DR. JACQUELINE RODIER
TOP 31 LIST OF MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OTC - Over the counter medications, use as
directed on label.
Here's my problem.. .
31. What should I do with this sheet?
Official answer...
Read it carefully. Put it on your refrigerator
and keep it handy for your whole entire
pregnancy. You will find it to be very helpful.
30. If the nurse recommends a medication
or if it is listed on this sheet, can I really take it?
Yes. As long as you're not allergic to it All answers
have been reviewed by your doctor. All are safe for
you and your baby.
29. I haven't heard about the results of my blood work yet
No news is good news. We will always call you if any
test result is abnormal. It is important that you notify
us of any change in home or work phone numbers.
28.
Can I use Nutrasweet and/or caffeine?
Yes. Studies show that they are safe if used in moderation.
27.
Can I use sunless tanning lotion?
We aren't sure of it's safety yet, so please refrain.
26. Can I use a tanning bed?
No. Same reasoning as above.
25. Can I get in a hot tub/jacuzzi/whirlpool?
Yes, only if you can regulate the temperature. Keep
the temperature about body temperature-no hotter than 100
Avoid becoming overheated by limiting use to 10 minutes..
24.
Can I get my hair permed or colored?
Yes, as long as there is ventilation in the room (i.e.,
fan, air conditioning). Raging hormones can do funny
things to you. Your perm may "take" the same, better
or worse during your pregnancy. Coloring your hair
is o.k. (Not recommended in first trimester)
23. Can I paint the nursery?
Yes, as long as there is ventilation in the room during
and after painting.
22.
Yes, same as above. Ask for odorless spray. Do not
walk barefooted on freshly sprayed carpets.
Can they spray my house for bugs?
21. Can I change the cat litter?
20. What can I do for morning sickness?
(may also be noon or night)
19. What can I take for a cold/sinus drainage?
If your cat goes outdoors and also has a litter box, it
would be best to have someone else change the
litter. Refer to the O.B. pack, see toxoplasmosis. Yes,
you can still cuddle your kitty.
Try to keep something on your stomach (i.e., high
carbohydrate snacks). When your stomach gets empty,
your nausea will get worse. You may wish to try B6
vitamin 25mg, 2 - 3 times a day with or without
Unisom 1/2 pill (OTC). Most importantly, try to drink
fluids (i.e. Gatorade, ginger ale) to keep yourself from
getting dehydrated. Call us if nothing works. There_ara
other options.
Sudafed will "unstop" your sinuses. It may keep you
awake at night so you may not want to take it in the
later part of the day. Actifed will "unstop" and "dry1
you up. Saline-only nasal spray for nosebleeds.
18. What can I take for a sore throat and/or cough?
Cough drops. Plain Robitussin. Call if sore throat
persists.
17. What can I take for a headache/muscle aches?
Tylenol as directed. Do not use Ibuprofen (i.e., Advil,
Nuprin) or aspirin.
16. What can I do for constipation?
Increase fiber and water intake. Get some exercise
unless instructed not to by your doctor. Hot drinks, (i.e.,
tea, coffee) Metamucil fiber wafers, powder,
SenokotS (OTC).
15. What can I do for indigestion?
Eat small more frequent meals. Don't lie down flat
after eating. Avoid spicy/fried foods. Mylanta II (any
form) Gaviscon, Maalox, Riopan. Liquid antacids
are best when chilled.
14. I think that I have a sinus infection.
If you have green or yellow nasal drainage, you're
probably right Call for antibiotics during office hours.
Continue Sudafed or Actifed.
13. What can I do for diarrhea?
Avoid spicy/fried foods. Decrease fiber intake. Drink
plenty of clear fluids. Imodium AD (OTC). Call us if it persists.
12. My prenatal vitamins are making me sick.
If you are still having morning sickness, don't attempt to
take your vitamins. You can start them when you're
feeling better. Always take them with food.
11. What can I use for a yeast infection?
Monistat or Gynelotrimin or Mycelex-7 (All OTC).
10. What can I do for hemorrhoids?
Avoid constipation, see No. 16. Preparation H, Anusol,
Tucks pads or witch hazel on cotton balls. All OTC.
9.
What can I do for leg cramps?
Increase milk and other dairy products. Decrease
carbonated drinks. Try Gatorade or orange juice. Do
not stretch in bed. Calcium 500-600 mg once a day (OTC).
8.
What can I do for swollen ankles, feet, legs?
Elevate feet and lie on your left side as much as possible. Increase
fluids. Decrease salt intake.
7.
\.
I have a rash.
I haven't felt the baby move yet
If you have changed soap, detergent or lotions, etc.discontinue use. Benadryl cream or pills for itching (OTC).
If rash persists, see dermatologist
First-time moms will probably feel the baby move
between 16-20 weeks.
5.
I had some bleeding after my vaginal exam
in the office.
It's o.k. to have spotting. Call if heavy bleeding.
4.
I had some bleeding after intercourse.
Some spotting is o.k. Do not have intercourse again until
you have not bled for 24 hours. If you have been told
that your placenta is low lying, you will be asked to refrain
from having intercourse until ultrasound shows that the
placenta is out of the way. Your doctor will notify you if
this pertains to you. It is diagnosed by routine ultrasound.
3.
I haven't felt the baby move a lot today.
After you have reached 28 weeks, you should feel the
baby move 10 times a day. If the baby seems particularly
quiet, lie on your left side and drink a sweet or cold drink.
You should feel the baby move 10 times in 2 hours. Movements will be more noticeable when you are lying down
and quiet
2.
I think that I've passed my mucus plug.
It's o.k. Expect more. You may start into labor soon or it
may be 1 - 2 weeks. No need to call your doctor.
And the most commonly asked question...
1.
I think that I'm having cramps/contractions.
If at work, go home. Lie on left side. Drink at least 16 oz.
of liquid. If your cramps/contractions persist (more than
6 contractions an hour for more than 1-2 hours thereafter) please call.
These commonly asked questions (some of which you may never have thought of) were compiled by Dr. Rodier; her nurses;
and the front desk staff. Dr. Rodier has reviewed these answers and all are found to be true.