Congratulations on Your Pregnancy!
We would like to welcome you to the office of Dr. Laura Davidson. We know you have a choice in Obstetricians, so we would like to say “Thank you” for the opportunity. We will make every effort to make your many visits to the office and your delivery a joyously memorable experience. Attached you will find an information regarding some guidelines to a health pregnancy, general office policy’s, and our insurance and payment policy. Do not hesitate to ask questions. We are here to provide you with the best possible care during your pregnancy.
You have been given books on Pregnancy and Breast Feeding. It is recommended that you read these books. You will find answers for many of you question in these books.
Appointments
Please arrive 5 minutes early to your appointment. We will make every effort to honor your scheduled appointment time. On occasion, physician emergencies can cause problems with our time schedule. We will keep you informed of any unreasonable delays.
We make every effort to honor all time commitments and request that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you are going to be late or unable to make you appointment, please call our office as soon as you become aware of your situation. If you miss you appointment time without calling our office, we will call you to reschedule. Should you miss another appointment without prior notification, we may charge a $35.00 fee.
Phone Calls
We encourage you to call with any medical problems you may encounter during your pregnancy. Our nurses are trained to answer most of your question and will gladly assist you.
Financial Contract
If you have medical insurance, a copy of your card will be taken and your insurance company will be contacted. We will receive detailed information regarding the benefits for your pregnancy. The amount you will owe for your pregnancy and delivery will then be calculated. If you will owe a balance for the doctor’s service, you will have the option to set up a monthly payment plan. On each monthly visit you will be required to pay the contracted amount so that your portion of the medical services will be paid for before your 7th month of pregnancy. After your first visit you will receive your financial contract either in the mail or on your next scheduled appointment.
Emergencies
Our automated phone system is set up to receive your calls after hours. After playing the night message, it will give you different options for refill requests, leave a message, etc. If you have an emergency, there is an option to speak with our answering service. This is for emergencies only. Please do not contact the physician on call for refills, appointments, general questions, etc. that can be handled during normal business hours or by leaving a message. If you have an emergency, and need to speak with the doctor on call, please follow the instructions on our telephone system and speak with our answering service, the doctor on call will contact you in approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Remember
If it is after 5:00 pm or on the weekend, and you think you are in labor, do not call the office. Grab your bags and head to the hospital. The nurses in Labor and Delivery will evaluate you and contact the doctor. If you call the doctor on call and tell them you think you are in labor, they cannot confirm this over the phone and will tell you to go to the hospital. If you think you are in labor during the day, contact the office. We can usually get you in immediately and confirm if you are in labor.
If you feel you are having a life threatening emergency you should go immediately to the Emergency Room without hesitation.
Additional Information
If you have a cesarean section, there will be an assistant surgeon present that will bill you separately.
If you elect to have an epidural block anesthetic during labor, you need to contact the hospital for the phone number of the anesthesiology service to inquire about their fees.
Please pre-register at the hospital no later than your fifth month of pregnancy. You may call Tomball Hospital at 281-401-7500 for questions. We only deliver at Tomball Regional Hospital.
If you have a medical problem on the weekend, your physician’s answering service will contact the physician on call.
Lab Tests
Standard Testing
First Visit
Prenatal blood work tests for anemia, blood type, antibodies, infections, ect.
Pap test, to test the cervix for pre-cancerous cells and evidence of infection.
First trimester screen for Downs syndrome and Trisomy 18 at 11-14 weeks (optional).
15 to 20 weeks
AFP (Alpha Feto Protein) screens for genetic disorders, Including Downs syndrome and spinal cord defects, such as Spina Bifida; the test is optional.
24 to 28 weeks
1 hour glucose test to screen for gestational diabetes.
Repeat test for anemia.
36 weeks
Group Beta Strep, which consists of a swab of the vaginal and rectal canals, tests for bacteria that can affect the baby.
ULTRASOUNDS ARE ORDERED WHEN MEDICALLY NECESSARY
ADDITIONAL TESTS MAY BE ORDERED
When to go to the Hospital
Listen to your body.
When you are near the end of your amazing journey, it is normal to have mixed feelings about the birth process, meeting your baby, and how your recovery will go. Be sure to discuss with your physician when to go to the hospital.
When to call your physician:
- If you have a severe headache
- If you have decreased or absent fetal movement
- If you see white spots or have any other unusual visual changes
- If you have contractions or any felling of pressure that occurs more than 5 times per hour prior to 36 weeks gestation
When to call your physician or go to the hospital:
- Your contractions have been coming 5 minutes apart for at least two hours
- You cannot walk or talk through your contractions
- Your water bag has broken
- You have any concerns or questions
Go straight to the hospital when:
- Your water bag has broken and the fluid is green, brown, or all red
- You have vaginal bleeding or a fever
- Your water bag has broken and the baby is in a breech position
- You have not felt the baby move in 3 hours or longer
- Your water bag has broken and you are Group B Strep was positive
Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy
Measures useful in managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy:
- Eating frequently in small amounts
- Eating high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods
- Eating protein-predominant meals
- Eating a bland, dry diet; try mashed potatoes or crackers
- Drinking small amounts of cold, clear carbonated or sour drinks; drinking between meals rather than with meals
- Lying down as needed; getting plenty of rest
- Changing position slowly, especially when rising
- Going outside for fresh air as needed
- Avoiding offensive foods and smells
- Not brushing your teeth after eating
- Sea-bands available at most pharmacies provide acupressure to the wrist which helps to decrease nausea
- Ginger in all forms – ginger tea, candied ginger, ginger snaps ginger ale
- Vitamin B6 10-25 mg, 3 times daily in addition to prenatal vitamins
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Allergies
Benadryl
Chlor-Trieton
Claritin
Claritin D
Tavist
Zyrtec
Colds
Advil (up to 20 weeks)
Cough Drops
Robitussin (Regular Strength)
Saline Nasal Spray
Sudafed (Regular Strength)
Tylenol (Regular Strength)
Constipation
Citracel
Colace
Fiber Con
Metamucil
Nausea
Benadryl
Ginger Caps
Motion Sickness Wrist Bands
Upset Stomach
Gas X
Maalox Plus (Diarrhea)
Pepcid
Tagament
Tums (GI)
Zantac
Vitamins
DHA 200mg (Omega 3 fatty acids)
Expecta
Folic Acid
Vitamin B6
Yeast Infection
Acidophilis
Monostat (after 1st Trimester)
Yogurt with live cultures
Miscellaneous
Flu Shot
Hep B Shot
TB Test
Unacceptable Medication and Things to Avoid
- NO topical steroid (cortisone creams) without Dr.’s approval
- NO aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Medipren, Nuprin, Ect.
