Dr. Alysia Townsend
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Monroe, WI
22 years experience female
About
Bio
Dr. Alysia Townsend is an ob/gyn hospitalist who is currently based at Trinity Hospital in Moline, Illinois with Unitypoint health system. She is board-certified and bilingual (Spanish, English). She is a married mother of five and finds this often helps her connect with her patients.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Doctor Q&A
69 Answers
17 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: During pregnancy there may be significant alteration of function in your digestive tract. For those who have a familial tendency for gallbladder dise... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Yes. Normal physiologic vaginal discharge is odorless. Odor is a sign that there may be an infection or other problem and should be discussed with y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Feeling fatigued during pregnancy is common, especially in the 1st and 3rd trimesters. Although many women have more energy mid-pregnancy that is not... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle affect breast tissue, usually causing increased tenderness in the premenstrual phase. For those with fibr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Yes, it is ok to travel by airplane until your last month of pregnancy, when it is wiser to curtail long distance travel regardless of mode. You shou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Generally, if you are not experiencing vaginal bleeding or cramping it is safe to have sexual intercourse in the first trimester. Other types of sexu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
No: Dieting is not recommended during pregnancy. What you should do is optimize your nutrition by eating a well-balanced diet including lots of fruits an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: In late 2nd trimester the usual warning signs are related to preterm labor, fetal well-being, and preeclampsia. These include but are not limited to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Bladder infections are more concerning in pregnancy due to relaxation of the muscular system in your urinary tract, which may allow bacteria to ascend... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: There are many medications to deal with anxiety. However, i would advise first speaking to your primary care physician, or if pregnant, with your ob/... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
These vary: It is very common to have children later in life. Most pregnancies in women above the age of 30-35 are healthy. Some risks depend on whether or not... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Uterine measurement: The fundal height, which usually is measured after 20 weeks of pregnancy, is the length in CM from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. It is a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Most likely: Unless the confirmed father of the baby is also rh negative, proven by testing, you will continue to need Rhogam with each pregnancy. The only except... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Plan Ahead: You are usually not able to bring other children to the delivery suite during labor, nor would you be able to care for them and manage them. Make a p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: In a normal pregnancy with no identified complications, it is typically safe to have sexual intercourse until the onset of labor. If any high risk pr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
It depends: In the 1st trimester it is common to gain no weight or even lose, typically in the first 3 months weight gain is limited to 10 lbs or less. In the se... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Typically it is safe to continue nursing while pregnant. There may be a decrease in the quantity or quality of your breastmilk at some point. You sh... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Oral, skin, vaginal: There are oral, transdermal, and vaginal delivery systems for the most common forms of hormone replacement therapy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Meds lower risk: There is no way to take the risk of transmitting genital herpes to zero. Using condoms helps, but there are antiviral medications that may be taken t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
4.0-4.5: The normal vaginal ph is in the range of 4.0 to 4.5. This is useful in diagnosing vaginal infections, and vaginal atrophy. These conditions, as well... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Yes, with appropriate shielding and monitoring of your radiation exposure you can safely do so.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
They fall: During the normal aging process these hormones will gradually decrease.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Bartholin cyst: I would recommend you see a physician. This could be the early stages of an infection in your Bartholin's gland.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
It depends: There are several variables as to whether twins are delivered vaginally. Typically if the first twin is head down, a vaginal delivery is an option, b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
No: Recommended weight gain during pregnancy in terms of kg is usually 16-20 kg if underweight, 11-16 kg if normal weight, and under 7 kg if overweight or... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
No: Ace inhibitors are not advised for use in treatment of hypertension during pregnancy due to their association with significant birth defects. Alterna... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
No: I would not recommend or okay smoking at any level during pregnancy. That said, if you can at least decrease your level of tobacco use, it will benef... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
<=28 weeks: Usually you should have selected an obstetrician and received prenatal care since early to mid first trimester. With individual exception, you usuall... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Word of mouth: One of the best ways to choose a healthcare provider is by word of mouth. The recommendations of your friends, family and colleagues can be very usef... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: In the third trimester the usual warning signs are related to preterm labor, fetal wellbeing, and preeclampsia. These include but are not limited to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Local hospital: You usually can find out about the types of birthing, nursing, childcare or sibling classes available in your community through your local hospital o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
No: Usually you will not find a physician comfortable with a trial of labor after 2 cesareans, but it is more likely if you had one or more vaginal births... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: If morphine is indicated for pain relief, for example after a surgery or procedure, it is safe to take during pregnancy/breastfeeding. In most cases,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Depends: Bartholin abscess is usually incised and drained at first diagnosis. Recurrence in less than 6 months usually leads to marsupialization procedure. N... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
May be some overlap: When a pelvic mass or tumor is diagnosed a detailed process, or workup is involved to determine whether it is benign or malignant, often culminating i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Very soon: A woman who is not breastfeeding may ovulate as soon as 3-4 weeks after delivery. A woman who is breastfeeding, depending on how often she is nursing... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
NO!: You should see a healthcare provider who offers pregnancy termination if that is what you are seeking. Placing a NuvaRing will not terminate your pr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Med, early delivery: Intrahepatic cholestasis is usually first noticed when a pregnant woman complains of itching all over the body but no rash. Testing will show abnorma... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Referral: Consider getting second opinion or referral to see an endocrinologist. There is some debate as to whether the higher end of the normal lab range is t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
It can be difficult: It is easy to feel overwhelmed by responsibility and emotion immediately postpartum. All mothers, particularly new mothers, need a support system. W... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Depends on cervix: Before induction your current cervical exam is used as a determinant for which mode of induction. Cervidil is most likely used when the cervix is les... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Ask your doctor: If your child has already been diagnosed with a vitamin or mineral deficiency or other disorder, the pica will resolve when the underlying condition i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Several options: The most recommended therapy is to try over-the-counter 25-50 mg vitamin B6 along with 1/2 doxylamine (unisom) tablet twice a day. Eat small frequent... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Albuterol is safe to use as directed during pregnancy if you have been previously prescribed this for asthma. It is typically only used for acute ast... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
No: Typically, if you have chosen an epidural you will have little sensation if a tear or episiotomy is repaired. If you have been anesthesia-free or you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
No: Chantix is not currently recommended for use in pregnancy as it has not been thoroughly studied. It is category c, and although many medications allo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
No: Combined oral contraceptives are not recommended while breastfeeding as they can decrease the quality or quantity of your breastmilk. Any hormonal co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Yes, it is safe to have a pap test during pregnancy. This is a noninvasive test that poses no risk to the pregnancy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Yes: Yes, but you should limit your intake to the equivalent of two 6 oz cups of coffee daily or 1-2 cola beverages.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Alysia Townsendanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
No: Typically pregnant women, especially early in pregnancy, may notice heightened senses of taste and smell. If you are losing your sense of taste you s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
201
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Townsend is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Townsend is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
What medicine is good for early pregnancy ?
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI
Graduated 2001MD
Residency
RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Awards
HealthTap Founding Doctor
HealthTap Doctor Mom
Affiliations
American College OBGYN
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