_modified": "2016-06-22T13:30:05-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8900/conversions/miscarriage-photo-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pregnancy","Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/over-35-and-expecting-is-it-safer-to-give-birth-early-201604119431", "title": "Over 35 and expecting: Is it safer to give birth “early”?", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/over-35-and-expecting-is-it-safer-to-give-birth-early-201604119431", "content_html": "For women having children over age 35, the decision to induce labor is usually based on an increased risk of stillbirth. The duration of labor also factors into the decision, as does the possibility that induction could increase the chance of a cesarean birth, though current medical evidence does not necessarily support this assertion.", "summary": "For women having children over age 35, the decision to induce labor is usually based on an increased risk of stillbirth. The duration of labor also factors into the decision, as does the possibility that induction could increase the chance of a cesarean birth, though current medical evidence does not necessarily support this assertion.", "date_published": "2016-04-11T13:30:44-04:00", "date_modified": "2016-04-11T13:30:44-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8843/conversions/birth-after-35-blog-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Women's Health","Pregnancy" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/an-obstetrician-who-is-also-a-feminist-weighs-in-on-the-cdcs-no-birth-control-no-drinking-recommendation-201603109256", "title": "An obstetrician (who is also a feminist) weighs in on the CDC’s “no birth control, no drinking” recommendation", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/an-obstetrician-who-is-also-a-feminist-weighs-in-on-the-cdcs-no-birth-control-no-drinking-recommendation-201603109256", "content_html": "The CDC recently advised all sexually active women of childbearing age, and who aren’t on birth control, to avoid alcohol completely because of potential harmful effects to an unborn child. The science behind the recommendation is sound, but the way it was delivered has raised quite a few eyebrows. In this piece, Dr. Ricciotti examines where the message fell short and describes how she emphasizes shared decision-making and autonomy when she counsels her patients.", "summary": "The CDC recently advised all sexually active women of childbearing age, and who aren’t on birth control, to avoid alcohol completely because of potential harmful effects to an unborn child. The science behind the recommendation is sound, but the way it was delivered has raised quite a few eyebrows. In this piece, Dr. Ricciotti examines where the message fell short and describes how she emphasizes shared decision-making and autonomy when she counsels her patients.", "date_published": "2016-03-10T14:00:11-05:00", "date_modified": "2016-03-10T14:00:11-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8820/conversions/CDC-women-and-alcohol-blog-image-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pregnancy","Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-depression-screening-guidelines-benefit-pregnant-women-and-new-moms-201603029222", "title": "New depression screening guidelines benefit pregnant women and new moms–and everyone", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-depression-screening-guidelines-benefit-pregnant-women-and-new-moms-201603029222", "content_html": "The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recently updated their guidelines on depression screening to include pregnant and postpartum women, which will be a great help to the many new moms who experience mood changes that go beyond the “baby blues.” The updated guidelines offer other benefits, too, that help improve everyone’s access to mental health care — especially those who can’t currently afford it.", "summary": "The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recently updated their guidelines on depression screening to include pregnant and postpartum women, which will be a great help to the many new moms who experience mood changes that go beyond the “baby blues.” The updated guidelines offer other benefits, too, that help improve everyone’s access to mental health care — especially those who can’t currently afford it.", "date_published": "2016-03-02T14:00:41-05:00", "date_modified": "2016-03-02T14:00:41-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8813/conversions/pregnancy-depression-screening-blog-image-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pregnancy","Women's Health","Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/zika-pregnancy-and-winter-travel-many-unknowns-and-a-cautious-message-201602229241", "title": "Zika, pregnancy, and winter travel: Many unknowns, and a cautious message", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/zika-pregnancy-and-winter-travel-many-unknowns-and-a-cautious-message-201602229241", "content_html": "If you’re planning an escape from the dreary winter weather, and you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you may want to plan your destination carefully. There’s still a lot we don’t know about Zika virus — which is now widespread in several favorite tropical destinations, such as the Caribbean — and its potential pregnancy-related complications. Until we know more, it’s better to be safe and follow the precautions we’ve listed here.", "summary": "If you’re planning an escape from the dreary winter weather, and you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you may want to plan your destination carefully. There’s still a lot we don’t know about Zika virus — which is now widespread in several favorite tropical destinations, such as the Caribbean — and its potential pregnancy-related complications. Until we know more, it’s better to be safe and follow the precautions we’ve listed here.", "date_published": "2016-02-22T14:00:29-05:00", "date_modified": "2016-02-22T14:00:29-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8806/conversions/pregnancy-zika-travel-blog-image-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Immune and infectious diseases","Pediatric