Frequently Asked Questions about your Pre-Natal Care.
Activity/ Exercise
You should avoid heavy lifting. You may continue the exercises you are accustomed to unless cramping or spotting follows this type of activity, then you need to avoid that type of activity. Keep your heart rate < 140 or < 70 - 80% of maximum. You should discontinue abdominal exercises after 20 weeks. It is normal for your performance and exercise tolerance to decrease as pregnancy progresses. We recommend avoiding activities where there is a chance of abdominal injury (please consult with your MD about this). There is no need to limit intercourse unless cramping or spotting occurs or later in pregnancy, or if you have ruptured your membranes. Please check with your provider regarding any other exercises.
Travel
If you desire to travel please check with your Doctor first.
Nutrition
The recommended average weight gain is 25-35 lbs. If you are currently overweight then the recommended weight gain is around 10-15 lbs. If you are underweight then the recommended weight gain may be closer to 40 lbs. In order to meet the metabolic demands of your pregnancy you need an increased caloric intake of 300 calories. You need extra protein in your diet for growth and development, therefore if you have too much weight gain limit sweets rather than decreasing protein intake. Please limit caffeine and artificial sweeteners to 2 servings a day or less. You will need 1200 to 1500 mg of calcium daily either in dietary intake or with supplements. If you use supplementary calcium avoid bone meal, dolomite, or oyster shell calcium products as they may inadvertently contain lead. Do not take additional vitamin supplements unless directed to do so by your MD. During the first trimester (3 months) it is not always necessary to “worry alot” about the nutritional aspects of your diet. Sometimes you have to eat "whatever sounds good" just to control your nausea. Also, in the first trimester, if you are intolerant of prenatal vitamins, let the clinic know and we will prescribe folic acid alone for you to take (it will not contribute to nausea). Pregnant women should avoid undercooked meat, including deli meats and sushi, you should also avoid soft “unpasteurized” cheeses. For recommendations on fish see handout.
Pets
If you have a cat at home don't empty the litter box, cats can carry an organism in their feces that causes toxoplasmosis.
What should I do if I'm experiencing nausea?
It is recommended that you eat small frequent meals. You may also try eating your solids separate from liquids allowing about 1 hour between intake. Be careful to maintain your hydration by frequently sipping liquids. We recommend that you avoid any smells that may be triggering your nausea. Some women have found that ginger or citrus lessens their nausea you may try these. Others find relief with use of Vitamin B6 - 25 - 50 mg. If nausea continues you may add an antihistamine such as Benadryl 25 mg or Unisom 25 mg (taken at bedtime). Please notifiy the clinic if you are unable to keep food and/or fluids down for 24 hours.
What should I do if I have a cold, pain or become constipated?
You may use Tylenol, Robitussin DM, or Sudafed or throat lozenges for cold symptoms. You may use Tylenol for minor cramping, fever, or headaches. Please do not take any aspirin or Ibuprofen type products. Please check with office triage nurse regarding all other over the counter products.
For constipation (which is very common in pregnancy), you should get plenty of fluids, exercise, eat a very high fiber diet (including bran, graham crackers, prune juice), eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables. You may use Citrucel, Metamusil, Fibercon, Colace. Please talk to your provider if none of these work.
What about immunization or vaccines?
You may have your diptheria/tetanus booster during pregnancy. It is recommended during the flu season you may have a flu shot (if available).
What about Physician notification and call policies?
Please notifiy your MD if you have heavy cramping and bleeding (some mild menstrual-like cramping is normal in early pregnancy), are exposed to a communicable illness, or if you have a temperature greater than 102.
The physicians usually take their own call Monday – Friday during the day and some evenings. Please discuss with your physician their on-call policy. The Physicians rotate call on weekends and holidays. Patients interested in care by a female physician need to be aware that a female physician may not always be available for their delivery. If you need to reach your physician after hours for an emergency you can call the clinic and leave a message with the answering service. They will get in touch with your physician or the physician covering if your physician is unavailable.
