The following FAQ page is regarding the most common questions in pregnancy. Please refer to our Library for your gynecological inquiries.
Does Ultrasound Pose Any Risk to My Pregnancy?
Ultrasound is a safe and noninvasive measure that can be very useful for obstetricians and pediatricians to asses your baby for any prenatal concerns in your baby. Unlike CT scans which use x rays to produce an image which have been shown to cause harm to babies, there is no evidence that ultrasounds can have any long lasting adverse effects on your baby.
When Do I Need to Call My Doctor in Late Pregnancy?
- Your water bag has broken.
- You feel contractions frequently and regularly
- You have vaginal bleeding or a fever.
- You have felt the baby move less than 10 kicks counted in 2 hours after a meal
What Can I Do to Decrease My Nausea During Pregnancy?
- Eat dry crackers before getting out of bed, wait 5 – 10 minutes, then get up slowly.
- Eat small amounts of food frequently throughout the day. Perhaps a bite or two every half hour.
- Do not eat large meals on an empty stomach.
- Try taking your prenatal vitamins before bed.
What Foods May Help to Settle My Stomach?
- Ginger cookies, ginger ale or ginger tablets
- Watermelon or cantaloupe
- Flavored popsicles
- Melba toast, dry bagel, dry toast, plain crackers
- Vitamin B6, 50 mg, two times a day
Does Exercise Harm My Pregnancy?
In general, no, unless you have risk factors such as vaginal bleeding. If you have been exercising, continue. If not, start slowly. Exercise is important unless your provider has advised against it. When exercising during pregnancy, it is important to follow some general safety guidelines:
- Drink plenty of fluids as you sweat more during pregnancy.
- Exercise slower/longer and not harder.
- Avoid exercising on your back after your 5th month.
- Avoid exercises that could cause you to fall as your center of gravity changes during pregnancy.
- Recommended exercises are walking, cycling, hiking, yoga, swimming and low-impact aerobics
- Not recommended are horseback riding, rock climbing, downhill skiing and scuba diving.
Is Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
Sex is safe and does not harm the baby. Open communication of how you are feeling about sex is important for your relationship. Do not have sex if you have vaginal or abdominal pain, blood or fluid leaking from your vagina or have been advised against it by your provider.
What Are Key Food & Lifestyle Restrictions During Pregnancy?
- Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and using recreational drugs.
- Avoid Fish that may contain mercury. Limit your fish intake to less than 12 oz. per week.
- Avoid raw meat, raw fish, and raw shellfish
- Limit Caffeine to two servings or less each day.
What Are Travel Guidelines During Pregnancy?
- Wear your seat belt.
- Bring a pillow for long trips.
- Avoid caffeine and drink lots of fluids.
- Pack snacks and water.
- Request an aisle seat.
- Bring a pair of loose fitting shoes in case your feet swell.
- Get up and walk around every two hours.
- You may need a doctor’s note to fly in your third trimester
What Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy?
- Headache: Tylenol (plain), regular or extra-strength. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or Aleve).
- Cold: Tylenol (plain), regular or extra-strength for aches and fever. Sudafed (plain) for nasal congestion. Robitussin (plain), Robitussin DM for cough. Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Constipation: Metamucil, Fiber-all, Milk of Magnesia, bran, Colace, Citracel.
- Diarrhea: Kaopectate. Drink small sips of clear liquids.
- Indigestion: Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta II, Zantac, Tagamet.
- Hemorrhoids: Preparation H, Anusol HC.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Vitamin B6 (up to 75 mg. a day), Ginger, unisom- small bland frequent meals
- Yeast Infection: Monistat, Gyne-Lotrimin, Femstat.
Are Herbal Remedies Safe in Pregnancy?
Herbal remedies and supplements have not been proven by the FDA to perform as described. Please talk to your physician about herbal remedies/supplements prior to using during pregnancy.
