Common Concerns During Pregnancy

Nausea and Vomiting: Some nausea and vomiting is normal especially during the first trimester. However, if you are unable to eat or drink for 24 hours and are not urinating, please call or go to the emergency room. There are some medications that are available to help with nausea and vomiting, but if it is severe, there are associated risks of dehyration and electrolyte imbalance that may require further treatment.

Spotting and Cramping: Some cramping may be normal. If you are spotting or bleeding heavily though, this is more worrisome of a miscarriage and requires follow up. Some spotting in the first trimester or after intercourse may be nothing to worry about. If you experience this, try resting or stopping the activity. Although miscarriage cannot be prevented in the first and sometimes second trimesters, please let your provider know so we can follow up appropriately for your individual needs.

Contractions: Irregular "Braxton Hicks" contractions are common in the second and third trimesters. If you are less than 36 weeks and contracting 4-6 times per hour please see your provider or go to labor and delivery to check for preterm labor. If the contractions are irregular/occasional, and not painful, these are usually not concerning. If you feel you may be in labor, try drinking a glass of water, taking some tylenol or a warm bath. If the contractions do not subside, please come in and be checked.

Constipation: This is a lso a common problem in pregnancy due to the growing uterus and hormones that relax the body to maintain pregnancy. Try drinking more water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing fiber and getting a little exercise (such as walking or light swimming). You can also try over the counter dulcolax, a stool softener to help with constipation.

Activity: Some activity and exercise is safe and recommended during pregnancy. These activities include: walking, light weight lifting < 15 lbs, low impact aerobics, and swimming. Other activities should be avoided such as: high impact aerobics, heavy weight training, snow and water skiing, horseback riding, four wheeling, tanning beds, and amusement park rides (basically anything fun!).

Traveling: Generally, traveling during pregnancy is not a problem. If you are close to your due date (within one month) it is less recommended. If you are going to be confined to a vehicle or airplane for more than 1-2 hours, you should stop and/or get up and walk around for a few minutes to decrease your risk of a blood clot. It is also important to stay hydrated during traveling and to wear your seat belt!

Inspiration for Today

Hello again,

I'm sure some of you out there follow the "nienie" blog, but if not you should! This is the blog of an amazing Mother who was in a near fatal plane crash over a year ago. She has made an amazing recovery from severe burns and is back to blogging about her kids, the crash, and all the things she is up to now. Her strength is so inspirational to me, I want to pass it on to all of you. I know this doesn't have that much to do with midwifery, but I watched her on Oprah yesterday and I felt a new rejuvination as a mother. I think she really captures the joy and beauty of motherhood and makes you want to be a better mother despite its difficult moments. Her blogspot is "nieniedialogues.blogspot.com" if you care to read some interesting and uplifting entries!

Safe Medications to take in Pregnancy

I Get a lot of questions about what medications are safe to take during pregnancy. I have a form typed up that we give you at your first prenatal visit, but I will write them here too so here goes!

For common cold and flu: Tylenol (acetaminophen) plain not mixed with other cold remedies.
Sudafed, plain no other ingredients (buy OTC at your pharmacy)
Robitussin DM
Saline Drops
Benadryl
Cough Drops
* Do not use ibuprofen in the last trimester and do not use aspirin at all unless I have instructed you to do so and in what amount!

For Indigestion and Heartburn: Tums, Liquid antacids (Mylanta), Pepcid AC, and Zantac
Sometimes just a glass of milk does the job too!

Diarrhea: Immodium. Try the BRAT diet too (bananas, rice, applesauce toast). Avoid spicy or greasy foods and fruit juices as these may worsen the diarrhea.

Constipation: Colace stool softeners (Dulcolax), Dulcolax or glycerin suppositories, and Metamucil or fibercon tablets. Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vaginal Yeast Infection: OTC Monistat 3 or 7 day cream. You can call me as well and I can call you in a prescription too.

Hemorrhoids: Preparation H or Tucks pads. I can also call you in anusol suppositories. Sometimes a warm bath will provide relief as well.

This is just a small list of medications for common pregnancies concerns. Please feel free to call me for any other questions on medications not listed here or for severe symptoms of illness.