Article Category: Highlights
Understanding Breast Cancer—And All Its Acronyms
Published on December 05, 2025
Last updated 02:54 PM December 05, 2025
By
Dr. Nevin Wadehra,
hematologist/oncologist with Wellstar and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers
The world of breast cancer can be confusing, especially because of all the abbreviations and acronyms. Knowing these terms can help us better understand breast cancer.
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Highlights
What Preeclampsia Means for Long-Term Heart Health
Preeclampsia is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy. It’s also a warning sign for women to be vigilant about heart health throughout their lives.
Many assume the health risk posed by preeclampsia goes away after delivery, but having preeclampsia requires close follow-up care even beyond the postpartum period.
“If you have ever had preeclampsia, it becomes another risk factor for the development of vascular disease, even 20 to 30 years down the road,” said
Dr. Mindy Gentry,
a Wellstar cardiologist who specializes in heart disease during pregnancy.
The good news is that when you know, you can act.
If you’ve had preeclampsia, it’s important to commit to a healthy lifestyle with
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What is preeclampsia and who is at risk?
Preeclampsia affects more than the heart. It can affect the placenta, blood vessels, kidneys and liver. It can also cause serious complications in the brain, lungs, blood system and eyes. Women 35 and older who are pregnant have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia. So do women who are overweight or obese, and those who have diabetes or high blood pressure. The chief warning signs for preeclampsia are sudden elevated blood pressure, significant leg swelling and shortness of breath. Preeclampsia symptoms include- Abdominal pain
- Blurred vision, or flashing spots or auras
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Sudden elevated blood pressure
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Leg swelling
- Heightened anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Oversensitivity to light
Short- and long-term health risks of preeclampsia
Pregnancy puts a strain on the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart, blood vessels and blood. Preeclampsia signals stress in that system or an underlying susceptibility. If you’ve had preeclampsia, you have a higher risk of complications after birth. "We tend to get this false sense of security once the pregnancy is over and the woman has delivered, that they're in the clear. But providers must continue to watch women for even up to one year after birth," Dr. Gentry said. Women who have had preeclampsia have three to four times the risk of high blood pressure and two times the risk for heart disease and stroke later in life, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation. They also have an increased risk of developing diabetes.How to prevent preeclampsia
Preventing preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications starts before becoming pregnant. “We encourage everyone who is planning a pregnancy to schedule an appointment with their OB/GYN for pre-pregnancy counseling. That’s particularly important if you have any kind of cardiac history or risk factors of significant cardiac issues,” Dr. Gentry said. Preeclampsia most often happens 20 weeks or later into pregnancy. If a patient’s blood pressure suddenly shoots up, providers may recommend delivering early. “Our goal is to follow patients and prevent them from getting to that point by controlling blood pressure during pregnancy,” Dr. Gentry said. “Hopefully, we can also prevent complications down the road.”Follow-up care when you’ve had preeclampsia
Follow-up checklist from Dr. Gentry if you’ve had preeclampsia- In the first six to 12 weeks after birth: Visit your OB/GYN for follow-up visits. Make an appointment with your primary care provider. Continue to monitor your blood pressure. Be on the lookout for any warning signs—the same ones you learned about during pregnancy.
- Within the first year after birth: See your primary care team and get a cardiovascular baseline reading that includes blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, height and weight.
- Look into cardiac care: It may be appropriate to add a cardiologist to your healthcare team. Your provider may recommend seeing a cardiologist if you continue to have high blood pressure or have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, obesity or diabetes.
If you’ve had preeclampsia, it’s important to commit to a healthy lifestyle with
- Exercise
- Good nutrition
- Limited or no alcohol use
- No tobacco use
- Regular preventive care visits
- Weight management
Wellstar resources for expectant mothers
Wellstar has specialists in obstetrics and cardiology to care for patients before, during and after pregnancy:- If you’re pregnant or thinking about having a child, find a Wellstar OB/GYN near you.
- Read heart health facts every mom should know.
- Wellstar has a Cardio Obstetrics Program with specialists in maternal and postpartum care.
Highlights
Find Specialized Pelvic Health Care at Wellstar
Pelvic health conditions such as bladder leakage, pelvic pressure and recurrent urinary tract infections affect many women, particularly after childbirth or during midlife. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, nearly one in three women will experience a pelvic floor disorder in her lifetime. Despite how common these conditions are, many women delay seeking care—often living with symptoms that can significantly impact daily activities, sleep and overall wellbeing.
Urogynecology is a specialized field focused on diagnosing and treating pelvic floor conditions. Care begins with a comprehensive evaluation, followed by a personalized treatment plan based on each patient’s symptoms and goals. Many women benefit from conservative therapies such as pelvic floor physical therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. When needed, minimally invasive procedures are available to help reduce recovery time and support a quicker return to normal activities.
“Many women assume these symptoms are something they have to live with, but that is not the case,” said Wellstar Urogynecologist Dr. Sarah Huber. “By expanding access to urogynecology services, we are helping women get the care they need sooner, in a setting that is convenient and connected to their overall health.”
Wellstar brings together OB/GYN clinicians, urogynecology specialists, primary care physicians and specialized pelvic floor physical therapists to deliver coordinated care. This team-based model helps ensure a more seamless experience for patients, from initial evaluation through treatment and follow-up.With access to both routine and specialized care in one system, women can more easily address sensitive health concerns and take steps to improve their quality of life.
With locations in Augusta, Acworth, Hiram, Marietta, East Cobb and Smyrna, specialized pelvic health care is right in your community.
Highlights
Wellstar Cobb Medical Center Supports Women and Families With Comprehensive Maternal Care
Whether you’re planning to grow your family, expecting a baby or navigating the early days of parenthood, Wellstar Cobb Medical Center supports women and families across Cobb County with expert, compassionate maternal care.
The Women’s Center at Wellstar Cobb was the first hospital in the Wellstar system to achieve a Level III Maternal Care designation from The Joint Commission and the Georgia Department of Public Health and open a dedicated
Obstetric Emergency Department.
Families have access to comprehensive services including
OB/GYN care,
maternal-fetal medicine,
labor and delivery,
a Mother/Baby Unit and a
Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
for premature and critically ill newborns. The Women’s Center also features recently refreshed spaces designed to enhance comfort and privacy, elevating the patient experience.
By combining advanced technology, family-centered care and personalized support, Wellstar Cobb creates a warm, welcoming environment where women and families feel safe, respected and supported throughout their care journey.
Beyond pregnancy and postpartum care, OB/GYNs also support women’s long-term health through preventive screenings, gynecologic care, menopause care and wellness services tailored to individual needs.
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OB/GYN care
The OB/GYNs at Wellstar Cobb provide personalized care for women through every stage of life. Our team offers a range of maternal services, including:- Family planning and sexual health
- Prenatal care and delivery
- High-risk pregnancy care
- Postpartum care and support
- Infertility evaluation and treatment
Beyond pregnancy and postpartum care, OB/GYNs also support women’s long-term health through preventive screenings, gynecologic care, menopause care and wellness services tailored to individual needs.