Whether this is your first pregnancy or whether you've had children already, the next few months will be filled with excitement and anticipation.  Pregnancy is also a time of marvelous physical changes, which may cause some concern because they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable.  We have tried to summarize information regarding many common questions in this resource guide, which we hope will aid you during your pregnancy.  If you have additional questions or need more information on any topic, please let us know.  We want this to be a pleasant and satisfying experience for you and your family.  Following is a partial list of issues that may be relevant to your pregnancy.  Don't hesitate to ask us if you need more information on any subject listed, or on any area we haven't covered.

Nutrition:  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a weight gain of 25-35 pounds during pregnancy.  This recommendation may be adjusted for patients who are overweight or underweight.  Most women require up to 300 extra calories per day in the second and third trimesters.  It is especially important to consume adequate dairy products, most of which should be low in fat, and to avoid high-fat and fast foods.  More detailed information is provided in an ACOG brochure available at Dr. Cooley's office.

Prenatal Vitamins:  Prenatal vitamins will be prescribed during your pregnancy.  They should also be taken for about three months after delivery and during lactation.  Additional iron supplements may be necessary for anemic patients.  If so, these supplements should be taken on an empty stomach, at a different time than the prenatal vitamin.

Alcohol:  Alcohol is harmful to the developing fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy.  Caffeine and NutraSweet (aspartame) have not currently been proven to be harmful and may be consumed in moderation.

Weight gain:  Referral to a nutritionist may be recommended for patients who gain too much or too little weight, or who develop gestational diabetes.

Smoking:  Smoking is extremely harmful to the developing fetus.  It is associated with numerous complications including fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome.  It is imperative to stop smoking during pregnancy.  It has also been suggested that second-hand smoke may be related to pediatric disorders such as asthma and allergies.  Nicotine gums and patches are not advised during pregnancy, but we encourage you to participate in one of the numerous self-help classes available.

Substance Abuse:  Recreational drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines must be avoided during pregnancy.  Known effects include stillbirth and birth defects.  All narcotic drugs (including those prescribed for legitimate medical conditions) have the potential to cause serious dependency in the baby.

Travel:  Travel in and of itself is not likely to cause problems during pregnancy.  However, sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of developing clots in the large veins in the legs, and voiding infrequently increases the risk of bladder infections.  Because these conditions are already more common in pregnant women, it is especially important to take frequent walks and bathroom breaks while traveling.  Closer to term, it is also more likely for labor to develop.  Complications can develop without warning and cause you to be stranded for days or weeks.  Therefore, we advise that long distance trips after 24 weeks be avoided if possible.  If you must travel, we recommend you carry a copy of your lab work and sonogram report.  Also please check with your insurance carrier regarding the issue of "out-of-network" providers.

Cats:  Cats may carry a parasite, toxoplasmosis, which is excreted in their feces.  Infection with this parasite usually causes fevers and generalized swelling of the lymph nodes.  The infection can also be acquired by eating or handling raw or undercooked meat.  Because acute infection may cause harm to a developing fetus, avoiding cat litter.  Eliminating consumption of rare meat is also advised.  Careful hand-washing after handling raw meat would be wise.