Why Folic Acid Is Important Before, During, and After Pregnancy

When planning for a baby or navigating pregnancy, you hear a lot about prenatal vitamins. But if there’s one specific nutrient that deserves the spotlight, it’s Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).

Whether you are actively trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or recovering postpartum, folic acid is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect your health and support your growing baby. Find out what every patient should know about this hidden hero of pregnancy.

Why Folic Acid Is Essential Before Conception

Did you know that a baby’s brain and spinal cord form during the first 28 days of pregnancy? Because the neural tube closes so early and sometimes before you even get a positive pregnancy test, having enough folic acid in your system before conceiving can build a healthy foundation early in your pregnancy.

Taking folic acid before you get pregnant drastically reduces the risk of serious birth defects known as Neural Tube Defects (NTDs), including:

  • Spina Bifida: When the spinal column doesn’t fully close around the spinal cord.
  • Anencephaly: A severe condition affecting brain and skull development.

Because about half of all pregnancies are unplanned, anyone of childbearing age should consider taking a daily multivitamin with folic acid.

Why Folic Acid Remains Important During Pregnancy

As your pregnancy progresses, your baby’s needs expand rapidly, and your body works overtime to support them both. During this stage, folic acid works behind the scenes to fueling the baby’s rapid growth and protecting mom by:

  • Support Rapid Cell Division: Crucial for growing a healthy placenta and developing your baby’s major organs.
  • Prevent Maternal Anemia: Helps your body make extra red blood cells to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
  • Lower Pregnancy Risks: Helps reduce the likelihood of complications like low birth weight or premature delivery.

Key Benefits of Postpartum Folic Acid

The need for folic acid doesn’t end in the delivery room! Continuing your prenatal or switching to a postnatal vitamin after birth restores your “nutrient stores” & supports breastfeeding with these crucial benefits:

  • Fills the Breast Milk Supply: If you are nursing, folate passes directly through your breast milk to fuel your baby’s continued brain and body development.
  • Replenishes Your Body’s Reserves: Pregnancy and birth draw heavily on your nutrient “checking account,” like postpartum hair loss. Continuing folic acid refills your natural stores, aiding physical recovery, blood cell renewal, and overall energy.
  • Supports Postpartum Mood: Vitamin B9 plays an essential role in producing mood-regulating brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine during the recovery period.

How Much Folic Acid Do You Need?

While a balanced diet full of dark leafy greens, beans, citrus fruits, and fortified grains is fantastic, food alone rarely provides enough predictable folate. A daily supplement or prenatal vitamin ensures you hit these target numbers in our guide below:

Stage of JourneyRecommended Daily DosageWhy It Matters
Trying to Conceive400 mcg / dayStart 1–3 months before trying to build up reserves.
First 12 Weeks400–600 mcg / dayPeak window for neural tube & early brain growth.
Weeks 13 through Delivery600 mcg / daySupports baby’s growth & maternal blood volume.
Postpartum (Breastfeeding)500–600 mcg / dayEnriches breast milk & supports infant brain growth.
Postpartum (Non-Breastfeeding)400 mcg / dayRebuilds maternal nutrient reserves & aids recovery.

A higher prescription dose may be needed for individuals with a family history of NTDs, diabetes, obesity, or taking certain anti-seizure medications. Always discuss your personal dosage with your OB/GYN.

Ready to Plan Your Healthy Pregnancy Journey?

Whether you are thinking about starting a family, looking for the right prenatal vitamin, or seeking guidance for your postpartum recovery, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Make an appointment online or call 770-385-8954 to schedule your pre-conception or prenatal visit.

Menopause and Brain Fog: Understanding Memory, Mood, and Mental Clarity

Previously, we explored how menopause can affect your muscles and bone health. Another common, but frustrating change many women notice during this transition involves their brain.

If you’ve found yourself forgetting why you walked into a room, struggling to concentrate, or feeling mentally “foggy,” you’re not imagining it. These experiences are common during perimenopause and menopause, and understanding why they happen can help you navigate them with confidence.

Why Does Menopause Affect Brain Health?

Estrogen does much more than regulate the reproductive system. It also plays an important role in brain function by supporting communication between brain cells, influencing memory, regulating mood, and helping maintain healthy sleep patterns.

As estrogen levels fluctuate and eventually decline during menopause, many women notice temporary changes in how they think and feel. These changes are a normal part of the menopausal transition for many women.

