Caring for the
whole woman for
over 25 years.

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 Heartland Women’s Healthcare 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

Expanded Mammography Services Now Available

We are excited to announce that diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasound services are now available at our Shiloh 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! (618) 997-5266

---

Heartland Women’s Healthcare is 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%.

Free Pregnancy Classes

Heartland Women’s Healthcare of Advantia has partnered with The Baby Academy to offer you online classes, free through your insurance (with no deductibles or co-pay). Classes are led by experienced women’s healthcare professionals and taken from the comfort of your home!

Improving Patient Comfort with Advanced Pain Management Solutions

We are excited to announce that we now offer comprehensive pain management solutions for select services. Our goal is to ensure your comfort and well-being through innovative techniques and personalized care plans. Visit our Pain Management Solutions page to learn more about how we can help you manage and alleviate discomfort effectively. Your comfort is our priority.