OB Welcome Letter

Welcome!

Thank you so much for choosing Huey & Weprin, OB/Gyn for your prenatal care! We are so excited to be with you on your pregnancy journey and will do everything we can to make this a joyful and stress-free time for you! Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions that you may have as they arise at your visits or reach out to us through the Patient Portal. At your visits we will try to cover everything associated with pregnancy, but that is not always possible in the limited time we have together. We’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions for you to reference as needed. It is ok to research trusted sites online but please remember; the internet is not a substitute for a trusted healthcare provider- if something doesn’t make sense definitely review it with us.

Foods To Enjoy

  • Well-rinsed, clean fruits & veggies
  • Well-cooked, lean meats
  • Well-cooked fish, but no more than two 6oz servings per week, and always follow local fish advisories
  • Lunch meats and hot dogs that have been heated to at least a steaming temperature
  • Properly stored, prepared, dated and pasteurized dairy products
  • Hard cheeses (cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, etc.), cottage cheese and cream cheese, if they have been properly pasteurized
  • Small amounts of caffeine- less than 200mg per day (about two cups of coffee)

Foods To Avoid

  • Uncooked/cold hot dogs
  • Cold lunch meats
  • Fish with known high mercury levels including shark, mackerel and swordfish
  • Smoked seafoods
  • Raw or undercooked meats or fish
  • Raw eggs (cookie dough, cake batter)
  • Refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads
  • Raw/unpasteurized milk or dairy products or juices
  • Food that has been improperly prepared or stored
  • Soft and unpasteurized cheeses including feta, brie, ricotta, bleu, mold-ripened cheeses, etc.
  1.  If you have concerns that a food might not be pregnancy-safe, skip it.
  2. A proper diet for an expectant-momma should include about the same number of calories as pre-pregnancy- the old adage of “eating for two” just means to keep in mind that baby eats what you eat- not to double your intake!
  3. THERE IS NO SAFE AMOUT OF ALCOHOL WHILE PREGNANT. ALCOHOL OF ALL KINDS SHOULD BE STRICTLY AVOIDED. Alcohol during pregnancy can affect you baby at every stage of pregnancy and lead to severe birth defects.

Vitamins & Supplements

The only vitamins and supplements recommended for a normal pregnancy are a prescription or over-the-counter prenatal vitamin. If using over the counter prenatal vitamins, sure to select one that contains both folic acid and iron. If you wish to take additional supplements or vitamins during your pregnancy, please discuss with one of our providers before doing so to ensure the best health of both you and your growing little one. Generally, additional vitamins and supplements are not needed during pregnancy if you maintain a well-rounded, healthy diet.

Smoking, Vaping, and Smokeless Tobacco

Absolutely avoid smoking in pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy is very clearly linked with miscarriage, preterm delivery and rupture of membranes, placenta previa, and low birth weight. After delivery the infants are at a higher risk of ear infections, asthma and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Secondhand smoking is also associated with same risks. Nicotine damages developing brain and lungs, and smokeless tobacco should also be strictly avoided during pregnancy. Currently, vaping has not been extensively studied regarding pregnancy or general use. We strongly recommend that expectant mothers refrain from vaping of any kind.

Marijuana

Marijuana is not safe in pregnancy and should absolutely be avoided. Marijuana affects baby as early as 14 weeks, and should be avoided in all forms, including smoking, edibles and vaping. Use of marijuana during pregnancy has very clearly been linked to low birth weight and life-long cognitive problems, including learning delays or difficulties.

Exercise

Regular exercise is good for you and your growing little one! At least 30 min a day of moderately-strenuous exercise decreases risks of diabetes, hypertension, premature labor and post-partum depression. Avoid sports with high potential for contact and stick with low-impact exercise such as jogging, strength training, yoga or swimming.

Hair Dye, Manicures & Pedicures and Massages

There is no data to suggest hair dye, manicures or pedicures lead to a poor pregnancy outcome. Be sure to have all these services preformed in a well-ventilated area. Prenatal massage is safe when preformed by a licensed, certified massage therapist once you enter your 2nd trimester and beyond.

Other Activities To Avoid

  • Hot tubs
    Use of hot tubs is associated with a higher risk of first trimester miscarriage and spinal tube defect if temperature is 102° or greater. If using a hot tub, take care to ensure a temperature below 102° and do not use in excess of 15 minutes.
  • Scuba diving
    Snorkeling and swimming are ok but avoid breathing compressed air at depth while pregnant. Your growing little one is not protected from nitrogen bubbles, so there is at least a hypothetical risk for injury, and should be avoided.
  • Speedboats, roller coasters, etc.
    Avoid activities that have a lot of erratic, bouncing, and forceful movements such as speedboats, roller coasters, off-roading, or skydiving. Avoid activities that may cause you to fall, like horseback riding, downhill skiing, off-road cycling, gymnastics or skating. Avoid activities where there is a risk of injury to your abdominal or pelvic area such as contact sports or diving.

Zika

Zika is an infectious disease caused by the Zika virus and is generally transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Zika can be transmitted by sexual contact with an infected partner. The Zika virus is especially dangerous to pregnant women due to the ill-effects it has on her unborn child. To protect yourself and your baby from the Zika virus be sure to avoid travel to areas affected by zika during pregnancy, and for six months prior to a planned pregnancy. If you or your partner have been in the areas affected kindly let us know. If your partner has been in areas affected by Zika use condoms during relations.

For more helpful advice or further reading please visit:

American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Pregnancy Association

For more information visit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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