4 Pregnancy Tips To Discuss With Your OB

While pregnancy may be one of the most common experiences for a woman to have during her lifetime, it’s also an experience that can be filled with worry and confusion. After all, it takes a lot of effort to maintain a healthy pregnancy and have a healthy baby.

“It all starts with prenatal care,” said Hollyn McCarty, MD, a Franciscan Physician Network obstetrician/gynecologist in Lafayette, Indiana.

Dr. McCarty says there are many components to good prenatal care, including early detection of high-risk conditions and creating birth plans. However, she also mentions that having someone to guide you through nine months of uncertainty is crucial.

“We spend a lot of time answering questions and the most common question we get is, ‘Is this normal?’” she said.

Ashley Monk, DO, a Franciscan Physician Network obstetrician/gynecologist in Crown Point, Indiana, says most women come to their prenatal appointments quite educated about pregnancy.

“Our patients are reading online and educating themselves, which is a good thing. Sometimes, though, that can cause anxiety or misinformation,” said Dr. Monk. “I recommend a two-pronged approach. Choose good and reliable online sites and ask your provider.”

Here are four common topics to discuss with your OB/GYN or prenatal provider.

1. Prenatal Vitamins & Supplements

One of the most important things that can be discussed with an obstetrician is the use of prenatal vitamins, even before a woman is pregnant, says Dr. Monk.

“Prenatal vitamins should be taken before and during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding,” she said.

Prenatal vitamins have a higher level of vitamins that pregnant women need to develop a healthy baby. Some of the most important supplements and nutrients within a prenatal vitamin include:

• Folic acid: Reduces the chance of a neural tube defect, which is a condition that negatively impacts the brain and spine of a fetus.
• Iron: Helps the placenta by increasing blood in the body to create oxygen for the baby and prevent anemia.
• Vitamin D and Calcium: Assist with the growth of the infant’s bones and teeth.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Assist the development process of the baby’s brain.

Dr. Monk doesn’t recommend using herbals, essential oils, and other natural products as an alternative to supplements because they haven’t been studied enough.

“If you are taking prenatal vitamins and eating a balanced diet, women will get what they and baby need,” she said.

2. Medications To Use During Pregnancy

The CDC has stated that 90% of pregnant women in the United States use medication. Thankfully many medications are safe to use during pregnancy. The key to safely using medication while pregnant is talking to your healthcare provider before taking or stopping a medication.

There are three areas that you should be discussing with your provider when it comes to medications:

1. Overall health goals for you and your baby.
2. Medications, supplements, and vitamins that you currently use.
3. Methods for managing health conditions that you may have.

“Ideally, prescription medications are discussed at a visit before pregnancy occurs,” Dr. McCarty said.

If a medication is considered safe for a developing baby, pregnant women can continue taking it. If it’s not safe, your OBGYN or healthcare provider will likely look for alternatives.

There is no safe amount of illicit drugs, alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco. If a pregnant woman uses any of these substances, she should talk to her provider about her usage immediately.

3. Exercise During Pregnancy

While exercising may cause some nervousness among pregnant women, Dr. McCarty emphasizes that exercise should be a part of a pregnant woman’s routine. Exercise within reasonable limits can assist both the baby’s and mom’s health.

Exercising while pregnant can help with back pain, mood, weight control, and overall fitness, as a few examples. Pregnant women should set a goal of 2.5 hours of weekly exercise to see benefits.

Dr. McCarty suggests a few of the safest exercise methods during pregnancy, including:

• Brisk walking
• Swimming
• Stationary bike usage

Avoid physical contact sports that increase the risk of being hit or falling. The risk of falling increases while pregnant because the center of gravity shifts on the body as the belly grows.

“Always listen to your body. If you have any pain, shortness of breath or vaginal bleeding while exercising, stop immediately and call your provider,” Dr. McCarty said.

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Plenty of foods hold the nutrients you need during pregnancy, but several foods should be avoided. These include foods containing:

• Mercury: Some seafood contains high mercury, which can affect your baby’s nervous system. Dr. McCarty recommends salmon and tilapia as safer options.
• Caffeine: While caffeine can affect the placenta, it’s unclear how the baby may be impacted, so keep any caffeine products to a minimum.
• Herbal Tea: Like caffeine, there isn’t much information on how specific herbs can impact the growing baby, so it’s best to talk to your provider beforehand.
• Alcohol: It’s recommended to avoid alcohol entirely during pregnancy. Yes, including food cooked with alcohol.

The way food is prepared matters. Undercooked eggs, meat, seafood, unpasteurized food, and unwashed goods can potentially hold bacteria and viruses, leading to foodborne illnesses.

Dr. McCarty also suggests staying in touch with the news regarding food-related illnesses.

“Pay attention to news regarding local and national recalls and outbreaks of E. coli and salmonella in foods such as salad mixes and poultry,” she said.