Are herbs and extra vitamins safe during pregnancy? Your prenatal vitamins should be the only supplement used during pregnancy unless your provider specifically directs you to use an additional product.
Are yeast infections common during pregnancy? Developing a yeast infection during pregnancy is actually more common than at any other time of a woman’s life. To treat this condition, it is safe to use over-the-counter products, such as Monistat. However, if you are early in your pregnancy, before 12 weeks, it is important that the cream be used externally only. After 12 weeks, it is safe to gently use the applicator internally.
Are hemorrhoids common during pregnancy? It is very common for pregnant women who are constipated to also experience hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are varicose, or swollen, veins in the rectum. Straining during bowel movements, and having very hard stools, may make hemorrhoids worse, and can sometimes cause them to protrude from the rectum. Check with your provider before taking any medication for hemorrhoids. Simply eating a high-fiber diet, and consuming plenty of liquids, can help you relieve or avoid this problem. Hemorrhoids usually improve after the baby is born.
How can I reduce or prevent heartburn? Indigestion, or heartburn, is a burning feeling that starts in the stomach and rises into the throat. It occurs when digested food from your stomach, which contains acid, is pushed up into your esophagus. Hormonal changes during pregnancy slow digestion and relax the muscle that prevents digested food and acids in your stomach from entering the esophagus. In addition, your growing uterus presses against your stomach. To help relieve heartburn, try the following:
Is it safe to continue to have sexual intercourse during pregnancy? Your doctor or midwife may advise you to limit or avoid intercourse if there are signs of complications in your pregnancy. However, a healthy woman with a normal pregnancy is safe to have intercourse into her last weeks of pregnancy.
Is it safe to paint during pregnancy? Fumes from oil-based paints, turpentine, and paint thinner should be avoided during pregnancy. However, fumes from latex paints no longer pose the risk to developing babies, as they used to, but it is always wise to paint in a well-ventilated area. Pregnant women should also always avoid using a ladder, to reduce the risk falling.
Are leg cramps normal? In the last three months of pregnancy, you may experience more frequent leg cramping. To relieve these cramps, supplement plenty of calcium and potassium into your diet. Milk is a good source of calcium, while oranges and bananas are a good source of potassium. Stretching your legs before bed can also be beneficial, but avoid pointing your toes while stretching or exercising.
Is it normal for my gums to bleed during pregnancy? During pregnancy, the extra hormones in your body may cause your gums to swell and bleed. Floss and brush regularly, using a soft toothbrush, to keep your teeth in good shape. Having a dental checkup early in pregnancy is a good idea to be sure your mouth is healthy. Local anesthesia, if needed, does not pose a risk during pregnancy. Dental x-rays should only be done if necessary, and with your abdomen shielded.
What can I do to relieve constipation? Because pregnancy causes changes in hormones that slow the movement of food through the digestive tract, at least 50% of pregnant women experience problems with constipation. Taking iron supplements throughout pregnancy, and experiencing pressure on your rectum during the last part of pregnancy can also cause constipation. Here are some suggestions that may help:
What can I do for headaches during pregnancy? Headaches can unfortunately be very common during pregnancy. Although taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) is approved for use during pregnancy, it is important to discuss these headaches with your provider. If you do take Tylenol, take two regular tablets or one extra-strength tablet. You should contact your doctor if your headache does not go away, returns very often, is very severe, causes blurry vision or spots in front of your eyes, or is accompanied by nausea.
What should I do if I am pregnant and a family member has, or has been EXPOSED to CHICKENPOX? Most adults are immune to chicken pox, either from having the disease or by forming immunity from a mild exposure. If you have had chicken pox in the past, you and your baby are protected. If you are not sure, ask your doctor to check your immunity with a blood test. If it shows no immunity, a medicinal injection of Varicella Immune Globulin (VZIG) may be given to prevent chicken pox. However, in order to be effective, this injection must be given within 72 hours of exposure.
Is swelling normal, during pregnancy? A certain amount of swelling, called edema, is normal during pregnancy. Edema is caused by fluid retention, and usually occurs in the legs. This type of swelling commonly begins during the last few months of pregnancy, and may occur more often in the summer. Never take medications (water pills) for swelling unless you have had them prescribed. If you are experiencing edema in your legs, Women’s OB-GYN recommends doing the following:
Let your doctor or nurse know if you have swelling in your hands or face, because this may indicate other complications.
Is it safe to continue working during pregnancy? Most of the time, a healthy woman with no complications in her pregnancy can continue working until close to the day of delivery. However, during the end of your pregnancy, you may start to tire more easily, which could affect your ability at work. If you are experiencing problems that you feel may be related to your job, please discuss this at one of your office appointments.
