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.
- Sign up for prenatal classes if you desire.
- Pick a pediatrician (ask us for recommendations if needed)
Please be sure to pre-register with the Maternity Department at St. Vincent’s Hospital by completing the registration paperwork provided and returning it to our office or sending it directly to the hospital as instructed, as this helps ensure a smoother admission on the day of delivery. Patients who wish to tour the Labor & Delivery Unit at St. Vincent’s may do so, as the nurses graciously offer tours and helpful information; to schedule or learn more, please call (475) 210-6080, or visit https://stvincents.org/services/maternity
for additional details.
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.
