Dr. Maryellen Smith
Maryellen Smith is a practicing gynecologist and a mother of teenage triplet boys. She has been a "hot 500" author on Yahoo! Contributer Network several times and earned the "top 1000 badge" in 2010 and 2011. She enjoys reading, sewing, travel and the internet when not working or trying to keep up with those active boys. She also blogs at http://dr-lasermed.blogspot.com/ .
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- Contributor since
- 9/5/2009
Featured Contributor
- Health & Wellness
Education/Experience
MD from a southern school, OB/GYN residency in the north, 25 + yrs private practice, Mom of triplets 17+ yrsInterests
Women s health, special needs children, families with multiples, crafts, science fiction, murder mysteries.Motto
They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle. I just wish s/he didn't trust me so much!Affiliations
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Featured Content (1 of 1)
Displaying Results 1 - 77 (of 77) for All Content
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Uterine Fibroids and FertilityUterine fibroids are very common. The question is, "do they affect your fertility?" This article attempts to answer that question. It gives you some information on different treatments you might want to research before talking to your doctor.
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Second trimester normal pregnancy body changesPregnancy is divided into three "trimesters". Each has distinct differences. This article discusses the changes you can expect during the second trimester. For month counters it's 3rd-6th. For week counters, it's 13 to 28 weeks.
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What happens if you have fibroids and are pregnant?Many women have fibroids. This article describes what happens if you are pregnant with a fibroid. Some women will have minor problems like cramps or spotting. Others may have major problems like preterm delivery or placental abruption.
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How to Recognize Heart Disease in WomenWomen have different symptoms when we have heart disease than men do. This article talks about how women can tell they have heart problems.
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What you should know about placenta previaPlacenta previa is one of the major causes of bleeding during pregnancy. This article explains what it is and how it is treated.
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Choosing a Birth Location – Hospital Vs. HomeAn obstetrician and mother of triplets describes when a pregnancy can only safely be delivered in a hospital.
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Normal pregnancy body changes -- first trimesterA woman's body undergoes some amazing changes during the journey called pregnancy. These are the most common things to expect in the first trimester (12 weeks). Enjoy the changes as your baby grows.
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Making sense of multiple birth babies – identical or fraternal?People get confused about whether multiple birth babies are identical or fraternal. This article explains the difference and lists some of the common problems with each type.
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What is a breech birth?This article describes the different types of breech presentations (frank, complete and footling). It also explains some of the common causes of breech presentation and discusses delivery options.
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An OB mom’s morning sickness tipsWhen I was pregnant with my triplets, I had plenty of time to use the tips for nausea I had been giving my obstetric patients for years. It lasted the entire pregnancy. I hope this helps.
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Too sweet? Results of not controlling your blood sugarDiabetes is a rapidly growing health problem. This is the basics for those who are newly diagnosed with "being too sweet."
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The Doctor - Patient Relationship and How it is ChangingI have been practicing medicine for over 25 years. Many things have changed. This is a glimpse at how the doctor-patient relationship has changed from my viewpoint.
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What Does My Doctor Mean when He Says..This article translates a few of the more common phrases you may hear from your physician into normal person speech.
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The Effect of Praise on a Tired Care Giver or ParentThis article shows the effect that just a few words of praise or commiseration can have on someone who is dealing with a difficult situation. Try it sometime. You'll make someone's day. -
The Effect of Music and Arts Education, a Life Long RewardEducation in the arts is undervalued in today's school system in my opinion. Music, painting, etc can reward a person for their entire life and deserve more emphasis in our schools.
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Multiple Pregnancy: The Roller Coaster of Twins, Triplets or MoreAs the mom of triplets and an obstetrician, I know that a pregnancy of twins, triplets or more is exciting and scary. This article explains some of the things you can do to have a healthy pregnancy.Also published on:
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Preparing Your Autistic Child for New Doctor Office VisitsAutistic children, adolescents and adults can have difficulty with new doctors and dentists. This article shares some tips I have learned over the years. -
Arthritis Symptoms and TreatmentsArthritis is a common painful condition of the joints anywhere in the body. This article is a general overview of general symptoms and things that can be done to help with the disease. -
Helping Your Triplets or Twins Become Different IndividualsWhen you give birth to twins, triplets or more, they tend to get grouped together. This article talks about some ways you can help them become separate and individual. -
Doctor's Office Economics '" Solo Practice in 2010As a doctor, I find that my patients have no idea why fees have risen so much over the last 25 years. This article tries to explain some of the reasons. -
What Can You Do to Prevent Breast Cancer?Breast cancer is a common and scary diagnosis for women. You can make some adjustments to your life now to help prevent cancer. Don't forget to do your screening.
