|
Frequently Asked Questions for First-Time Moms
|
|
|
Each woman experiences pregnancy in her own individual way, but there are some changes that often occur in most pregnancies. We want you to feel your best while expecting! Here are some tips on how to prevent or overcome some of the most common, everyday complaints. We've also answered some of the most-asked questions about traveling while pregnant, when to stop working, and dealing with other everyday activities while pregnant. Of course, always feel free to ask your doctor or OB nurse if you have additional questions or need more information.
|
|
|
* You and Your Baby
* Relief For Common Complaints
* Diet, Exercise, Sex, and Healthy Habits
* Work and Travel
* FAQ'S for First Time Dads
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How soon will you be able to tell if my baby is a boy or a girl?
|
|
|
Around the 20th week of your pregnancy, we will perform an anatomy screening ultrasound that will usually determine whether your baby is male or female. We'll keep it a secret, though, unless you tell us you want to know!
|
|
|
How much weight can I expect to gain?
|
|
|
Every woman experiences pregnancy differently, but most women can expect to gain about 5 pounds in the first trimester of your pregnancy. Also, most women gain most of their weight, on average 25 pounds, in the second and third trimesters.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What can I do to prevent nausea or morning sickness?
|
|
Eat dry toast or crackers before rising
Eliminate greasy, spicy foods
East 5-6 small meals throughout the day
Take vitamins and iron after meals instead of on an empty stomach
|
|
|
What medication can I safely take to alleviate nausea?
|
|
|
Call us for a prescription for Reglan or Phenergan
|
|
|
How can I combat fatigue during my pregnancy?
|
|
Get plenty of rest. Take a break!
East a well-balanced diet
Don't overexert yourself
|
|
|
What can I do about breast tenderness?
|
|
|
Wear a good supporting bra, such as a maternity or full-figure bra
|
|
|
How can I avoid heartburn?
|
|
Avoid greasy, spicy foods
Eat 5-6 small meals
Drink a glass of milk before eating
Eat slowly and avoid rushing your meals
|
|
|
What medication can I safely take for heartburn?
|
|
Maalox
Mylanta
Tums
|
|
|
How can I prevent edema or swelling of my legs and ankles?
|
|
Wear pregnancy support pantyhose
Elevate legs when sitting
Avoid standing for long periods of time
Wear loose clothing, especially at wrists and ankles
Reduce intake of foods high in salt content, such as bacon, lunchmeat, and potato chips - but
DO NOT ELIMINATE SALT COMPLETELY FROM YOUR DIET
|
|
|
How can I avoid constipation?
|
|
Increase the fiber in your diet by eating bran, fresh fruit, and vegetables
Increase intake of fluids
Exercise moderately
|
|
|
What medication can I safely take if I am constipated?
|
|
Milk of Magnesia
Metamucil
Fiberall
Dulcolax suppository
Stool softener tablets
Exlax
Colace
|
|
|
What medication can I safely take if I have diarrhea?
|
|
|
Immodium or Kaopectate
|
|
|
How can I deal with hemorrhoids flaring up?
|
|
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods
Do not strain with bowel movements
Take a warm sitz bath
Use Tucks pads or Anusol
|
|
|
What can I do for a backache?
|
|
Avoid overexertion and fatigue
Practice good posture
Wear low-heeled shoes
Elevate legs up on pillows
Apply warm, moist heat
|
|
|
How can I avoid leg cramps?
|
|
|
Increase intake of milk and milk products
Avoid sitting on legs or crossing legs
Eat dried apricots
|
|
|
What can I do to avoid shortness of breath?
|
|
Sit up straight and breathe deeply
Prop your head up on pillows when lying down to rest or sleep
|
|
|
Sometimes I get dizzy. What should I do?
|
|
Stand up slowly
Eat a well-balanced diet. Do not skip meals!
|
|
|
What can I do about urinary frequency?
|
|
Drink fluids, but decrease intake in the evening
Always urinate when you feel the urgency. Do not hold it!
|
|
|
How can I avoid headaches?
