About
Bio
PAMELA R. YODER, MD, PhD WebMD's first only women's health editor and medical editor for imaging. Founding chair of Healthy Living and of Women's Health Channels, Revolution. HealthTap's first chief engagement officer and, in spare time, founding "exceptional" medical expert. Board-certified OBGYN specialist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine subspecialist Clinical and behavioral psychologist. Former faculty OBGYN U Chicago, Tufts, U I Chicago, Medicine Kinesiology U Illinois. Behavior analyst, consultant and content creator. Please click on my links for updates on health, fitness and nutrition for women and their families.
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.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Doctor Q&A
597 Answers
313 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Yes: Sometimes OB providers will break the amniotic sac ("bag of waters") to bring on labor. Other techniques can also be used, with varying success. Or ox... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
8c of any liquids: The typical recommended amount of fluid to take in daily is around 8 cups. That includes water, milk, juice, other beverages & liquid from foods like ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Yes: Women know their bodies and might be familiar with many types of vaginal discharge. However, an unusual one or a new one should be evaluated by a prof... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
IF fit-2 main things: Being involved in a fitness activity is a consideration for pregnant women in stable health with no complications who have time and want to exercise (... 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. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Antibiotics help : Women with gbs (group b streptococcus) in urine or vaginal or rectal colonization have increased risk of kidney infection, preterm birth, infection in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Need more info: Records from the primary care doctor, surgeon, any pt and other doctors plus operative notes and imaging reports or films need to be seen by a special... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Some in your kitchen: Even ginger is one. But many OB providers don't recommend them because they lack evidence of the effectiveness of many alternative therapies. Likewise... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
NO: Pregnancy is one of the best times to kick the habit. There are many reasons to avoid tobacco smoke, and the best one of all is to give your baby a he... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
No: This mom-to-be banked blood of close friends who were o neg (for baby at birth) and family members for herself. But that was due to high risk of recur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Stay connected, etc.: I suggest staying connected digitally with people known irl and connect with moms in similar situations on sites that protect privacy and confidential... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old male asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Thanks for asking.: If you are a doctor, welcome! you can read the information on sharing, check out tappenings or contact the very helpful staff at healthtap to find way... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Balance, as in life: Most nutrition experts advise a balanced diet for brain and body. If pregnant or breastfeeding, a woman who is a vegan should seek a referral to a reg... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Arrhythmia: An abnormal rhythm of the heart which can be detected by listening, checking pulse, doing ekg or imaging. There can be many causes and effects. I will... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Protect you, family: Please stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds. Use sunscreen protection and wear clothing and hats to cover the body. Have checks of your skin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
The plain facts: In order to keep as healthy as possible and maintain a normal weight and blood glucose level, a person must follow a strict diet designed by an expert... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
In delivery room: If needed, it is best if a surgical procedure (like epis) is performed under sterile or the cleanest conditions possible. That would typically be in a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Birth defect: Congenital anomaly is an anatomic abnormality present at birth. There are many conditions that place a baby at risk for having one, but often the caus... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Geneticist can help: Parents in consultation with the OB and peds doctors may choose to keep private what they discuss and learn. In general, if a newborn has appearance t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
U can but should u?: A woman needs to nourish herself and her fetus(es) when pregnant. It is probably best for her to speak with an experienced OB or nutritionist about wh... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
No: Women who ovulate can conceive this way. Contraception can reduce the chances of getting pregnant, and some types also decrease risk of sexually trans... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Gyn exam if bumps: A good approach for a woman with occasional 'lesions' is to schedule an appointment with gyn or primary care doctor. Often, however, the bumps go away... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Dilated vessels: Many blood vessels 'relax' and dilate due to pregnancy hormones or pressure. Some never go back to the way they were before pregnancy. Eg, note the nu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Breastfeeding helps: The body of a woman who has delivered a baby changes in many ways. Some of those are permanent changes in the structure or function. But it might take... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Girl? Boy? Bon bon?: An ultrasound exam in the second or third trimester often shows the gender of a fetus. It is up to the expectant woman to decide if she wants to know.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
No: I agree with dr garvey. The answer is no. But if a health care provider ever says the type is different from what was determined in the past, a patien... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Increased anomalies: Women with diabetes that is poorly controlled in the weeks prior to and the first weeks of pregnancy have a higher chance of having a fetus with abnor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Please don't smoke.: Tobacco smoke is never considered safe for the smoker, for the fetus, for the newborn or other children, for anyone nearby.
