Prenatal Nutrition & Dietary Information
Eating a variety of healthy foods will help you to consume the right amount of vitamins and nutrients during each stage of pregnancy. Triangle Premier Women’s Health has provided some prenatal nutrition and dietary information for expecting mothers. For more information about recommended pregnancy diets, gestational diabetes, or general questions about your pregnancy – call Triangle Premier Women’s Health at (919) 934-3015 in Smithfield or Clayton today.
Foods to Avoid When Pregnant
While it is recommended that you avoid certain foods that could be dangerous to eat when pregnant, discuss your diet with your obgyn first. Foods you should stay away from include:
- Refrigerated meat spreads
- Refrigerated smoked seafood
- Deli meats and hot dogs
- Raw sprouts
- Unpasteurized milk or juice
- Fish with high mercury levels, like swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark
Keep these tips in mind when shopping, preparing, and eating during your pregnancy. Click here to learn more.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before can develop gestational diabetes. The increased blood sugar levels can lead to the baby being born too big. Although gestational diabetes may disappear after delivery, it is important that symptoms are managed.
Guidelines For Gestational Diabetes
- It is very important you follow these guidelines for a healthier pregnancy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office. Follow your Gestational Diabetic diet on a strict schedule. No cheating!!
- If you are checking your blood glucose (sugar) at home, check it when you first get up (before anything to eat or drink), two hours after each meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and 10 pm or bedtime whichever comes first for you.
- Your first blood glucose of the say should be under 100 and all others under 135. If you get readings above these levels please call us.
- For the first week you check your glucose, call our office each day and let us know your levels.
- ALWAYS bring your diary of glucose readings to the office for your appointments.
It is very important you follow these guidelines for a healthier pregnancy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office.
Common Discomforts & Acceptable Medications During Pregnancy
Fever:
- Increase fluid intake
- Tylenol – 2 tablets every 4 hours
- Call if persists greater than 24 hours
Painting:
- OK if performed in a well-ventilated area
- If fumes are nauseating, leave the house or room immediately
Travel:
- May travel up to 35-36 weeks if no complications
- You may need a note for the airline, so check when making reservations
- OK to pass through metal detectors at the airport
- When traveling by car, stop every 60-90 minutes to walk around and empty your bladder
Exercise:
- Do not add any new exercise program
- Keep your heart rate less than 140 beats per minute and at a maximum of 20 minutes
- Modify aerobics from high to low impact
- Lightweight workouts are OK if you are currently doing them
- Walking is great exercise
- Swimming is okay; be careful not to slip and fall
Dental Work:
- Maintain good dental hygiene
- Regular checkup
- Dental X-Rays are OK with an abdominal sheiling, preferably after 16th week of pregnancy
- Antibiotics are acceptable for prescription by your dentist for prophylaxis or infections: Penicillin or Erythromycin; no Tetracycline
- Fillings and other dental work are OK; Novocaine without Epinephrine may be used for anesthetic during dental procedures.
Other Common Questions:
- Chickenpox & measles exposure – if you had chickenpox, you and your baby are protected.
- If you are not sure if you had chickenpox or measles or know that you did not have them, call our office for further information
- Hair coloring & permanents are acceptable but may not take as well as in nonpregnancy, we would recommend waiting until after the first trimester of your pregnancy
- DO NOT use a hot tub, Jacuzzi, or sauna during pregnancy