What Changes Are Common?

Every woman’s experience is unique, but common cognitive and emotional symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Forgetfulness or misplacing everyday items
  • Trouble finding the right words
  • Feeling mentally “foggy”
  • Increased irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty sleeping

Many of these symptoms are interconnected. Poor sleep, increased stress, and night sweats can further affect memory, focus, and emotional well-being.

Is Brain Fog Permanent?

Fortunately, for most women, menopause-related brain fog is temporary.

While cognitive changes can be frustrating, research suggests they often improve as hormone levels stabilize after menopause. They are not generally considered an early sign of dementia or permanent memory loss.

However, if memory problems become severe, interfere with daily life, or worsen over time, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider to rule out other possible causes.

What You Can Do to Support Brain Health

The good news is there are many ways to support cognitive health during and after menopause.

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep is essential for memory, concentration, and emotional health. Addressing night sweats, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and practicing good sleep habits can improve both mental clarity and overall well-being.

Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise benefits both the body and the brain. Physical activity improves blood flow, reduces stress, supports mood, and has been shown to help maintain cognitive function as we age.

Challenge Your Mind

Keeping your brain active through reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or engaging in hobbies helps stimulate cognitive function and may support long-term brain health.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress can make brain fog feel even worse. Activities such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or simply making time for enjoyable activities can help reduce stress and improve focus.

Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids supports overall brain health. Staying hydrated is equally important, as even mild dehydration can affect concentration and energy levels.

Discuss Treatment Options

Treatment decisions should always be personalized and made in partnership with your healthcare provider.

For some women, hormone therapy may help improve cognitive symptoms that occur alongside other menopausal symptoms, particularly when started early in the menopausal transition and when appropriate based on individual health history.

Because no two journeys through menopause are the same, relief isn’t one-size-fits-all. Dr. Larrimore offers a range of tailored options that include non-traditional approaches She and our other providers welcome open conversations with any patient experiencing brain fog or cognitive changes.

Looking at the Whole Picture

Brain health is an important part of overall wellness during menopause. While memory lapses, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating can be frustrating, they are often a normal response to changing hormone levels and not necessarily a sign that something is wrong.

Understanding these changes allows you to take proactive steps to support your cognitive health while maintaining your confidence and quality of life.

If you’re experiencing brain fog, memory concerns, mood changes, or other symptoms during menopause, Covington Women’s Health Specialists is here to help.  Schedule an appointment with our team online or call 770-385-8954. Together, we can discuss your symptoms, evaluate contributing factors, and develop a personalized plan to help you feel your best during every stage of menopause.

Dr. Sherley C. Samuels Earns Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we’re proud to announce that Sherley C. Samuels, MD, FACOG, has earned the Focused Practice Designation (FPD) in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).

This advanced designation recognizes physicians who demonstrate specialized expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery through extensive specialty-specific continuing medical education, documentation of surgical experience, and successful completion of a rigorous board examination. Dr. Samuels’ achievement reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing her surgical knowledge and providing patients with evidence-based, minimally invasive treatment options.

“At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, our goal is always to provide the highest quality care while offering patients the most advanced treatment options available,” says Dr. Samuels. “Receiving this recognition from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology is an incredible honor. It reflects my commitment to continuing my education and delivering exceptional, compassionate care to the women and families we are privileged to serve.”

Dr. Samuels earned the designation while continuing to care for patients, perform surgery, conduct clinical research, mentor future physicians, and fulfill the many responsibilities of a busy medical practice. Her dedication to ongoing education and advanced surgical care allows her to provide patients with minimally invasive treatment options that may support shorter recoveries, less pain, and a faster return to their daily lives.

Since joining Covington Women’s Health Specialists in 2015, Dr. Samuels has cared for women throughout every stage of life, with expertise in normal and high-risk obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, treatment of fibroids, infertility, and complex gynecologic conditions requiring advanced surgical care. She also performs da Vinci® robotic surgery at Piedmont Newton Hospital.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Samuels is the founder of the Women’s Health Leadership Initiative, a physician-led mentorship program focused on cultivating the next generation of compassionate physician leaders through clinical experiences, mentorship, and education in women’s health and maternal health equity.

For Dr. Samuels, advancing her expertise is ultimately about providing patients with the highest level of care close to home. Learn more about Dr. Samuels.

