Yes, in moderation.
How much can I exercise?
If you have been active, you may continue. Exercise at a pace where you can talk comfortably. Do not let your pulse exceed 140/minute. You should not perform any excersie that pulls through the abdomen.
What should I do for a cold?
Drink a lot of fluids, eat well, and rest. A vaporizer may help. Tylenol, Sudafed, Dimetapp, and plain Robitussin are permitted as well as Vicks Vapor Rub and cough drops.
May I be in a house if the interior is being painted?
Only if it is a non-toxic paint. Make sure there is good ventilation.
What can I take for heartburn?
You may try Rolaids, Maalox, Tums or Mylanta. You can also try Pepcid AC or Zantac over the counter.
May I travel?
If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, you may travel up to your 36th week. For auto travel, plan to stop every two hours to get out to stretch. After 36 weeks, check with your doctor. If you plan to fly, check with the airlines for any restrictions.
What do I do for hemorrhoids?
Purchase Anusol HC or Preparation H at the pharmacy and follow directions on the box. Use a bulk fiber such as Metamucil or Citrucel or a stool softener such as Senokot.
May I take any medication for a headache?
Headaches are not uncommon during the first 17 weeks. If needed, plain or Extra Strength Tylenol may be used according to package directions.
Are dental x-rays and Novocaine OK?
Local anesthesia is fine. Be certain your abdomen is shielded if it is absolutely necessary to have dental x-rays. You may call our office for a protocol we can fax to your dentist’s office.
May I use a tanning booth?
Using a tanning booth is not recommended. Use sunscreen for outdoor activities.
May I use a hot tub?
Hot tub use is not recommended during pregnancy.
What if I've been exposed to chicken pox?
There should be no problem if you have already had chicken pox. If you are unsure if you have had chicken pox, inform your doctor. A blood test can be done to see if you had chicken pox in the past and are immune. Try to stay away from anyone infected. If you are not immune and are exposed to someone with chicken pox, let your doctor know right away.
What symptoms should I report to my doctor?
Severe headaches, contractions, bleeding, cramping or any loss of fluid from the vagina, decreased movement of your baby, fever over 100.4 degrees, severe or sudden swelling (face, hands, ankles, or feet), or blurred vision.
What can I do about constipation?
For constipation, try high fiber foods such as:
• Bran, whole grains, cereals
• Fruit (fresh or dried)
• Raw vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, celery, etc.)
• Cooked vegetables (cauliflower, potatoes, rhubarb, string beans, corn, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, etc.)
You may also try Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon, Milk of Magnesia, Colace, or Surfak.
Can anything be done to stop morning sickness?
To PREVENT morning sickness, try the following suggestions until you find one that works:
• Eat a piece of bread or a few crackers before you get out of bed in the morning or when you feel nauseated.
• Get out of bed slowly. Avoid sudden movements.
• Have some yogurt, cottage cheese, juice, or milk before you go to bed or before you get up.
Or try one of these if you have to get up during the night:
• Eat several small meals during the day so your stomach doesn't remain empty for very long.
• Eat high protein foods—eggs, cheese, nuts, meat, etc—as well as fruits and fruit juices.
• Drink soups and other liquids between meals instead of with meals.
• Avoid greasy or fried foods. They are hard to digest.
• Avoid spicy, heavily seasoned foods.
To REMEDY morning sickness, try these suggestions:
• Sip soda water (carbonated water) when you begin to feel nauseated.
• Take deep breaths.
• Drink spearmint, raspberry leaf, or peppermint tea.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCL) 50 mg. in the morning and at noon, 100 mg. in the evening.
• Emetrol can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy and is safe to use.
“I think I lost my mucous plug. Should I call my doctor?”
Don’t send out for the champagne just yet. The mucous plug – the clear, globby, gelatinous blob-like barrier that has “corked” your cervix throughout your pregnancy – occasionally becomes dislodged as dilation and effacement begin. Though the passing of the plug (which not every woman experiences, and which has no bearing on the eventual progress of labor) is a sign that your body’s preparing for the big day, it’s not a reliable signal that the big day has arrived – or even that it’s imminent. At this point labor could be one, two, or even three weeks away, with your cervix continuing to open gradually over that time. In other words, there’s no need to call your doctor or frantically pack your bags.
“I have a pink mucous discharge. Does it mean labor’s about to start?”
Passage of “bloody show,” a mucous discharge tinged pink or brown with blood, is usually a sign that your cervix is effacing and/or dilating and that the process that leads to delivery is well under way. But it is a process with an erratic timetable that will keep you in suspense until the first true contractions. Based on averages, chances are good that you’ll feel those contractions within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Everyone’s timetable is different. Dilation may be a few days away, with it taking its sweet time. So the suspense continues.
If your discharge should suddenly become bright red, especially if it seems to amount to more than an ounce (about 2 tablespoons), contact your doctor immediately. Actual bleeding could indicate premature separation of the placenta or placenta previa, both of which require prompt medical attention.