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Women’s Health
Read health tips and real-life stories of care.
Pregnancy Care
Find out why women choose to start their journey to motherhood at UPMC Magee-Womens.
Learn why kids are in good hands at UPMC Children's.
Children’s Health
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Learn how our women’s midlife health specialists can help you.
Midlife Wellness
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DYK? There is a new children’s express care in Mechanicsburg! Our walk-in locations specialize in pediatric after-hours care when your regular doctor’s office is closed.
Visit CHP.edu/Express.
Breast self-exams are key to early cancer detection
Finding and treating the right issue: Miranda's story
Struggling to grow your family?
A new mom’s story from expecting to delivery
Doulas care for you before, during & after delivery
Pediatric rehab: Life-changing care for your child
Recognize these 6 unexpected signs of seizures in kids
— Katie St. Claire, parent of Dominic (pictured), Gettysburg, Pa.
“UPMC’s facilities are amazing. UPMC Hanover Pediatric Rehabilitation is one of a kind.”
Visit here for details.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Learn about endometriosis, menopause, fibroids, and other gynecology concerns at the UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa. conference on March 22.
Jennifer’s journey to better midlife health
You don’t have to live with incontinence
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If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, it’s comforting to know there are fertility experts at UPMC Magee-Womens. Our specialists offer natural family planning, in vitro fertilization (IVF), ovulation induction, and other options. We also treat conditions that affect your reproductive health, such as menstrual irregularities, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
We encourage patients who are struggling to become pregnant to talk with their women’s health provider to determine what type of care is best for them.
Read on to learn how you can begin your journey.
Struggling to grow your family?
Once you’ve talked with your women’s health provider, we’ll work with you to assess your options, understand your priorities, and create a personalized care plan. We may:
Take a complete medical history
Perform a physical exam
Draw blood to check your hormone level
Recommend imaging tests to look at your pelvic anatomy, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries
There are many factors to consider, so it’s good to take a complete look at your reproductive health before considering next steps.
UPMC Magee-Womens offers several options to help you build your family.
Start by having a conversation with a women’s health provider at UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa. Our team can guide you to the type of care that works for you.
About 11% of women and 9% of men of reproductive age in the U.S. have faced fertility problems.
Typically, 40% to 60% of generally healthy couples who are younger than 30 will conceive in the first three months of trying.
Expecting? Congratulations! Most pregnancies are low-risk, but sometimes an issue puts you in the high-risk category — for example, if you’re an older mom, you have diabetes, or your baby isn’t growing properly.
Though hearing this feels scary, it doesn’t always mean you and your baby are in danger. It means you need specialized care from a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) doctor.
At UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa., we’ve helped thousands of women with high-risk pregnancy conditions deliver healthy babies.
MFM doctors are obstetricians with advanced training in how to help pregnant women manage high-risk pregnancies successfully. Other terms for this kind of specialist include “high-risk obstetrician” and “perinatologist.”
Your UPMC Magee-Womens care team might include an MFM specialist early in your pregnancy. Or your obstetrician might bring one in later, if you or your baby develop a condition that needs special prenatal care.
What to expect: High-risk pregnancy care
Having a high-risk obstetrician on your care team is important if:
Your baby shows signs of a birth defect (“congenital anomaly”)
Your baby is likely to be born before 37 weeks
You have high blood pressure during pregnancy (“preeclampsia”)
You develop diabetes during pregnancy
You are carrying twins or multiples
What to expect during a high-risk pregnancy:
More frequent checkups than routine pregnancies
Tests and screenings like ultrasounds, fetal monitoring, and genetic testing
An MFM doctor and possibly other specialists on your care team
Counseling on how to manage your or your baby’s condition
Meet one mother who chose UPMC for high-risk pregnancy care: Read Cassandra’s story.
About 50% of all adult women deal with urine leakage. Many women believe it’s just a part of aging. But there are treatment options for urinary incontinence — and UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa. can help you.
Our urogynecologists are expert problem solvers. We’ll work with you to figure out what’s causing your incontinence and create a personalized treatment plan.
If you’re struggling with leakage, remember that not all bladder control issues are the same.
The main types of incontinence are:
Stress incontinence: Your bladder leaks during everyday moments like when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or exercise.
