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Do you have to wait exactly one year between annuals?
The safe answer is Yes, however if you have a PPO you may call them and find out their exact policy.
When and how will I receive my pap/lab results?
The test the results could take up to two weeks. If a pap/lab is abnormal a Doctor will call you. If a pap/lab is normal you will be informed by mail.
Does a teenager have to have a pap for their first time visit?
No, they can have a consult for their problem. It is recommended that anyone sexually active have regular pap smears. 
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When should I have my first OB appointment?
The first appointment is best when you are a least 6 to 8 weeks from the first day of your last period.
What should I expect at my first OB visit?
The first appointment is to review your family and medical history, answer your questions, and identify medicals conditions that may affect your pregnancy. A physical exam may be done at this appointment or a later appointment.
What medications can I take while pregnant?
If possible, it is advisable to not use medications until after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Please check with your provider before taking other supplements or natural remedies.
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Medications are categorized according to their risk factors. The categories are from A-X.
- Category A: shows studies that demonstrated safety in the first trimester, and no evidence of risk in the later trimesters. So the possibility of harm seems remote.
- Category B: shows that animal-reproduction studies indicate safety, but no studies on pregnant women were done, OR there were animal studies done that showed some risk, but these were not confirmed by studies that were done on pregnant women in the first trimester.
- Category C: Either studies have revealed adverse effects on the fetus and there were no studies in women, or there were no studies available. In this case, drugs are given if the benefit outweighs the risk. An example might be in the case of a pregnant patient who needs to be on anti-seizure medication that is in category C. It benefits the mother and fetus to continue the medication that keeps her safe from seizure activity. Some patients on antidepressants may also need to continue their medication.
- Category D: There is positive evidence of fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk if the drug is needed in a life threatening situation or for a serious disease.
- Category X: Studies in animals or humans have shown fetal abnormalities and the risk of the use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweighs any possible benefit.
- The medications listed below are in the category A or B list. These medications are found over the counter in the pharmacies.
- COLDS
Use:
- Robitussin DM
- Tylenol cold
- Dristan
- Actifed
- Sudafed (after 12 weeks of pregnancy.)
- Benadryl
- Trind DM
- Romilar
- Halls, or Vicks cough drops
- Saline drops or spray
- Afrin
- Do not use sustained release formulas.
- ALLERGIES
Use:
- Chlortrimeton allergy formulas
- Claritin
- Sudafed
- Allegra
- Zyrtec
- SORE THROAT
Use:
- Saline gargle
- Cepacol or Listerine gargle
- Throat lozenges
- DIARRHEA
Use:
- Kaopectate
- Immodium
- Parepectolin
- All the above are to be taken after 12 weeks of pregnancy
and only to be taken for 24 hours
- HEADACHES
Use:
- NAUSEA
Use:
- Emetrol
- Vitamin B6 100 mg
- Sea bands
- Ginger tea, gingerale, candied ginger
- HEARTBURN
Use:
- Mylanta
- Maalox
- Tums
- Riopan
- Gaviscon
- Titralac
- Pepcid AC
- Zantac
- Tagamet
- CONSTIPATION
Use:
- Metamucil
- Citrucil
- Fiberall
- Colace
- Milk of Magnesia
- Senekot
- FIRST AID OINTMENT
Use:
- J &J
- Bacitracin
- Neosporin
- Polysporin
- HEMORROIDS
Use:
- Preparation H
- Anusol
- Tucks
- Witch Hazel
- RASHES
Use:
- Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
- Caladryl lotion
- Benadryl cream or gel
- Aveeno oatmeal bath
- YEAST
Use:
Should I get a H1N1 Influenza Vaccination?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is advising that all pregnant women receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine as well as the seasonal influenza vaccine. A pregnant woman who gets any type of flu is at risk for complications and hospitalization, and pregnant women who are otherwise healthy have been severely impacted by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. In comparison to the general population, pregnant women infected with the virus have suffered a more severe illness and been hospitalized. Preventative measures such as hand washing and being careful about contact with the public, and or sick persons can help but vaccination is the best method of protection for yourself and your baby.
