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Dr. Regina Marie Mitchell, MD is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Baltimore, MD specializing in obstetrics & gynecology. She graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1995 and has 29 years of experience. Dr. Regina Marie Mitchell, MD is affiliated with MedStar Harbor Hospital and MedStar Health.
3001 South Hanover Street Department of Ob/gyn
Baltimore, MD 21225
Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A Cesarean section (more often known as "C-Section") is a surgery performed during labor and delivery. A C-Section is a procedure that delivers a baby through an incision in the lower abdomen and uterus. In the United States, about a third of all births are performed by Cesarean section. Most often, a C-section is done by an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN), or in certain regions, a general surgeon or family physician.
C-section incisions can be up-and-down (vertical), from belly button to lower abdomen or side-to-side (horizontal), across the lower abdomen. Side-to-side incisions are more frequently used. After the exterior incisions are made, the doctor then cuts into the uterus and amniotic sac and delivers the infant and cuts the baby's umbilical cord. The mother receives medicine to expel the placenta and the doctor helps to safely remove it. Finally, the doctor uses sutures to seal the uterus and tissue incisions. The initial C-section skin incision is also closed with sutures or staples.
C-sections are typically performed with regional anesthesia, which inhibits pain in the lower half of the body, but allows mothers to be awake. However, some mothers may receive general anesthesia, where they are put to sleep during the surgical procedure.
C-sections may be planned or unplanned, depending on the circumstances of the birth.
Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, herpes, and HIV may prompt a doctor to prescribe a C-section. Other situations for C-section include:
Other mothers may require a C-section due to complications arising during delivery. These unplanned, emergency C-sections allow for a healthy birth even when complex complications are present. Problems during labor which may necessitate a C-section include:
Mothers should expect about a six-week recovery period following a C-section, including an initial hospital stay of two to three days. While in the hospital, mothers may spend time with their baby and begin breastfeeding. After returning home, mothers should limit strenuous activities such as lifting, reaching, and exercise, and should make sure to get plenty of rest.
Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal)
A hysterectomy is an extremely common surgery performed to remove the uterus. Sometimes the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or cervix will be removed as well. A woman who has had a hysterectomy will no longer have periods and cannot get pregnant.
There are a variety of reasons that women have hysterectomies, including:
It is important to note that having any of these conditions does not necessarily mean that a hysterectomy is necessary. There are other available treatment options in most cases.
Although the uterus is responsible for a period, it is the ovaries that control the hormonal changes that women go through every month. So if a woman has a hysterectomy but keeps her ovaries, she might still experience hormonal swings every month even if she no longer has a period. Alternately, if a younger woman has a hysterectomy where her ovaries as removed, she will essentially be in immediate menopause.
A hysterectomy can be performed traditionally through one large cut in the abdomen, laparoscopically using tiny incisions and small tools, or through the vagina. Full recovery may take four to six weeks. After a hysterectomy, patients might experience sexual changes such as vaginal dryness or a change in libido. It is common to experience strong emotions after a hysterectomy, including both grief and relief. If a patient's ovaries were removed, they may be at higher risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Taking hormonal birth control might reduce this risk.
Pessary
A pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina to relieve symptoms associated with mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which the womb, bladder, or rectum bulges into the vaginal canal. This device is made of either rubber or plastic and is a safe, nonsurgical way to provide support for prolapsed organs.
Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes, and finding the right one can take some trial and error. Before a pessary fitting, patients will be examined and evaluated based on prolapse-related symptoms they may be experiencing, which may include discomfort, urine leakage when sneezing or coughing, and trouble keeping tampons in.
The following tips can help guide the process of finding the right fit:
The device should be kept clean to avoid issues like vaginal odor, discharge, or irritation. To clean a pessary, it must be taken out and washed with soap and water. Healthcare providers will instruct patients on how to remove and reinsert the device. If patients are unable to do this on their own, they will need to get it done at the doctor's office at least once every two months.
Dr. Regina Marie Mitchell, MD graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1995. She completed residency at George Washington University Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and has a state license in Maryland.
Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (1995)
Residency: George Washington University Medical Center (1999)
Board Certification: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Licensed In: Maryland
Dr. Regina Marie Mitchell, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Regina Mitchell is an obstetrics & gynecology specialist in Baltimore, MD. These areas are among her clinical interests: colposcopy, adolescent gynecology, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Before performing her residency at George Washington University Medical Center, Dr. Mitchell attended George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences for medical school. She is professionally affiliated with MedStar Harbor Hospital.