A daily prenatal vitamin, which includes 800 mcg of  Folic Acid, with DHA (omega 3) is recommended if you are considering becoming pregnant.  They are available without a prescription.  DHA has been shown to benefit the baby's brain and eye development.

You can take Sudafed, Actifed, Claritin, Zyrtec, Mucinex or Benadryl at night.  Benadryl during the day will make you more tired.  You can use Robitussin for a cough.  You can take Tylenol, regular or extra-strength not to exceed the limits on the bottle.  You can NOT take Ibuprofen or any cold combination products with Ibuprofen or Dextromethorphan.  Drink as much water as you can.  Avoid dairy and foods containing sugar because both will increase mucus production. You can use salt-water gargles, a cool-mist vaporizer and saline nasal rinses.

If you develop a painful sore throat, earache or chest congestion, you should be evaluated by your primary care physician.  Monitor your temperature and call your doctor if your temperature is more than 100.5. Advise your doctor of any illness you may have.

Keep gingersnaps, saltine crackers, or pretzels by your bed, and eat a few before getting up. Vitamin B6 or Unisom may help. You will feel better eating small amounts of bland foods every 2-3 hours.  Waiting too long in between meals will contribute to nausea and fatigue.  If you are vomiting often, not tolerating fluids, and your urine looks like iced tea, call your doctor's office.  You may need medication to help control the vomiting and additional fluids given by IV.  Maintaining hydration is very important for your well-being in pregnancy.

Intercourse is acceptable as long as you are not experiencing any complications, such as spotting, bleeding, cramping, contractions or leaking fluid.

Avoid spicy, greasy and fried foods.  Also avoid tomatoes and tomato-based foods like ketchup, pizza and spaghetti sauces.  Avoiding multiple foods that are harder to digest at the same meal can help.  For example, eating meat, cheese, tomato sauces, dairy products and fried food at the same meal often causes heartburn and an upset stomach.  Broiled or baked meat is less greasy.  When eating meat, try eating a portion only ½ the size of the palm of your hand at one sitting; save the other half for later in the day.  Try combining meats and cheeses with a vegetable or a piece of fruit instead of fatty foods like cream-based sauces.  Plant foods are easier to digest than animal foods and less likely to cause heartburn.  Generally, women report more heartburn after their evening meal, which tends to be the largest meal of the day.  Try making this a lighter meal, with a snack before bed.  Over the counter Pepcid or Zantac or minimal use of Tums can give some relief.  Tell your doctor if these things are not helping.

The round ligaments are two cord-like structures made of the same smooth muscle tissue as the rest of the uterus.  They extend from the top of the uterus on either side and down through the abdominal wall, terminating in the vulva.  During pregnancy, round ligaments stretch as the uterus is growing.  This can sometimes be painful.  This pain may occur on either or both sides anywhere along the course of either ligament.  This can feel like a sharp, stabbing, shooting type pain, but usually does not last long.  Round ligament pain is often aggravated by walking, changing position in bed or by fetal movement, but may occur for no apparent reason at all.  It is most common during the second trimester and less common during the first pregnancy, becoming more common with successive pregnancies.  It is usually relieved with rest, and Tylenol, if needed.  Using a heating pad or taking a warm bath may also bring relief.  If your round ligament pain is not relieved by these methods let your doctor know.

It is best to avoid medications during pregnancy when possible. If you take medications regularly and become pregnant, tell your doctor. Your physician will help determine if you can continue the medications during pregnancy.

You may use plain or extra-strength Tylenol / acetaminophen.  Do NOT take any Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Aleve (naproxen sodium).
Due to an increase in your blood volume during pregnancy, some headaches may occur because you are not drinking enough fluids. Increasing your fluid intake on a daily basis may help prevent a headache caused by dehydration.

During the last trimester, if you have a headache that is not relieved with Tylenol, are experiencing visual changes, having upper right-sided abdominal pain or an increase in swelling, call your doctor.

Yes, with good ventilation.

Yes, with good ventilation.

After the first trimester, which is after 12 weeks.

Regular dental cleanings, as recommended by your dentist, are VERY IMPORTANT during pregnancy to avoid an infection to yourself and to your baby. If you need additional dental care - for instance, a cavity filled - call your doctor for a dental protocol. We will fax this to your dentist.

A shielded x-ray is acceptable if your dentist feels that it is needed. Local anesthesia can be used, but no nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or general anesthesia. The dental protocol will have medications the dentist can give you. Tylenol or other brands of acetaminophen are acceptable. Narcotics with a Tylenol base are acceptable if needed.  Do not take Ibuprofen, Aspirin or Aleve (naproxen sodium) or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).  Penicillin-based antibiotics are also acceptable.

Maintaining hydration is very important, drink plenty of fluids, and rest as much as possible. If you are vomiting and having diarrhea, drink only clear liquids for at least 24 hours until vomiting and diarrhea have stopped. Trying to eat food during this time will stimulate the bowel and usually prolong vomiting and diarrhea. Do NOT take anything over the counter to stop the diarrhea. Whatever is causing the diarrhea needs to come out.  If you are not able to keep fluids down and your urine becomes darker in color, like iced tea, call your doctor.

After 24 hours of clear liquids, you can go to the BRAT diet:  bananas, rice, applesauce and toast – no butter. On the third day, eat as tolerated.

You can have a Mantoux TB test after the first trimester, after 12 weeks.

You can use over the counter Monistat or a generic 7-day treatment. Anything less than 7 days is not effective. You can NOT take oral Diflucan (fluconazole). Call your doctor if the symptoms are not relieved or become worse.

NO.

You can use Anusol, Preparation H Ointment or Tucks Pads.

Avoiding constipation during pregnancy is very important for the long term health of your bowel and aids in the prevention of hemorrhoids. Increase your water intake and go for a walk for at least 30 minutes every day. Walking engages your abdominal muscles, which helps massage the bowel.  Eat foods high in fiber, whole grains, vegetables and fresh fruits with at least 10-12 large glasses of water daily. If this is not enough, you can use Metamucil, Citrucel or Colace.

Try a warm bath and some easy stretching before bed. Avoid any stimulants, like caffeine, chocolate, sugary drinks or foods. Try eating a protein snack before bed. Go for a walk for at least 30 minutes during the day. You can take Tylenol PM.

Typically we advise trying for one year, unless you are of advanced maternal age. If you have questions about your ability to become pregnant, please call the office for a consultation.