Pregnancy

Pregnancy FAQs

Can I take medication during my pregnancy?

In general avoid taking any medication. Most often, small problems may be remedied with either rest & relaxation, or adjustment of diet, and /or change of eating habits. We ask that you consult us prior to taking any medications. There are a few medicines, however that we feel are safe to use with discretion.

Sinus/Allergy Symptoms:

• Sudafed
• Claritin D
• Claritin (if less than 12 weeks)

Sore Throat:

• Saline Gargles
• Chloraseptic spray
• Cepastat lozenges

Headache:

• Tylenol
• Extra Strength Tylenol
• Tylenol PM

Heartburn/Indigestion:

• Mylanta
• Maalox
• Gaviscon
• Zantac
• Tums extra strength

How do I control my headaches, fever, aches and pain?

Headaches can be caused by a number of reasons such as stress, overwork, fatigue , or changes in hormonal levels occurring during pregnancy. Be sure to get enough sleep and take a break during daily activities. We do not suggest the use of aspirin or Ibuprofen. Regular or extra strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) regular or extra strength can be used.

What do I do if I have indigestion?

Sometimes it is helpful to figure out the circumstances of your indigestion. Does it occur before meals, when your stomach is empty? Does it occur when you have just finished a large meal? Does it occur in the evening? Morning? all the time? Often this situation is relieved by eating small and more frequent meals or avoiding specific irritating foods or by having less in your stomach at bedtime. If these suggestions don´t help, you might try, Mylanta, Maalox tablets, Gaviscon, Zantac or Tums extra strength.

What do I do if I am nauseated or have morning sickness?

We suggest that you consider your diet and the time of day that you eat your meals. During pregnancy it is thought that there may be an increase in gastric (stomach) secretions, and perhaps a cracker or a piece of toast before getting out of bed may be helpful. You might also try eating smaller and more frequent meals and try never to skip meals. You can also try:

• Ginger ale
• Ginger Tea
• Ginger snaps
• Ginger root
• Lemon drops

If you cannot keep any fluids down for more than 24 hours, please contact your physician´s office.

What do I do if I have constipation?

There are many reasons or causes for constipation during pregnancy. Sometimes it is due to the iron in your vitamins, the increasing size of the uterus, the lack of bulk or roughage in your diet (bran cereal, whole crackers, wheat bread, leafy green vegetables, fresh and dried fruit).

First, try to increase the fiber in your diet. If the constipation does not improve, you may take Metamucil or Fiber con, which are bulk forming substance, or milk of Magnesia, which is a laxative. These products may be used occasionally, but if constipation becomes a persistent problem, please call the office.

What foods should I avoid during pregnancy?

• Mercury: avoid swordfish, tile fish, mackerel and shark. Limit total fish intake to 12 ozs per week (i.e. 2 average size servings/week)
• Listeria: Avoid deli meats, lox, and unpasteurized cheeses.
• Artificial Sweeteners: Splenda and equal are fine in moderation. Avoid saccharin.
• Raw food: Avoid raw meat, eggs, fish.
• Toxoplasmosis: Make sure meat is cooked well. Hot dogs must be completely heated. Do not clean cat litter boxes or change cat litter during your pregnancy.
• Alcohol: Avoid during pregnancy.

What should I know about Genetic Testing for Chromosomal Abnormalities?

Testing for chromosomal abnormalities

PANORMA Testing

What do I do for cold/flu symptoms?

Although is it not always possible to avoid these conditions, it may be helpful to drink fluids and get plenty of rest. Co-Tylenol tablets or liquids may be used as a decongestant. Most other decongestants as well as antihistamine Actifed / Sudafed may be used. For a dry or “stuffy” nose, Ocean Nasal Mist should be used as often as needed. For a cough, we suggest plain Vick´s Formula 44. Throat lozenges are fine to take. Should your symptoms persist, or if your temperature is over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, please call the office.

How do I treat hemorrhoids?

Usually when there are problems with bowl elimination, hemorrhoids occur. Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins at the rectal opening. Most often burning, itching and irritation occur with hemorrhoids. The treatment of this problem is keeping bowel movements soft and regular. Sits baths three times daily and using Witch Hazel, tucks or Preparation “H” after bowel movements will help. Should you have any rectal bleeding, please let us know.

When do I go to the hospital?

Go to the emergency room if you are less than 20 weeks pregnant and have the following issues:

• Bleeding / Spotting / Severe Cramps
• Severe Nausea / Vomiting
• Feeling weak or unable to eat

Go to Labor / delivery if you are over 20 weeks and have the following issues:

• Bleeding / Spotting
• Contractions
• The baby is not moving
• Your water broke
• Temperature of 100.3 or more

Who will deliver my baby?

Your baby will be delivered by your physician if your physician is available when you go into labor. Otherwise, your baby will be delivered by one of the five other OB/GYN’s in the practice. Whoever is on call when you go into labor will take care of you while you are in the hospital. You will see ‘your’ obstetrician for the majority of your prenatal visits. Towards the end of your pregnancy you will rotate and have a prenatal visit with each of the OB/GYN’s in the practice so that you can meet everyone.

Who do I call if I have an emergency?

If it is a life threatening emergency, call 911. For non life threatening emergencies, call our office at 662-256-9331. We will give you a call back as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, call our office and have the following information available:

• Your name
• The number of weeks that you have been pregnant
• Description of your specific problem
• Pharmacy phone number
• Your contact number