|
|
Get plenty of rest, relaxation, and exercise
Do not skip meals
|
|
|
What medication can I safely take for a headache or a fever under 101 degrees?
|
|
Tylenol, regular or extra strength
Call your doctor if your fever is over 101 degrees
|
|
|
What medication can I safely take for a cold or allergies with nasal drainage and head congestion?
|
|
Chlortrimeton
Sudafed
Tavist
Tylenol Sinus
Claritin
Mucinex
Tylenol Cold
|
|
|
I'm having trouble sleeping. What can help?
|
|
Take a warm shower before going to bed
Avoid late, heavy meals close to bedtime
Drink a glass of warm milk
Moderate exercise
Try sleeping on your side
Use extra pillows to support your back and abdomen
Take Tylenol PM or Benadryl as directed on package
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What kind of diet should I follow for a healthy pregnancy?
|
|
|
Eating well-balanced meals with lots of vegetables and fruits, avoiding excess salt, and drinking plenty of water are essential to the health and well-being of both you and your baby.
|
|
|
Can I exercise throughout my pregnancy?
|
|
|
Ask your physician if moderate aerobic exercise, such as swimming, walking, and low-impact aerobics is safe for you during your pregnancy
Swimming is one of the best exercises for expectant moms
|
|
|
Can I continue to have sexual intercourse throughout my pregnancy?
|
|
|
Yes. You can continue having sexual intercourse without fear of hurting the baby through the ninth month as long as you are not experiencing pre-term labor. Check with your doctor if your pregnancy is considered high-risk or if you have other concerns.
|
|
|
Should I continue to smoke cigarettes while I'm pregnant?
|
|
|
No. Smoking increases the risk of low birth weight and has shown to cause health problems in infants.
|
|
|
Should I continue drinking alcoholic beverages while pregnant?
|
|
|
No. Consuming alcoholic beverages while pregnant may cause low birth weight, birth defects, and mental retardation in the fetus, known as fetal alcohol syndrome.
|
|
|
What about coffee and other drinks with caffeine?
|
|
|
Avoid or reduce your consumption of coffee, colas, and other foods and drinks high in caffeine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How late in my pregnancy can I travel?
|
|
|
We usually advise patients in their ninth month (after 34 weeks) to avoid travel that is more than one or two hours away from home so they can be close to home and hospital in case labor begins.
|
|
|
How late in my pregnancy can I work before starting my maternity leave?
|
|
|
This depends on several factors, including your general health, your age, the type of work you do, the stress level at work, your experience with past pregnancies, if any, and of course, the overall status of your pregnancy. Your doctor will take all of these, and other, factors into consideration and will discuss them with you to help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expecting a child is also a life-changing experience for first-time dads, too. Here are some tips and information for men who want to better understand the physical and emotional changes that their wives are experiencing.
|
|
|
How can I be more supportive and understanding of what my wife is going through?
|
|
|
Get informed and prepared! Read the same books and articles she is reading about pregnancy and infant care. You'll know what to expect and you'll be able to help her cope with some of the common physical and emotional changes along the way. There are also some excellent books written just for expectant fathers. Check your favorite bookstore.
|
|
|
My wife has been having mood swings. Is that normal?
|
|
|
Yes. Many women experience emotional "ups and downs" brought about by the hormonal changes of pregnancy, as well as the fatigue that usually accompanies it. She may also have some fears about the baby's well-being and the changes her body is going through, especially if this is her first pregnancy. Be patient. Be a good listener. Encourage her to talk to her doctor if she has serious concerns.
|
|
|
My wife works a place where there are some environmental hazards. Can that harm her and the baby?
|
|
|
It's possible. Exposure to some toxic substances have been proven to harm a fetus or cause miscarriages, while others have not. Let her doctor know the type of substance, the degree of exposure, and how long she has been exposed.
|
|
|
Can my wife and I continue to have sexual intercourse throughout the pregnancy without hurting the baby?
|
|
|
Yes. You can continue having sexual intercourse without fear of hurting the baby through the ninth month as long as she is not experiencing pre-term labor. Check with your doctor if your wife's pregnancy is considered high-risk or if she has other concerns.
|
|
