Pregnancy

When should I have my first prenatal visit?

If you did not meet with your health care provider before you were pregnant, your first prenatal appointment will generally be around 8 weeks after your LMP (last menstrual period). If this pertains to you, you should schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you know you are pregnant. Prenatal visits are still important even if you are not a first time mother since every pregnancy is different. This initial visit will probably be one of the longest. It will be beneficial if you arrive prepared with vital dates and information. This is also a good chance to bring a list of questions that you and your partner have about your pregnancy, prenatal care and birth options.

When to call the doctor during pregnancy?

There are a lot of normal aches and pains associated with pregnancy, but you should call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

1. Heavy vaginal bleeding or clotting or light vaginal bleeding that lasts for more than one day. Bleeding in the first trimester could be a sign of a miscarriage; in the second or third trimesters, it could indicate a problem with the placenta.

2. The passage of grayish or pinkish tissue or any amount of bleeding that is accompanied by cramps, fever, chills, or dizziness. This could be a sign that you may be having a miscarriage.

3. Severe pain in your abdomen or in your shoulder area. This is a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy.

4. A severe or persistent headache, particularly one that is accompanied by dizziness, faintness, or blurry vision. This could indicate high blood pressure or preeclampsia.

5. Dehydration, e.g., dry mouth, thirst, reduced urine output, low-grade fever. This can be a sign of illness or something as simple as the fact that you haven?t been drinking enough liquids on a hot day.

6. A fever of more than 101 degrees. This is a possible symptom of an infection that may require treatment. Note: Even if you don?t have an active infection, your doctor will want to bring your temperature down because, depending on your stage of pregnancy, an elevated core body temperature can be harmful to the developing baby and may trigger premature labor.

7. Painful urination. This is a possible symptom of a urinary tract infection or something that can trigger premature labor and/or lead to a kidney infection.

8. A watery discharge from the vagina. This is a sign that your membranes may have ruptured.

9. A sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet. This is a sign that you may be developing preeclampsia.

10. Uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding or discharge, vaginal pressure in the pelvic area, menstrual-like cramping, a dull backache, stomach or intestinal cramping and gas pains, and a general feeling of unwellness. These are symptoms of premature labor.

11. A significant decrease in the amount of fetal movement after the 24th week of pregnancy. This is a possible sign that your baby may be running into difficulty.

When to call the doctor for your newborn?

1. Dehydration
? Fewer than three wet diapers per day
? Acting excessively sleepy or lethargic
? Dry mouth and lips
2. No bowel movement in the first 48 hours
3. A rectal temperature of 100.4?F or higher or lower than 96.8?F
4. Respiratory Distress
? Grunting and flaring of nostrils
? Continuous fast breathing
? Heavy, noisy breathing (audible wheezes, whistling sounds, or crackly sounds during inhalation and exhalation)
Note: If baby is taking more than 60 breaths per minute or turning blue around the mouth.
5. Any odor, pus or persistent bleeding from the umbilical cord stump. Redness and swelling around the navel, which could be a sign of an infection.
6. Jaundice
? Yellow color in the eyes, chest, abdomen, arms or legs
7. Prolonged crying for longer than half an hour
8. Poor appetite or suck
? Feeding less than 6 times in a 24hr period
? Noticeably weaker sucking
9. Extreme sleepiness
10. Signs of illness such as coughing, diarrhea, or paleness. Forceful vomiting at more than two feedings.

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