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Things Insurance Companies and the Government Have Changed About MedicineMedical care has changed based on government and insurance regulations. This is how things look from the inside. This is what most patients don't see. -
Vaccines - Why Should You Bother?Many people do not realize why we vaccinate children and adults. This article discusses common vaccines and the diseases they prevent. -
New Doctor's Offices FeesDoctor's practice has changed over the years. Insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies have made many things much more time consuming. You are going to have to pay for the time these things take.
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I'm a Doctor, Not a "Provider"As a "doctor", I get a bit annoyed by being called a "provider". This groups me with a bunch of professionals who have a lot less education and training.
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Autistic Children and RoutinesAutistic children and adults seem to respond well to routines in their life. This article discusses some of our routines and what happens when they are disturbed.
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How to Have a Happy and Productive IEP Meeting (Really)IEP meetings are scary and can be confrontational. If you get to know the staff and issues before the meeting, you can actually be productive and get some of the things your child needs.
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Bedrest During PregnancyMany pregnant women have to go on bedrest. This article explains the benefits as well as some practical suggestions for surviving the experience.
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Chronic Pain Vs. Acute PainMany patients confuse the treatments for acute and chronic pain. Lots of people want a pill for every ache. This is a discussion of the differences in treatment with emphasis on non narcotic pain treatment.
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Screening Tests for Your HealthMany people are confused about what tests and screening examinations are important for their health. This article addresses basic tests and examinations that everyone should have. -
Grief and the Grieving ProcessThis is the personal side of the loss of both of my parents in the last two years.
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The Creative Writing ProcessIt is mysterious to many people exactly how articles, books, etc. are written. This is the process that one author goes through to put something together for publication. -
A Season's Diary of an Amateur Choir SingerI sing with an amateur women's choir. This is the experience of one "season" with our group from my standpoint. It's a lot of work, but lots of fun and very rewarding. -
Gift Giving Suggestions for Mothers Expecting MultiplesThese are some suggestions about things you can do and gifts you can give to a Mom who is expecting triplets or more. All these things helped immensely with my pregnancy and are very practical. Kid tested.
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Men's Changing Place in Reproductive HealthMen's roles in reproductive health have changed in the last generation-from passing out cigars after delivery to actively participating in the childbirth experience. Other changes are coming. -
Intra Uterine Device: Everything You Should Know If You Are Considering OneIUD's are becoming more popular for birth control. This article describes the two available IUDS, indications and contraindications as well as how the IUD is inserted and removed. -
Ten Tips on Talking to the Doctor when Your Family Member is SickWhen you have a sick family member, everyone in the family wants to know how things are going. These are tips on keeping the communication flowing with a minimum of frustration on both sides.
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"Fraternal" Triplets - How Different Are They?Most people are fascinated by twins, triplets and more. This is the "inside story" of the similarities and differences when the babies come more than one at a time. From a Mom who's been there.
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Vitamin Challenges If You Are Having Twins or MoreVitamins and minerals play an important part in normal pregnancy. The requirements are different if you have twins, triplets or more. This article explains why and what you should do.
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Diet Challenges While Having Twins or MoreThis article focuses on general nutrition if you are pregnant with multiples. These suggestions can help extend the length of the pregnancy and help the babies grow bigger.
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How to Avoid Anemia During PregnancyUp to 80% of pregnant women are anemic at one point during pregnancy. This article explains why we worry and some ways you can help prevent this common problem.
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Abnormal Pap Smears - What They MeanYou got the pap smear result from your doctor and you are confused. This article will explain what a pap is and what the terms and results mean.
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Abnormal Pap Smear - What You Should Do NextOnce you have an abnormal pap smear, you need to have more things done. This article talks about the testing you might need and some of the treatments for the abnormal pap.
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Supporting Your Local School Band or Athletic ProgramThe band has to support itself. Music programs are not a priority in public schools. These are some of the creative ways we have raised money and how it has impacted our kids.
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15 More Things Your Doctor Wants You to Know Before Your VisitThese are some suggestions from my experience and conversations with other doctors about things that you as a patient should think about or do before you come to your next office visit.
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10 Tips from a Doctor and a Mom on when to Get a Second OpinionThere are times when it is appropriate to get a second opinion. There are other times when you just need to recheck how you are following your treatment plan. The most important thing is your health.
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Autism and Social Interactions During the Teen YearsAutistic individuals don't instinctively pick up on social cues. Their interactions with the world are often quite childlike and innocent. This can be startling coming out of an adult body.
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Ten Tips on Talking to Families with Disabled or "Different" ChildrenI have lived in the special world of autism for over 13 years. This article summarizes some of the things I have learned about dealing with "special" or "different" children and adults.
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10 Interesting Things to Know About Author's PseudonymsA pseudonym is defined as a fictitious name used by an author to conceal his or her identity. The current rage of "screen names" is a modern version of pseudonyms. Pseudonyms are also used by actors, soldiers, radio DJ's, musicians, and even Popes.
