General Obstetrical Instructions

[accordions title=”” active=1 event=”click” disabled=false autoheight=false] [accordion title=”Animals”]

Don’t change kitty litter – this could potentially expose you to a virus called Toxoplasmosis.[/accordion] [accordion title=”Bowels”]

  • To Avoid Constipation
    • Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day
    • Add bulk to diet (bran metamucil, fibercon, ets.)
    • Add fruits and green vegetables
    • A stool softenern (Colace) may be taken as needed. This is available over the counter.
  • Diarrhea
    • If severe, stay on clear liquids for 24 hours – call if temperature is greater than 101.0 F
    • Kaopectate of Immodium AD may bee used
    • If no relief in 24 hours consult of our
  • Hemmorrhoids
    • Anusol Suppository
    • Tucks Pads
    • Epraration H-Ointment or Suppositories
    • Warm tub soak for 20 minutes at least twice daily
    • Avoid hard stool by using items in #A
    • Do no strain during a bowl movement
  • Gas
    • Avoid gas forming foods like cabbage, onions, and spicy foods
    • Tums may be used as needed
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Colds”]
  • Colds
    • Increase Fluids
    • Rest
    • Sudafed, Tyenol and Chlor-Trimeton can be used
  • Nasal Congestion
    • Vaporizer
    • Chlor-Trimeton D-Congestanta
  • Sore Throat and Cough
    • Gargle with salt water
    • Throat lozenges in necessary
    • Tylenol
    • Call if temperature greater than 101.1
  • Headache
    • Extra Strength Tylenol
    • Please Do Not Take ADVIL, ALIEVE, MOTRIN, IBUPROFEN OR ASPIRN Products. (These can effect the blood supply to the baby)
    • Ice bags
    • Call for Headaches that do not improve with rest and Tylenol
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Cramps”]
  • Uterine
  • Due to fetal growth and position, twitching and stabbing pains may be felt at various times especially 5-6 months along. You may try Tylenol, rest and increasing your fluid intake to minimize discomfort.
  • If the contractions are regular, painful, or you have bleeding, Go to Labor and Delivery.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Dental Care”]
  • We recommend dental check ups at the beginning of pregnancy
  • If root canal work is indicated by your dentist, check with us first
  • Local anesthesia is okay. No Gas!
  • X-rays are okay if your abdomen is protected by a lead apron
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Edema (Swelling in Hands and Feet)”]
  • Increase water intake by 3-4 more glasses per day
  • Elevate feet above heart level in evenings and elevate as much as possible during the day
  • Decrease salt intake, soda pop and other sodium containing foods
  • Light exercise (walking)
  • Refer to low sodium diet
  • Swelling in the face or accompanied by headache, increased blood pressure or abdominal pain needs to be evaluated. Go to labor and delivery.
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Exercise”]
  • Vigorous exercise such as jogging, swimming and aerobic exercise is okay if your body is already used to these movements, DO NOT GET A PULSE ABOVE 14O.
  • Do what feels okay, and stop if pain develops
  • Try to do some exercises daily
  • A brisk walk is recommended[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Labor”]
  • Contractions should be every 5 Minutes lasting 40-60 Seconds long and feel like a bad menstrual cramp
  • You may leak Amniotic Fluid and have a blood tinged discharge
  • When in doubt go to the hospital
[/accordion] [accordion title=”Painting”]
  • Only in well ventilated rooms
  • Do only if necessary
  • Latex Paint Only, no oil based paint[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Sex”]
  • It is okay, as long as there haven’t been any problems with spotting or bleeding
  • May continue as long as both parents are comfortable
  • If you have any questions, Ask.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Spotting”]
  •  Bedrest for 24 Hours with with hips elevated on a pillow
  • If cramping is associated with the bleeding please CALL
  • It is normal to have a small amount of spotting if you have had intercourse in the let 2-3 days. Bleeding as heavy as a period is NOT NORMAL.
  • If you are less than 20 weeks go to the Emergency Room (NIGHTS & WEEKENDS)
  • If GREATER than 20 weeks go to LABOR & DELIVERY
[/accordion]

 

[accordion title =”Stomach”]
  • Nausea
    • Eat soda crackers before getting up each morning
    • Each 6 small meals per day
    • May use unison 25mg and vitamin B6 25mg in the morning and evening when the above does not work
    • For severe nausea we can use anti-nausea medication
  • Indigestion
    • Avoid spicy food
    • Drink a glass of milk before eating meals
    • Small amounts of Maalox or Mylanta before eating if milk doesn’t work
    • DO NOT use baking soda and water
    • Chew gum
    • Tums antacids
    • Don’t eat or drink 1-2 hours before lying down[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Travel”]
  • After 7 months, you need consent from the office to fly
  • If driving, stop every hour so that you can get out and walk around. This will  help proven blood pooling and leg cramps[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Weight Gain”]
  • 25-30lbs for the enter pregnancy
  • Your baby needs protein, minerals, vitamins, and calories, but doubling the quantity of food is seldom necessary
  • If activity decreases and appetite increases, extra calories should be decreased
  • For example: butter, margarine, oils, cream, foods prepared with fats such as fried foods, salad dressings pies, cakes, and cookies (basically as the good stuff)
  • If you find that your weight is increasing too rapidly, honestly look at what you are eating – a few sweets can add up fast
  • Fruit: oranges, grapefruits, lemons, tomatoes, tangerines, melons, pineapples,strawberries should be served once or twice a day. Juices of any of the above fruits are good too.
  • Remember that fruit juice is fairly high in calories, you are better off eating an orange than drinking a glass a of orange juice, etc.
  • Examples of foods high in Vitamin A :egg yolk, liver, milk, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, spinach, collard, kale, broccoli, apricots, cantaloupe
  • Examples of food high in Vitamin C: citrus fruit, strawberries, kiwi, melons, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes
  • Limit these fattening foods
  • Starches: potatoes, noodles, rice, corn, lima beans, spaghetti, and macaroni may be added to the diet
  • In small quantity: about two tablespoons a day or a few times a week, these foods are nutritious but have excessive calories for the amount of essential energy they contain.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”Other Dont’s”]

Please avoid saunas, hot tubs, and tanning beds[/accordion] [/accordions]