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The seasonal flu vaccine will not offer protection from H1N1 flu, and the vaccine for H1N1 flu will not offer protection against the seasonal flu. Both vaccines can be given at the same time, although to different sites of the body. Ex: right and left arms. The seasonal flu shot is expected to be available before the H1N1 vaccine is ready, so separate shots are to be expected. The vaccines can be administered in any trimester of the pregnancy. The H1N1 swine flu vaccine offers you protection in 8-10 days.
Influenza vaccines have proven to be safe in pregnancy, and the same standards will be utilized to produce the H1N1 influenza vaccine. If a pregnant woman does have symptoms of influenza and has not had the vaccine, please see your primary care provider to be tested for the H1N1 influenza and receive the appropriate medication. The medication of choice is Tamiflu, taken for five days, and can be used in pregnancy. The preservative free seasonal flu vaccine is available at most local pharmacies. The H1N1 vaccine will be available to our pregnant and postpartum patients at approximately the middle of October.
Common side effects of the flu vaccine include soreness at the site of injection, muscle aches, fever and headaches.
When will I hear the baby?
You should be able to hear the heartbeat for the first time at about 11-12 weeks.
Will my doctor be the one delivering my baby?
The doctor will try and make your delivery; however there are times when the doctor is not available and the “On Call” doctor will deliver the baby.
Where will I deliver my baby?
We deliver at Good Samaritan Hospital. We have chosen Good Samaritan Hospital as our primary hospital for deliveries because they provide a 24 hour anesthesiologist, high risk pediatrician, obstetrician and a Level 3 nursery. With the availability of these services we feel that Good Samaritan Hospital is able to provide the safest and highest level of care in the area.
How many ultrasounds will I have during my pregnancy?
For a normal pregnancy there are two ultrasounds are covered by your insurance.
Are ultrasounds done in the Loma Vista office?
Yes, we have a Tech three days a week for scheduled ultrasounds.
What are the financial arrangements for OB care and what does it include?
- OB care is billed as a “global fee”. That is one fee for your pre-natal care, delivery and post-partum care for a normal pregnancy.
- Ultrasounds, labs, other outside provider appointments and non-Ob realatedrelated appointments are not included in this fee.
- We will verify your insurance benefits and let you know up front an estimate of what you will owe us. We will collect any co-insurance amount towards the global fee in full by your sixth month.
- After delivery we will bill the complete global fee to your insurance company. When the insurance pays us we will credit the amount you paid in advance then bill you any difference.
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What does it mean to be infertile?
Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to get pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse.
When should I see a doctor?
Anytime! It’s important to start preconception planning when you’ve decided to start trying. Be sure to increase your folic acid intake to 400 micrograms per day.
What causes infertility?
Female factors, male factors, or both can cause infertility. Female factors can include difficulty with ovulation, a misshaped uterus, or scarring of the fallopian tubes. Male factors typically involve the semen analysis, but can include hormonal problems as well.
What are the tests for infertility?
After a couple has unsuccessfully tried to conceive after one year, a complete physical exam is recommended for both partners. Following a physical evaluation, laboratory testing, imaging, and semen analysis is usually required.
How is infertility treated?
Infertility is treated with medical or surgical therapies. These usually include hormones that help you ovulate, or surgical correction of reproductive organs.
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a method of assisted reproduction that involves fertilization of the egg with the sperm in the laboratory. The eggs are removed from a woman’s ovaries after hormonal stimulation and if fertilized, the subsequent embryo is placed in a woman’s uterus.
What can I do to help my chances of getting pregnant?
- The basal body temperature can be taken when you wake up every morning. When there is a rise in your temperature, this means you have ovulated.
- Alternatively ovulations kits that are available over the counter can be used to predict the your “fertile window”.
- Quit smoking! Studies suggest that cigarette smoking causes premature aging of the ovaries and eggs.
- Diet and exercise are important to improving ovulation and overall health.
- Decrease caffeine to one or two 8 ounce cups of coffee/soda per day.
- See your doctor for more information on preconception counseling.
I have irregular periods, what does this mean?
Irregular periods may indicate that you are having problems ovulating. See your doctor to discuss if you need treatment help getting pregnant.
I’ve been on the pill for years, is this bad for my fertility?
No. There should be a return of fertility soon after you stop taking the pill. If you had irregular cycles before starting the pill, you may have problems ovulating.
Will my insurance cover infertility treatment?
Contact your insurance carrier to inquire which services are covered.
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