Pregnancy Frequently Asked Questions...

For cold or flu, you may take Tylenol, Tylenol Extra Strength, Benadryl, Robitussin, Dimetapp, Chloraseptic Spray or lozenges. For allergies, take Claritin or Allegra.

During pregnancy, you will have a blood test to find out what your blood type is. What the physician is looking for is whether or not your blood is Rh negative or Rh positive. The reason for this is that problems can arise when the fetus' blood has the Rh factor, the type of protein on the red blood cells, and the mother's blood does not.

Yes sexual intercourse is safe in an uncomplicated pregnancy. If you are experiencing a complicated pregnancy, your physician may instruct otherwise.

Yes, if x-rays are needed, a lead apron must be used to shield the abdomen. If possible, delay dental visits until after 13 weeks. Make sure you advise the dentist that you are pregnant.

The question is always asked about cats in particular because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. The risk for this disease is actually much higher if you eat raw meat than handle your cat. If your cat remains inside you have little to worry about. There is a somewhat higher risk if your cat roams or eats raw meat or garbage. General advice is to not handle the cat litter.

Group B Strep is a type of bacteria that is normally found in the vagina and/or rectum of some women. It is not a sexually transmitted disease, or a disease of any kind. It usually does not cause a problem for the woman at all. However, this particular bacteria has been known to cause serious infections in some newborns as they pass through the birth canal. Therefore, all pregnant women should be screened for Group B Strep between 34-36 weeks of pregnancy. If the Group B Strep culture is positive, IV antibiotics are started at the hospital when the woman is admitted for labor, in order to help prevent infection in the newborn.

Heartburn can be common in pregnancy. If you have heartburn, you may take Maalox, Tums, or Rolaids or over-the-counter Pepcid, Zantac or Prilosec.

If you have hemorrhoids, you may use Anusol.

If you have diarrhea, make sure to increase your fluids and follow the BRATT diet. The BRATT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, tea, and toast.

For constipation during pregnancy, you may use Metamucil or Colace.

Yes, a certain amount of swelling is normal. It becomes greater as the pregnancy advances. It can be worse in warm weather. Normal swelling increases throughout the day and decreases when you lie down and elevate your feet. The more you drink, the less you swell.

If your contractions are 3-5 minutes apart for 2 hours, you have a gush of fluid or vaginal bleeding, you should contact the emergency line at (302) 734-1111 because the labor process has begun.

We have 7 OB physicians in our practice. One of these highly educated individuals will be responsible for the delivery of your newborn. The person that delivers will depend on the on-call schedule that has been developed, unless your physician has scheduled the birth.

Yes, we recommend you receive the flu vaccination during pregnancy.