Saturday, March 14, 2009

TOP FIVE CONCEPTION QUESTIONS

Top five conception questions
Healthcare professionals say these are some of the most
common questions women have about pregnancy:
1. Should I stop taking medications?
Many prescription and over-the-counter medications are safe during
pregnancy, but it can get confusing, says Richard Dreiss, M.D., obste-
trician/gynecologist. For example, pregnant women being treated for
thyroid disease or high blood pressure need medications to protect
their and their babies’ health. “All thyroid medications are safe during
pregnancy, but some blood pressure medications aren’t,” Dreiss says.
“If you need medication and can’t stay on your current prescription,
we might be able to find alternatives.” Before you start or stop any
medication, talk to your doctor!
2. Does bleeding mean miscarriage?
Not necessarily. About 30 percent of pregnant women have bleeding
throughout their pregnancy, especially the first trimester. If you have
spotting that goes away within a day, tell your doctor at your next
visit. If bleeding lasts more than a day, contact your doctor within
24 hours.
3. Why do miscarriages occur?
“The first part of pregnancy is an ‘all or nothing’ phenomenon,”
says Gerard Roy, M.D., obstetrician/gynecologist. “If the baby’s
development is compromised, you’ll miscarry.” While miscarriage
can be emotionally difficult, it’s the body’s natural way of ending
an abnormal pregnancy.
4. Should I be on bed rest?
Some conditions, including preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high
blood pressure), may require bed rest. But in most normal pregnan-
cies, it’s good to stay active, and you can usually keep working if
your job isn’t too strenuous. Sometimes, even in a normal pregnancy,
bed rest may be ordered to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.
5. Why am I gaining weight faster than
my pregnant friend?
Don’t try to compare yourself to other pregnant women, and
don’t compare your current pregnancy to past pregnancies.
“Every pregnancy is completely different,” says Adele Clay,
obstetrics/gynecology nurse practitioner

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