First Time Mom Concerns Many questions about your pregnancy can be answered by referring to our online "Pregnancy and Childbirth" hand book. Just click on the image to the right!

1. When should I see my doctor or midwife?

Make an appointment to see your nurse between your 6 th and 8 th week of pregnancy. Plan to have your first doctor or midwife visit between your 10 th and 12 th week of pregnancy. A suggested schedule is on page 3 of your Pregnancy and Childbirth hand book.

2. When should I start my vitamins?

Ideally, you should start your prenatal vitamins a few months before you plan to become pregnant. Otherwise, start your vitamins as soon as you find out you are pregnant. You can ask your primary care provider for a prescription or you may purchase your choice of over the counter prenatal vitamins. There are several brands, most contain the same nutrients. It is necessary to ensure your vitamin contains 400 micrograms of folic acid (folate) per dose. You should also ensure your diet and vitamins combined give you 1200 milligrams of calcium per day.

3. What over the counter medications can I take?

Several medications are safe. A comprehensive list is on page 7 of your Pregnancy and Childbirth hand book. Be sure to avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen. These are also known as Motrin, Advil, Aleve, and Nuprin. If you are on any prescription medications, check with your healthcare provider before as soon as possible. Some medications should not be stopped abruptly while others may need to be changed or discontinued.

4. Are there any warning signs that I should look out for?

A list of warning signs is on page 5 of your Pregnancy and Childbirth hand book. Call your health care provider is you experience any signs of a urinary tract infection such as burning upon urination or feeling like you “have to go” but can't. Your normal vaginal discharge will be more copious during pregnancy. Let your provider know immediately if you experience the following:

• Vaginal discharge that burns, itches, or has a foul odor
• Vaginal discharge that is an unusual color such as yellow, green or gray

It is important to get immediate attention, (go to the ER during your first 20 weeks of pregnancy, go to L&D after your 20 th week), for the following :

• Bright blood – enough to fill a mini pad or any bleeding associated with pain. (It is not unusual to have a small amount of spotting after intercourse or a vaginal exam as long as it resolves within a day.) A gush of fluid from your vagina Painful, cramping contractions more than four times an hour Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea resulting in signs of dehydration Unrelenting headache, vision changes, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Fever of 100.5 or greater

Call your clinic nurse for any questions or concerns.

5. Can I exercise?

In general, you may continue to do the exercise that you are already conditioned to do. Non weight bearing exercise such as swimming or cycling is advised. Check with your health care provider for specifics. It is not a time to start any new exercise except for easy walking or classes designed especially for pregnant women. A good rule of thumb is this: If you can not have a conversation (without losing your breath) during exercise, you need to decrease your activity.

6. Do I need to be screened for Cystic Fibrosis?

That is a personal choice. Click here for more information.

7. What is the Triple Screen (AFP) test for?

This simple blood test is done early in your pregnancy and looks for clinical markers that may indicate a risk for Down Syndrome, Neural tube defects such as Spina Bifida, and Trisomy 18. This is an optional test. If any abnormalities are noted on this test you will be referred to genetic counseling and further diagnostic testing. Click here for more information.

8. Are there any foods that I need to avoid while pregnant?

Yes! Avoid raw meats and raw fish. Some fish have high levels of mercury and should be eaten in limited quantities even when thoroughly cooked. Unpasteurized dairy products, including many soft cheeses are to be avoided. Prepared meat such as luncheon meats and hot dogs should be heated to steaming hot before consumption.

Click for more details - Mercury and Fish.
Click for more details - Listeriosis and Pregnancy.

9. Why do I need to stay away from my cat's litter box?

Cat feces carry a virus called toxoplasmosis that can be harmful to a developing fetus. During your pregnancy it is necessary for someone else to clean the litter box. Also, wear gloves when gardening or touching a child's sand box as other cats may have visited there. Click here for more information.

10. A child at my daughter's day care has fifth disease, are there any precautions I should be taking? What about exposure to chicken pox, measles, or mumps?

Click here for details.