Urge incontinence: You feel an overwhelming need to empty your bladder right away and you don’t reach the toilet in time.
You might have a mix of these symptoms or different ones, like waking up often at night to use the bathroom.
Do these symptoms sound familiar? Then it’s time to learn more about causes and solutions.
Lots of factors can impact bladder control — childbirth, weight gain, infections, and certain health conditions.
Your urogynecologist will talk with you about your symptoms and may recommend diagnostic tests to understand what’s going on. These could include blood work, urinalysis, X-rays, or urodynamic evaluation to see how well your bladder can hold and empty liquid. Your doctor might also ask you to keep a diary that tracks how much you drink and how often you urinate.
Next, you and your urogynecologist will discuss treatment options.
Depending on the cause and type of your incontinence, treatment options include:
Behavioral changes such as scheduled trips to the restroom
Pelvic muscle rehab or physical therapy
Medications like muscle-relaxants to stop bladder spasms
Minimally invasive surgery to strengthen the urethra
At UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa., we know that incontinence can be a sensitive topic. We also know it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Don’t let fear or embarrassment stop you from living the life you love! Find a urogynecologist today.
You don’t have to live with incontinence
Seizures happen when the brain sends abnormal signals to nerves and muscles. They can affect babies and children at any age.
Did you know that seizures don’t always cause a child’s body to shake or stiffen? This can make seizures hard for caregivers to recognize.
Read on for an overview of common seizure symptoms in kids. Still have questions? UPMC Children’s neurology specialists in central Pa. deliver comprehensive, kid-first care to help families get answers.
Seizure symptoms in kids range from obvious to very subtle. A child having a seizure might:
Stare into space without responding to noise
Blink rapidly while staring ahead
Nod rhythmically while ignoring what’s going on around them
Hear or see things no one else can
Fall for no obvious reason
Seem confused or unable to remember what just happened
Many seizures stop on their own after a few minutes and don’t cause long-term damage.
The most common type of seizure in kids is a febrile seizure, which is caused by a high fever and is usually harmless. Infections and concussions can also cause seizures.
If your child has a seizure, it doesn’t always mean they have epilepsy. Epilepsy is a long-term brain condition that causes recurring seizures.
How do you know what’s causing your child’s seizure?
Your child’s doctor will talk with you about any symptoms you’ve noticed. Your child may need diagnostic tests, including bloodwork and imaging like CT scans or MRIs.
Once the doctor better understands what’s causing the seizures, a treatment plan may include dietary changes, medication, or, in rare cases, surgery.
If your child is having seizures, talk with your pediatrician who can refer you to UPMC Children’s in Central Pa. If your child has severe symptoms like loss of vision, intense nausea or headache, vomiting, trouble breathing or loss of consciousness, call 911.
6 unexpected signs of seizures in children
What to expect: High-risk pregnancy care
When Sara Lewis and her husband decided to start a family, they turned to UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa. Sara knew she could rely on our team for expert care because she’s been coming to UPMC for routine gynecological care for 15 years. “Everyone is friendly and welcoming, and they address any of my concerns,” says Sara.
This proved helpful when months went by and she didn’t conceive. Sara’s ob-gyn, Dr. Sharee Livingston, recommended diagnostic testing. “She was there with me every step of the process, and she explained everything in simple terms,” says Sara.
Thankfully, Sara’s test results were encouraging. A short time later, the couple found out they were expecting! UPMC Magee-Womens became even more important to them during Sara’s pregnancy, both as an educational resource and a support system.
“UPMC treated me like family. I felt like everyone genuinely wanted to help me have a positive birth experience,” Sara says. “Knowing I could ask questions and rely on the information they provided was very calming.”
And the parents-to-be would soon be taking in a lot of information…
Sara and her husband made the most of our pregnancy/ob classes and events — including prenatal yoga, in-person and virtual parenting classes, and a tour of delivery rooms.
Routine prenatal visits at UPMC Magee-Womens were another source of learning and reassurance. At each visit, Sara's care team made sure her needs were met.
Sara appreciates our patient-centered approach. “I feel like my time is valued and I get the answers I need. I travel about 40 minutes for my appointments because I know the level of care I’m going to receive is worth the drive.”
In August 2024, Sara gave birth to a healthy baby girl. She was very happy with her choice for prenatal care and labor and delivery care.
