Pregnancy
Choosing an obstetrician is one of the first important decisions you will make as an expectant parent. You need a medical practice where you feel welcome, and where you are comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. North Spokane Women’s Health offers the highest level and most up to date care for both routine and high-risk pregnancies. We also offer on-site ultrasonography and Non Stress Testing.
We invite you to allow North Spokane Women’s Health to provide you with a practice where you will feel at home. Should you have any other questions, or if you want to come in for a consultation, please call. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your pregnancy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Click a Quick Link to reference information about pregnancy warning signs, normal changes to expect, things to avoid, nutrition, and other helpful hints.
Pregnancy Warning Signs
- Persistent nausea or vomiting interfering with adequate food or fluid intake
- Any bleeding except spotting after vaginal exam
- Leaking or gushing of fluid from the vagina
- Severe, persistent headaches not relieved by Tylenol
- Disturbance of vision, i.e., spots, flashes of light or blind spots
- Pain or burning with urination
- Severe shortness of breath
- Irritating vaginal discharge or sores near the vaginal opening
- Abdominal pain and/or cramping lasting longer than one hour
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Temperature over 101 degrees F.
- Cramping, contractions, tightening or pressure occurring in a regular pattern
- No fetal movement or decrease in fetal movement after 28 weeks of pregnancy
- Sudden swelling or weight gain
- Sudden decrease in urinary output, fever or backache
Normal Changes
Early changes:
- Mild increased vaginal discharge without itch or irritation
- Increased thirst and/or salivation
- Fatigue and/or inability to sleep
- Changes in food preference and appetite
- Darkening of pigmented areas of skin or striae (stretch marks)
- Ligament pain and pressure in back, groin and pelvis
- Cessation of menstruation
- Weight gain
- Mild nausea and/or vomiting
- Breast changes (growth & tenderness)
- Mood swings
- Mild headache
- Nose bleeds
Later changes:
- Quickening around 4-5 months (fetal movement)
- Abdominal enlargement due to uterine expansion
- Uterine contractions (Braxton-Hicks)
- Hemorrhoids
- Breast enlargement
- Inability to sleep
- Generalized aches and pains, particularly in the hips and pelvis
- Mild shortness of breath
- Back pain
Approved Medications During Pregnancy
- Iron supplements for anemia
- Regular or extra strength Tylenol or acetominophen for pain, fever, flu or headaches
- Bran, extra water, fruits and vegetables, Citrucel, Metamucil or Docusate Sodium, 100 mg. forconstipation
- Tylenol Cold/Sinus, Chlor-Trimeton 4 mg., Benadryl 25 mg., Claritin 10 mg., Sudafed, Actifed, Vicks VapoRub, Robitussin, cough drops without zinc or Echinacea and Saline Nasal Spray for a common cold, sore throat or cough (after 1st trimester)
- Monistat and Gyne-Lotrimin 3 or 7-day treatment for a yeast infection (after 1st trimester)
- Imodium (if after the 1st trimester) for diarrhea
- Simethicone (if after the 1st trimester) for gas pain
- Erythromycin, Penicillin, Cephalosporin or Macrodantin antibiotics by prescription only
- Calcium supplements (not dolomite calcium or oyster shell)
- Prenatal vitamins
Nutrition
Skim milk and green leafy vegetables should be incorporated into your diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be washed and kept separate from raw meats.
Standard Tests Performed
Nausea and Vomiting
Pregnancy Visit and Fees
Other Helpful Hints
What to Avoid
Alcohol, any illegal drugs, cigarettes and birth control pills. Studies have determined that the above substances can result in premature birth, low birth weight and/or increased chance of miscarriage or birth defects.
Discuss all other drugs, over the counter medications and herbal remedies with your obstetrician
Many food supplements have not been adequately studied to determine safety in pregnancy
Doxycycline, Minocin or Tetracycline types of antibiotics
Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen and 1-day yeast medications
Nitrous Oxide during a dental visit