Prenatal FAQ

I'm pregnant and I don't have insurance. What should I do?
What is morning sickness and how can I prevent it?
What is an appropriate weight gain?
Where does the weight go?
What should I expect during my prenatal visits?
What pregnancy book do you recommend?
Can you provide me with information on workplace rights?
If something seems wrong, when should I call the office?
Can I swim while pregnant?
If it okay to use a hot tub or Jacuzzi while I'm pregnant?
I'm concerned about exposure to infectious diseases. Should I be worried?
I'm pregnant and have the flu. Are there any medications that are safe to take?
I'm pregnant and frequently constipated. Should I be concerned?
What can I do about vaginal itching or burning?
What if I want a midwife to attend my childbirth?
How will I know when I'm in labor?
What should I pack to take to the hospital?
I have misplaced my postpartum instructions. What can I do?

I’m pregnant and I don’t have insurance. What should I do?
You may be eligible for services through Potomac Hospital OB Clinic. We provide prenatal care and delivery to their patients. Please contact the OB Clinic at 703-670-1231.

What is morning sickness and how can I prevent it?
“Morning sickness,” which can occur at any time of the day, usually starts in the fifth to seventh week of pregnancy and disappears by the eleventh to thirteenth week of pregnancy. The two main culprits for morning sickness are extreme swings in blood sugar levels, which tend to be lowest in the morning, and hormones, which run rampant during pregnancy.

To help minimize or avoid feeling queasy, eat small, frequent meals high in protein and fiber, get plenty of rest, keep healthy snacks with you at all times, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

If your symptoms are severe, contact our office. You can quickly become dehydrated and may require IV fluids to replace fluids lost during vomiting.

What is an appropriate weight gain?
Pregnancy is not the time to fret about putting on weight although it should not be used as an excuse to eat too much. Most women need between 1,800 and 2,200 calories a day when they are not pregnant. Pregnant women need about 300 calories more.

How many pounds should you gain? That depends on how much you weighed before getting pregnant. Most women are advised to gain 25-35 pounds. Overweight women can gain less. Underweight women should gain more.

Where does the weight go?
Most mothers-to-be are advised to gain 25-35 pounds when they are pregnant while the average newborn weighs in at about 7 1/2 pounds. Here’s a look at what a normal-weight woman who gains 30 pounds does with the extra weight:

What should I expect during my prenatal visits?
Once you pregnancy is confirmed, you will be scheduled for an established obstetrical appointment (your first prenatal visit). At this visit, your physician or midwife will take a detailed history, do a physical exam, order lab tests, figure your due date and set up a schedule for your prenatal care. You’ll be in the office approximately one hour.

Future appointments are not as detailed and generally follow this schedule:

During each prenatal visit, you will be examined to check how your pregnancy is progressing. You can expect that some or all of the following procedures will be performed:

• Your weight may be measured and written on your chart
• Your blood pressure may be taken
• Your urine may be checked for protein and sugar
• The height of your fundus may be measured to gauge the baby’s growth
• Your face, ankles, hands, and feet may be examined for swelling
• After about the 12th week, the fetal heartbeat may be checked
• Later in the pregnancy, your abdomen may be felt to note the position of the fetus
• If needed, lab tests and pelvic exams will be done

Source: Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth, third edition, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2000.

What pregnancy book do you recommend?
During your first prenatal visit, we will give you a complimentary copy of Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth, third edition, by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This book is very thorough and informative; we encourage all our mothers-to-be to read the whole book. It will answers general questions you may have as well as prepare you for the future.

Can you provide me with information on workplace rights?
Three major federal laws protect the health, safety and employment rights of pregnant working women. If you are denied your rights, contact one of these agencies:

Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) requires employers to treat pregnancy as they would any other medical condition. That means they must offer the same disability leave and pay. If you have additional questions, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 1-800-669-EEOC (3362) or the Woman’s Bureau of Department of Labor at 1-800-827-5335.

Occupational Safety and Health Act
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide a workplace free from known hazards that cause, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm. If you have additional questions, contact OSHA at 1-202-576-6339.

Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires employers with 50 or more employees to allow up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period:

• On the birth, adoption or foster care of a child
• When needed to care for a spouse, a child, or a parent with a serious health condition
• When a worker isn’t able to do her job because of her own serious health condition, including pregnancy or birth-related disability

If you have additional questions, contact the US Department of Labor at 1-800-959-3652.