You can schedule an appointment online or by calling 770-385-8954 to experience the compassionate, expert care of Dr. Samuels or another member of our highly skilled team.

Understanding an Isthmocele: A Hidden Cause of Pelvic Pain, Abnormal Bleeding, and Infertility

Sherley Samuels, MD, FACOG
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Most women who have a Cesarean section heal without long-term complications. However, for some, the incision in the uterus does not heal completely, leaving behind a small pocket or indentation called an isthmocele, also known as a Cesarean scar defect.

As a board-certified OB/GYN with an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS), I frequently evaluate women with complex gynecologic conditions that are often overlooked. An isthmocele is one of those conditions. Although many women have never heard of it, it can be a treatable cause of abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, and even unsuccessful embryo transfers during fertility treatment.

What Is an Isthmocele?

An isthmocele is a defect that develops in the scar from a previous Cesarean delivery. Instead of healing into a smooth, strong layer of muscle, the scar forms a small pouch, or “niche,” in the lower part of the uterus.

This pocket can collect menstrual blood after your period, which may lead to prolonged spotting and other symptoms.

Not every Cesarean scar defect causes problems. In fact, many women have small defects and never experience symptoms. However, when an isthmocele becomes symptomatic, treatment may be appropriate.

What Symptoms Can an Isthmocele Cause?

Women with an isthmocele may experience:

  • Spotting for several days after their menstrual period has ended
  • Irregular vaginal bleeding
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Chronic pelvic discomfort
  • Difficulty becoming pregnant after a previous Cesarean delivery
  • Difficulty achieving pregnancy through IVF as an isthmocele may allow fluid to collect within the uterine cavity, which can interfere with embryo implantation
  • Certain pregnancy complications related to the Cesarean scar in future pregnancies

Because these symptoms can also occur with other gynecologic conditions, an isthmocele is often overlooked or diagnosed years after symptoms begin.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a conversation about your symptoms and medical history, especially if you have had one or more Cesarean deliveries.

Your physician may recommend one or more imaging tests, including:

  • Pelvic ultrasound
  • Saline infusion sonography (SIS)
  • MRI in selected cases
  • Hysteroscopy, a procedure that allows your physician to look inside the uterus with a small camera

These tests help determine the size of the defect and the thickness of the remaining uterine muscle, which helps guide treatment decisions.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Not every isthmocele requires surgery.

Treatment depends on several factors, including:

  • How bothersome your symptoms are
  • Whether the defect may be contributing to infertility or unsuccessful embryo transfers during IVF
  • The size of the scar defect
  • The amount of healthy uterine muscle that remains

For women with significant symptoms, infertility, or recurrent unsuccessful embryo transfers that may be related to an isthmocele, surgical repair may be recommended after a thorough evaluation.

What Is a Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Isthmocele Repair?

A robotic-assisted laparoscopic isthmocele repair is a minimally invasive procedure performed through several small incisions in the abdomen.

During surgery, the damaged scar tissue is removed, and the healthy muscle of the uterus is carefully reconstructed to restore the strength and shape of the uterine wall.

Although the word “robotic” can sound intimidating, the robot does not perform the surgery on its own. Your surgeon is in complete control throughout the procedure. The technology helps perform complex repairs through a few small incisions instead of one large abdominal incision. For many women, this means less pain after surgery, a shorter recovery, smaller scars, and a quicker return to normal activities.

Why Specialized Training Matters

Repairing an isthmocele is a highly specialized procedure that requires advanced minimally invasive surgical skills and precise reconstruction of the uterus.

The Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) is an advanced credential awarded by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology to surgeons who have demonstrated additional expertise in complex minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

This advanced training allows me to offer patients sophisticated surgical options, including robotic-assisted repair of Cesarean scar defects, when appropriate.

Could an Isthmocele Be Causing Your Symptoms?

If you’ve had one or more Cesarean deliveries and experience persistent spotting after your period, pelvic pain, difficulty becoming pregnant, or repeated unsuccessful embryo transfers, an isthmocele may be the underlying cause.

Many women live with these symptoms for years without realizing there may be an explanation—and an effective treatment. At Covington Women’s Health Specialists, we believe every woman deserves to have her symptoms taken seriously. If you think you may have an isthmocele or have been told you have a Cesarean scar defect, schedule a consultation to learn whether a minimally invasive evaluation and treatment plan may be right for you.

Welcome Dr. Layla Jaffree to Covington Women’s Health Specialists!

