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Call your physician immediately if:
1. You are less than 36 weeks pregnant and having more than 6 contractions per hour for two hours in a row.
2. Your water breaks.
3. You have vaginal bleeding more than spotting on a pad.
4. You have constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions
5. You have fever or chills
6. The baby seems to be moving less
How do I know if I’m in labor?
Many women have periods of "false" labor. When this happens, your uterus knots up enough to make you think you're going into labor. False labor pains are called "Braxton-Hicks" contractions. They do some of the early work-they help soften, thin, and perhaps even slightly open your cervix. They tend to occur more often as your due date draws near. Sometimes, you can barely feel Braxton-Hicks contractions. You may notice a tightening of your belly. Other times they can be painful. These contractions occur in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity, or when you are tired.
If you have contractions, time them. Note how long it is from the start of one contraction to the start of the next one. The time between the contractions will help you determine if you are in true or false labor. Don't feel silly if you go to the hospital, sure that the big day is here, only to be sent home again.
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Hint
Timing of contractions
Change with Movement
Strength of Contractions
Pain of Contractions |
False labor
Often irregular, don't get closer together
as time goes on.
Contractions may stop when you walk, rest,
or change positions.
Often weak and tend to stay that way, or strong contractions are followed by weaker ones.
Usually felt only in the front. |
True labor
Come at regular intervals and get closer together.
Last 30-70 seconds.
Contractions keep coming no matter what you do.
Steadily get stronger.
Usually starts in the back and moves to the front. |
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Can I take hot baths or use a hot tub?
Yes. There is no data that either baths or hot tubs are harmful. However, like so many other things during your pregnancy, keep things in moderation.
Can I get highlights, dye my hair or get my nails done?
Yes, again there is no medical evidence that any of these things is harmful to your pregnancy in any way.
Is exercise safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Exercise is safe during pregnancy and should not be avoided. However, there are a few considerations that need to be kept in mind. Your center of balance is constantly changing and you will need to be more careful with physical activity. Also, prolonged periods of time standing should be avoided. As your uterus grows, it will place more pressure on the large blood vessels that leave and enter your heart. The best activity for pregnant women is swimming. Other good activities for pregnant women include walking and stationary biking. Exercise reduces such discomforts as backache, constipation, fatigue and bloating. Exercise promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance.
Can I travel while I’m pregnant?
Travel during pregnancy is okay but this is a situation where common sense should prevail. Long drives should be broken up so that you can get out of the car every two to three hours and walk. This will help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. Traveling far away from home in the third trimester could result in having your birth in an unfamiliar place. Use your best judgment when planning trips during pregnancy.
Can I work while I’m pregnant?
Working during pregnancy is usually not a problem and most women can work until delivery. However, if you have any special concerns, please call the office.
What is a labor attendant?
Most women throughout the world have used a labor attendant during childbirth. This is not a new concept and dates back to the earliest days of mankind. The ancient Greeks called their assistants "doula." This term is used by women who are trained labor assistants.
Should I breast or bottle- feed?
Breastfeeding provides the right amount of all nutrients and contains antibodies that help protect baby from disease. Breastfed babies tend to be less constipated and have fewer infections and allergies. It is free, always available, the perfect temperature and requires no preparation or cleanup. Breastfeeding is good for the mother, too. The baby’s sucking releases hormones that contract the uterus, helping it return to its normal size more quickly. Breastfeeding burns calories, therefore you will lose any extra weight you gained quicker. Bottlefeeding allows more versatility when it comes to who is feeding the baby. Bottle fed babies tend to go longer between feedings. It is possible to measure exactly how much your baby is getting at each feeding (however there is no way to tell exactly how much your baby needs). There are different types of formula to meet different needs. Both breast and bottlefed babies can grow up to be healthy and well adjusted.
Is sex safe during pregnancy?
Sexual activity and intercourse are safe in a normal pregnancy. Your doctor will tell you if there are any reasons you should not be having intercourse.
What about birth control after delivery?
There are several forms of contraception available to you and your partner. Before choosing a method you should consider how well the method works, how likely you are to use it, how safe it is, how much it is going to cost and how well it will fit into your lifestyle. Each method of birth control has benefits and side effects. In general, methods containing estrogen should not be started until at least six weeks after birth. A woman who is interested in breastfeeding should make sure to establish a good milk supply by breastfeeding regularly and consistently before starting an estrogen containing method. Progesterone only methods like Depo Provera and progesterone pills can be started immediately after birth and do not affect breast milk supply. Other forms of birth control include the intrauterine device or IUD and barrier methods like the diaphragm, cervical cap, condom (male and female), and spermicides. Finally there is sterilization for those couples who are positive they do not want any more children. Sterilization is meant to be a permanent form of birth control. If there is a chance you may want to have a baby later, you should not choose this method. Abstinence is the only method 100% effective. For women, there are several methods of blocking the tubes from the ovaries (fallopian tubes) to prevent pregnancy. For men the procedure is called a vasectomy. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia in the doctor’s office or a clinic. (See section on birth control more more details on each method listed.) |
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