expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Jessica G. Scotchie, MD

OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) | Reproductive Endocrinology

Dr. Jessica Scotchie is an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in Chattanooga, TN. Dr. Scotchie specializes in women's health, particularly the female reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, Dr. Scotchie can treat a number of health issues related to the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and breasts. Dr Scotchie can also treat women during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and the postpartum period. In this specialty, doctors focus on reproductive care from puberty through adulthood.
23 years Experience
Dr. Jessica Scotchie, MD
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • University of Florida College of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

What part of the breast hurts in early pregnancy?

There is not a specific part of the breast that hurts in pregnancy, rather, overall the general area of the breast and all of the tissue is a bit more tender due to the hormonal READ MORE
There is not a specific part of the breast that hurts in pregnancy, rather, overall the general area of the breast and all of the tissue is a bit more tender due to the hormonal elevations in pregnancy.

How soon do veins show in pregnancy?

It varies, some patients never have varicose veins develop, others may show it soon depending on their vein health and pre-pregnancy weight. Carrying added weight can increase READ MORE
It varies, some patients never have varicose veins develop, others may show it soon depending on their vein health and pre-pregnancy weight. Carrying added weight can increase the presence of varicose veins.

Why am I discharging more than usual?

Discharge can be normal if it has no odor and is not discolored. If it has an odor, is thick and discolored (yellow or green), or white and clumpy, these can be symptoms of a vaginal READ MORE
Discharge can be normal if it has no odor and is not discolored. If it has an odor, is thick and discolored (yellow or green), or white and clumpy, these can be symptoms of a vaginal infection. If you have associated fevers or pain, these could be symptoms of a more serious uterine infection that needs urgent care. It is important to get an evaluation, you should call your doctor to schedule an exam.

Is it normal to have yellow discharge during pregnancy?

While discharge during pregnancy is common, it should be clear and without any odor. If you have a yellow color discharge you should report to your doctor for further evaluation. READ MORE
While discharge during pregnancy is common, it should be clear and without any odor. If you have a yellow color discharge you should report to your doctor for further evaluation.

How do babies breathe in the womb after the water breaks?

They don't breathe until after delivery. Their blood supply and oxygen continue to come from the placenta and umbilical cord.

How much time do I have after my water breaks?

It varies widely on each patient, we recommend patients call their doctor when their water breaks.

How does your period look if you are pregnant?

You shouldn't have a period if you're pregnant. If you're having some bleeding, you should talk to your doctor.

Can you bleed like a period in early pregnancy?

Yes, it can be a sign of a problem, but can also occur while the pregnancy is still doing well, you should contact your OB to have an evaluation and make sure the pregnancy is READ MORE
Yes, it can be a sign of a problem, but can also occur while the pregnancy is still doing well, you should contact your OB to have an evaluation and make sure the pregnancy is progressing well.

Is it possible to get your period first month of pregnancy?

No, you can have bleeding in early pregnancy but it isn’t possible to have a period when you are pregnant.

Can a pregnant woman catch covid-19?

That is a great question, yes, pregnant women absolutely can catch COVID-19. Pregnant women are slightly immune compromised during pregnancy, and while many patients that are pregnant READ MORE
That is a great question, yes, pregnant women absolutely can catch COVID-19. Pregnant women are slightly immune compromised during pregnancy, and while many patients that are pregnant are young and may do OK despite having the coronavirus, we do not yet know the impact on the health of the baby and the increased risks in pregnancy. We strongly recommend patients take extra precautions to prevent getting Covid by frequent handwashing, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, practicing social distancing and using masks.

Are my monthly pregnancy appointments canceled due to covid-19?

Congratulations on your pregnancy. You should be able to reach your OBGYN despite COVID, I would encourage you to call and inquire on your specific clinic’s policies to continue READ MORE
Congratulations on your pregnancy. You should be able to reach your OBGYN despite COVID, I would encourage you to call and inquire on your specific clinic’s policies to continue to see patients and provide prenatal care during the pandemic. If you have an emergency and cannot reach your provider, you should go to an emergency room.

Is it bad to only eat twice a day while pregnant?

It's not bad, most pregnant women feel better by eating small meals spread out through the day but it's not dangerous to only twice.

Can you hear a baby while in the womb?

Interesting question, but no you can't hear a baby make sounds, I suppose you could hear them move if your ear was on the belly. They don't have the ability to make vocal sounds READ MORE
Interesting question, but no you can't hear a baby make sounds, I suppose you could hear them move if your ear was on the belly. They don't have the ability to make vocal sounds given there's no air in the womb, they're living in fluid.

Can I eat cooked sushi while pregnant?

Yes, cooked sushi is fine to eat.

Why soft drinks are bad during pregnancy?

It's not that soft drinks are terrible in pregnancy, they’re just not great sources of hydration and nutrition in general. They have added sweeteners and calories and the carbonation READ MORE
It's not that soft drinks are terrible in pregnancy, they’re just not great sources of hydration and nutrition in general. They have added sweeteners and calories and the carbonation can increase the gas and bloating a lot of pregnant women get anyway. Pregnancy makes women prone to developing diabetes (gestational diabetes), so limiting excess sugar such as that in soft drinks and juice can help your blood sugar levels be more well controlled. This in turn helps limit cravings and can help decrease your risk of diabetes, which can cause complications for you and the baby.

Why are my ovulation tests always negative?

You may not be ovulating, this can be from a variety of hormonal disorders. If you are having regular cycles but not getting positive ovulation tests, then you may not be testing READ MORE
You may not be ovulating, this can be from a variety of hormonal disorders. If you are having regular cycles but not getting positive ovulation tests, then you may not be testing at the best times during the cycle, try testing starting a few days after your period ends and continue for up to 2 weeks to see if that makes a difference. If you are still not getting positive tests, or if you have irregular cycles, you need to seek medical evaluation.

Can you ovulate 48 hours after LH surge?

If you happened to detect the very beginning of the surge it is possible, but usually the surge precedes ovulation by 24-36 hours.

Will an ovulation test show positive if pregnant?

Usually an ovulation test will show a positive result when the LH hormone (which prompts ovulation) is elevated. A urine pregnancy test detects HCG (the hormone made by pregnancy READ MORE
Usually an ovulation test will show a positive result when the LH hormone (which prompts ovulation) is elevated. A urine pregnancy test detects HCG (the hormone made by pregnancy tissue). HCG and LH are very similar biochemically, if levels are very high rarely there may be some cross reactivity. The best thing to do if you think you’re pregnant is check a pregnancy test.

What causes a woman to release two eggs?

Releasing to eggs occurs when two follicles respond to the hormone signaling from the brain (FSH) that tells the ovaries to develop an egg for ovulation. It is a random event. READ MORE
Releasing to eggs occurs when two follicles respond to the hormone signaling from the brain (FSH) that tells the ovaries to develop an egg for ovulation. It is a random event. It does happen more frequently when women are on medications that affect ovulation. It also sometimes happens more frequently in women among older reproductive ages because they begin to have naturally elevated levels of FSH related to declining ovarian function and this can sometimes cause two eggs to be released.