Source: Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth, third edition, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2000.

If something seems wrong, when should I call the office?
Most pregnancies are normal and uncomplicated. However, it’s important to report certain problems to our office. Call us if you experience any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding, no matter how slight (except if it occurs after a pelvic exam)
• Severe, continuous headache that is not relieved by Tylenol, eating, or resting
• Swelling of the face and hands
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Fluid trickling or gushing from the vagina
• Decreased fetal movement
• Anything that seems out of the ordinary to you

Can I swim while pregnant?
Swimming can be great exercise for pregnant women. If you are used to swimming, there should be no problem continuing it while you are pregnant. If your water has broken, however, swimming should be discontinued.

If it okay to use a hot tub or Jacuzzi while I’m pregnant?
No. The extreme temperatures of hot tubs may cause the fetal heart rate to become irregular. In addition, the heat may cause your blood pressure to drop, which could cause lightheadedness and possible fainting. A warm whirlpool tub, however, is acceptable to use in moderation.

I’m concerned about exposure to infectious diseases. Should I be worried?
As with any person, you should refrain from contact with a person who has any kind of infectious disease. Because you’re pregnant, you’ll also want to know if you’re immune to German measles (Rubella) and chicken pox. When your prenatal lab work is done, we’ll check for Rubella immunity, but we don’t check for chicken pox immunity. If you had chicken pox as a child, you have acquired lifelong immunity; if you didn’t, you’ll want to stay away from anyone with chicken pox while you’re pregnant.

I’m pregnant and have the flu. Are there any medications that are safe to take?
Many drugs that you can buy over-the-counter (OTC) in drug and discount stores, and drugs your health care provider prescribes, are thought to be safe to take during pregnancy. Many of these products tell you on the label if they are thought to be safe during pregnancy. For medicines you can take to help with common complaints--from heartburn to hemorrhoids--view our list of pregnancy-approved medications.

I’m pregnant and frequently constipated. Should I be concerned?
Approximately 30-60% of all pregnant women experience some form of constipation during their pregnancy. This problem seems to get worse as the pregnancy progresses. There are several factors that occur during pregnancy that contribute to constipation:

• Iron supplements (it is very important for pregnant women to continue to take them)
• Hormonal changes
• Direct pressure on the large intestine later in pregnancy
• Lack of sufficient fiber
• Lack of sufficient fluid
• Lack of exercise

There are several things that you can do to help alleviate constipation:

• Increase daily natural fiber such as bran ceral, raw fruits, vegetables and unsweetened juices
• Increase fluid intake by drinking 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water per day.

It is not recommended that pregnant women take stimulant laxatives, which may cause gastrointestinal contractions, or saline laxatives, which may be absorbed and result in increased sodium intake.

What can I do about vaginal itching or burning?
During pregnancy, you experience an increase in estrogen and progesterone which can cause increased vaginal discharge (usually whitish in color). This is normal. If you notice excessive itching or burning, we may need to evaluate you in the office. Don’t use any medication for this problem without consulting the office first.

What if I want a midwife to attend my childbirth?
At About Women OB/GYN, midwives are an important part of our practice; however, our midwives attend deliveries only in special instances when the doctors require backup. Our midwives are very involved in prenatal care. You may specifically request a to see a midwife for prenatal care when you call to schedule an appointment.

How will I know when I’m in labor?
Here’s how to tell if you’re really in labor:

But remember, no matter what your stopwatch says about the timing of contractions, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you think you may be in labor, call our office at 703-878-0740, 24 hours per day.

What should I pack to take to the hospital?
Packing your hospital labor bag is one of the essential steps for moms-to-be. You want to be sure to include all the essentials, but you also don’t want to over-pack and end up lugging a heavy bag filled with unnecessary extras. For help, see our checklist: What to Pack for Labor & Delivery.

I have misplaced my postpartum instructions. What can I do?
During your first obstetrical visit we gave you a complimentary copy of Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth, third edition. Chapter 12 is extremely valuable during the postpartum period, as it provides directions, encouragement, and tips. If you have additional questions, you can contact the nurse triage from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at 703-878-0740.

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