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy? Exercise can help strengthen muscles used in labor and delivery, while generating more energy and lessening some of the discomforts of pregnancy. Acceptable exercises should be determined individually, based on your health and how active you were before you became pregnant. Pregnancy is not a good time to take up a new, strenuous sport, but if you were active before, you can continue your routines within reason. Women’s OB-GYN recommends limiting exertion to about 2/3 of what you could do before pregnancy. Consult your provider regarding any further questions.
What can I do for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy? As nausea and vomiting can be very common during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, Women’s OB-GYN suggests following these guidelines to help relieve nausea and vomiting:
-Inability to keep anything down for more than two days
-Fainting
-Vomiting blood
-Rib pain
-Jaundice (skin is greenish or yellow)
-Weight loss of more than five pounds in one week
Are saunas, hot tubs, and tanning booths safe during pregnancy? Saunas, hot tubs, and tanning booths should not be used during pregnancy because the extreme temperature could potentially damage the developing baby. Extremely hot baths should also be avoided. Women’s OB-GYN recommends that bath temperatures be below 100° Fahrenheit.
May I color or perm my hair during pregnancy? Although there is no scientific data on the effects of hair treatments on unborn children, it seems unlikely that these types of exposures are harmful.
What can I do for cold and allergy symptoms? Colds can make you feel miserable, even at the best of times, and during pregnancy there are increased concerns. However, there are many home remedies that can relieve symptoms, sometimes eliminating the need for an office visit.
Should I refrain from traveling during pregnancy? While many patients ask if they can travel during their pregnancies, we recommend that you stay within an hour of Covenant HealthCare – Harrison, as there is always potential risk of complications anytime during your pregnancy. However, if travel is unavoidable, Women’s OB-GYN has provided a list of guidelines which should be followed.
My first experience with Women's OB/GYN occurred when I was 24 weeks along with my twins. That experience was amazing as they treated my high-risk pregnancy with their expertise and compassion. The first time I met Dr. Spence was the day she delivered my babies at 35.5 weeks, and she was so patient explaining what was about to happen before going in, and answered all my anxious questions which put me at ease. Now, 18 years later, I needed additional care that my PCP was not able to take care of so I returned to Women's. I was scheduled with Dr. Spence and I just had a procedure done in the office today. She is an amazing doctor and an asset to our community, as is the entire office staff, who make you feel comfortable even in uncomfortable situations. I would highly recommend this clinic to my own daughters, my family, friends and my community if they are in need of exceptional care by extraordinary physicians and staff.
- Jenny T.
Women’s took care of me throughout my pregnancy through and through. I loved that I got to meet majority of the doctors as it felt like they all had adecent understanding of what my pregnancy entailed and I was comfortable going through labor with any of them. Dr. Schmidt, despite me wanting to be so stubborn made a decision that saved me and my baby from a dangerous situation. Dr. Wagner and Dr. Minnec were encouraging, thorough and talked to me as a person during my induction. Dr. Blanchard did an amazing job with my c section and made sure my baby and I both made it out safe. The entire staff at Women’s was always kind to me and did what they could to answer questions and help me with any issues or concerns.
- Leah L.
Since the first day I stepped into their office, I felt very welcomed. Everyone was so nice and easy to talk with. NP Kenndi and Dr. McKuen are awesome. Thanks so much for all that you all do to make the patients feel very welcomed.
- Erica M.
I never have a bad experience here. As a woman you want to be somewhere that you feel comfortable trusting and disclosing all your personal info to. Taking care of your body can be a lot easier here just due to the kind and patient staff.
- Kay
Kennedi was amazing- I get extremely nervous for doctors appts, so I was totally stressed this morning. She really put my fears at ease, discussed my questions/concerns in depth, and made everything quick/easy. I will definitely request to see her for future visits. :)
- Jessica R.
I was sooooo scared going in that office due to a horrible experience with a different doctor. She sat there WAY longer than I expected and made sure I understood everything. She answered every single question I had and then some. I was super scared about getting a full hysterectomy and now well as long as she’s doing it BRING IT ON! Dr. Schmidt is so compassionate and caring. I am 💯 having my daughter go to her when needed.
- Marcia B.
Dr. Wegner is HANDS DOWN the best OB Dr I’ve had thus far. He takes his time to explain things to you in an easy to understand manner. Highly recommend! Very polite staff
- Mackenzie L.
Amy is always very caring and considerate. She makes you feel ver comfortable. And will take the time to answer your questions. Her nurse is great too!Amy is always very caring and considerate. She makes you feel ver comfortable. And will take the time to answer your questions. Her nurse is great too!
- Janet L
I have been a patient at Women’s for 40 years. All of experiences have always been excellent. Staff, PA, Dr have always delivered stellar medical services and care with compassion and kindness.
- Elizabeth R.
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Phone: 989-792-3100
Other Phone: 888-609-8342
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Address: 5400 Mackinaw, Suite 6100, Saginaw, MI 48604
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