FOOD SAFETY
1. Fish
- Pregnant women are ENCOURAGED to eat 8-12 oz. of low mercury fish every week
- Avoid high mercury fish - tilefish, shark, swordfish, king mackerel
- Limit tuna to 6 oz. per week
2. Caffeine
- Limit to 200 mg/day, which is approximately 16 oz of coffee, or 32 oz of tea
- Dark chocolate contains about 20 mg per ounce, milk chocolate about 10 mg per ounce
3. Listeria
- Avoid the following foods:
- Hot dogs or cold cuts unless heated to 165 degrees
- Pate and meat spreads
- Smoked seafood
- Unpasteurized milk or soft cheeses
- Unwashed fruits & vegetables
EXERCISE
- Is healthy and encouraged UNLESS told by your doctor
- Avoid contact sports, hot yoga, or any activity with a risk of fall
- STOP EXERCISE IF:
- Short of breath
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Vaginal bleeding or leakage of fluid
- Pelvic or abdominal cramping
WEIGHT GAIN
This is a rough guide for what weight gain is recommended in pregnancy. Every person, however, changes differently and gains weight at different rates with their pregnancy. Most important is to eat healthy, well-balanced meals rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. If you need help with your diet we will be happy to discuss it with you and/or refer you to a nutrition specialist to assist.
- BMI = Body Mass Index
- BMI <18.5 = 28 to 40 lbs
- BMI 18.5 to 24.9 = 25 to 35 lbs
- BMI 25 to 29.9 = 15 to 25 lbs
- BMI >30 = 11 to 20 lbs (no less than 11 lbs)
THINGS TO AVOID
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes and recreational drugs
- Environmental toxins
- Prolonged periods of sitting
- Changing kitty litter if your cats go outside
- Hot tubs
- Ibuprofen or any other NSAIDs (things like Aleve, Aspirin, Advil)
- Lead dust
- Flying after 36 weeks
- Gardening, unless you wear gloves and wash hands after
THINGS TO DO
- Take prenatal vitamins. The over-the-counter ones are fine, or we are happy to prescribe some for you.
- Pre-register for the maternity department at Norwalk Hospital -- (203) 852-2092
- Sign up for prenatal classes if you desire.
- Pick a pediatrician (ask us for recommendations if needed)
MEDICATIONS THAT ARE OKAY IN MODERATION
Try to avoid the use of any medication during your pregnancy. However, if your headache or illness necessitates - use the guide below and/or call us for any questions you may have:
- Headaches & Minor Pains: Tylenol
- Colds & Allergies: Saline Nasal Spray, Sudafed, Benadryl, Robitussin (plain), Claritin
- Heartburn: Tums are great for heartburn and are a great source of calcium. Also OK: Mylicon, Mylanta, Zantac, and Prevacid
- Constipation: Colace and Senokot should be your first line of defense. Also OK if these fail are Miralax and Milk of Magnesia. If you need more than a couple doses of these second drugs, please discuss with your physician
- Nausea: Ginger and Vitamin B6 should be your first line of defense. If you are not able to keep any food or water down, then please be sure to communicate with us and we will discuss options for prescription medication.
- Yeast Infection: Monistat 3 or 7 are available over-the-counter and should be your first line of defense.