Trimester Information
First Trimester
Q: Is cramping normal?
A: Cramping by itself can be normal at first while your uterus is getting used to having something inside it. Cramping with bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage You should consult your physician ASAP!
Q: Are over-the-counter prenatal vitamins good?
A: Most vitamins that are marked as a prenatal are adequate. You have to be careful with them- TOO MUCH VITAMIN A CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.
Q: What can I take for constipation and is this normal?
A: Constipation is a normal but annoying part of pregnancy. The key is to increase water intake and fiber. Over the counter fiber aids are good. If constipation is very severe Colace is also safe.
Q: My prenatal vitamins make me sick, what can I do?
A: Prenatal vitamins can make you nauseated. If possible try taking them at night with a small snack and orange juice. This will allow you to sleep through the stomach irritation most of the time. If you are still unable to take your prenatal vitamins you can change to Flinstones vitamins and add an extra folic acid supplement.
Q: Can I exercise?
A: The rule for exercise is DO NOT START and exercise program while you are pregnant. IF you were already exercising and your heart is well conditioned to that type of workout then you may continue that regimen Heavy lifting should be avoided.
Q: Is intercourse OK?
A: Sure! Intercourse is safe throughout pregnancy, as long as your doctor has not advised you otherwise.
Q: I HAVE A SHARP PAIN IN MY SIDE!
A: Most sharp pains are usually stretching of ligaments and are normal in pregnancy. They do not mean anything is wrong with the baby. Take Tylenol and lay down until they resolve. ANY sharp pains with bleeding or nausea should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Second Trimester
Q: When will I start feeling the baby move?
A: Most women will start feeling the baby move between 18-22 weeks. First time moms will experience this sensation later than repeat moms.
Q: How often should I feel my baby move?
A: Sensation of fetal movement during the second trimester is sporadic. You should sense baby at least once a day but we do not recommend counting movements until 28 weeks and beyond. Before this time baby is still very small and sensation may not happen with the majority of the movements.
Q: When can we tell the sex of the baby?
A: Usually by your 20 week ultrasound the sex is obvious- if baby is cooperating well.
Q: What is the MSAFP and Should we take it?
A: The Maternal Serum Alpha Fetal Protein is a blood draw from mom (not a needle in the belly). This test is a risk factor assessment to see if baby is at risk for having problems like spinal cord defects, Down’s syndrome, or other chromosomal abnormalities. If it comes back positive that does not mean anything is wrong with baby. It just means we need to do a few more test.
Q: When do I take my diabetes test?
A: 28 weeks
Q: I HAVE A SHARP PAIN IN MY SIDE!
A: Most sharp pains are usually stretching of ligaments and are normal in pregnancy. They do not mean anything is wrong with the baby. Take Tylenol and lay down until they resolve. ANY sharp pains with bleeding or nausea should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Thrird Trimester
Q: How early is too early to deliver?
A: Term is considered up anything after 37 weeks. We would not stop your labor from that point on. Generally no inductions will be scheduled before 39 weeks unless the doctor thinks it is safer to be delivered early because of a medical condition.
Q: How often should I feel my baby move?
A: Go to the fetal kick count link
Q: I LOST MY MUCOUS PLUG!
A: The mucous plug is a myth! At the end of your pregnancy you cervix naturally starts forming more mucous. This is because the cervix is softening to allow it to get ready for the dilation process. This starts happening early in the third trimester. IT DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE GOING INTO LABOR!
Q: How do I know if I am contracting?
A: If you are feeling tightening or rhythmic type pain. Lie down in the bed and place your hands on your abdomen. If your uterus gets hard at the same time you are having pain and softer when the pain subsides those are probably contraction
Q: What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
A: You uterus will sporadically contract . These are very irregular and usually are only pressure not painful. If you begin to contract, Take some Tylenol and drink as much water as you can. Real Labor will not stop with water but this will relieve the irritation of Braxton Hicks pains.
Q: When do I go to the hospital?
A: The rule of thumb: