Question 1

What steps should I take if I am considering getting pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Preparing for pregnancy (especially your first) can be a confusing and overwhelming task. An obstetrician will counsel you each step of the way and provide you with the information to best prepare your body and lifestyle for pregnancy and childbirth.

Question 2

I am in my late 30s/early 40s. Does this change anything in terms of my current or future pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Choosing to start a family later in life is becoming more and more common. There are certain risks, both to the fetus and mother, that increase with maternal age.

Question 3

Should I get the flu shot while I'm pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends the influenza (flu) vaccine as essential to prenatal and post-pregnancy care.

Question 4

How common is infertility?

Accepted Answer

The CDC defines infertility as the inability to conceive after having unprotected sex for a year if you are under 35 years old, and 6 months if you are 35 or older. Infertility affects about 6% of married women between the ages of 15 and 44. Approximately 12% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby through the end of pregnancy.

Question 5

Are there any vitamins or supplements I should be taking during my pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

A prenatal vitamin has a variety of vitamins and minerals that support a healthy pregnancy both for the fetus and the mother. Folate, or folic acid, is a particularly important B vitamin for preventing neural tube defects and other associated pregnancy complications.

Question 6

I forgot to take my prenatal vitamin yesterday. Will my baby be affected?

Accepted Answer

If you forgot to take your prenatal vitamin or folic acid, don’t worry. This happens sometimes! Missing a day here or there will not negatively impact the health of your pregnancy.

Question 7

What is gestational diabetes and what does it mean for my pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

As pregnancy progresses, the placenta begins producing hormones that cause an overall rise in blood sugar. Sometimes, the body is unable to compensate for this rise in blood sugar and the cells become less responsive to insulin,(the hormone that allows sugar into our cells) which is known as "insulin resistance".

Question 8

How safe is it to get regular ultrasounds during my pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasounds are performed to help visualize your baby inside the uterus.

Question 9

I am worried about preeclampsia. What is it, and can I get a test for it?

Accepted Answer

Preeclampsia is a potential pregnancy complication characterized by maternal hypertension (high blood pressure) and high protein levels.

Question 10

I am having terrible morning sickness. What are my natural and medical options for treating it?

Accepted Answer

Morning sickness is an extremely common complication of pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur anytime during the day.

Question 11

Should my diet change while I am pregnant or trying to conceive? What foods should I avoid eating while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Good nutrition is essential for an overall healthy lifestyle, but is extra important in the prenatal period due to the increased demands pregnancy places on your body. The common phrase "eating for two" can be slightly misleading.

Question 12

How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate weight gain throughout your pregnancy allows your body and the baby to have access to necessary nutrients and energy to achieve developmental milestones.

Question 13

Is bleeding normal during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding during pregnancy is in fact very common and not necessarily a cause for concern. There are many causes of vaginal bleeding, both serious and benign (harmless).

Question 14

How can the Rh factor affect my pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Rh is a protein found on the red blood cells of individuals that are Rh-positive, while individuals that are Rh-negative lack this protein.

Question 15

Is there anything I can do to improve my sleep during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

A good night’s sleep is an important component of an overall healthy lifestyle just like diet and exercise. Sometimes, a poor night's sleep can feel like it affects your whole day.

Disclaimer: This page is meant for information only and does not substitute for actual medical advice. If you are experiencing pain or have a medical issue, please schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Jennifer Butt.

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