Covington Women’s Health Specialists is excited to welcome Layla Jaffree, MD, FACOG, DABOM, a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with more than 14 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to women at every stage of life.

Dr. Jaffree is committed to building lasting relationships with her patients by providing personalized care that empowers women to make informed decisions about their health. She offers comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care, with special interests in robotic and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, menopause medicine, obesity medicine, cosmetic gynecology, and preventive women’s healthcare.

After earning her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Jaffree completed her internship at Emory before finishing her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to advancing women’s healthcare through continued education, evidence-based medicine, and teaching future physicians.

In addition to her board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Jaffree is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and is certified in Cosmetic Gynecology through the International Society of Cosmetic Gynecology.

Outside of the office, Dr. Jaffree enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with her husband and four children.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jaffree to Covington Women’s Health Specialists. We are excited for our patients to benefit from her expertise, compassionate approach, and dedication to helping women achieve lifelong health and wellness.

Covington Women’s Health Specialists Celebrates Cancer Survivors and Honors Loved Ones at Community Event

On May 28, 2026, Covington Women’s Health Specialists was honored to host a special Cancer Survivors Celebration at Legion Field Building, bringing together survivors, families, friends, and community members for an afternoon of recognition, remembrance, and support.

The event celebrated the strength and resilience of those who have courageously faced cancer while also honoring the memory of loved ones whose lives were impacted by the disease.

Guests enjoyed time connecting with one another, sharing stories, and celebrating survivorship alongside members of the Covington Women’s Health Specialists team. Attendees also enjoyed refreshments from Issa Funnel and participated in a special t-shirt hoodie giveaway.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful event and helped make it such a memorable afternoon. Seeing members of our community come together in support of one another was a powerful reminder of the strength, hope, and compassion that define the cancer journey.

See the photos from our celebration here!

Covington Women’s Health Specialists Proudly Sponsors 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower

Covington Women’s Health Specialists was proud to sponsor the 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower hosted by Postpartum Warriors, a Covington-based maternal health organization founded by Makayla Walker on May 30, 2026.

The event was created to support pregnant mothers and families with children ages 2 and under by connecting them with valuable maternal and postpartum resources throughout the community. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with lactation consultants, doulas, healthcare providers, and community organizations focused on maternal wellness and postpartum support.

The event also featured car seat giveaways and professional car seat installations in partnership with Amerigroup and the Atlanta Fire Department.

As part of our sponsorship, Covington Women’s Health Specialists donated 4-in-1 bassinets for the event raffle. Our team was honored to support this important initiative and help celebrate and encourage mothers and growing families in our community.

We are grateful to Postpartum Warriors for the meaningful work they continue to do to raise awareness surrounding maternal health and postpartum anxiety while helping bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the local community.

Covington Women’s Health Specialists Featured in Visions Magazine

Covington Women’s Health Specialists and founder Dr. Cathy Larrimore were recently featured in Visions magazine, a special publication of The Covington News highlighting the growth and progress of Covington and Newton County.

The article spotlights Dr. Larrimore’s role in establishing Covington Women’s Health Specialists in 2004 and her ongoing mission to ensure women in our community have access to expert obstetric and gynecologic care close to home.

The feature also highlights the practice’s commitment to patient education, preventative care, and community involvement throughout Newton County.

“We want women to know they can receive expert care close to home,” Dr. Larrimore shared in the article.

Read the full feature in Visions magazine on pages 14 – 15 here:

Join Us for Our Cancer Survivors Celebration on May 28

Covington Women’s Health Specialists invites members of our community to join us for a special Cancer Survivors Celebration on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

This event is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those who have courageously fought and overcome cancer, while also honoring and remembering loved ones who lost their battle.

Event Details

  • Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Location: Legion Field Building

Guests are invited to enjoy an afternoon of community, conversation, and appreciation featuring funnel cakes from Issa Funnel, a t-shirt hoodie giveaway, and time to connect with our staff.

We would love for you to join us as we celebrate strength, survivorship, and the power of community support.

Please feel free to RSVP here: https://bit.ly/48Ub5Mp

Delivering Compassionate Labor and Delivery Care to Our Community: Susann Whittle’s Story for National Nurses Week

During National Nurses Week, we’re proud to recognize the nurses who make a lasting impact on the families we serve. For many of our patients delivering at Piedmont Newton Hospital, that includes the familiar and compassionate care of Susann Whittle, BSN, RN, Clinical Manager of Women’s Services.

