expert type icon EXPERT

R. Afiba Arthur

OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)

Dr. R. Afiba Arthur is an obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in Lodi, California. Dr. Arthur specializes in women's health, particularly the female reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, Dr. Arthur can treat a number of health issues related to the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and breasts. Dr Arthur can also treat women during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and the postpartum period. In this specialty, doctors focus on reproductive care from puberty through adulthood.
R. Afiba Arthur
  • Woodland, CA
  • Meharry Medical College/MD
  • Accepting new patients

Is fertility reduced with spina bifida?

It shouldn't, unless it's severe enough to cause neurologic problems which could manifest as erectile dysfunction.

How popular are water births?

The potential benefit for the mother is that staying in water during labor may help reduce pain. There are however concerns of harm to the baby being delivered in water. Delivery READ MORE
The potential benefit for the mother is that staying in water during labor may help reduce pain. There are however concerns of harm to the baby being delivered in water. Delivery at home is generally not recommended because labor is dynamic and complications can occur. Some hospitals have water baths for labor, so you will have to find out what your hospital offers.

I hope this helps.

Is pregnancy possible after chemotherapy?

Her ability to get pregnant depends on whether the chemotherapy completely wiped out her ovarian function. If she is having periods, then her ovaries are fine and she should be READ MORE
Her ability to get pregnant depends on whether the chemotherapy completely wiped out her ovarian function. If she is having periods, then her ovaries are fine and she should be able to conceive. Breastfeeding will not be possible if she had a double mastectomy. She will need to discuss with her cancer doctor, her treatment goals and her pregnancy plans.

What if I miss a week straight of birth control pills?

Hi there, Since you have already missed a week, you can either wait to have a period like you would have during the placebo pill week or you can go on to another packet. Either READ MORE
Hi there,
Since you have already missed a week, you can either wait to have a period like you would have during the placebo pill week or you can go on to another packet. Either option is fine depending on how close your period will be from your last one.
I hope this helps.

What is cerclage?

A cerclage is a involves sewing the cervix in a purse-string fashion to keep the cervix closed. This is usually done for people who have a weak cervix that tries to open spontaneously(usually READ MORE
A cerclage is a involves sewing the cervix in a purse-string fashion to keep the cervix closed. This is usually done for people who have a weak cervix that tries to open spontaneously(usually without any pain) instead of staying closed until labor ensues.
A cerclage does not prevent miscarriages that are associated with pain/cramps and bleeding.

RA and pregnancy

You will need to keep your rheumatologist up-to-date on your plans for having kids. Your medications may then need to be changed to one that is safer. Remember, this will also READ MORE
You will need to keep your rheumatologist up-to-date on your plans for having kids. Your medications may then need to be changed to one that is safer. Remember, this will also depend on what you have taken in the past and how well your disease is controlled. However, most immune disorders tend to remain dormant during pregnancy and this is usually the case with RA. The tricky part is management of the disease while you are trying to conceive and your rheumatologist's expertise will be crucial.

Vaginal delivery after cesarean

She may attempt a vaginal delivery depending on the circumstances. For instance, not all hospitals allow a trial of labor after a C-Section. Hospitals are supposed to have 24-hour READ MORE
She may attempt a vaginal delivery depending on the circumstances. For instance, not all hospitals allow a trial of labor after a C-Section. Hospitals are supposed to have 24-hour anesthesia and obstetric services due to the risk involved. The kind of scar a person has on the uterus also determines who is and who is not a candidate. So she needs to discuss with her doctor why she is not a candidate, she more than likely has a good reason.

Hope this helps.

Bed rest

You are not supposed to be in bed 24 hours a day, when you are on bed rest. Some movement like walking to the bathroom, kitchen etc. is recommended. The goal of bed rest is to READ MORE
You are not supposed to be in bed 24 hours a day, when you are on bed rest. Some movement like walking to the bathroom, kitchen etc. is recommended. The goal of bed rest is to keep you from doing strenuous activities like lifting heavy items, cleaning your house etc.

Hope this helps.

Is my constipation normal?

Hormonal causes of constipation in females are usually related to pregnancy and the thyroid. It will be helpful if you could keep a journal for 2-3 months to show what you are READ MORE
Hormonal causes of constipation in females are usually related to pregnancy and the thyroid. It will be helpful if you could keep a journal for 2-3 months to show what you are eating on a daily basis, where you are in your menstrual cycle, physical activity level. This will help determine if there are any significant changes in your life that contribute to these episodes of constipation.

How much Colace can I take while pregnant?

You can take 300mg of colace daily. It is okay to take Metamucil as needed. Dulcolax will also be ok to take while pregnant. None of these have been shown to be harmful to the READ MORE
You can take 300mg of colace daily. It is okay to take Metamucil as needed. Dulcolax will also be ok to take while pregnant. None of these have been shown to be harmful to the baby. It is however very important to have a diet that is high in fiber (fruits, vegetables and whole grains).

Breast cancer biopsy

The recommended initial biopsy of choice for a breast mass or any abnormality seen on a mammogram is a core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration, in the case of a cyst. This READ MORE
The recommended initial biopsy of choice for a breast mass or any abnormality seen on a mammogram is a core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration, in the case of a cyst. This is because this has fewer risks. The results of this biopsy will then determine if further surgery is needed.

Airport security and being pregnant

Just tell them that you are pregnant and they will not put you through the scanner. You will likely end up with a pat down.

Skin rash during pregnancy?

There are several rashes that pregnant women can get and not all of them are caused by the pregnancy. The best way to determine what it is or could be, is to have your doctor take READ MORE
There are several rashes that pregnant women can get and not all of them are caused by the pregnancy.
The best way to determine what it is or could be, is to have your doctor take a look at it. The appropriate tests can be ordered if needed.
Thanks

What's the earliest I can get a mammogram?

The most important question to answer at this point is if there a genetic disorder for breast, ovarian cancer and even other cancers in the family. So you need to see your doctor READ MORE
The most important question to answer at this point is if there a genetic disorder for breast, ovarian cancer and even other cancers in the family. So you need to see your doctor to discuss this in detail. The breast cancer screening tests that you will need will depend on whether you have a genetic mutation or not.
Thank you.

Did my dental x-rays harm my baby? (first trimester)

It is very unlikely that the Dental X-ray you had done will harm your baby at 2 months. This is because at 2 months, the womb that your baby is in is small enough that it ends READ MORE
It is very unlikely that the Dental X-ray you had done will harm your baby at 2 months. This is because at 2 months, the womb that your baby is in is small enough that it ends up being protected by your pubic bone. Also, the fact that the X-ray was not to the abdomen makes it even less likely that your baby had any exposure.