Health and Medicine | MedBlog | UT Southwestern Medical Center

Should I bank my baby’s umbilical cord blood?

Discover the pros and cons of banking umbilical cord blood. Compare private vs. public options and their potential benefits for your family's health.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D. / Ashley Zink, M.D.

October 1, 2024

Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy: Facts and treatment options

Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy is a rare, life-threatening complication after a prior C-section. Explore treatments and patient choices involved in this rare condition.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

August 23, 2022

When is a baby too small? Managing third-trimester fetal growth restriction

Some babies measure small in the third trimester with no other health issues. But some have potentially serious growth restriction. Explore how we diagnose and manage this complex #pregnancy condition.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

July 6, 2021

Brain tumor surgery with quadruplets on the way: Katie's extra-complex pregnancy

Katie Sturm was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor while she was pregnant with quadruplets. She had surgery at UT Southwestern and later delivered her four sons during a pandemic. Read her amazing story on the Your Pregnancy Matters blog.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

November 3, 2020

Bariatric surgery and pregnancy: Answers to patients' FAQs

Obesity can increase the risk of fertility and pregnancy complications. Discover how weight loss surgery can help both men and women become parents.

Melanie Hafford, M.D. / Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

April 28, 2020

The truth about ectopic pregnancy care

Though ectopic pregnancies can virtually never be viable, some people call treatment immoral. This attitude has the potential to harm women and lead to serious complications or death for pregnant women. Learn about the condition and proper treatment options in this Your Pregnancy Matters blog.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

October 22, 2019

Why cultural awareness matters in pregnancy care

Pregnancy customs and values differ among cultures. For women and doctors in the diverse Metroplex, cultural competency starts with thoughtful communication. In this week’s blog, Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D., discusses four sensitive topics pregnancy care providers and patients should consider.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

February 26, 2019

Is surgery during pregnancy safe? What moms-to-be should know

What if a pregnant mom develops appendicitis? The need for non-obstetrical surgery when you’re pregnant can be scary, stressful, and quick-to-happen. Moms-to-be should know the facts and what questions to ask in case non-obstetrical surgery becomes necessary.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

July 24, 2018

Cervical ripening methods when induction is part of the birth plan

Moms-to-be might want to induce labor electively, or they may need to be induced for medical reasons. Dr. Patricia Santiago-Munoz discusses the techniques we can use for cervical ripening, or preparing the cervix for labor.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

January 30, 2018

Five Babies in Five Minutes—A Quints Story

Photos and a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and protocol involved in delivering quintuplets via C-section.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

November 14, 2017

Should I have a transvaginal ultrasound to measure cervical length and help prevent preterm delivery?

Cervical length can help identify women at risk of preterm delivery, but the screening test to determine cervical length might not be worth the time, expense, or discomfort. Here’s why.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

April 11, 2017

Boy or girl? The difficulties of early gender prediction

While an ultrasound may predict gender as early as 12 weeks, Dr. Santiago-Munoz discusses why it’s not always possible — and not always correct.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

December 20, 2016

Who is a good candidate for VBAC?

Learn the risks and benefits of vaginal birth after C-section, who may be a good candidate, and how to increase the chance of a successful VBAC.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

August 9, 2016

4 questions to ask when planning a home birth

There are many factors to consider and decisions to make when considering home birth. Tips for how to choose a midwife and plan for emergencies.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

April 15, 2016

Should I have bariatric surgery before my pregnancy?

If you are severely overweight and want to become pregnant, you need a plan that might include bariatric surgery. A UT Southwestern doctor gives you 3 things to think about.

Patricia Santiago-Munoz, M.D.

August 11, 2015