Obstetrics

We recommend that you schedule your first obstetric visit when you are 7 to 8 weeks from the first day of your last period. Please let our office know that this is a first visit for your pregnancy as we allot extra time to include a complete evaluation, ultrasound, bloodwork, discussion of nutrition, behavior and answering questions.

After your first visit you will have appointments every 4 weeks until 32 weeks of pregnancy. After 32 weeks, visits are every 2 weeks; after 36 weeks, visits are weekly until delivery. More frequent visits may be recommended for high—risk pregnancies.

For your convenience, you can download the below three informational packets.

Do's and Don'ts in Pregnancy

Obstetrics Informational Packet

A Week by Week Glance at Prenatal Appointments

Prenatal Testing

Ultrasound Screening

An ultrasound is a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture. Not only are these scans routine, but they are also fun for you and your partner. Your doctor will review with you what ultrasounds and other procedures are recommended for you during your pregnancy, including nuchal translucency, chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis.  We also may refer you to one of the below maternal fetal medicine centers for more detailed, higher resolution ultrasound.

• Mt. Sinai Maternal Fetal Medicine: 212-241-6551
• Carnegie Hill Imaging: 212-722-7426 

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is nausea or vomiting that occurs during pregnancy. It is very common and doesn't always happen in the morning! It usually goes away by your second trimester, when the level of pregnancy hormones in the body falls. When morning sickness is severe, it is called hyperemesis gravidarum.

Call your doctor if you experience:

• Persistent vomiting shortly after eating or drinking anything, including water
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Concentrated, dark-colored urine

Over-The-Counter Medications Approved For Pregnancy & Nursing

Allergies & Congestion:

• Benadryl
  

Cough:

• Robitussin
  

Constipation:

• Metamucil
• Fibercon
• Senokot-S
• Surfak
• Colace

Dental Work:

• Novacaine
• Local Anesthetic with Epinephrine

Headache:

• Tylenol
• **Do not take: aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, Advil or any Ibuprofen-containing drug**

Hemorrhoids:

• Tucks
• Preparation H

Heartburn/Indigestion:

• Maalox
• Mylanta
• Rolaids
• Tums
• Pepcid

Itching:

• Aveeno
• Cortaid cream
• Benadryl cream or spray
• Calamine

Leg Cramps:

• Calcium Supplements (e.g. Oscal, Caltrate, etc.)

Nausea:

• Vitamin B6 (10-25mg)
• Apricot/Peach nectar
• Ginger
• Crackers
• Small, frequent meals

Sore Throat:

• Chloraseptic spray
• Tylenol

Yeast Infection:

• Mycolog
• Monistat (Any form, use as directed. Use special caution with applicator.)

A Healthy Diet During Pregnancy

Regular, well-balanced meals are a source of nutrition for both you and your baby. You will need more protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron, which are critical to your baby's growth and development. Here are some guidelines and recommendations:

Sources of protein and vitamins are:

• legumes (beans & peas)
• meat & poultry
• nuts & peanut butter
• fish
• eggs cheese, milk & yogurt

Sources of calcium are:

• cheese, milk & yogurt
• sardines & anchovies
• broccoli & spinach
• tofu
• almonds

Foods rich in iron are:

• liver & kidneys
• dried fruit
• spinach & kale
• beets
• oat & wheat bran (e.g. bran flakes cereal)

While each individual is different, usually 25 to 35 pounds is the maximum amount of weight gain recommended.

It's important to incorporate a balance of protein and carbohydrates (grains, fruits, vegetables) in your daily diet. Variety is important.

Foods to Avoid/Limit

• High Mercury Fish
• Under-cooked red meat
• Maximum 16 oz. caffeinated beverage/day

Foods that Alleviate Pregnancy-Related Nausea (Morning Sickness)

• Candied Ginger
• Mint
• Sour Candy

Dietary Supplements

The following vitamins and minerals are often recommended:

• A multivitamin tablet with 60mg of iron and 1mg of folic acid (usually called a prenatal vitamin); this ma<