OBGYN Questions Frequently Asked Questions

• First Office Visit: Blood type, complete blood count, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, rubella, HIV, urine culture, cystic fibrosis carrier screening, ultrasound. Optional: Familial dysautonomia carrier screening for those of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage to test for Tay-Sachs and Canavan’s diseases.
• Quad Screen (AFP)*: Screening for Down syndrome, spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Done between 15 and 20 weeks. Not necessary with sequential screening.
• Ultrasound: Done between 18 and 20 weeks.
• Glucose Test: Screening for gestational diabetes. Done between 24 and 28 weeks.
• Group B Streptococcus: Done at 36 weeks.

If you had chicken pox as a child, you are immune and do not need to worry. If you have no history of chicken pox and are exposed, please call our office.

Yes

As long as your pregnancy is uncomplicated, travel by air or car is fine as long as emergency care is available at your destination. We recommend the purchase of travel insurance (see your travel agent for details). Travel must be completed by 36 weeks.

Yes, exercise is encouraged. There is no recommended heart rate restriction. It is acceptable to maintain the same level of activity that you had before pregnancy, provided that you feel comfortable. We encourage exercises for the lower back, such as yoga and stretching.

Yes. Intercourse will not cause harm. You may notice some spotting or light bleeding up to 48 hours after intercourse. This is normal. If bleeding is heavy or persists beyond 48 hours, please call our office.

By the time most pregnant women reach the third trimester (28 weeks), they no longer feel comfortable sleeping on their backs. Most women will want to sleep on their sides to feel more comfortable. A long body pillow can help provide more comfort sleeping in side positions.

For information about the risks of mercury in fish and shellfish, call the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s food information line at 1-888-(SAFEFOOD) 723-3366, or read What You Need to Know about Mercury in Fish and Shellfish.

For information about the safety of locally caught fish and shellfish, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s fish advisory website or your state or local health department.

Menopause is considered to be 1 year without a menstrual period.

This is a stage of life when the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. It is characterized by hot flashes, breast tenderness, irregular periods, decreased libido, mood swings and difficulty sleeping.

Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Irregular Periods, emotional changes, Loss of Libido, and Vaginal Dryness.

You should have your first exam when you are 21 years of age.

If you are less than 24 hours late, take your pill as soon as possible and return to your daily pill schedule. Use a back up method of contraception such as condoms or abstain from intercourse for the next 7 days. If you are 24 hours (or more) late, take the missed pill and today’s pill at the same time. Use a back up method of contraception or abstain from intercourse for the next 7 days. Throw away any other missed pills and take the rest of the pills on schedule.

A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. The candida yeast infection is not transmitted sexually, but is caused by baths, damp or tight clothes, or excess moisture in the vagina. Vaginal yeast infection symptoms often include inflammation, itching, and continued irritation. Other yeast infections signs include: pain during intercourse, frequent urination, and a thick, chunky, white discharge from your vagina.

Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth or imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Many women experience no symptoms with BV. If you do experience symptoms they will likely include itching, irritation, and redness. Other common symptoms include a gray, white, or smelly discharge from the vagina.