Dr. Michelle Spector's
Healthy Commuter Tips

Michelle Spector, MD
OB/GYN, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital

Dr. Spector is from New York State. She received her undergraduate degree from Duke University where she graduated magna cum laude with a double major in biology and psychology. She attended Washington University for medical school and Emory University for residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She then entered the U.S. Air Force. She was a Staff Physician at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio for 4.5 years, where she practiced obstetrics and gynecology and was on the teaching faculty for residents, she was acting Chairman in 2000. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Spector currently serves at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital on the maternal and neonatal morbidity committee. She is also married and has twin boys.

Dr. Michelle Spector's Healthy Commuter Tips

Blood clots are a concern for pregnant women who sit for long periods of time.  Stretching is an important way to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs.  Pregnant women should try to stretch when the car is stopped at a red light or pull off the road. The best stretch is a simple "point" and "flex" motion with each foot.  Hold each position for several seconds and perform a few sets of these exercises on each foot.  Women who are pregnant should stand up and stretch after two hours of sitting in a car, train or airplane.  Back pain can be an issue for pregnant women, particularly when they sit for long periods of time. Add a pillow or other form of lumbar support to the seat to alleviate back pain.