Health & Pregnancy

Recently Answered

• QIs sexual intercourse in the third trimester safe?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Methodist Hospital answered

  Sexual intercourse is safe in the third trimester as long as there are no problems and the doctor approves.

• QHow often should I see my doctor or midwife when I'm pregnant?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A HealthyWomen answered

  During pregnancy, you should see your doctor or midwife every four to five weeks until 28 weeks, every two to three weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, and then weekly until you're ready to deliver. Of course, if you have any complications or if your pregnancy is high risk, you'll likely see your healthcare provider more often.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhy is prenatal care important?

  4 Answers

  A

  

  A Riverside Women's Health answered

  During the first prenatal visit, you can expect your doctor to:

  • Ask about your health history including diseases, operations or prior pregnancies.
  • Ask about your family's health history.
  • Do a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap test.
  • Take your blood and urine for lab work.
  • Check your blood pressure, height and weight.
  • Calculate your due date.
  • Answer your questions.
  • At the first visit, you should ask questions and discuss any issues related to your pregnancy. Find out all you can about how to stay healthy.

  Later prenatal visits will probably be shorter. Your doctor will check on your health and make sure the baby is growing as expected. Most prenatal visits will include:

  • Checking your blood pressure
  • Measuring your weight gain
  • Measuring your abdomen to check your baby's growth (once you begin to show)
  • Checking the baby's heart rate

  While you're pregnant, you also will have some routine tests. Some tests are suggested for all women, such as blood work to check for anemia, your blood type, HIV and other factors. Other tests might be offered based on your age, personal or family health history, your ethnic background or the results of routine tests you have had. Visit the Healthy Pregnancy section of our web site for more details on prenatal care and tests.

  This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center.

  See All 4 Answers
• QWhat happens during prenatal visits with my healthcare provider?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Mercy Health answered

  Prenatal visits with your healthcare provider may include:

  • review of medical history
  • completion of various blood tests, urine analysis, and lab work
  • taking your blood pressure and listening to the baby's heartbeat
  • suggestions for a nutritional plan, including prenatal vitamins
  • developing an exercise strategy

  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.

• QWhat healthy lifestyle changes should I make during pregnancy?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  Pregnancy is an excellent time to concentrate on making healthy lifestyle choices. As far as exercise goes, it's definitely important to continue your exercise regimen. You may need to back off a little bit in the first trimester when you are a little bit nauseated, but it is really important to continue that. If you are not exercising already, you're welcome to start an exercise regimen, but start small and slowly increase your intensity levels.

  Additionally, what you ingest is also important, because you are obviously what you eat, and your baby is being made out of what you are eating. You want to avoid any alcohol ingestion during pregnancy. If you are a smoker, it's an excellent time to quit smoking. As far as what you're actually taking in for food, really concentrate on a healthy and balanced diet, good proteins, and making sure that you are cutting back on the sugars and the fats, because weight gain does become a concern. As far as specific foods go, we need to avoid any undercooked meats or unpasteurized dairy products.

• QIs it safe to get vaccinations when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A Johnston-Willis Hospital - HCA Virginia answered

  It is safe for women to receive routine vaccines immediately after giving birth, even while breastfeeding. This is also an important time to begin educating yourself on childhood vaccination schedules for your new addition. If you haven’t received your Tdap vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis during pregnancy, you should have it administered right after delivery. Also, women should receive the pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines to reduce risks to both her and her infant.

  See All 3 Answers
• QWhat kind of medications should I avoid during pregnancy?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Chippenham Hospital - HCA Virginia answered

  Women should try to avoid anything you don't absolutely need during pregnancy. There are safe drugs to take during pregnancy, including Tylenol and some anti-nausea medications, but it's very important to follow instructions for taking these medications and not take too much. Be sure to consult this with your doctor.

• QShould I avoid caffeine and alcohol during pregnancy?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Chippenham Hospital - HCA Virginia answered

  Caffeine may be ingested in moderation during pregnancy, however, alcohol should be avoided.