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Health Maintenance During Pregnancy

HIGH RISK PREGNANCIES

Some women have problems that may affect their health and the well-being of their babies. Your doctor will decide if your pregnancy fits into this category. It is important to give us accurate information about your health, your lifestyle and previous pregnancies so we can determine your risk factors.

CARING FOR YOURSELF

Please take time to read through this packet. It has information on diet, exercise and dealing with the discomforts of pregnancy. Call us if you have questions. Someone will be happy to return your call and discuss your concerns.

Alcohol, smoking and drugs should be avoided during pregnancy. Alcohol and drug use can lead to premature birth, inadequate growth of the baby, and permanent learning or behavior problems in children. Smoking can lead to premature birth, inadequate growth of the baby and may increase the chances of SIDS (crib death) and placental abruption. Drug use in pregnancy puts the mother and the unborn baby at risk of complications. To give you and your baby the best care, all patients will be tested for drug use at the time of delivery.

ULTRASOUNDS

Ultrasounds are usually done during the first trimester for confirmation of your due date. Another one is during the 2nd trimester to ensure that your baby is growing adequately and developing normally. These are scheduled in advance and the same no show/late arrival policies are enforced for these appointments. Same day scheduled ultrasounds will only be done if the doctor or nurse practitioner thinks it is necessary. Ultrasounds are done for medical reasons only! We do offer a 3-D ultrasound package and other ultrasound packages, but this is not covered by private insurance or by Medicaid. You must ask to schedule this ultrasound and you must pay for it before or on the day it is done. You can schedule the optional ultrasound packages with the receptionist.

MANAGEMENT OF COMMON PROBLEMS IN PREGNANCY

NAUSEA:

  1. Eat small amounts 5-6 times per day instead of 2-3 large meals per day.
  2. Crackers or toast first thing in the morning can help.
  3. After eating, being still can be helpful.
  4. Nausea usually decreases significantly or stops after 3-4 months but it may not.
  5. Liquid Emetrol or Bonine tablets are over the counter medications you can take for nausea. B-Natal Lollypops containing vitamin B can help as well. If you want a prescription for nausea medicine or when these OTC medicines do not help, contact us. In early pregnancy, an empty stomach can cause nausea at any time of the day. Keep crackers or something light with you so that can you can eat if nausea is a problem.

HEARTBURN:

  1. Over the counter antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta. Tums or Rolaids can be used.
  2. You can also take Zantac, Prilosec, Pepcid or Tagamet. Generic versions are fine.
  3. If these are not helpful, please contact us and we will send you in a prescription.
  4. Sitting up for an hour or so after eating can help as it keeps the stomach acid away from the esophagus.
  5. DoNOTuse Pepto Bismal.

CONSTIPATION:

  1. Increase your dietary fiber by eating more fruits and vegetables. Any of the over the counter fiber supplements can be used. Increase your intake of fiber gradually to avoid problems with stomach or intestinal gas. GASX or Phazyme can be used for excess stomach or intestinal gas.
  2. Drink plenty of liquids to help the fiber do its job.
  3. Stool softeners like docusate sodium (Colace) or Surfak can be taken daily to avoid hard stools.
  4. Miralax or Milk of magnesia can be used on occasion.
  5. Fleets enema or Dulcolax suppositories if quick relief is needed.

ALLERGIES:

  1. Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritin over the counter are safe and effective.
  2. If you take allergy medication routinely, please discuss with your provider.

COLDS OR SINUS CONGESTION

  1. Tylenol Cold, sinus and allergy medicines are safe in pregnancy
  2. Sudafed over the counter is also recommended
  3. Salinenasal spray can be used. (DO NOT use Afrin products)
  4. If you use a prescription nasal spray, please let us know.
  5. Robitussin or Robitussin-DM can be used for a cough.

BACKACHE

  1. This is usually more of a problem towards the end of the pregnancy. Tylenol or Tylenol PM can be safely used during pregnancy.
  2. You can use an analgesic rub such as ICY/HOT or pain relief patches as well
  3. Warm moist heat, such as a hot towel or a warm bath can be helpful.
  4. Massage is also a good method of relief.
  5. Walking can strengthen your back muscles and help decrease back discomfort.
  6. Recommend maternity belt.

TROUBLE SLEEPING

  1. At the end of your pregnancy, sleeping is more difficult due to discomfort. A warm bath may help relax you.
  2. Exercise may help you sleep better.
  3. Tylenol PM and melatonin can be used.
  4. You may need to sleep propped on pillows due to heartburn or shortness of breath caused by the baby putting pressure on your diaphragm.

HEMORRHOIDS

  1. Preventing constipation with increased fiber and fluids can decrease your chances of developing a hemorrhoid.
  2. Exercise can help keep the bowels moving regularly.
  3. If you develop hemorrhoids, sitting in a tub of warm water can ease the discomfort.
  4. Use Tucks or other wipes to soothe the area and keep it clean.
  5. Preparation-H Suppositories or ointment can be used as well.

ABDOMINAL PAIN

  1. Sharp pulling pain can be on one or both sides of lower abdomen and in groin area and is usually caused by the stretching of the uterus and the ligaments that hold the uterus in position. (Round ligament pains are normal)
  2. Tylenol can be used. A warm bath may help as well. Moving slowly or lying with your knees drawn up may decrease your discomfort.
  3. If the discomfort is severe or feels like contractions, please contact the clinic or go to the labor unit.
  4. Recommend maternity belt.

VAGINAL DISCHARGE

  1. An increase in vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy. The changes in hormones during pregnancy are responsible for this.
  2. If you have a discharge that makes you itch or burn, has an odor, or is any color other than white, you need to let us know so we can check you for infection.

SWELLING

  1. Pressure from your growing womb and your changing hormones may cause swelling, especially in your legs.
  2. Rest with your legs up as often as possible. Wear support hose if you are on your feet a lot. Avoid eating salty food or using a lot of salt on your food.
  3. If your swelling comes on suddenly and does not go down overnight, please contact us.

DANGER SIGNS

Sometimes problems happen during pregnancy. You need to call the office or go to Minden Medical Center if any of the following happens:

  • Vaginal Bleeding
  • Fever above 100.0
  • Vomiting that is not helped by medicine
  • Severe or continuous headaches
  • Continuous blurry vision
  • Pain or burning when you urinate
  • Vaginal blisters or sores
  • Baby not moving or decreased movement later in pregnancy
  • Water breaks or leaks (sudden or slow loss of fluid from the vagina)
  • Fainting or severe dizziness
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Spots before your eyes
  • Swelling of hands or face
  • Regular contractions

Signs of premature labor are:

  • Labor pains or contractions before 37 weeks that occur in a regular pattern.
  • Increased pelvic pressure not helped by rest, a warm bath or Tylenol

Contact the office if you think you may be in early labor or if you think your water breaks. If it is before or after business hours please call the Minden Medical Center Labor Unit at (318) 371-5660, or go to Labor Unit on the 4th floor at Minden Medical Center.

What to Bring to the Hospital

MOM

  1. Toothpaste and toothbrush
  2. Shampoo
  3. Lip balm
  4. Nightgown, robe and slippers
  5. Loose fitting outfit to wear home
  6. Good support bra or nursing bra

BABY

  1. Nightgown, socks or booties
  2. Diaper rash ointment
  3. Going home outfits
  4. Car seat