EXPERT
Dr. Karen Slabas, M.D.
Originally from Hawaii, Dr. Slabas now calls Texas home. She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Biomechanics. She then went on to earn her Master of Arts degree from Loyola University-Chicago, before attending school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago; where she received her medical degree. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she served as Chief Resident. During that time, she won numerous awards, including Excellence in Research for her work in postoperative pain relief during robotic surgery, Resident of the Year Award from the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, and Resident Teacher of the Year Award four years in a row!
On a more personal note, Dr. Slabas lives in Rockwall with her husband, Jeff, and their new addition to the family, Remi, a scottish terrier puppy in training to become a service dog. They enjoy golfing, as well as watching college football, and are avid Dallas Stars hockey fans.
- ALLEN, TX
- University of Michigan
- Accepting new patients
How To Treat Menopause
Menopause occurs when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It’s a normal part of aging and is the end of your fertile, reproductive years. Menopause...
How soon should I see my doctor when pregnant?
Congratulations on your new pregnancy! The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that you schedule an appointment with your Ob/Gyn as soon as you know you are pregnant, so you can be evaluated and have appropriate dating confirmed (determining your due date). In the practice of obstetrics, you are considered pregnant if
you have had a missed menstrual cycle and a positive home pregnancy test. If you've had both, I would recommend you contact your Ob/Gyn's office to schedule an appointment for a missed period.
Once again, congratulations!!
What exercises should I do in the second trimester?
Excellent question! Despite many common myths regarding exercise in pregnancy leading to miscarriage, poor fetal growth, musculoskeletal injury, or premature delivery, none of these concerns have been substantiated in uncomplicated pregnancies according to ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). In fact, exercise has been shown to be beneficial, not harmful in pregnancy. Staying physically active has been shown to decrease the risk of developing gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, operative delivery (forceps or vacuum-assisted), c-sections, and reduce postpartum recovery time and depression.
To determine what type of exercise program is best for you will depend on your activity level prior to pregnancy. If you were habitually engaged in vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or considered physically active before pregnancy, then you can continue these activities during pregnancy and the postpartum period. However, if you were physically inactive prior to pregnancy, an exercise program that eventually leads to a goal of moderate-intensity exercise for at least 20-30 minutes per day on most or all days of the week is wonderful.