Prenatal Patient Information
General Information
Thank you for choosing River Rose Obstetrics and Gynecology for your prenatal care, the following information is provided to each of our obstetrical patients so that you may be better informed as to the nature of our practice.
Your Physician is also a Teacher
Your physician is actively involved in the training and education of medical students, interns and residents. If you do not want medical students, interns and/or residents to participate in your care, please discuss this with the office staff or your obstetrician.
We believe in a family-centered approach to prenatal care. We encourage the involvement of the father or other support persons during the entire pregnancy. We hope that you will choose to participate in many of the prenatal programs offered at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital that will help you throughout the labor, delivery and postpartum phases of this joyous experience.
Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, yet sometimes it brings with it anxiety and concern. We hope that you will feel free to bring any of your concerns to our attention so that we can do all we can to make this a joyful and memorable time for your family.
Clinic Hours:
M-W-F 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
T-Th 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed daily from 12:00 pm –1:00 pm for lunch
If you have a question or concern after hours, you may call:
- O'Bleness Birth Center at (740) 593-5551
- The on-call physician through our 24-hour answering service at (740) 594-0017
If you feel you require more immediate attention, please go directly to the O'Bleness Birth Center located on the 2 nd floor of O'Bleness Memorial Hospital. You will be assessed by the nursing staff and the physician will be contacted.
Prenatal Care and Appointment Information
Your first visit will be with one of the members of our clinical staff. After your history and background information is obtained, appropriate lab work will be conducted. This will include a urinalysis, blood type and Rh factor, antibody screen, blood count, serology, hepatitis test and rubella immunity. You will also be offered HIV testing which is voluntary and not required. In addition, you will receive a prescription for prenatal vitamins.
Initial Physician Visit
During your first visit with the physician, a complete medical history, risk factor assessment, physical examination and Pap test will be performed. Your lab results will be reviewed and discussed with you. Depending on the results, further studies may be required.
Subsequent Visits
At first you will be seen monthly. During the later months, it will be necessary to see you more frequently – with visits increasing to weekly during your final month. At each visit, you will be required to bring a urine specimen for testing. Your blood pressure will be checked and your weight recorded. Your abdomen will be examined at this time. The growth and position of the baby, as well as the baby's heart sounds will be observed and recorded. Repeat lab tests will be ordered as needed. During these visits, we would like to discuss any questions that you may have regarding your pregnancy. There are certain examinations and tests we feel are necessary for monitoring your health as well as the health of your unborn child. It is essential that we have your full cooperation in completing this thorough examination.
Medications
The prenatal vitamin prescription for you is important for maintaining your health and the health of your baby during pregnancy and your post-partum period. Please take them as directed. Should you experience difficulty with taking them please advise your physician.
While it is important to take as little medication as possible during pregnancy, there are several drugs that are relatively safe. This list is for minor problems that can occur in pregnancy. It is, by no means, meant to substitute for medical care. If you have any doubt about a medication or the symptoms you are experiencing, please call our office for advice.
Minor aches/pains
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed
- Do not take aspirin, naproxen sodium or Ibuprofen
- Rest
Morning sickness
- Vitamin B6 50 mg. Take 2 tablets daily
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Have crackers at the bedside to nibble on upon awakening
Indigestion/gas
- Tums
- Mylanta II
- Maalox
- Gaviscon
Vomiting & diarrhea (no fever)
Day 1: Eat nothing for 4 hours. Then progress to clear liquids slowly and stay on clear liquids all day.
Day 2: Follow a BRAT diet of bananas, rice, apples and toast
Day 3: Return to regular diet.
If symptoms continue, worsen or fever develops – contact the physician.
Cough
- Plain Robitusson
- Cough drops of choice
Runny nose, cold & congestion (no fever)
- Sudafed
- Sinutab
- Benadryl
- Saline nasal spray
Diarrhea (no vomiting)
- Immodium D
- Kaopectate
Constipation
- Metamucil
- Fibercon
- Increase fluid intake, fresh fruits, vegetables and bran
Hemorrhoids
- Preparation H suppositories
- Nupercainal ointment
- Tucks or witch hazel pads
Sore throat
- Gargle with warm salt water 2-3 times a day
- Throat lozenges of choice – use as directed
Fever
Temperature between 98.6 and 100 degrees – take plain Tylenol 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. If temperature remains for two days, call the office for an appointment to be seen.
- Temperature greater than n100 degrees, call the office for an appointment to be seen.
- Increase fluids and rest
Sugar substitutes
- Nutrasweet (generally considered safe for use in pregnancy) in moderation
- Do not use saccharin (safety in pregnancy not established).
Alcohol/tobacco products
- Do not use
Caffeine
- Limit to one cup per day
Other Issues and Concerns
Sex
Intercourse is not restricted and is dependent upon your comfort. You will probably find that certain positions are more comfortable than others, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Intercourse may be restricted if you develop and cramping as a result. If you are spotting or bleeding you should not have intercourse. If you have any questions about sex during pregnancy, please ask us.
Exercise
A general rule of thumb to follow is the philosophy… “If it doesn't hurt or cause discomfort, there is no reason you can't do it.”