- NO smoking – one cigarette a day affects your unborn child!
- NO tanning beds
- Hot tubs and saunas – If you are sweating it is too hot for the baby. Warm bathes are ok.
- Cat litter and soil – may contain toxoplasmosis, harmful parasites. Cats are safe but their feces are not. Wear rubber gloves when gardening. Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating. Wash hands thoroughly after handling cats.
Please call if you have any questions!!
Foods to Avoid during Pregnancy
Eating well balanced meals is important at all times, but it is even more essential when you are pregnant. There are essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your developing baby needs. Most foods are safe; however, there are some foods that you should avoid during pregnancy.
Raw Meat – Uncooked seafood, rare or uncooked beef or poultry should be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.
Deli Meat – Deli meats have known to be contaminated with Listeria, which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning which may be life threatening. If you are pregnant and you are considering eating deli meats, make certain that you reheat the meat until it is steaming.
Liver – There is some concern about the amounts of vitamin A in liver. Large amounts of vitamin A have the potential to pose a risk to an unborn baby. The safest approach is to avoid eating liver.
Fish with Mercury – Fish that contain high levels of mercury should be avoided. Mercury consumed during pregnancy had been linked to developmental delays and brain damage. Samples of these types of fish include shark, swordfish, kink mackerel, fresh tuna sea bass and tilefish. Canned, chunk and light tuna generally has less amounts of mercury that other tuna, but still should only be eaten in moderation. Certain types of fish used in sushi should also be avoided due to high levels of mercury.
Fish exposed to Industrial Pollutants – Avoid fish from contaminated lakes and rivers that may be exposed to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyl. This is primarily for those who fish in local lakes and streams. These fish include blue fish, striped bass, salmon, pike, trout, and walleye. Contact the local health department or Environmental Protection Agency to determine which fish are safe to eat in your area. Remember, this is regarding fish caught in local waters and not fish from your local grocery store.
Raw Shellfish – The majority of seafood borne illness is caused by undercooked shellfish, which include oysters, clams, and mussels. Cooking helps prevent some types of infection, but it does not prevent the algae-related infections that are associated with red tides. Raw shellfish pose concern for everybody and they should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.
Raw Eggs – Raw eggs or any foods that contain raw eggs should be avoided because of the potential exposure to salmonella. Some Caesar dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream or custards, and Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs. Unpasteurized eggnog should also be avoided.
Soft Cheeses – Imported soft cheeses may contain bacteria called Listera which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection, or blood poisoning which can be life threatening. The soft cheeses to avoid include – brie camembert Roquefort, feta, gorgonzola and Mexican style cheese that include queso blanco and queso fresco. Soft non-imported cheeses made with pasteurized milk are safe to eat.
Unpasteurized Milk – Unpasteurized milk may contain bacteria called Listeria which can cause miscarriage. Listeria has the ability to cross the placenta and may infect the baby leading to infection or blood poisoning which can be life threatening. Make sure any milk that you drink is pasteurized.
Pate’ – Pate’ should be avoided because it may contain the bacteria Listeria
Caffeine – Although most studies show that caffeine intake is moderation is okay, there are others that show that caffeine intake may be related to miscarriages. Avoid caffeine during the first trimester to reduce the likelihood of a miscarriage. As a general rule in later stages of your pregnancy, caffeine should be limited to fewer than 300 mg per day. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it helps eliminate fluids from the body. This can result in water and calcium loss. It is important that you are drinking plenty of water, juice, and milk rather than caffeinated beverages. Some research shows that large amounts of caffeine are associated with miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in infants. The safest thing is not to consume caffeine.
Alcohol – There is NO amount of alcohol that is known to be safe during pregnancy, and therefore alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can interfere with the healthy development of the baby. Depending on the amount, timing and pattern of use, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal alcohol Syndrome or other developmental disorders. If you consume alcohol before you know you were pregnant, stop drink now. Alcohol should continue to be avoided during breast feeding. Exposure to alcohol as an infant poses harmful risks, and alcohol does reach the baby during breastfeeding.
Unwashed Vegetables – Yes, vegetables are safe to eat so you still need to eat them. However, it is essential to make sure they are washed to avoid potential exposure to toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may contaminate the soil in which the vegetables are grown.
Herbal Remedies – Don’t take anything without checking with your health care provider. Goldenseal, mugwort, and penny royal are all associated with uterine contractions and should be avoided.
Artificial sweeteners – Not enough is known about their affects. Occasional use is considered safe
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