Congratulations! You're Pregnant!
Now what.....
Call our office and let us know! Our staff will assist you with an appointment. Typically we see our patients for a confirmation of pregnancy visit. This is a first trimester ultrasound that confirms the baby's heart beat and expected due date. This is especially important if you have irregular menses or unknown last menstrual period dating. We will review your history and answer early pregnancy questions at this time. We are one of a few offices who offer gender testing. For details review Sneak Peek
If you do not want a first trimester ultrasound, we can hear your baby with a fetal doppler around 10 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period. Your prenatal care is initiated with a full exam and laboratory work up, including state required labs and a urine culture.
But....you feel bad
It is usually best not to take any medications during pregnancy, although there are some health conditions that may still require the use of maintenance medications during pregnancy: asthma, thyroid disease, and depression are a few examples.
Here are additional safe medications you can use for some common problems you may have:
Morning Sickness
Ginger treatment is recommended at doses of 250mg in capsules or syrup 4 times a day.
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) available over the counter, 25mg tablets two or three times daily
Doxylamine 25mg (1/2 tablet Unisom SleepTabs) at bedtime.
Cold and Allergies
-Tylenol (acetaminophen) 500mg take 2 tabs or capsules every 6 hours as needed for fever.
Do not exceed 4,000 mg / day. Do not use Advil, Aspirin, Ibuprofen/Motrin during pregnancy.
-Sudafed 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for congestion
-Robitussin every 4-6 hours for cough and chest congestion relief.
-Cough drops as needed
-Saline nasal spray for relief of nasal stuffiness also helps decrease nose bleeds
-Zyrtec or Claritin use for seasonal allergies once daily
If your symptoms have not improved in one week's time, or you develop a fever greater than 100.5 after taking Tylenol you should contact your primary health care provider.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Monistat 7 or Gyne-Lotrimin for 7 days (in pregnancy a 7 day treatment is more effective than the 3 day treatment)
If you are using one of these medications due to a re-occurring yeast infection, you need to please let us know at your next visit.
Indigestions
Tums or Rolaids
Mylanta liquid, Pepcid AC, Prilosec
Avoid fatty, spicy or deep fried foods and eat small meals
Fresh ginger or papaya can be helpful
Plain yogurt can provide some immediate burn relief
Constipation
Ask about our amazing fiber mash recipe
Metamucil
Colace 100 mg, 1 to 2 tablets per day
Senekot S
Miralax
Never forget the impact of your diet and water intake!
Hemorrhoids
Sitz baths
Witch Hazel Compresses such as Tucks
Ice applied to the rectal/perineal area
H + Cream
Preparation H
Treat constipation!!
Nutrition
We stress healthy nutrition during pregnancy and eating unprocessed whole foods. "Shopping around the perimeter of the grocery store" helps you to avoid foods that are low in nutritional value and high in calories. Expected weight gain is generally 5-10# by your 20th week and 1# weekly thereafter for a 30# total weight gain goal, although this may vary depending on your starting weight. See additional information. ACOG Nutrition
Food Safety
Food safety is an important issue. Many have questions about the recommendations for seafood and other items. Please take time to view the link and if you are still unsure, feel free to ask! Food Safety Sheet
Genetic Testing
We offer genetic testing for those who are interested in this. This is optional and a personal decision. Most couples who choose to proceed just want to know if there is a problem so they can prepare ahead of time. Women over the age of 35 or have additional risk factors, may be more likely to choose genetic testing. We ask all families if they desire genetic testing, we are glad to answer any questions but the decision is yours. 1st trimester screening Panarama Prenatal Screen