“I’ve had great experiences with Magee-Womens, Dr. Livingston, and all the nurses,” says Sara. “I encourage any woman to come to UPMC Magee-Womens. Everyone is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely concerned about your comfort and health.”
UPMC is a nationally recognized Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, but we are also focused on making moms like Sara feel comfortable and informed. Learn about our women’s health services in central Pa.
A new mom’s story from expecting to delivery
With UPMC Magee-Womens Maternal-Fetal Medicine, you’ll have some of the world’s leading prenatal care experts on your team.
You can count on outstanding expertise and a warm, personalized approach where providers listen to your concerns and give you the answers you need. Explore our high-risk pregnancy services.
Things become less frightening when there are fewer unknowns (for kids and adults!). That’s why UPMC Children’s in Central Pa. offers plenty of support and information to caregivers and kids preparing for a hospital stay.
There are many reasons a child may need inpatient care, which means the length of a hospital stay can vary widely. No matter the duration or the details, we believe preparation can ease everybody’s concerns.
Here’s what to expect at UPMC Children’s when your child needs acute or critical inpatient pediatric care.
Our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at UPMC Harrisburg, is designed especially for kids and their families. Our bright and welcoming unit includes:
A family lounge, complete with snacks, frozen meals, and kitchen appliances
Austin’s Playroom, where children of all ages will find activities and games
Private patient rooms, featuring fold-out couches and full bathrooms with showers
Child Life Specialists are on hand to help prepare kids for new experiences in age-appropriate ways. They can also teach tips for lowering stress and anxiety.
Additionally, our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) spaces allow caregivers to shower and stay overnight.
No matter where your child is, staff will keep in close contact if you decide to step out or sleep at home. We understand that preserving your strength and energy will help you better care for your child.
At UPMC Children’s, caring for pediatric patients is our top priority. That also means caring for the families who support them. Your child’s medical team will listen to you, take your concerns to heart, and keep you updated.
Take a tour of UPMC Children’s at UPMC Harrisburg to see what we provide to our patients and families. For more details on preparing a child for a hospital stay, check out our tips.
Learn more about our children’s services in central Pa.
How UPMC Children’s cares for pediatric patients in the hospital
Understanding and adapting to the changes in our bodies during midlife can be hard. Whether it’s hot flashes, weight gain, or brain fog — new health symptoms can raise questions and confusion for women.
It helps to know that there are doctors nearby who specialize in midlife care, including menopause and perimenopause. At UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa., we have providers who are Menopause Society Certified Practitioners (MSCP) through The Menopause Society.
What makes our MSCPs special?
MSCPs have completed detailed training and education about the stages of menopause: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
They have committed to ongoing education in the field of women’s midlife health and offer a holistic approach to managing hormonal shifts, physical and cognitive symptoms, as well as mental changes.
Our menopause specialists can help you with many midlife conditions and concerns — not just menopause. We’re also a good place to start if you’re having a mix of symptoms and aren't sure where to go.
We consider midlife a stage — not necessarily an age. During midlife, hormone levels shift and the ovaries stop releasing eggs. This happens anytime between age 30 and 60.
These changes in your body may cause a range of issues, including insomnia, memory problems, and hot flashes. People visit UPMC Magee-Womens for help managing these symptoms, and to make certain they aren’t signs of something other than menopause.
Examples of conditions we treat are:
Early menopause (before age 40), perimenopause, menopause
Heavy, irregular, or postmenopausal bleeding
Hormone changes
Incontinence issues
Insomnia and poor sleep
Mental health and mood issues
Sexual dysfunction
The changes that come with a new stage of life can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to support you. Our team can even help you coordinate mammograms, colonoscopy, and bone scans. If needed, we’ll also connect you to the right specialist.
If you’re experiencing health issues related to menopause, you can rely on us to help you maximize your well-being as you navigate the midlife years. Find a women’s health provider today.
Navigating your midlife health as a woman
One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer. Here’s another important fact: Early-stage breast cancer is treatable. The earlier you find it, the better your recovery.
That means the best way to protect yourself is with mammograms and breast self-exams. Both play an important part in early detection. Mammograms see abnormal cells before a lump can be felt.
To schedule a mammogram or get more information, find a provider at UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa.
