Activity
During pregnancy, you may continue most regular activity such as walking, tennis, swimming, golf and bowling, provided that your doctor has not placed any restrictions on your daily activities. It is best to check with your doctor first regarding vigorous or new activities. When exercising, it is important to keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent becoming overheated, even if it means stopping in the middle of your routine.
Bathing is permitted throughout pregnancy providing the water temperature is not too hot (less than 100° F). Care must be taken to avoid slipping or falling, especially at the end of pregnancy. Hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms are to be avoided.
In normal pregnancies, sexual intercourse usually is permitted unless there is vaginal bleeding, a question of the water bag being broken, or another reason for restriction, until the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Travel
Long distance travel should be discussed with your doctor. If you are planning to travel by air, the airlines may require a medical letter. In general, you should avoid sitting for prolonged time periods. It is recommended that you exercise your feet and legs if you must be seated for over 1½ - 2 hours. You should also drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
Diet
A well-balanced, high protein diet is suggested during pregnancy. Your overall intake should be 300 calories above your prepregnancy diet. A common-sense approach is recommended.
You should drink plenty of liquids, especially water. High-calorie drinks such as fruit juices and sodas are to be limited. Small amounts of caffeinated beverages are not harmful, contrary to older medical reports, and one cup of coffee or tea or one caffeinated soft drink may be consumed. Alcohol is to be avoided completely because of the significant risk of fetal alcohol syndrome, a major cause of congenital mental retardation. Eating six smaller meals may be preferable to having three standard meals. Skim milk provides the same nutritional benefits of whole milk, just less fat. Include fiber, cereals, fruits and vegetables in your diet to prevent constipation. Nutritional consultation may be provided in certain patients, if necessary.
Medications and Over-the-Counter Agents
Prenatal vitamins are often prescribed but over-the-counter formulations also are available and are acceptable substitutes. It is suggested that you take them as directed. Most over-the-counter medications are safe in pregnancy.
Medications that are usually NOT recommended include those containing aspirin (such as Alka Seltzer) or other nonsteroidal agents (such as Advil, Motrin, or Naprosyn).
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to use. Cold medicines that you can take include cough medications (such as Robitussin or its equivalent), and Sudafed, Dimetapp, Tylenol Sinus, etc. Nyquil and other solutions containing alcohol are not recommended. Stool softeners (such as Colace, Pericolace, Surfak, or their equivalents) are safe. Tums is a good source of calcium that may help with heartburn and indigestion.
Please check with the office regarding taking any other medications.
Dental Care
Good dental hygiene should be maintained during pregnancy. It is safe for you to visit your dentist for a check-up and/or cleaning. Dental x-rays can be done with a lead shield on your abdomen. Dental work can be performed as usual, however, it is recommended that, if necessary, your dentist use local anesthesia without epinephrine if anesthesia is needed. If your dentist determines that antibiotics are needed, those that are safe include the penicillins, cephalosponns and erythromycin, provided that you have no drug allergy. Sulfa drugs and tetracyclines should be avoided. Your dentist can call our office if there are any questions.
Symptoms of Concern
You should report any of the following symptoms without delay:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Contractions
- Vaginal bleeding
- Watery vaginal discharge (either slowly leaking or a sudden gush)
- Mucous vaginal discharge
- Reduced or no fetal movement
- Persistent or severe headache, especially accompanied by blurry vision
- Significant swelling of the feet, hands and/or face
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Fever above 100.5° F
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Persistent nausea and vomiting with inability to drink liquids
Postpartum Information
You should receive a discharge instruction sheet upon leaving the hospital after your delivery. Most patients do not need to be seen until 6 weeks after delivery. General guidelines are indicated below:
- Minimize strenuous activity and refrain from moderate exercise, use of tampons or douching, and sexual relations. Short walks are allowed. Do not do sit-ups or leg-lifts after your 6-week postpartum visit.
- Get plenty of rest and try to avoid becoming overtired.
- Avoid driving a car for 1-2 weeks, especially if you have had a cesarean delivery.
- Continue taking your vitamins.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Pain can be controlled using non-narcotic pain medications such as Tylenol, Extra Strength, Tylenol, Advil or similar products. You may receive a prescription for a stronger medication, especially if you have had a cesarean delivery.
- Resume taking tub baths once your bleeding has slowed down.
- All stitches will dissolve unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- You should call the office if you experience excessive pain, heavy bleeding or fever above 100.5° F.
Please call the appointment line to schedule your 6-week postpartum visit.
