Weight gain during pregnancy has an impact on more than just your appearance. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy, or being overweight before getting pregnant, increases the risk of birth defects, cesarean delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, larger infant birth weight, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm birth and stillbirth.
>If you are of normal weight, which is a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5-24.9, your recommended weight gain is 25-35 pounds.
>If you are overweight, which is a BMI of 25-29.9, your recommended weight gain is 15-25 pounds.
>If you are obese, a BMI of 30 or higher, your recommended weight gain is only 11-20 pounds.
Exercise during pregnancy has many benefits and is encouraged if you are experiencing a normal, healthy pregnancy.
>Walking, swimming and low impact aerobics are generally recommended.
>Avoid exercising in hot temperatures, and make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
It’s best to discuss your exercise routine with your health care provider to make sure the activity is safe during the different stages of pregnancy.
Sex is safe and does not harm the baby. It is normal to have more interest, less interest or mixed feelings about intercourse. There are some high-risk situations where your doctor may recommend avoiding sexual intercourse, but this is uncommon.
Do NOT have sex if you have vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, blood or fluid leaking from the vagina, or have been advised not to by your doctor.
> Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle. The lap belt should be below your belly across your hips, and the shoulder belt should be across your chest, never under your arm or behind your back.
> Air travel is not recommended after 36 weeks. The best time to travel is during the second trimester between 14-28 weeks.
> Consult with vour healthcare provider before traveling out of the country. You may need to receive certain vaccinations or take additional precautions to avoid illness depending on the area.
>All pregnant women should receive the Tap (Tetanus, Diptheria, acellular Pertussis) vaccine in the third trimester of every pregnancy.
>A Flu vaccine for the current year. Pregnant women suffer more severe consequences of influenza than non-pregnant women; some of which can affect the unborn baby. This can be given at any time during pregnancy.
>Vaccination against COVID-19 is also recommended for all pregnant women if the series was not completed prior to pregnancy. Depending on when the vaccine series was complete, you may be eligible for a booster during pregnancy.
No, throughout your pregnancy we try to make sure you have a chance to meet our all our providers.
> All meat, poultry, eggs and seafood should be cooked well done.
> Avoid any raw or undercooked foods.
> Some types of fish are high in mercury; it’s best to avoid all tuna, swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tile fish.
>Avoid Unpasteurized milk and dairy products made with unpasteurized milk
> Avoid Deli meats/cold cuts (ham, turkey, bologna, salami, etc), hot dogs, pepperoni and frozen pre-cooked meats – unless they have been reheated to steaming hot
> Avoid Pate and meat spreads/salads, smoked seafood
Where can I take prenatal and childbirth classes?
East Georgia Regional Medical Center offers prenatal and childbirth education classes, as well as breastfeeding and baby basics classes.
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We now offer additional ultrasound packages!
Sweet Peek
>10-15 minute 3D/4D ultrasound session
>2 printed images
>Gender Determination (upon request, if >16 weeks)
Bundle of Joy
> 20-25 minute 4D ultrasound session
> 4 printed images
> Digital gallery of all best images
We also offer The Fresh Test as an option for the glucose test. The fresh test is a 50-gram, 75-gram and 100-gram, glucose beverage for the screening of gestational diabetes mellitus. It is laboratory tested to ensure equivalency to traditional glucose beverages – it’s simply void of unnecessary additives!
The fresh test is intended to be used in the same manner as traditional glucose beverages and you’ll find instructions for use printed on every package.
The fresh test is manufactured to comply with the American Diabetes Association’s guidelines. Nearly 100% of women enjoy the taste of the fresh test greatly improving the patient experience!
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ALLERGY: Atarax (hydroxyzine), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Chlor-Trimeton, Claritin (loratadine) Mucinex (guaifenesin)
CONSTIPATION: Citrucel (methylcellulose fiber), Metamucil (psyllium), Colace (docusate), Miralax
COUGH: Delsym, Robitussin (cough suppressants),
DIARRHEA: Imodium, Kaopectate
HEADACHE/FEVER/GENERAL ACHES & PAINS: Tylenol (regular strength); 2 tablets every 6 hours, not to exceed 8 tablets in a 24 hour period
HEARTBURN: Tums or Mylanta (calcium carbonate), Maalox (aluminum hydroxide), Pepcid or Zantac (famotidine), Prilosec (omeprazole)
HEMORRHOIDS: Anusol HC, Tucks Pads
SINUS CONGESTION: Sudafed, Neosynephrine, Vicks VapoRub (menthol cream)
SORE THROAT: Chloraseptic, Cepacol lozenges, Saltwater gargle
NAUSEA & VOMITTING: Ginger capsules or candies, Vitamin B6, Unisom (doxylamine)