Prenatal Care

Each time you come in for prenatal care you will be seen by a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician. Your urine, weight, blood pressure, and the progress of your pregnancy will be discussed. You may also have blood drawn by a lab technician. When you are seen by the clinician, they will measure your growing abdomen, listen to your baby's heartbeat, and discuss any concerns you may have about your pregnancy. At the end of each appointment, the nurse will give you a return visit appointment. It is very important to keep all your prenatal appointment.

Prenatal Education

Gaining knowledge about your pregnancy and birth will help you prepare for the most incredible moment in your life: GIVING BIRTH! We have numerous videotapes about pregnancy, birth, and baby care for you to watch during your clinic appointment. We have information on such topics as Breastfeeding, Labor and Delivery, Baby Care, and Post Partum Care. A representative from Center 4 Clean Start will meet you at least once during prenatal care to discuss risks of alcohol and substances to you and your unborn baby. You may be seen by a nutritionist to discuss healthy food choices.

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Nutrition

Your baby's growth depends on what you eat. It is recommended that you gain 25 to 35 pounds during your pregnancy. After your first 3 months, you should gain about 1 pound a week until your delivery. Eating 4 - 6 small meals instead of 3 large meals is recommended during your pregnancy. It helps prevent and control nausea and vomiting. Choose healthy foods to snack on such raw vegetables and fruits, yogurt, cheese or peanut butter and crackers instead of chips, candy, cookies, and doughnuts. Drinking water, 100% fruit juice, and low-fat milk are healthier choices than soda, fruit punch or tea. For a copy of the Daily Food Guide for Women, click here . En Español .

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Baby Movement

When you are between 4 1/2 and 5 months pregnant, you will begin to feel some fluttering in your stomach. This is the beginning of baby movement. As your baby grows, it will become more distinctive, like kicking. From that time on until delivery of your baby, you should feel your baby move at least 10 times a day. If you do not, or if it has decreased, please call the Prenatal Clinic in the daytime at 410-228-3294. After 4:00 pm, on holidays and weekends, please call Memorial Hospital at Easton at 410-822-1000 and ask for the birthing center.

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Preventing Birth Defects

Birth defects are abnormal conditions that happen before or at the time of birth. Some are mild - like an extra finger or toe. Some are very serious - like a heart defect. They can cause physical, mental or medical problems. Some, like Down Syndrome or Sickle Cell Anemia, are caused by genetic factors. Others are caused by certain drugs, medicines or chemicals. The causes of most birth defects are still a mystery, but researchers are working hard to learn the cause of birth defects so that we can find ways to prevent them.

Not all birth defects can be prevented. But a woman can increase her own chance of having a healthy baby. Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Remember, about half of all pregnancies are unplanned. Therefore, every woman should:

• Take a vitamin that has folic acid in it every day.
• Have regular medical check-ups.
• Talk to your health care provider about any medical problems and medicine use (both over-the-counter and prescription). Ask about avoiding any substances at work or at home that might be harmful to a developing baby.
• Eat a healthy, balanced meal plan.
• Get early prenatal care and go to every appointment!
• Avoid using hot tobs and saunas.
• Have x-rays done only if necessary.

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Warning Signs in Pregnancy

Anytime in your pregnancy that you experience

• Bleeding like a period
• Leaking of fluid that you cannot stop (as if your water broke)
• Severe swelling of the face, hands, and feet along with headache, blurred vision or dizziness

PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE HOSPITAL!

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Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an illness you can have and not be aware of it. It is caused bya parasite found in birds, rodents, and animals. It can be transmitted by flies and through raw or poorly cooked infected meat, or by exposure to cat feces (cat droppings). Toxoplasmosis can be dangerous to your unborn baby.

So what should a pregnant woman do?

• Pregnant women should NOT empty the cat litter box.
• Use gloves when working in sand or soil.
• Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables.
• Wash hands carefully after coming in contact with raw meat.
• Thoroughly cook pork, beef, and seafood.

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Medications

Here are some important facts for you:

1. Smoking, drugs, and alcohol can be harmful to your unborn baby. They can affect your baby's growth and cause permanent physical and mental defects.
2. Please DO NOT take any medication unless your clinician prescribes it. Here is a list of discomforts you may experience, and the medication you may use, ONLY IF ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
   1. Pain: Headache or Muscle
      1. Tylenol® (regular strength) 2 tablets every 4 hours.
   2. Cough: Plain Robitussin 1 teaspoon every 4 hours.
   3. Nasal Congestion: Plain Sudafed® 2 tablets every 6 hours.
   4. Sore Throat:
      1. Throat lozenges as needed.
      2. Honey and Lemon in warm water.
      3. Salt water gargle - 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
   5. Heartburn: Liquid antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta or chewable antacids such as Tums 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Notify Dorchester County Health Department if no relief in 24 hours.
   6. Constipation: Before using medication try
      1. Increase fluid intake especially water. Try prune juice. Avoid caffeine.
      2. Increase walking
      3. Increase roughage (fiber)
      4. To prevent constipation if the above are not working, use Colace® (stool softener) 1 tablet twice a day.
   7. Hemorrhoids: Anusol Cream® or Preparation H Cream®. Apply after bathing or after each bowel movement or try Witch Hazel compresses for 15 minutes, 3 times a day while resting on left side with hips and legs elevated.

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Home Visiting

The state of Maryland offers a program called Healthy Start. If eligible, a Nurse or Community Health Aide from your Health Department will visit you at your home once a trimester during your pregnancy and for a post partum visit after you deliver your baby. These informal visits will allow you to relax in the privacy of your own home and discuss any needs that you may have with the nurse. If she comes at a time that is inconvenient, please let her know and she will come back another time.

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