Women's Health
Understanding the Benefits of Cord Blood Banking
By Lisa M. Karamardian, MD, FACOG, Jeffrey M. Carlton Endowed Chair in Women’s Health, in honor of Dr. Anne M. Kent and medical director of Maternal Child Health When you’re expecting a baby, there are so many exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) decisions to make — and one you might not know about is whether to store … Read More
Published On: July 28, 2025
Tags: Story,Women's Health
Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Option
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition that affects many women, especially after childbirth or during menopause. Often underdiagnosed or mistaken for other issues, recognizing the symptoms of POP—such as pelvic pressure, urinary problems, or a bulge near the vaginal opening—can make a significant difference in receiving the right treatment. Understanding the different types … Read More
Published On: July 24, 2025
Tags: Story,Women's Health
Every Second Counts: Hoag’s rapid response team and cutting-edge technology saves a first-time mom and her baby
Michelle Wood remembers the moment the routine labor and delivery of her baby boy became anything but routine. “As my husband likes to say, he stepped out of the room for 45 seconds, and when he returned, my bed was surrounded.” Michelle’s blood pressure and her baby’s heart rate had suddenly plummeted, a scenario that … Read More
Published On: June 25, 2025
Tags: Story,Women's Health
5 Things that Happen to Your Heart During Pregnancy
Expecting a new baby can make your heart sing – but it also makes your heart work harder and undergo some significant changes. Here OB/GYN, Jeffrey S. Illeck, MD, shares what you should know to keep you and your baby safe and healthy throughout your pregnancy. The heart builds more mass Your heart doesn’t … Read More
Published On: May 30, 2025
Tags: Story,Women's Health
Hoag Empowers New Mom to Advocate for Her Baby–And for Others
Sonia Mann Lehl began advocating for herself and her baby the minute her water broke in the middle of the night, just before Thanksgiving 2022. Although she was only 24 weeks and five days pregnant—and hadn’t experienced her water breaking for the births of her two older sons—she knew what was happening. And she knew … Read More
Published On: May 9, 2025
Protecting Your Mental Health During the Fertility Journey
Fertility challenges go beyond the empty nursery room walls. Those struggling to conceive often experience stress, guilt, feeling helpless and depression. Taking care of your mental health throughout the fertility journey is essential—and it is possible. Psychological support and counseling have been found to decrease the negative emotions associated with fertility challenges. “The desire to … Read More
Published On: April 22, 2025
Tags: Story,Women's Health
A Stroke and Heart Condition While Pregnant: How Hoag’s care team saved a patient’s life and her baby
When Sonia revealed to her father over dinner that she was seven weeks pregnant with her second child, he was so overwhelmed with joy that he bought wine for the entire restaurant. The following morning, his excitement quickly turned to terror. “The next call he gets from me was from the ambulance telling him I’m … Read More
Published On: April 15, 2025
When a Hoag ER Nurse Became a Patient: How a cancer diagnosis saved her life and her family
When Amy Rudder first noticed a lump in her right breast, she wasn’t concerned. At just 27, the Hoag ER nurse thought she was too young to have breast cancer. Her perspective shifted dramatically, however, after she met with Hoag OB-GYN Brooke Hargrove, M.D., who ordered an ultrasound. “I made the mistake of looking over … Read More
Published On: April 15, 2025
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: How Women Can Prioritize Their Health
If the term “self-care” conjures up images of white fluffy robes and luxurious spas, you might be surprised to learn that your colonoscopy is also a form of self-care. So is showing up for your annual mammogram, Pap smear and yearly physical exam. And that exercise class that helps keep your weight in check, that’s … Read More
Published On: March 28, 2025
Hoag Recognized For Excellence in Obstetric Anesthesia Care at Both Hospitals
NEWPORT BEACH/IRVINE, Calif. [March 28, 2025] — Hoag is proud to announce its recent recognition by the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP). Hoag Hospital Newport Beach has been redesignated as a SOAP Center of Excellence (COE), following its initial designation in 2020, and Hoag Hospital Irvine has achieved its first-time designation as a … Read More
Published On: March 28, 2025
Tags: Women's Health