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  • 5801 Research Park Blvd, Suite 400, Madison WI 53719
Madison Women's Health
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    • Karla Dickmeyer, MD
    • Ashley Durward, MD
    • Isabel Nellen, DO
    • Erin Schoenecker, MD
    • Beth Wiedel, MD
    • Sarah Yanke, MD
    • Sarah Juza, MD
    • Stephanie Brasser, DNP
    • Shannon Wixom, APNP
    • Vicki Slager-Neary, WHNP, APNP
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Pregnancy Guidelines for Obstetrical Patients

Pregnant Woman holding belly

Congratulations on your pregnancy! This packet of information will provide some general pregnancy guidelines and information on different topic areas regarding pregnancy. Please take some time to read this information before your first appointment. This will allow us to focus on specific questions you might have.

Emergencies

The clinic is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays (a few of our providers may have some extended hours on some days). Nurse-staffed telephone triage is offered during the weekdays. We appreciate that routine questions be handled during the day. Our physician on call is available for your emergencies after hours through our answering service. Please call our main number at (608) 729-6300, and you will be connected with our on-call physician.

Please notify us if you experience bleeding equal to menstrual flow (especially if accompanied by menstrual-type cramping), severe and persistent sharp pain, leaking of fluid or any other immediate concerns.

Medications in Pregnancy

All medication should be used with moderation. lf possible, avoid unnecessary medication in the first trimester. Please see the attached link for Medications in Pregnancy for common medications that are safe to use in pregnancy. Please call for any further medication concerns.

Fever

For fever greater than 100.5° F (38° C), take Tylenol (acetaminophen), and call if your fever is not responding or if you have other unusual symptoms. High fever and rapid pulse may decrease blood flow to the uterus, and adequate hydration is essential.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a parasite / disease that is spread chiefly in droppings of outside cats and tropical birds. (Acquisition during pregnancy could cause complications, although it is uncommon). Please avoid exposure and have your partner clean up after pets. Toxoplasmosis is also found in soil, rare or raw meat and seafood. Adequate hand washing is essential.

Well Water Inspection

If you are on a well system for your drinking water, we recommend and inspection be done during your pregnancy and for infants under six months. Well water should be tested for bacteria content (coliforms) and nitrates. A nitrate level of less than 10 mg./L is considered safe. Nitrate in water can change to nitrite causing a condition known as Methemoglobinemia (“b1ue baby syndrome”), an inability to carry oxygen to tissues. To have your water tested, you can call DNR water supply at 608-275-3266.

Exposures

Notify our Madison OBGYN clinic if you have not been immunized or exposed to measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella.

Travel

Inform your OBGYN provider of trips after 24 weeks pregnancy. It is advisable to check with your insurance and physician for travel after 34 weeks.

Dental Care

Schedule your regular teeth cleaning with a dentist early in pregnancy. Have x-rays only if necessary with use of shielding. If dental work is needed, novocaine can be used. Avoid nitrous oxide gas and novocaine with epinephrine.

Diet

We suggest a well-rounded diet during pregnancy with adequate fruits and vegetables. Increased fiber and water intake will help promote good bowel function. It may help to have several small meals throughout the day versus three large meals. Limit intake of caffeine (optimally 0-3 servings per day). Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheese, and processed meats. Wash all fruits and vegetables before consumption. Calcium needs are increased during pregnancy. Three to four servings of dairy products daily is recommended. If lactose intolerant, a calcium supplement such as calcium citrate or calcium carbonate may be taken. Read our article for more information about food during pregnancy, including cravings and aversions.

Pregnant women should limit consumption of shark, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel due to concerns about mercury amounts. In addition, tuna, whether it be fresh or canned, should be limited to 6 ounces per week.

Weight gain

Appropriate nutritional intake and normal fetal growth are the most important determinants of healthy weight gain during pregnancy. You should expect to experience a weight gain of 25 to 30 pounds during pregnancy. Read our article for more information about average pregnancy weight gain.

Sexuality

Intercourse is acceptable unless you are bleeding, having preterm labor, or advised by your OBGYN Physician to avoid.

Exercise

Regular exercise during pregnancy is encouraged. Refrain from high-impact aerobics and sports in the second half of your pregnancy. If you have already been exercising, please discuss guidelines with your physician. Most women can continue most activities that they are used to doing. Read our article about exercise during pregnancy to learn more about which activities are safe and which to avoid.

Bathing

Baths and showers are safe. Avoid hot tubs, sauna, or very hot baths during pregnancy due to risks of high temperatures. Please do not douche.

Deliveries

All deliveries are done at UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital. The OBYGN physicians are on a rotating schedule for deliveries. One physician will cover all patients in labor or needing hospital attention for a 24-hour period of time. During your prenatal care, you will have the opportunity to meet with each physician in our practice. UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hosptial is a teaching hospital, and we strongly believe in supporting our doctors-in-training so a resident physician will be assisting your attending physician during your hospital stay. A medical student may also be participating in your care.

Tours of UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital

Family tours are offered on some Wednesdays and most Sundays. Adult tours (without children) are also on Sundays and Wednesdays. Please call (608) 417-8446 schedule your tour. A tour of UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital is recommended if you are not taking classes through UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital or have never delivered there before.

Classes

UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital also offers several classes.  You can learn more at www.unitypoint.org/madison/classes-and-events.aspx or by calling 608-417-5900.

  • Surgical Treatments
  • Telehealth
  • Ultrasound
  • Lab Services
  • Well Woman Care
    • Places You Can Receive Mammograms
  • Expanded Care Services
  • Pregnancy Care
    • Delivery
    • Testing for Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders
      • Testing for Down Syndrome and Other Birth Defects
      • Carrier Testing
      • There are so many options! How do I decide?
    • Planning for Pregnancy
    • Newly Pregnant
    • During Pregnancy
    • After Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Resources
      • Breast Pump Information
      • Medications In Pregnancy
      • Advantages of Breastfeeding
      • Pregnancy Guidelines for Obstetrical Patients

5801 Research Park Blvd, Suite 400, Madison WI 53719

608-729-6300

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