Pregnancy FAQ’ s
Can I travel? Generally it’ s safe for you to travel during pregnancy. However, consult your provider. With this in mind, it’ s best to stay close to home in the last six weeks. When you fly, take breaks by standing up and walking around every couple of hours. Always wear a seat belt with the lap belt resting below your belly. Call our office immediately or go to the hospital where you will deliver if you are involved in a car accident.
Is exercise OK? Exercising 30 minutes a day is encouraged. Jogging, aerobics, swimming, walking, yoga, biking and even strength training are considered healthy. Listen to your body: Don’ t push yourself too hard, and make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Avoid exercises where you lie on your back after 20 weeks and those that put you at risk of falling or causing trauma to your baby. Ask your provider about specific concerns.
What about sex? Having sex is absolutely fine unless your pregnancy presents complications or you find that it’ s uncomfortable. Refrain from sex and exercise if your provider has determined your baby is growth-restricted or you experience:
• Dizziness or general weakness • Leaking amniotic fluid • Vaginal bleeding • Decreased fetal movement
• Chest pain • Headache • Preterm labor • Uterine contractions
How does pregnancy affect dental care? Teeth and gums are more sensitive throughout pregnancy. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant and try to
avoid X-rays altogether. Consult your provider with more specific questions.
I’ m so tired. Why? Is there a preferred position that will help me sleep better? Feeling tired is normal, and your pregnant body needs more sleep. Shoot for 8-10 hours a night. Take cues from your body figure out the amount of sleep you need.
Sleeping on your side allows maximum blood flow to your baby. Try not to sleep on your back, as it can cause your blood pressure to drop. To increase your comfort level, place a pillow behind your back and one between your knees. As the weeks and months go by, use more pillows and change positions often to stay comfortable.
How long before I feel my baby move? Usually your baby moves between 16 and 25 weeks, most often after a meal or a snack, when you’ re nervous or once you go to sleep. In the beginning, movements may feel like butterfly flutters, but as your pregnancy progresses you will feel more movement.
What’ s the best way to monitor my baby’ s movements? The best time to monitor your baby’ s movements is 20 to 30 minutes after breakfast or dinner. If you’ re concerned about lack of movement, drink a beverage with sugar or caffeine, then lie on your side and press your hands against your belly. If you still have concerns about your baby’ s movement, contact the office or go to the hospital where you will deliver.
Is it safe for me to care for my pets? Talk to your healthcare provider about precautions to take if you have cats. Avoid changing the litter box, if possible. But if you must, wear gloves to avoid direct exposure to toxoplasmosis— a rare infection from cat feces.
Can I hop in the Jacuzzi after a long day? No! Avoid Jacuzzis and whirlpool baths during pregnancy.
What about cigarettes, vaping, alcohol and marijuana? Avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy— there is no safe amount. It can cause a host of health issues for your baby, including abnormal brain development, birth defects and intellectual disabilities.
It’ s a fact: If you’ re smoking or breathing in secondhand smoke while pregnant your baby is too. Infants exposed to cigarette smoke in utero are more likely to struggle with intellectual and learning disabilities, suffer from cerebral palsy, or incur lifelong damage to various organs like the kidneys or lungs.
11