Patient Resources

Prenatal Care Schedule

First Visit:
• Orientation to the Practice
• Discuss Prenatal Vitamins
• Gather Patient History
• Assign Due Date
• Discuss Prenatal Laboratory Testing
• Check weight, Blood Pressure, & Urine
• Perform Physical Exam

12-28 Weeks:
• Visits Every 4 Weeks
• Listen for Fetal Heart Tones & Check Uterine Size
• Order Penta Test Between 15 to 20 Weeks if desired
• Check Weight, Blood Pressure, & Urine
• Sign Up For Childbirth Education Classes and Find Pediatrician

About 28 Weeks:
• Listen for Fetal Heart Tones & Check Uterine Size
• Check Weight, Blood Pressure, & Urine
• Order One-Hour Glucose Test
• RhoGAM® Shot for Patients with Rh-Negative Blood Type

28-35 Weeks:
• Visits Every 2 Weeks
• Listen for Fetal Heart Tones & Check Uterine Size
• Check Weight, Blood Pressure, & Urine

36 Weeks:
• Obtain the Group B Strep Culture
• Listen for Fetal Heart Tones & Check Uterine Size
• Check Weight, Blood Pressure, & Urine
• Discuss Labor & Delivery
• Weekly Visits Begin

36-40 Weeks:
• Listen for Fetal Heart Tones & Check Uterine Size
• Check Weight, BP, & Urine
• Cervical Examination Beginning Around 38 Weeks
• Discuss Management Plan For Delivery On an Individual Basis

Medications in Pregnancy

Listed are medications that you can take during pregnancy for minor discomforts. In general, it is best to avoid any medications during the first twelve (12) weeks of pregnancy. If you are taking a prescription, we should be notified as soon as possible.

PAIN MEDICATION
Tylenol (acetaminophen) for minor aches and pains, headaches.
Regular or extra strength

HEARTBURN, INDIGESTION, GAS
Tums, Pepcid, Rolaids, Tagamet, Gas-X, Maalox

DO NOT USE:
Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Excedrin

DO NOT USE:
Pepto-Bismol (contains aspirin)

COUGH/COLDS
Robitussin (cough)
Robitussin DM (non productive cough)
Mucinex DM
Tylenol cold, Tylenol Sinus, Tylenol Sore Throat

DECONGESTANTS
Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) Avoid if high blood pressure
Robitussin CF
Mucinex and Mucinex-D/PE
Ocean Mist nasal spray (saline solution)

ANTIHISTAMINES
Zyrtec
Claritin
Benadryl

NAUSEA
Small frequent meals
Ginger Ale
Vitamin B6
Sweet fruit syrup from canned fruits, i.e. pears/peaches

INSOMNIA (unable to sleep)
Benadryl
Tylenol PM

YEAST INFECTIONS
Monistat (gently insert applicator 1 inch)

HEMORRHOIDS
Preparation H (safe throughout entire pregnancy)

TOOTHACHE
Orajel
May see dentist, have cavity filling with
Novacaine, have dental x-ray with lead shield.
Dental Letter available upon request.

DIARRHEA
Imodium
Follow the BRAT diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast)

CONSTIPATION
Fibercon, Metamucil, Colace, Citrucel, Milk of Magnesia, Fiberall, Miralax

LICE TREAMENTS
Rid (only)

SWEETENERS
Nutrisweet • Equal • Splenda
Use artificial sweeteners in moderation.

DO NOT USE:
Kwell

DO NOT USE:
Sweet and Low

Helpful OB Hints

Nausea, or vomiting (sometimes called morning sickness), may happen during the early months of pregnancy. It usually disappears after the third month. Here are some helpful suggestions:

• An empty stomach can cause nausea. Try eating frequent, small meals during the day.
• Avoid large meals that can cause discomfort.
• Drink fluids or eat soups between meals rather than at mealtime. Small amounts of apple juice or ginger ale are usually tolerated well.
• Avoid greasy, fried foods. Try baked, broiled, or boiled instead.
• Eat high carbohydrate foods such as crackers, dry toast, and hard candies before arising in the morning.
• Because your appetite may not be tremendous, try to make sure the foods you eat are nutritious.
• Smells from cooking hot foods may cause you to be nauseous. Cold foods may be better tolerated.
• Lie down for a few minutes after eating a meal.
• Be sure and have plenty of fresh air in the room where you sleep. Stale odors may upset your stomach.
• Don't take any medicines or home remedies for nausea or vomiting unless prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid sudden movements when getting out of bed.
• Try a mild, bland diet. (BRAT diet) Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast.
• Take 50mg of Vitamin B6, 3-4 times a day as needed.

Suggested Foods
Starches (potatoes, rice, noodles)
Crackers, dry toast, dry cereal
Fresh fruit or juice
Cheese
Cottage Cheese
Peanut Butter
Gelatin
Vegetables (Carrots, peas, green beans)
Beets, lettuce, and tomatoes)
Popcorn (unbuttered)
Carbonated Beverages

Foods to Avoid
Fried Foods
Gravies
Radishes
Cucumbers
Cauliflower
Turnips
Brussel Sprout
Casseroles
Pizza
Sausage
Salami Bologna
Hot Dogs
Pie
Chocolate
Coffee
Spicy Seasonings
Butter
Margarine
Bacon
Mayonnaise
Onion/Garlic

Postpartum Instructions

Beginning parenthood can be an exciting yet frustrating time.

There are changes in your body, your emotions, your relationships with friends and relatives, and in the way you live your life. As you leave the hospital and begin a new routine at home, you will develop the skills that you need to care for your infant. Relax and remember that you are not born with the skills; they are learned and it takes time. It is especially important to take care of your physical and mental well-being. A proper diet and daily exercise will increase your energy level and help you get back in shape. After delivery, you should continue to watch for any abnormal changes in your health.
Call your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 100.4 F (38C)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Painful urination, burning, urgency.
• Bleeding heavier than your normal period.
• Pain, swelling, tenderness in legs.
• Chest pain and cough.
• Hot, tender breasts.
• Persistent episiotomy pain with increasing tenderness.
• Having baby blues that last more than 2 weeks after delivery.
• Having feelings of depression and anger.

Outreach Clinics

Call us at (217) 342-3337 to schedule an appointment at any of our Outreach Clinics

VANDALIA
Julie Brasel, CNM is there every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. at 1510 SUNSET DRIVE (SIHF Clinic)

SHELBYVILLE
Dr. Eric Simons is there every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. at 20 North Cedar Street (HSHS Medical Clinic)