20 Common Pregnancy Questions & AnswersWritten by Nisha Bunke, M.D.
1. How much weight should I expect to gain during pregnancy? Most women with a normal body mass index gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. Women who are obese are advised to gain less weight. On other hand, women who are underweight may gain up to 40 pounds. Women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy should see a dietitian. (click here to determine your bmi). 2. When do I first need to see a doctor? A first prenatal visit should take place within first trimester. If a woman is uncertain about date of her last menstrual period, it is especially important to schedule an ultrasound appointment to accurately determine gestational dates. At first doctor visit, a comprehensive medical history will be taken to assess any obstetrical risks and special medical needs of a patient. Simple blood work that is usually done at first office visit includes ABO and Rh blood typing, screening for anemia, immunity to rubella, and testing for viral hepatitis and HIV. A pelvic exam, pap smear, chlamydia and gonorrhea test is also usually performed at first visit. Urinalysis, blood pressure and weight checks, fundal height measurement and fetal heart auscultation are performed routinely at each office visit. 3. Should I seek care from a midwife or doctor? This is a personal decision. Typically, complicated pregnancies (i.e., women who have certain medical conditions, smoke, have a history of miscarriages, past c-section, or have other risk factors for a complicated pregnancy) require care of a physician. Midwives are an option for normal, uncomplicated pregnancies that do not require advanced care. Either way, a woman should seek routine prenatal care by a qualified health care provider. 4. Can I consume caffeine during pregnancy? Caffeine in moderate amounts is probably safe in pregnancy. 5. Can I use artificial sweeteners? Saccharin containing products should be avoided during pregnancy. Saccharin can cross placenta and enter fetal tissue. 6. Why have I been told to avoid cats during pregnancy? Cats can carry bacteria called Toxoplasma, which can be harmful to developing fetus. Women should avoid changing a cat's litter box since Toxoplasma can be found in cat's feces. You should discuss with your health care provider specific precautions that you need to take to avoid infection caused by Toxoplasma. Poorly cooked meats, seafood and unpasteurized milk can also be contaminated with Toxoplasma. 7. What is gestational diabetes? Some women develop diabetes during pregnancy. Most of time, it will resolve after pregnancy. However, these women are at a higher risk of developing diabetes in later life. 8. How do I know if I have gestational diabetes? Late in second trimester, a one hour glucola test is performed. If this is number is elevated, a women will undergo another test called a three hour glucose tolerance test. A woman should discuss her risks of developing gestational diabetes and this test with her health care provider. 9. Are there any foods that I should avoid during pregnancy? Canned tuna fish and farmed salmon should be eaten in moderation. Tuna steaks, swordfish, shark and king mackerel should be avoided because they can contain high levels of mercury, which can harm fetus. Raw fish and shellfish should be avoided because they can be infected with parasites and Norwalk-like viruses. 10. Is aspirin safe to use in pregnancy? Aspirin is not safe to use during pregnancy. Aspirin is a class D medication meaning that it may cause harm to fetus.
| | 5 Tips for Wearing WhiteWritten by Diana Pemberton-Sikes
There's something cool and refreshing about white clothing that makes it chic on even hottest days. Since it reflects light and absorbs perspiration, making it less noticeable than other colors, wearer looks cool and collected, even when temperature soars. Small wonder then that white has been a long-time favorite of residents of hot, tropical climates. Now that Memorial Day holiday has come and gone in United States and temperatures are beginning to rise all over Northern Hemisphere, it's time to take a quick look at some basic guidelines for wearing white. While some of old "rules" have begun to relax in recent years, there are still a couple of things to remember when wearing white: 1.Always Wear Flesh-Colored Undergarments Years ago, rule was to wear white under white. Not anymore. Since white bra, panty, and camisole lines tend to show through, your undergarments will be less obtrusive in flesh tones. Look for pieces that closely match your natural skin tone to create a clean, seamless look. 2.Be Careful Where You Put Your White Since white reflects light and makes anything it's put on look bigger, don't put it all by itself on your largest body part, like your chest, hips, or thighs, because it will only make it look bigger. Instead, opt for white monochromatic (all one color) ensembles, which elongate, put white on a small body part, or use white to accentuate a figure asset. 3.Steer Clear of White Hosiery Unless you're a nurse, a bride, or under age 5, white hosiery has no place in your wardrobe. Yes, it was popular 20 years ago thanks to Diana, late Princess of Wales, because it did for her what it does for everyone: it "chopped her up" visually and made her look shorter. Which is fine if you're a tall princess trying to look shorter than your prince - but not so great if you're short, medium, or plus size, trying to look taller and slimmer.
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