Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of commonly asked questions. I'm working through getting the answers published on this website for you. If you can't find an answer to your question here or you have a different question that has yet to be asked, feel free to head over to the Contact Us page to send us your question. We'll add it to the list and get it answered as soon as we can.
Pre-Pregnancy Questions
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Are there certain vitamin combinations I should be taking before getting pregnant? Should I be taking a prenatal vitamin? If so, which prenatal vitamin do you recommend?
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Answer: This is such a great question. I'll tell you my general recommendation is that supplements are helpful, if the whole food sources in your diet are lacking specific nutrients. If you can get healthy nutrients from whole foods, they tend to be more consistently absorbed and utilized by your body. However, it is not always possible (for a number of reasons) to get enough of the important nutrients for pregnancy from food. So, taking a supplement is often helpful / recommended. A prenatal vitamin with folic acid is universally recommended. A prenatal vitamin is essentially a multi-vitamin (usually with iron) with extra folic acid. Folic acid is a really important nutrient for pregnancy. It is vital for the development of the neural tube, which is completely developed before you even know you are pregnant. Therefore, it is recommended to take a prenatal vitamin or at least a folic acid supplement, optimally for 3 months, prior to becoming pregnant. A "prenatal vitamin" will have at least 400 mcg folic acid. However, most prenatal vitamins have either 800 mcg or 1000 mcg in them. I don't have one particular prenatal vitamin that I recommend. However, it's not a bad idea to ask your OB provider, if the one you choose is a good one.
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It's hard to say what the second most important supplement would be for pregnancy because it depends again on what your dietary sources of nutrients are. However, for pregnancy, I typically recommend taking extra vitamin D3, unless you live close to the equator and are in the sun for at least 20 min per day without sunscreen. I would recommend taking 5000 or 6000 IU per day for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Other really important nutrients for pregnancy are DHA, iron and choline. Again, my bias would be to try to get these nutrients from whole foods, but if you don't have these nutrients in your diet, I would recommend considering a supplement.
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When trying to conceive: I have heard that after 1 year of trying with no baby you should seek help from your doctor. Is this correct?
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First-Trimester Questions
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Is my husband or partner allowed to come with me to appointments due to COVID-19 restrictions?
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What foods are not allowed for me to eat at this time?
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Should I be concerned about cramping or spotting before my 8 week appointment?
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- Is Zofran safe to take in the first trimester to alleviate heavy and persistent nausea if Unisom and B6 aren’t taking the edge off?
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Can I continue exercising like I was before pregnancy?
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How often are doctor appointments for a routinely healthy pregnancy for one baby?
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How often are doctor appointments if I am pregnant with multiples?
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I am unable to eat much food due to first trimester nausea- Is my baby going to be okay?
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Are baths okay during the course of my pregnancy?
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Second Trimester Questions
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What is a healthy amount of weight to be gaining at this point in the pregnancy?
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Is it safe to take Ibuprofen for bad headaches in the second trimester?
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Is cramping normal during the second trimester? What are some reasons for cramping?
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- Should I be feeling the baby moving yet?
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How does my oral health affect my pregnancy?
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What does the glucose appointment consist of from start to finish? What week is it typically done? Do I have to consume the drink provided or can I bring my own?
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What are some routine areas you are looking at during the 20-week fetal scan?
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Third Trimester Questions
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What week should the baby start to go into the birthing position of head down?
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What happens if my baby is not head down near my due date? What are the steps from this point?
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Can I choose to be induced? At what week does induction typically happen for a healthy single pregnancy?
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- How many people can accompany me during Labor and Delivery?
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Should I wait until my water breaks to go into the hospital?
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How close together should my contractions be before I go into the hospital?
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What week is considered preterm labor?
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What are some common body signs that labor is coming?
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What does a Braxton Hicks contraction feel like?
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Is sex safe during this stage in pregnancy?
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What does effacement mean, and why is it important before delivery?
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If I have COVID-19 before delivery, what will happen? Will I get to hold my baby after delivery?
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Do I have to wear a mask during labor?
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What are my pain relief options during labor?
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Postpartum Questions
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How long is it normal to bleed for after birth? How much bleeding should cause concern?
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Is it safe to take over the counter pain relievers for post birth aches and pains while breastfeeding?
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What are some signs of hemorrhaging, and when should I consult a doctor if I fear this is happening?
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- How long does it take the uterus to go back to its pre-birth size?
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Why does my pelvic region feel weak, and will it ever go back to normal?
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