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When should I call the office to schedule my first OB appointment?
Call our office as soon as you receive a positive pregnancy test. Your initial visit will not be until you are 8 to 12 weeks along , but waiting until your at that stage in your pregnancy may delay the start of your prenatal care. Top
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How soon should I start prenatal vitamins?
The optimal time to start prenatal vitamins is before you even become pregnant. But, starting one as soon as you are pregnant is very beneficial and important. You can call our office to receive samples or we can call out a prescription for you. Top
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What happens at my first visit?
At your first visit your provider will review your medical history, lab work, perform a pap smear and pelvic exam. Your provider will also answer any questions you have and give you a packet regarding the hospital where you will deliver. Top
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Which hospitals does my doctor do deliveries?
Our physicians deliver at Via Christi St. Joseph and Wesley. Top
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When will I have my first sonogram?
Most sonograms are not ordered until you are at least 18 weeks pregnant. It is important to wait until then so that the baby’s organs can be well visualized and we can obtain accurate growth measurements. If your baby is cooperative you can even find out the sex at this gestational age. Top
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What medicines can I take while pregnant?
Tylenol and Tylenol Products, Sudafed and Sudafed Products, Benadryl, Claritin, Robitussin, Prilosec, Tums, Zantac, Pepcid AC, and Colace (for constipation) and Milk of Magnesia. Please contact our office before taking any other medications. Top
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Is it normal to have slight cramping?
Many OB patients experience cramping at some point during their pregnancy. Alot of times this is due to dehydration, so increasing your fluids during pregnancy is very important. Also, try taking some Benadryl and lie on your left side. The Benadryl helps relax your muscles and in turn the cramping will subside. If you have severe cramping or bleeding it is important to contact our office. Top
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How much water should I drink?
It is recommended to drink 64 ounces daily. Try to avoid caffeine because it is a diuretic and will counter act all the good your doing by drinking water. Top
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Are there any foods I should avoid?
It is a good idea to only eat about 12 ounces of fish a week due to the possibility of mercury. Shellfish should be limited to one serving a month for the same reason. Top
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How much weight can I expect to gain?
Despite what your grandmother may tell you about eating constantly because you’re pregnant, it is important to manage your weight gain for you and your baby’s health. Our physician’s recommend a 25-30 pound weight gain. Top
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Can I still have intercourse during pregnancy?
It is very rare that OB patients are told to abstain from intercourse. If you are concerned about this due to any complications you are having, please talk to your provider. If your pregnancy is progressing without any problems then intercourse is perfectly fine. Top
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Can I exercise?
Our providers encourage exercise during pregnancy. It not only keeps you in good physical condition for delivery, it also helps manage your weight gain. Top
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What exercises can I do?
You can continue any exercises you were doing before you became pregnant unless otherwise instructed by your provider. If you were not exercising before, then, low impact exercise like walking or water aerobics is recommended. Top
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Is it safe for me to get my hair colored?
Yes. Hair color does not have any effect on you baby. Top
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Can I paint my babies room?
Yes, if you are working in a well ventilated room. Top
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When do I have to stop traveling?
Our physicians do not recommend you travel after 35 weeks. If you do travel while pregnant, you need to drink plenty of fluids and stretch your legs every two hours. Top
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Can I have an indoor cat?
Yes, but it is very important that someone else clean the litter box while you’re pregnant. Top
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Which doctor do I call if I get a cold or sore throat, my OB or PCP?
Any medical problems that are not directly related to your pregnancy should be addressed by your PCP. This is very important for HMO patients who need a referral for anything outside of their pregnancy. Top
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What hospital should I go to if I have an emergency?
It is VERY important that if you have an OB emergency, you go to the St. Joseph ER or the MAIN Wesley ER. Other ER’s and/or minor emergency facilities may not be able to treat your OB emergency. Top
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Who will answer my questions after normal office hours?
If you have an emergency, please call our office and the operator will page the on-call nurse. The on-call nurse will return your call within 30 minutes (if not, please call again). Please, only use this for true emergencies. If you need test results or medication refills you will have to wait until the office reopens the next business day. Top
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Should I worry if I’m exposed to Chicken Pox/ Fith’s Disease/Hand, Foot, and Mouth?
Each of these illnesses can cause problems at certain stages in your pregnancy. If you have been exposed, please call our office. Top
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Will I always be scheduled with my provider?
There will be times when your provider will not be available, therefore, you may be scheduled with our Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. Top
