General Information For Our Obstetrical Patients
- We usually see our obstetrical patients approximately every 4 weeks during the first 30 weeks. From that point on, you will be seen every 2-3 weeks until the last month when you will come in weekly. Special circumstances may change this schedule.
- Office hours are by appointment. Please call in advance. If it is necessary to cancel your appointment, please call at least 24 hours in advance.
- If you are starting at a recommended weight, it is desirable that you gain between 25 and 35 pounds during your pregnancy. If you are overweight, you should discuss weight gain goals with your provider. If you find that you are gaining too much weight, try to restrict your calorie intake (sweets, starches and fats), but do not skimp on your protein intake (meats, dairy products and eggs) as these are most essential for the baby.
- You may continue with any athletic activities to which you are accustomed; however, this is not a good time to take up new ones. Please discuss jogging, high-impact aerobics, skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling with your doctor. USE COMMON SENSE. Don’t participate in any sport or physical activity if it is uncomfortable for you or if you experience pain or bleeding following the activity.
- Tub baths or showers are permissible throughout the pregnancy. Avoid exposure to high temperatures as in a hot tub or sauna. Use heating pads on low only.
There are no restrictions on sexual intercourse. Avoid intercourse if you are having a problem with bleeding, preterm labor or if your membranes have broken. - Breasts should be supported with a comfortable and fitted bra. You may find this support comfortable even at night when you are sleeping. The need for maternity clothes differs with women and with pregnancies. Let comfort dictate. Support hose may be helpful for swelling legs or varicose veins.
- It is permissible for pregnant women to be around fresh paint or varnish; preferably not oil-based paint. You should just be sure to have good ventilation. You should avoid breathing the toxic chemicals associated with stripping furniture or woodwork. Avoid hair coloring in the first trimester.
- Because of the danger of decreased oxygen to the baby, it is not advisable not to travel in areas with altitudes over 10,000 feet above sea level. Air travel is fine if it is done in pressurized airplanes. During the last 6 weeks of pregnancy, we recommend that you stay within 50 miles of the metropolitan area.
9.Use of chemicals including alcohol, tobacco, cocaine and marijuana is dangerous to the unborn baby. Research at the present time does not provide us with safety levels. Our advice is to avoid all use of these substances.
- Coffee, tea, colas and other soft drinks (read labels), chocolate, and some over-the-counter drugs contain CAFFEINE. The United States Food and Drug Administration advises expectant mothers to limit caffeine use. No more than two servings per day of caffeine-containing products should be used. Caffeine readily enters the fetal blood stream and it may take longer to be eliminated. It seems wise to reduce caffeine intake during pregnancy.
Aspirin and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) such as Motrin, Nuprin, Aleve, Advil, and Ibuprofen should be avoided and if pain medication is needed, Tylenol is a good choice. - Toxoplasmosis is a rare parasitic disease, which can adversely effect the fetus. It is acquired by eating raw or undercooked meat or it can be transmitted through cat feces. Avoid getting a new cat at this time and if you already have one, someone else should empty the litter box.
- Nutrasweet – The FDA has approved the use of “aspartame” by pregnant and lactating women, although moderation is the key. This should not be used if there is a history of Phenyl-Ketonuria (PKU). Splenda is also okay to use in pregnancy.
- Some foods can make you and your baby sick. You should avoid swordfish, shark, king mackerel tilefish, and fresh tuna. Limit canned tuna to 12 ounces per week or 6 ounces if you eat other kinds of fish. Avoid raw fish, undercooked meats, raw or lightly cooked eggs, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk/juices, raw sprouts, herbal supplements and herbal teas.
- If you are vegetarian, and especially a vegan, please discuss your diet with your provider to be sure you are getting all of your necessary nutrients. Vitamin B-12 is found in animal products only and may need to be supplemented.
- PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BRING UP QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS AT THE TIME OF YOUR VISITS. If it helps you to remember them, write them down. If it is something that cannot wait until your next appointment, please call. In case of emergencies, our office phone is answered day and night.