How to check your breasts: Self-exams allow you to get familiar with your breasts and notice changes promptly. (In fact, 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are found by women who feel a lump.)
Once a month, follow these 3 steps:
Look at your breasts
Feel your breasts while standing up
Feel your breasts while lying down
Breast self-exams are key to early cancer detection
1. Look at your breasts. In front of a mirror, look at your breasts. Stand with your arms resting at your sides. Then place your arms on your hips and flex your chest. Look for dimpling, swelling, or discoloration.
2. Feel your breasts while standing up. In the shower, check both breasts and armpits using the flat part of your three middle fingers. Press down with light, medium, and then firm pressure. Feel for knots or lumps.
3. Feel your breasts while lying down. While lying down, place your right arm behind your head. With your left hand, use the flat part of your three middle fingers to feel your right breast and armpit. Feel for knots or lumps. Squeeze your nipple and check for discharge. Repeat on the other side.
While most changes in breasts are not caused by cancer, it’s good to contact your doctor if you notice anything that worries you. Be sure to call for an appointment if you notice:
Changes in breast size/shape
Dimpling/puckering of breast skin
Rash on nipple
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot
Breast swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening
Remember, breast self-exams should never replace mammograms or exams by your doctor.
If you’re concerned about your breast health or want to connect with an experienced and caring team of women’s health specialists, find a UPMC location close to you.
UPMC Magee-Womens offers routine and specialized health care services throughout central Pennsylvania.
If needed, our extensive network of locations includes the Magee-Womens Cancer Program, where specialists provide world-class, personalized treatment for breast cancer. You can rely on the team at UPMC to care for you.
At UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa., we know how important it is to get the right support when you’re expecting. Visits to your ob-gyn are a given, but have you considered adding a doula to your team?
Doulas are trained professionals who focus on helping moms through pregnancy and labor. Find out what a doula does and how one may help you.
“Doulas provide a different kind of support than doctors and midwives,” explains Dr. Sharee Livingston, obstetrics and gynecology physician at UPMC Magee-Womens in Lititz.
A doula’s job is to give you emotional and physical support before, during, and after you give birth. Doulas do not perform medical tasks, clinical exams, or deliver babies.
Research shows that working with a doula leads to healthier moms and healthier babies. Moms who work with a doula tend to have less anxiety during pregnancy. They may use less pain medicine during delivery and have shorter labor times.
“The hardest time for new moms often comes after leaving the hospital,” shares Dr. Livingston.
“That’s when you really need support. A doula can meet you at home to make sure you have what you need emotionally, socially, or from a medical standpoint. It might be as simple as going for a walk with you,” Dr. Livingston says.
What else can a doula do for you?
A doula can:
• Join you for prenatal visits
• Help you create a birth plan
• Advocate for you
• Support you during labor
• Help you after delivery
• Give tips and support for breastfeeding
Find out more about doulas and giving birth at UPMC Magee-Womens.
Doulas care for you before, during, and after delivery
After in vitro fertilization (IVF) didn’t work, Miranda Coleman visited a specialist at UPMC Magee-Womens to help determine why she couldn’t get pregnant. She thought she might have endometriosis — a condition where cells that normally line the uterus grow outside of it.
“I’m a big believer in finding solutions,” Miranda says. Her care team made finding those solutions easier. Tests showed fibroids and cysts inside her uterus, and Miranda decided to have minimally invasive gynecological surgery to remove them.
While her surgery was successful, it revealed something unexpected.
Miranda’s care team at UPMC Magee-Womens in Lititz diagnosed her with both endometriosis and adenomyosis. Adenomyosis is when the lining of your uterus grows into the uterine walls instead of flowing out during your period.
“I can’t say enough good things about UPMC. My surgeon and his staff were so attentive, and they explained everything so clearly. My doctor used terms I could understand. It was wonderful,” says Miranda.
The team educated her about the conditions and helped her recover from surgery. They also discussed diet changes to minimize inflammation and make her more comfortable.
Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women. It causes swelling around the uterus. Common symptoms include pain in your back or legs, nausea, discomfort going to the bathroom, and heavy, painful periods. Over-the-counter medicines, hormones, lifestyle changes, and surgery can reduce pain and may keep it from getting worse.
Today, Miranda is healing and grateful for her team at UPMC. “If I didn't live 1.5 hours away, I'd take a basket of flowers to them!”
