expert type icon EXPERT

Roxane Handal-Orefice

OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) | Gynecology

Dr. Roxane Handal-Orefice is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist practicing in New Hartford, NY. Dr. Handal-Orefice specializes in women's health, particularly the female reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, Dr. Handal-Orefice can treat a number of health issues related to the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and breasts. Dr Handal-Orefice can also treat women during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and the postpartum period. In this specialty, doctors focus on reproductive care from puberty through adulthood.
4 years Experience
Roxane Handal-Orefice
  • New Hartford, NY
  • Columbia University
  • Accepting new patients

Am I pregnant?

Hi,

There is no way to know until you have missed your period. You have to retake the pregnancy test then. If you are still unsure, you would need a blood hcg level.

Is severe lower back pain and slight abdominal cramping normal at 35 weeks and 4 days?

Anytime you are having abdominal pain at this point in the pregnancy, I would recommend you get checked. It would be best to see your doctor.

Can you still go to the pharmacy for pregnancy tests with covid-19?

Hi! Yes you can buy a pregnancy test at the pharmacy.

Can a pregnant woman catch covid-19?

Hi! Pregnant women can definitely get COVID. It is very important that you protect yourself.

Is white discharge a sign of pregnancy?

Hi, White discharge can occur at anytime whether or not you are pregnant. If could be normal physiologic discharge, or a sign of yeast or bacterial infection. While vaginal READ MORE
Hi,

White discharge can occur at anytime whether or not you are pregnant. If could be normal physiologic discharge, or a sign of yeast or bacterial infection. While vaginal discharge increases in pregnancy, that is not how one determines whether you are pregnant. If you are concerned, I recommend you take a pregnancy test.

Can I eat cooked sushi while pregnant?

Typically we do not recommend raw fish during pregnancy. Cooked fish is ok.

Is it necessary to drink milk during pregnancy?

It is not imperative that you drink milk during pregnancy. It is important for you to eat well-balanced meals and to take your prenatal vitamins.

Why are my ovulation tests always negative?

Are you timing the testing correctly? You may also have a condition where you are not ovulating every month. I recommend you see an OBGYN in person. This assessment will depend READ MORE
Are you timing the testing correctly? You may also have a condition where you are not ovulating every month. I recommend you see an OBGYN in person. This assessment will depend on your age and medical history.

How often should you eat while pregnant?

Eating 6 small meals a day is the best way to eat while pregnant, alternatively, you can eat 3 normal meals and 2-3 snacks.

What is a disadvantage of breastfeeding?

The only disadvantage is your own discomfort and you having to do the work to breastfeed. Unless you have a medical condition that precludes you from breastfeeding the benefits READ MORE
The only disadvantage is your own discomfort and you having to do the work to breastfeed. Unless you have a medical condition that precludes you from breastfeeding the benefits outweigh the risks.

What causes a woman to release two eggs?

Often it is either your age. It can also be genetics say if twins run in your family.

How much folic acid is too much during pregnancy?

Hi, for a normal pregnancy 400 micrograms a day is recommended. If you have a history of a baby with a spinal/ neural tube defect or heart defect, you should take 4 gram. So typically READ MORE
Hi, for a normal pregnancy 400 micrograms a day is recommended. If you have a history of a baby with a spinal/ neural tube defect or heart defect, you should take 4 gram. So typically I have not given more than 4 grams a day.

How much water should a pregnant woman drink in her second trimester?

Hi! We typically recommend at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.

How should I sleep in the 7th month of pregnancy?

Hi! You can sleep any way you want. Hope this helps.

How does breastfeeding affect your body?

Breast feeding helps you lose weight much faster after giving birth.

Can a woman get pregnant if she's had ovarian cysts?

Yes! We all form small cysts each month when we ovulate.

Is it ok to sleep on your right side while pregnant?

Hi! Absolutely! Sleep however you feel comfortable.

How long should I breastfeed my baby?

Breastfeeding can be hard but if you could do it for at least 6 months that would be great. Extending it longer is even better if you can.