Most exercise or exercise programs are beneficial during pregnancy but heavy, strenuous exercise may have to be modified. You need to be aware that keeping your balance is more difficult during pregnancy. There are six activities that you need to avoid: horseback riding, motorcycle riding, diving, skiing of any kind, motor-boating and jogging/running. There is more opportunity for accident and trauma in these activities than most others. Common sense is necessary to determine your activities. Walking is one of the best exercises during pregnancy. After you have reached 20 weeks, we also would like you to restrict any exercise that requires you lay flat on your back. Please discuss with us any concerns you have regarding exercise and pregnancy.
Weight Gain
An average gain of 20-40 pounds is expected. Pregnancy is not the time to lose weight or gain 40-50 pounds. We will check your weight at each visit and advise you regarding your diet as needed.
Diet
Maintain a well-balanced diet during your pregnancy. The adage of eating three balanced meals each day applies especially during pregnancy, however, be cautious of the advice to eat more because you are eating for two. Watch out for sugars and especially sweets such as pies, cakes, cookies, ice cream and candy. They will put unnecessary pounds on you. Avoid excessively salty foods as well.
Fluid Retention
A salt-free diet is not generally recommended, but certain foods and liquids do contain an excessive amount of salt that promotes excessive fluid retention in some patients. You may want to cut out:
- All soft drinks, including diet drinks
- Bacon, sausage, country ham and luncheon meats
- Canned soups, canned vegetables, canned meats and fishes
- Salted popcorn, pretzels, potato chips, corn chips, slated nuts, saltines, etc.
- Tomato juice, V-8 juice, bouillon cubes, mustard, salt
Dental Care
Your teeth should be well taken care of during pregnancy to prevent losing them. Be sure to see your dentist at least once or twice during your pregnancy. Make sure to see your dentist at least once or twice during your pregnancy. Make sure that your dentist knows that you are pregnant. A local anesthetic, such as Novocain, is permissible; however, gas (Nitrous Oxide) is not. X-rays should be kept to a minimum, but if necessary can be done as long as your abdomen is shielded with a lead apron. Bleeding gums are not uncommon during pregnancy. Use a soft-bristled brush and continue to brush daily.
Baths
It is safe to take a bath during pregnancy. The other danger is not being able to get out of the tub once you get in! In the last couple months of pregnancy, you should bathe while someone else is around to help you in and out of the tub. This will lessen your chance of falling at a time when you are not as likely to be able to catch yourself.
Tampons and Douching
Tampons and douching are not recommended during your pregnancy.
Travel
Travel will only be limited by the following factors:
- The need to frequently stop and urinate, walk around a few minutes and change position every 1-2 hours at the most.
- The need to be relatively close to home near the end of pregnancy in the event labor should occur.
Seat Belts
Seat belts are a safety device that protects you and your baby in an important way. It is best if you wear both the shoulder and lap belts if possible. Place your lap belt under your abdomen and across your hips and thighs. Most fetal injuries relate directly to the seriousness of the mother's injuries, rather than those caused by the seat belt itself.
Saunas and Hot Tubs
Very hot water and steam should be avoided during the early part of pregnancy. You can harm your baby if you raise the temperature of his/her environment over 100 degrees for prolonged periods of time. So avoid hot tubs while you are pregnant, if you need to soak your aching feet, that's fine …but avoid plunging in all the way! Saunas are out completely.
Care of Your Baby
You need to select a physician to care for your baby after its birth. If you are not acquainted with a physician, we will be happy to provide you with names of the pediatricians and family practice physicians who provide care to newborns.
Warning Signs of a Preterm Labor
- Contraction of the uterus
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Pelvic pressure
- Low, dull backache
- Abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea
- Increase or change in vaginal discharge
If you have signs of preterm labor:
- Lie down on your left side
- Drink two or three glasses of water or juice
- If the signs do not go away or if you have fluid leaking from your vagina, go to the Birth Center at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital immediately.
Phone Calls
You may encounter problems that you feel are of an urgent nature or those that can't wait until your next visit. If so, the following suggestions are offered:
Before you phone
- First, check to see if the answer to your question is in this brochure.
- Evaluate your own condition and jot down a few notes to help you remember the facts. If you suspect a fever, take your temperature.
- Set any prescription bottles by the phone so you can read off the drug, dosage and pharmacy.
When you call
- Make the call yourself, unless this is impossible. Relayed messages may not be accurate or may be incomplete.
- Unless your call is urgent, call during office hours so that your chart is available for reference.
- Be sure to identify yourself and your month of pregnancy.
- Describe your problem as thoroughly as possible from your notes.
- Write down instructions. When you are worried, sleepy or upset, instructions are not always easy to remember.
- If you think you have an emergency, tell us immediately.
- Your non-emergency calls during office hours will be returned by the nurse who is capable of answering most of your questions. Unusual or complex medical calls will either be returned by a physician or a physician will be consulted prior to answering your questions.
Labor
Go to the Birth Center at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital if:
- Your water breaks;
- You experience bleeding similar to a menstrual flow;
- Your contractions are five to seven minutes apart or closer (unless advised differently by your physician.)
You will be examined by the nursing staff who will notify the physician of your arrival and progress. Be certain to tell the nursing staff about any special problems relating to your pregnancy (i.e., twins or previous Cesarean section).