With more than 31 years of experience as a labor and delivery nurse in Covington, GA, Susann has helped guide thousands of families through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, often becoming a memorable part of their story for years to come.

A Lifelong Calling Rooted in Community

Susann’s journey into nursing began right here in Newton County. As a high school student enrolled in a health occupations program, she discovered her passion for patient care while volunteering at Newton General Hospital.

“I enjoyed helping people through stressful times,” she says. “Seeing healthcare in action made me realize this was the path for me.”

That path has come full circle in more ways than one. Susann now works alongside providers she’s known since childhood, including Dr. Farrow.

“Our families go way back,” Susann shares. “Our parents grew up in the same neighborhood.”

That deep-rooted connection to the community continues to shape the way she cares for patients today.

Finding Her Passion in Labor and Delivery

Although she originally planned to work in medical-surgical nursing, Susann found her calling in labor and delivery nursing almost by accident.

After working in the ER and as a CNA, she joined the float pool at Piedmont Newton and was consistently assigned to Women’s Services. Over time, she realized she had found the right place. More than three decades later, her passion hasn’t faded.

Creating Meaningful Birth Experiences for Families

As an experienced labor and delivery nurse, Susann knows that no two births are the same. Her focus is always on helping mothers feel supported, safe, and empowered, no matter how their experience unfolds.

“Helping women have the best experience possible, even during a difficult time, fills my cup,” she says.

Her work spans both the joyful and the heartbreaking. From celebrating healthy deliveries to supporting families through loss, she approaches each moment with empathy and honesty.

She’s coached moms through hours of labor, helped partners stay involved, and even delivered babies in unexpected moments, sometimes before there was time to fully prepare.

Through it all, she’s known for meeting patients where they are, whether that means offering encouragement, hands-on support, or simply saying, “I know this is hard.”

A Familiar Face for Generations of Families

As a Covington native, Susann takes pride in providing high-quality maternity care close to home.

“I want women to know they don’t have to drive to Atlanta for excellent care and that it’s right here in Newton County,” she says.

Over the years, she’s built lasting relationships with patients and families and often runs into them around town, at the grocery store, or even while camping. Those connections are a testament to the trust she’s built within the community.

Leading a Strong, Compassionate Team

Today, Susann serves as Clinical Manager of Women’s Services, where she leads and mentors a team of nurses trained across the full spectrum of care from labor and delivery to postpartum and newborn support.

“I’m most proud of the team we’ve built,” she says. “They’re compassionate, eager to learn, and truly committed to giving our patients a wonderful experience.”

She’s also passionate about continuing education and improving maternal health outcomes, helping ensure patients in Covington have access to the highest standard of care.

The Reality—and Joy—of Nursing

Susann is candid about the demands of labor and delivery nursing. The role requires not only clinical skill, but emotional resilience and adaptability.

“We’re caring for the mom, the baby, and the entire support system,” she explains. “It’s more than people expect.”

In the middle of especially busy or overwhelming shifts, she’s even developed her own way of staying grounded.

“I’ll grab a Diet Coke and sing ‘Jesus Loves the Little Children’ while the unit feels like it’s on fire,” she laughs.

It’s a small ritual, but one that reflects her ability to find calm and perspective, even in high-pressure moments.

Life Outside the Hospital

When she’s not at the hospital, Susann enjoys giving back to the community and spending time with her family. Over the years, she’s been involved in activities like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and archery with her children.

Today, she volunteers at her church’s food pantry and loves to go camping whenever she can and she’ll likely run into former patients there, too. And when she has the chance, she heads to the beach to recharge.

Advice for Future Nurses

For those considering a career in nursing, Susann offers straightforward advice:

“You have to love what you do,” she says. “It’s not just about the pay. It’s about the passion behind the care.”

She encourages future nurses to be prepared for both the emotional highs and lows and to make time to recharge so they can continue showing up for their patients.

What Nursing Means to Her

After more than 30 years, Susann’s definition of nursing remains rooted in compassion and advocacy.

“It’s about caring for your patients, supporting them, educating them, and helping them feel less afraid,” she says. “It’s about empowering them to believe and let them know that they’ve got this.”

To Susann, and to every nurse who shows up with heart, strength, and unwavering dedication, thank you. You help guide families through moments they will never forget, and we are honored to celebrate you this National Nurses Week.