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Ten Tips for Dealing with Chronic PainThere are many things you can do for yourself if you have chronic pain. You can also work together with your doctor to minimize your pain and maximize your physical function.
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Does Estrogen Affect Hair Loss?Estrogen is an important factor in hair growth for women. It keeps the hair in the growth phase longer and helps keep more hairs growing. When estrogen is stopped (naturally or artificially), hair loss often results.
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How Long Does Hair Loss Last After Pregnancy?Hair grows extra thick during pregnancy. After delivery, the hormones drop, causing some estrogen related hair loss. Lack of sleep and poor eating habits plus some of new Mom's hair care habits all contribute to hair loss after baby.
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and MultiplesOne of my triplet boys has ADD. Because he is so bright, it took a long time to make the diagnosis. He has done very well on medication. He tells me it helps him focus well at school and other activities.
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Free Health Care ServicesDoctors and their offices have been providing lots of "free" services that insurance companies refuse to pay for but are time consuming. These are examples. Expect to see fees for services that take up your doctor's time.
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Parents - What You Need to Know About Teenage GirlsThese are some of the things I have learned about teenage girls as a provider of reproductive health care over the years. And some of the things they have taught me.
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Raising a Child with AutismMy first triplet is autistic. This is part of the journey of being the Mom of a very bright child with autism. He has bloomed over the years. He is now a 15 year old Sophmore who just got his class ring!
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Drug Seeking Patient BehaviorsRecently, I have had more patients coming in trying to get prescriptions for narcotics (opioids). These are some of the things that have happened in my office. Conservative, middle American me, used to be surprised. Now I'm "on to these people".
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Outings with Triplets - It's like Herding Cats!Taking three small children anywhere can be an interesting experience. They don't always stay where they are supposed to be!
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Avoiding Medication Errors and Loss - Ten TipsThis article contains tips on caring for your prescription medications at home and while traveling, including how not to have it stolen, how you should carry it and when you should fill it before traveling.
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Endometrial Biopsy - What it is and How it is DoneHaving done many endometrial biopsies, and had a couple of them myself, this is a description of what to expect. This is what I tell my patients.
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What to Say (and Not to Say) to the Family with Twins, Triplets or MoreMy triplets are fifteen years old. This article is some advice about things that parents of multiple birth children want to hear and don't want to hear.
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10 Things Your Insurance Company Won't Tell You About Insurance PaymentsInsurance companies have changed over the years. It's now much more difficult to get them to pay an office bill. This is one doctor's version of what goes on in 2009.
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My Opinion on the New Mammogram Recommendations 2009The "new" mammogram recommendations are a radical departure from the currently accepted screening recommendations and are not accepted by all doctors.
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Raising Triplets, the Early YearsRaising triplets is an interesting journey. These are just a few of the fun things that occurred when my children were small. Enjoy.
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Autism and MultiplesI knew there was something different about my autistic son very early because he is one of triplet brothers. This is part of the story.
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5 Tips for Talking to Your Children About SexMany parents find it difficult to talk to their children about sex and their bodies. If you start when they are little and become comfortable with the language, it becomes part of the learning process
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15 Things I Learned During My Triplet PregnancyA triplet pregnancy has some aspects of a normal pregnancy and some things are magnified. These are some personal observations from both sides, as I am also an obstetrician.
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Doctor's Office Phone Call EtiquetteThe receptionist is your first contact with a doctor's office. These are some tips for how to make your interaction work better and maximize your visit scheduling.
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Why to Go to the Gynecologist If You Had a Hysterectomy?Just because a woman has had a hysterectomy doesn't mean she should stop seeing the gynecologist. The GYN is a great source of information on women's health care.
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Things that Make Your Doctor CrazyAs a practicing gynecologist for 25 years, I have tried hard to work with my patients to improve their health. These are a few things that sabotage the doctor-patient relationship.
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Lullabies - Memories from My Children's Younger YearsI spent hours singing my children lullabies. But I found it hard to find all the words to the songs. Here they are.
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Tips to Make Your Doctor's Visit Run SmoothlyA few minutes of preparation and organization before you go to a new doctor's office will help make the whole process go easier. Keep those notes for each time and the office staff will love seeing you as a new patient.
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Mammograms - the Whole StoryThe "dreaded" mammogram - what it is, when you should do it, how it is done, and what the results mean
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Confessions of a High School Band MomHigh school band is a character building experience for parents as well as kids. I hate football but love the band.
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What Moms Do for Their Kids when They Are SickI recently tangled with the flu. Or a semi trailer truck. And I had to go watch my boys march at halftime at the high school football game. Such fun!
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Ten Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Annual Gynecologist VisitTake a few minutes to get organized and answer some of these questions before your annual GYN visit. You'll be glad you did.
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6 Helpful Tips If Your Friend is Having Twins, Triplets or More!As the mother of now 15 year old triplets, I remember the first few months at home. These are a few tips to help organize a household with multiple blessings.
