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How often should my baby move?
Your baby's movements provide useful information
that helps your OB Provider care for you during your pregnancy. To keep
track of your baby's movements, choose an hour after a meal (about the
same time each day), when you are able to lie down on your side. Place
your hands on your abdomen where you have noticed that your baby moved
in the past. Count each time the baby moves. Your baby's movements may
feel like kicks, flutters, twists or turns. You can stop counting after
you feel 4 movements. If your baby moves less than four times during the
hour, continue counting for another hour. If your baby moves less than
four times during the second hour, you should call your OB Provider.
Should I be scared of contractions before my
due date?
Before 36 weeks, if you are having painful contractions
(3 or more per hour) lasting greater than 30 seconds, you should contact
your OB provider. Braxton Hicks contractions (false contractions) last
less than 30 seconds in length, are painless, and are common during pregnancy.
What should I know about toxemia?
Toxemia or high blood pressure occurring during
pregnancy can be serious. If diagnosed with this condition, your blood
pressure and lab work will be followed closely. Although it has many symptoms,
some patients experience headaches, blurred vision or spots before their
eyes. If you should develop high blood pressure in pregnancy, you may need
to be put on bed rest, hospitalized, or delivered early.
Is it safe to have sex?
Yes. As long you do not have any serious complications
of pregnancy it is safe to have sex as long as it is comfortable for you.
What is a PKU test and is it required for my
baby?
All babies in Connecticut are tested for phenylketonuria
(PKU). PKU is a serious life-threatening condition of the newborn. Detected
early, this disorder can be effectively treated.
Should I quit cold turkey if I smoke?
Quitting smoking is strongly recommended. Quitting
cold turkey is just as effective as any other method but many patients
are unable to do this and will often need other smoking cessation interventions
such as a smoking cessation program, or in some cases, nicotine patches.
Contact your OB Provider to discuss the best method for you.
Am I considered high risk if I am Rh negative?
Rh isoimmunization can be very effectively prevented
with rhogam injections at 28 weeks of gestation and postpartum. If you
and the father of the baby are both Rh -, there is no risk. If you are
Rh _ and the father is Rh + (or you don't know the father's blood type),
you will receive rhogam at 28 weeks gestation and again postpartum if your
baby is Rh +.
Can I paint my baby's nursery?
Limited exposure to hydrocarbons in a well ventilated
setting carries no significant risk to the baby. Therefore, painting a
baby's room is not considered a serious risk if there's good ventilation.
Does perineal massage really work?
Perineal massage can be helpful to avoid an episiotomy.
However, there is no method that can guarantee the avoidance of an episiotomy
in all situations.
Can I perm or dye my hair?
Exposure to the baby from the solutions used for
perms or dying is not significant. Sometimes, hair will not take to the
perm solution during pregnancy.
Is it safe to take over the counter medications?
Yes, the medications listed in the chart below
are considered safe in pregnancy.
• Do not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, narcotics, or Cortisone/steroids unless ordered by your OB provider.
• You should check with your OB Provider about any medications that you may be taking to be sure that they are safe in pregnancy.
How can I relieve morning sickness?
Morning sickness is common during pregnancy and
usually limited to the first trimester. Things you can do to avoid or minimize
nausea and vomiting are: Eat small frequent meals; Eat simple carbohydrates,
like crackers, pasta and fruit; Avoid spicy foods; Get out of bed slowly.
Contact your OB provider if vomiting persists or you begin to lose weight.
Anti-nausea medications, sea bands, acupuncture/acupressure, herbal remedies,
or hypnosis can be discussed