FAQs

Colds tend to last longer in pregnancy, often up to 2 weeks. Colds are caused by a virus and there is no medication to cure a cold, like an antibiotic; they just need to run their course. To feel better, try to get lots of rest and drink fluids.

Allergies: over the counter antihistamines are safe (Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl).

If you are experiencing common symptoms of a cold or allergies and are unsure of what to do, please contact your primary care physician. In the event your primary care physician will not treat you because you are pregnant, call our office our nurse is available to assist you.

Travel by air in commercial aircraft can be unrestricted until you are close to delivery. After 36-38 weeks, we advise you to stay close to home unless there are extenuating circumstances. In those cases it is essential to get medical clearance from the physician. Most airlines will not permit you to travel in your last month of pregnancy unless you have a note from your physician.

Long trips by car are less desirable, but can be taken if common sense is used. You should stop every two to three hours, move around, exercise your legs, etc.

When hormone changes occur early in pregnancy, many women experience nausea and weakness. Nausea frequently makes the appetite decrease. However, an empty stomach will only increase the nausea. It is important to eat many small meals during the day. Many women find keeping saltines or other crackers on hand to be helpful when nausea occurs. It is also important to maintain hydration by drinking 2-3 quarts of fluids each day. Keeping a quart container filled with fluid and drinking small quantities frequently will make it easier to maintain hydration. Even if you cannot eat, it is of utmost importance that you remain hydrated. There are a couple of over the counter vitamins that have been shown to be helpful. One of these is ginger, 1 gram taken daily. Another suggestion is Vitamin B6 10 to 25 mg, three times a day. Please notify the office if you are unable to keep food and/or fluids down for 24 hours or more.

The round ligaments attach the uterus to the pelvis and are located in the groin region. As the uterus grows, these ligaments must stretch to accommodate its size. This stretching can manifest as pain or cramping in the inguinal area. These pains are usually short lived and can be treated symptomatically with Tylenol and a heating pad if necessary. If the pain is constant and persistent causing you great discomfort please call the office.

You should start to feel fetal movement in the beginning of the second trimester and they do vary. An active mother may not notice movement. If you haven’t felt significant movement, drink a large glass of ice water or fruit juice and sit down for an hour to monitor movement. You should notice 5-6 movements per hour. Babies vary widely in terms of activity. Some are very active and move almost continuously, others are quieter. If you feel no fetal movement in a 12-24 hour period, contact your care provider immediately.

If you are an obstetrical patient and experience any of the following, call our office immediately: vaginal bleeding, fluid leak from the vagina, regular contractions, decreased fetal movement or high fever. Please state clearly that you have an emergency. All other life-threatening medical emergencies should be addressed by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.

Unless you are having complications, your first OB visit should be between 8-10 weeks of pregnancy.  Gestational weeks are counted beginning with the first day of your last menstrual period.  We typically schedule your first obstetrical visit during 8-10 weeks of gestation, however if you are unsure of your last menstrual period or have had any prior history of miscarriage, we would like to see you for a “confirmation of pregnancy” visit.  Please call our office to schedule this appointment during the time that you think you will be 8-10 weeks pregnant.

Some medications for ongoing medical problems need to be taken throughout pregnancy in order to keep those problems under control. No one can guarantee the safety of any medication during pregnancy, so we have to weigh the risk of taking the medication against the benefit. In general, during the first three months, only medications essential for your health should be taken. This is a problem that should be discussed with the provider before conception. It is never a good idea to stop any prescribed medication without first discussing it with your doctor. Click here for a list of our safe medications during pregnancy list.