Caring for women throughout all stages of life since 1970

Practice Updates

Tylenol Use in Pregnancy

The recent announcement by HHS regarding acetaminophen (Tylenol) use is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) agree that pregnant patients can continue to rely on acetaminophen for managing pain and fever.

As many who are familiar with autism know, autism is primarily genetically established before birth through complex factors beyond anyone’s control. A nationwide Swedish cohort study of nearly 2.5 million children, born between 1995 and 2019, found no significant association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability after accounting for familial and medical confounders. The authors concluded that the previously reported associations between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders are likely attributable to familial or genetic confounding rather than a causal effect of the drug.

The risks of untreated fever during pregnancy are well-established. Fevers above 100.4F in the first trimester are proven to increase risk of miscarriage, neural tube defects, congenital heart issues, stillbirth, and preterm delivery. Other options like ibuprofen are not recommended in pregnancy as they can cause serious complications in your baby.

Whenever taking any medication, the goal is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. If you need to use acetaminophen for more than a few days or you have any concerns, please contact your provider here at Simmonds, Martin & Helmbrecht of Advantia.

We are committed to the safety of you and your baby.

For additional guidance and evidence-based resources on this topic, we encourage you to explore the following trusted organizations:

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Statement
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Statement

Introducing: High-risk Pregnancy Care at SMH

We are excited to introduce the expansion of the MFM & Genetics of Advantia team to support our Frederick and Rockville locations with high-quality care for high-risk pregnancies. Laura Parikh, MD, FACOG, MFM specialist, and Jennifer Razak, MGC, CGC, licensed, certified genetic counselor, will begin seeing SMH patients starting in late July 2025.

Your SMH provider will provide additional information to you as appropriate during the course of your pregnancy, or if you are planning to become pregnant. We are fortunate to have access to this team to help ensure better pregnancy outcomes.

Damascus Office Update

We recently reopened our Damascus location at the same convenient address:
26005 Ridge Rd #200, Damascus, MD 20872
Location Details

You can call us now at (301) 414-2300 to book an appointment at that location. Many of our trusted providers are seeing patients there.

Expanded Mammography Services Now Available

We are excited to announce that diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasound services are now available at our Frederick location (with a provider’s order). This is in addition to our 3D screening mammogram capabilities, which offer more precise breast cancer detection, in the same place as your trusted OB/GYN healthcare team. Call us today and make your appointment! (301) 414-2300

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We are also thrilled to introduce an optional add-on service to screening mammograms called SecondReadAI. It uses advanced artificial intelligence to assist the radiologist who is already reviewing your images. It is an additional tool that helps identify subtle changes that might be harder to detect with the human eye alone, increasing detection of early-stage breast cancer by as much as 15%.

Navigating Insurance Changes

If you have been impacted by recent insurance coverage changes, our team is here to help you access the care you need. Please contact our office to learn about self-pay options and other resources. You may also be eligible for public or private coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Download this brochure or visit HealthCare.gov to learn more.

Our Wellness Partnership With KORB Health

Due to a high volume of interest regarding access to GLP-1 weight loss medication such as Ozempic® (semaglutide) and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), we’ve partnered with KORB Health to offer access to a program featuring semaglutide or tirzepatide, supporting healthy weight loss and management:

1. Telehealth consultation with a KORB Health provider and ongoing care team support
2. Semaglutide or tirzepatide medication delivered to your doorstep
3. Nutrition & fitness recommendations
4. Strategies to help you overcome challenges and stay motivated
5. All-inclusive monthly pricing – Semaglutide $269/month or Tirzepatide $399/month (HSA eligible)

Additionally, KORB Health offers free live webinars with their Chief Health & Wellness Officer, Dave Appel, via the Circle app. The recorded webinars are exclusively available on their patient community app called Circle, providing access to valuable resources such as recipes, exercise videos, and more.

This program isn’t just for our patients – it’s also available for friends and family seeking supportive wellness solutions. Click below to schedule a free consultation.