Frequently Asked Questions about pregnancy

Travel │Cold/Allergy │ Hair Perms│ Saunas/Hot Tub/Tanning Booths │Nausea/Vomiting
Exercise │Work │Swelling │Exposure to Chickenpox │Headaches │Constipation │Bleeding Gums
Sex │Leg Cramps │Safe to paint │Heartburn │Hemorrhoids │Yeast Infections │Herbs and Vitamins

Travel
In the absence of obstetric or medical complications, pregnant women can travel safely up to 34 weeks of gestation.  The risk of swelling and blood clots in the legs are increased by long hours of travel.  This risk may be decreased by the use of support stockings, periodic movement of the legs (walking at least every two hours) and staying well hydrated.  Always wear a seat belt when traveling by car.

Cold / Allergy
We are frequently asked what pregnant women can take for a cold or virus.  Most medications that are felt to be safe during pregnancy have not been carefully studied.  The information that is available about medication use in pregnancy is based on experience rather than research.  For this reason, it is always wise to avoid taking any medications during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

The following ingredients of common over-the-counter cold medications are probably safe in pregnancy:
 

These common brands contain one or more of the above ingredients:

There are other generic and brand name over-the-counter cold medicines that contain these ingredients.  Learn to read the "active ingredients" section of any over-the-counter medications.

For a stuffy nose, try a saline spray like Ocean Nasal Mist.  Other nose sprays or drops like Afrin contain a medication that can cause rebound stuffy nose (the stuffiness gets worse when you stop the medication), and will increase your blood pressure.

For a sore throat, a lozenge or cough drop is best.  Ice chips and cool liquids are also soothing.  Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe.

During any illness bed rest and extra fluids are important.

Hair Perms / Hair Dyes

Hair dyes are most likely safe during pregnancy.  Since formation of the baby's organs occurs in the first trimester, it would be reasonable to hold off any unnecessary exposures until you are beyond 13 weeks in the pregnancy.  Be aware that pregnancy hormones can affect hair reaction to chemical treatments / perms / dyes.  Results may not be what are expected.
 

Saunas / Hot tubs / Tanning Booths
Prolonged exposure in a sauna or hot tub may cause an increase in your core body temperature.  There is a possibility that a significant increase in core body temperature during critical periods of the baby's development (first trimester) could result in birth defects.  Pregnant women are advised to limit their time in saunas / hot tubs to 10 minutes.

Nausea and Vomiting
An early symptom of pregnancy for some women is nausea, with or without vomiting.  This is often called morning sickness, whether it occurs in the morning or throughout the day.  Nausea often begins around the 6th week of pregnancy and improves by the end of the first trimester (about 13 weeks gestational age).

Common recommendations to minimize nausea and vomiting of pregnancy include:
 

Exercise
In the absence of either medical or obstetric complications, 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise per day is recommended for pregnant women.  Activities with a high risk of falling or those with high potential for contact / abdominal trauma should be avoided.  After the first trimester, pregnant women should avoid lying flat on their backs. 

Warning signs to terminate exercise while pregnant include:

General Exercise Guidelines include:

Work
A woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy usually can continue to work until the onset of labor.  Women with medical or obstetric complications of pregnancy may need to make adjustments based on the nature of their activities, occupations, and specific complications.

Swelling
Most pregnant women notice, especially near the end of the pregnancy, increased swelling in their legs, ankles, and feet.  Typically this is a normal finding.  Be careful with your sodium (salt) intake during pregnancy.  Consuming too much sodium may cause you to retain water, which can cause swelling and bloating.  When you are able to rest, keep your legs and feet elevated (on pillows) to help decrease swelling.  It is also important to drink plenty of water.
 

Exposure to Chickenpox
Pregnant women who have either had chickenpox in the past or received the chickenpox vaccine in the past are not at risk of complications/infection from a recent exposure to chickenpox.  Pregnant women who have no prior history of chickenpox are encouraged to avoid contact with individuals who have chickenpox. 

If you are pregnant:

   ***PLEASE NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR***

Headaches
About 15 to 20% of all pregnant women suffer from migraine headaches.  Many women notice an improvement in their headaches while they are pregnant.  If you must take medication for headaches during pregnancy, Tylenol is what we typically recommend.  Headaches may also be eased by drinking plenty of water.  Notify your doctor if your headache is not relieved by bed rest, increasing your water intake, or Tylenol.

Constipation
Your bowel habits will likely change during pregnancy.  Most women notice some constipation.  You can help avoid constipation problems during pregnancy by increasing your fluid intake.  A diet that is rich in fiber may relieve constipation.  Some patients may find it necessary to use a stool softener (Colace) in addition to dietary changes.

Bleeding Gums
Gums may be affected by hormones of pregnancy and become sensitive and bleed more easily.  This is a normal fining in pregnancy.  It is important to continue to floss and brush your teeth regularly.  Don't hesitate to visit the dentist during pregnancy.

Sex
Many couples question whether it is safe to have sexual intercourse during pregnancy.  Sexual relations are acceptable during a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy.  It is typically recommended to avoid intercourse when the pregnancy is at risk for miscarriage or premature labor.  It is not unusual to experience mild spotting after intercourse.  However, you should notify your doctor if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding following intercourse.

Leg cramps
It is common to experience leg cramps in pregnancy,  particularly in the third trimester.  To treat or prevent leg cramps:

Safe to paint
If someone else is willing to paint for you- allow them to do so.  However, if you chose to paint:

Heartburn
Heartburn discomfort is one of the most common complaints of pregnancy.  Eating small, frequent meals may help prevent this discomfort.  Avoid lying flat on your back, especially after eating a meal.  Antacids (TUMS, Milk of Magnesia, and Maalox) can also provide considerable relief.

Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are a common problem during or following pregnancy.  Treatment includes avoiding constipation by eating adequate amounts of fiber and drinking lots of fluid.  Hemorrhoid medications (Tucks, Preparation H) are recommended to help relieve the discomfort of hemorrhoids.

Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are quite common in pregnant women.  They have no negative effect on the pregnancy but may cause discomfort and increased vaginal discharge.  Over-the-counter yeast medication creams are safe during pregnancy.  It is typically recommended to use the seven-day Monistat rather than the one or three-day Monistat.  Notify your doctor if symptoms do not improve after using the cream.

Herbs and Vitamins
Don't self-medicate with extra vitamins or herbal products.  Stop all supplements before pregnancy.  Just eat a well balanced diet and take one multivitamin or one prenatal vitamin everyday.  Over-the-counter prenatal vitamins are as acceptable as the prenatal vitamins available by prescription.

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