Welcome to Pregnancy!
Welcome to Pregnancy!
We, the physicians and Staff of SRB OBGYN want to make your pregnancy as pleasant as possible. Most importantly is for all of us to work together for a healthy mother and baby. The following information may help you plan the next months until the baby arrives.
Regular prenatal visits, and a healthy lifestyle are important to help ensure that you are doing all you can to have a healthy baby.
We have two office locations for your convenience, 11945 San Jose Blvd. Bldg. 400, and 13241 Bartram Park Blvd #400.
Hospital- All our deliveries are done at Baptist Medical Center South, 14550 Old St. Augustine Blvd. Jax. Fl. 32258
If you have an urgent concern after regular office hours, call the office number 904-262-5333, you will be connected to the on-call nurse. General information and prescription refills are not considered urgent, please call during regular office hours for these concerns.
Check in
Please sign in 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment time so we can keep you on schedule. If you arrive late for your ultrasound visit you may be asked to reschedule to another time and date. If at any time during your pregnancy you have a change in insurance, benefits, or contact information, please let us know immediately.
Urine Specimen
We check almost every patient's urine in our office. It is important that when you give a urine specimen that it is a "clean catch". To perform a clean catch, separate your labia and urinate for a second or two in the toilet. Introduce the urine cup in mid-stream without allowing the stream to touch the vagina or labia. This prevents false positive on your urine results
Appointments
During your pregnancy, you will see each of our 5 delivering physicians and Nurse Practitioners on a rotating basis, so that you will have the opportunity to meet and get to know all your obstetricians. We do not provide special accommodation for a specific physician to deliver your baby. All five of our physicians rotate call.
Each pregnancy and prenatal course are unique and individual and may vary depending on your individual health history. In most cases you will be seen monthly for 28-32 weeks, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until you deliver. You will be advised on each visit when you should return for your next appointment. If you are unable to keep an appointment, please contact the office to inform us and to reschedule your appointment.
Tests and Screenings
First Trimester Screening is a test which provides information early in your pregnancy about your risk for having a baby with Down Syndrome or Trisomy 18, it is offered between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, it involves both an ultrasound and a blood test. There is a brochure in this packet for you to read more about this screening, your obstetrician can also provide you with more information, or answer any questions you may have.
Ob Lab Work is a panel of blood tests is ordered at your first OB appointment that includes your Blood Type, Cystic Fibrosis Screening, Maternal Serum Screening, along with a few other screening tests, this will be ordered by our office, but done at the lab designated by your insurance company, be sure to let us know which lab you need to go to. Our office can provide you with a service center directory for all local labs.
Glucose Screening for Gestational Diabetes is done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, in our office. When you arrive for your test, you will be asked to drink a glucose solution that tastes like extra-‐sweet soda, after one hour, we will stick your finger to determine your blood sugar level, and how efficiently your body processes sugar. Please fast one hour prior to your appointment. Please do not eat sugary drinks or food before your test. Please come to the appointment hydrated.
Group B Strep screening is done between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, this is to test for a type of bacteria, the test involves a swab of both the vagina and the rectum, the sample is sent to the lab for analysis.
Medications and Pregnancy, if possible, you should try and avoid any medication during pregnancy. However, occasionally you may need to take something. The following is a list of over-the-counter medications that are appropriate to use in pregnancy:
Fever/Headache Tylenol (acetaminophen), Tylenol Extra Strength
Cold/Congestion Actifed, Sudafed, Claritin, Mucinex, Robitussin Expectorant
Gas Mylicon, Gas-‐X, Phazyme
Heartburn Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, Gaviscon, Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid AC
Nausea Emetrol (if not diabetic), Ginger Tea/Ale, Dramamine, SeaBands
Sore Throat Cepacol lozenges, or spray, Warm saltwater gargles, Sucrets
Skin Irritation Hydrocortisone cream/ointment, Benadryl cream/ointment
Hemorrhoids Preparation H, Anusol HC, Witch Hazel and Tucks,
Constipation Metamucil, Fibercon, Milk of Magnesia, Senekot, Doxidan
Diarrhea Kaoepectate, Imodium (for 24 hours only)
Insomnia Benadryl
Pregnancy Guidelines:
Prenatal Vitamins-‐You should be taking prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period. If you experience nausea, you may try taking your prenatal vitamin at night to reduce associated nausea.
Nausea-‐Nausea is common in early pregnancy. If possible, try frequent small meals, and the use of bland foods. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. If you are unable to tolerate liquids, please call the office
Exercise-‐The recommendation is to maintain a heart rate of no greater than 120 beats per minute. Use moderation and don’t exercise to the point of fatigue, most exercises are fine to continue in pregnancy. You should not begin a new exercise program, or diet in pregnancy.
Intercourse-‐Intercourse is acceptable anytime during pregnancy, unless otherwise indicated by your physician.
Pregnancy Discomforts-‐ Many of the common aches and pains of pregnancy can be relieved or even prevented. Below are some comfort measures we recommend:
Backache-‐Try, massage, ice, maternity support belt
Constipation-‐Drink plenty of water, and eat meals high in fiber, such as fruits, whole grains and vegetables
Headaches-‐Cool compress, Rest, Massage, Drink More Fluids
Heartburn-‐Avoid Large meals do not lie down after a meal, avoid fried or spicy foods Hemorrhoids-‐Ice Packs, Tucks Pads, Avoid Constipation
Swelling-‐Avoid Long periods of standing or sitting, increase water intake, elevate feet and legs
FMLA/DISABILITY PAPERWORK
If you have FMLA or Disability paperwork that needs to be filled out for your maternity leave, please leave it with the front desk staff. Please allow 7-10 business days for this to be completed. We will call you when it is ready for pickup, or we will be more than happy to fax it to you. You must sign a medical record release on the website, and it is $35.00 per form.