Get the care and answers you deserve at UPMC Magee-Womens, which has more than 30 women’s health locations across central Pa. Learn about all the women’s health services we offer.
Finding and treating the right issue: Miranda’s story
Adenomyosis affects about 20% to 35% of women. It can cause an enlarged, bloated belly and tenderness during pelvic exams. Chronic pelvic pain and heavy periods are other possible symptoms. It also makes it hard to conceive.
Though doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes it, adenomyosis can be treated. For example, anti-inflammatory medications, contraceptives, hormones, lifestyle changes, and surgery can help.
How is adenomyosis different from endometriosis?
6 unexpected signs of seizures in kids
How UPMC Children’s cares for pediatric patients in the hospital
Finding out that your child is growing differently from what’s considered “normal” can be scary and confusing. Some parents realize their child has developmental differences when they start school. Others learn of potential issues even before their baby is born.
When Katie St. Claire was pregnant, diagnostic testing at UPMC Magee-Womens showed that her son had spina bifida. Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) don't form properly.
Naturally, Katie had many questions. Would her little boy be able to walk? Will he be in pain?
Early intervention, Katie learned, could make a big difference for her son Dominic. Before he was born, fetal surgery closed his spine. As a baby, he started physical therapy which helped him start walking at 18 months old.
At 3-years-old, Dominic started therapy at UPMC Hanover Pediatric Rehabilitation — and his abilities grew by leaps and bounds!
Katie shares, “UPMC’s facilities are amazing. UPMC Hanover Pediatric Rehabilitation is one of a kind. Dominic is very active. He’s laughing and working his muscles, learning and playing safely.”
What makes Hanover Pediatric Rehab so special?
At UPMC Hanover Pediatric Rehabilitation, patients — from newborns to 18-year-olds — work on their communication, strength, balance, and coordination while playing, practicing everyday tasks, and even climbing.
The facility offers physical, occupational, and speech/dysphagia therapy. Therapists work closely with families to personalize treatment. They help young patients learn or re-learn how to physically interact with the world.
Who benefits from pediatric rehab?
Rehabilitation might be helpful if your child has developmental issues including ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, plagiocephaly, scoliosis, spina bifida, and torticollis.
It can also help kids who have trouble swallowing or feeding issues — including sensory-based issues. Neurological and orthopaedic conditions can also benefit from rehab therapy.
Find out how UPMC Hanover Pediatric Rehabilitation can help your family.
Pediatric rehab: Life-changing care for your child
You don’t have to live with incontinence
Navigating your midlife health as a woman
Menopause brings more than hot flashes for many women — including Jennifer Graf. She was in her late 40s when she started experiencing brain fog. Multitasking suddenly felt overwhelming. She struggled to sleep and woke up with aching muscles. “I thought I was dying,” she remembers. “It was scary.”
Jennifer had watched her mother endure severe menopause symptoms. She recognized the signs. To her dismay, when she talked to her doctor, he said it was “just part of life.”
Jennifer refused to suffer in silence. She reached out to the menopause experts at UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa.
She started working with Melissa Laidacker, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). After talking with her, Jennifer recalls “I cried because I felt so heard.”
They discussed Jennifer’s symptoms, her health history, and risk factors. Melissa shared the pros and cons of hormone therapy (HT), and explained estrogen pills compared to patches, gels, and sprays.
“Knowing all the options made me feel empowered,” says Jennifer.
“Every woman should have a positive, open relationship with her health care provider,” shares Melissa. “Tell your doctor about your symptoms, even if the symptoms seem minor. You don’t have to suffer. There are medications and hormones that can help you feel better.”
Jennifer started a low dose of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve her symptoms.
Hormone therapy relieves symptoms of perimenopause and menopause by replacing the hormones that your body is no longer producing. For some women, hormone therapy lowers the risk of osteoporosis and possibly colon cancer. For others, HT may increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke, heart attack, and possibly dementia.
If your concerns aren’t being heard by your doctor, follow in Jennifer’s steps: Find a women’s health provider at UPMC Magee-Womens.
We’ll make sure you get the information — and the help — you need to feel your best.
Jennifer’s journey to better midlife health
What to expect: High-risk pregnancy care
A new mom’s story from expecting to delivery
Struggling to grow your family?