Kids need healthy lungs a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Tips 4 my Followers: I created not only an answer to this but also a health guide with dozens of answers. Those are temporarily off this site. However, i will be posting m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Referral request: These questions are best answered by the doctor who made the diagnosis or is providing care to a patient.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Use stolen moments: Waiting for a store to open? Hanging out at the airport? Looking for a way to spend time with kids? Free for lunch but no desire to eat at cafeteria? ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Hang in there: The answer to your question relates to the balance between calories taken in and used. When exercising, some people feel more hungry (or feel entitled... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
GE/Olympic Challenge: To get adequate nutrition and activity daily, facebook members were introduced to multiple challenges https://apps.Facebook.Com/healthyshare they are ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Close eyes, breathe : There are many threats to health and well-being. In addition to cancer and heart disease, these risks include working, driving, falling--the list goes... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
It's been a tough yr: Many in the us have reported similar unexplained weight gain over the past year. The cause might be medication. More likely it is increased calories o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Strolling w/ ur baby: Assuming the OB surgeon and pediatrician agree, this would be a good time to use that carriage you got for the baby. Weather permitting, put on sturdy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Answer from doctors: These are complex conditions that are best evaluated by a specialist obgyn or a reproductive endocrinologist. Having information such as dates of any ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Set an example early: Before they enter school, children try to imitate their parents. So get a jump on this-literally-and show them how much fun fitness activites can be. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Sono is just screen: Interpretation of unusal sono depends on who did the imaging. If doctor suspects neural tube defect or if a woman has a high msafp level, then genetic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Fullness, tenderness: One of the early symptoms of pregnancy is a feeling of fullness of the breasts. One of the early signs is prominence of the bumps in the areola around... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Many tasty choices: For balanced diet check out this from aap:
http://www.Healthychildren.Org/english/ages-stages/teen/nutrition/pages/default.Aspx
for school food pl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Many fun choices: To get enough exercise daily a child might need to be introduced to multiple activities, and parents should visit several sites. The aap, cdc http://w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Pain of labor/other?: If there is pelvic or abdominal pain, an OB provider should be informed immediately. It might not be a major problem. However, doctors want to be call... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Lots of choices: First get approval at your postpartum visit. Second search fitness yoder for my many answers. Third go to a credible site like cdc. Fourth start walki... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Soft cheeses?: Like the other doctors, i'm not aware of a link between ice cream and pneumonia. In rare cases a fetus can get very sick or even become stillborn if t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Time to be seen: Diagnosis and treatment of such pain depends on gestational age and evaluation of the expectant woman. Most obs want to talk with and often see patien... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Look down: Walking is a great way to use fitbit. Start with an exam if any health problems, build up to 5 times per week, add duration and speed, vary the terrai... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Help is needed ASAP: I think this is urgent enough that a person should call 911 or find someone nearby to take him to er. Driving in such an unstable state is not recomme... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Simple answer -- no: But there might be a simple explanation for why bleeding is so frequent. It is appropriate to call gyn and endocrine providers for an evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Dry hair bumps?: Ok, let's admit there is hair down there. And the follicles can get infected as in folliculitis. There can be other rashes that happen to spread aroun... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:
Dr. Pam Yoderanswered
Specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Awesome!: Congratulations on making and sticking to a plan. It does take time to show more muscle bulk and definition so allow at least 2-4 more weeks. If looki... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >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.
27
Recommendations
6.7K
Thank you notes
Aug 4, 2012
Anything Dr. Yoder comments on is always "bang-on" accurate. Articulate & wise, I'm tempted to place her web-sites on my home page! She makes me miss the outstanding Professors I learned from in trai...Read More
Dec 31, 2011
Thank you for getting me started with Health Tap - This is a great resouce I hope to use to enhance patient care. It is also a great resource for me, to refer to my growing network of specialists.
Sep 15, 2013
Dr.Yoder is a fantastic, highly knowledgable and dedicated physician. Her impact here at health tap has been impressive to say the least. I highly recommend Dr.Yoder
HealthTap member
Thanks again. Another prior incident (January 2012). No broken skin (probably a laceration if not for the 3mm neoprene wetsuit). My equine vet. father suggested compartment syndrome. Extremely light b...Read More
HealthTap member
Thanks. I have no such devices yet, but the UP currently ranks at the top of my list. I am likely to try one soon. It will be interesting to cross-compare the logged data with some other services I us...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you, Dr. Yoder. I appreciate your thoughtful response. This was in fact an issue in the summer of 2010; my friend became very worried after adopting a healthy looking dog but reading about rabie...Read More
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
University of Illinois College of Medicine, IL
MD
Awards
Charter member of Education Subcommittee for Outreach, SMFM
Guest Editor, Center on Women's Health, Health & Human Services
Expert reviewer, Women's Health Website, CDC
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