health","Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/c-section-rates-consider-this-when-deciding-where-to-have-your-baby-201601088923", "title": "C-section rates: Consider this when deciding where to have your baby", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/c-section-rates-consider-this-when-deciding-where-to-have-your-baby-201601088923", "content_html": "For years, there has been concern about the high rate of cesarean births — but just how many cesareans are too many? A recent study suggests that a cesarean rate of 19% is about right. The reasons for high cesarean rates may be related more to each hospital’s circumstances and processes than to other, more commonly cited reasons. If you’re concerned, find out the C-section rate at the hospital where you plan to deliver your baby.", "summary": "For years, there has been concern about the high rate of cesarean births — but just how many cesareans are too many? A recent study suggests that a cesarean rate of 19% is about right. The reasons for high cesarean rates may be related more to each hospital’s circumstances and processes than to other, more commonly cited reasons. If you’re concerned, find out the C-section rate at the hospital where you plan to deliver your baby.", "date_published": "2016-01-08T14:00:28-05:00", "date_modified": "2016-01-08T14:00:28-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8771/conversions/csection-blog-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pregnancy","Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/miscarriage-keep-breaking-the-silence-201511108601", "title": "Miscarriage: Keep breaking the silence", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/miscarriage-keep-breaking-the-silence-201511108601", "content_html": "Many public figures have begun speaking up about their experiences with miscarriage. While it’s wonderful that they’re breaking the silence, a recent survey has revealed that the general public still has a lot of misconceptions about this surprisingly common event. Dr. Hope Ricciotti shares her reactions to the survey results, and her advice to women experiencing miscarriage.", "summary": "Many public figures have begun speaking up about their experiences with miscarriage. While it’s wonderful that they’re breaking the silence, a recent survey has revealed that the general public still has a lot of misconceptions about this surprisingly common event. Dr. Hope Ricciotti shares her reactions to the survey results, and her advice to women experiencing miscarriage.", "date_published": "2015-11-10T13:00:22-05:00", "date_modified": "2015-11-10T13:00:22-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8721/conversions/bigstock-Lonely-woman-bed-insomnia-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pregnancy","Mental Health","Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/not-again-when-utis-wont-quit-at-midlife-201509258353", "title": "“Not Again!” — When UTIs won’t quit at midlife", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/not-again-when-utis-wont-quit-at-midlife-201509258353", "content_html": "Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur in women of all ages. Physical and hormonal changes can leave women at midlife particularly vulnerable. No woman should have to put up with the inconvenience and discomfort of recurrent UTIs. Self-help measures can be effective, but if they don’t do the trick, see your doctor. He or she can identify and treat any underlying problems and recommend other strategies to keep UTIs at bay.", "summary": "Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur in women of all ages. Physical and hormonal changes can leave women at midlife particularly vulnerable. No woman should have to put up with the inconvenience and discomfort of recurrent UTIs. Self-help measures can be effective, but if they don’t do the trick, see your doctor. He or she can identify and treat any underlying problems and recommend other strategies to keep UTIs at bay.", "date_published": "2015-09-25T12:00:09-04:00", "date_modified": "2015-09-25T12:00:09-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8681/conversions/overactive-bladder-bathroom-pee-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Immune and infectious diseases","Women's Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/its-not-a-pink-viagra-201508218198", "title": "It’s NOT a “pink Viagra”", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/its-not-a-pink-viagra-201508218198", "content_html": "Women of all ages have questions and concerns about their sex lives. These issues often come up after having a baby, during perimenopause, and well into later life, too. Women’s sexuality is very complex. Brain chemistry, mood, hormones, and the nature of a woman’s relationship with her sexual partner are all important influences. This week, the FDA approved the drug flibanserin for treatment of low sex drive in premenopausal women. This drug is no “pink Viagra,” and its effect on women’s sexual function may be small, but it may be a step in the right direction simply because it draws attention to the value of a satisfying sex life for women and acknowledges it as a legitimate health concern.", "summary": "Women of all ages have questions and concerns about their sex lives. These issues often come up after having a baby, during perimenopause, and well into later life, too. Women’s sexuality is very complex. Brain chemistry, mood, hormones, and the nature of a woman’s relationship with her sexual partner are all important influences. This week, the FDA approved the drug flibanserin for treatment of low sex drive in premenopausal women. This drug is no “pink Viagra,” and its effect on women’s sexual function may be small, but it may be a step in the right direction simply because it draws attention to the value of a satisfying sex life for women and acknowledges it as a legitimate health concern.", "date_published": "2015-08-21T12:16:06-04:00", "date_modified": "2015-08-21T12:16:06-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Hope Ricciotti, MD" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8653/conversions/bigstock-Do-Not-Disturb-sign-on-hotel-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ ] } ] }