The Group Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists, P.C. › Obstetrics Resources > OB FAQs

Documents

Birth Preparation Form
Your Guide to Pregnancy
Telemedicine Patient Quick Start Guide
Testing for COVID-19 Before Delivery
COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
COVID-19 Patient/Visitor Precautions

+ We recommend pregnant women stop working outside of the home 2 weeks prior to delivery, or at 37 weeks on average. This is so that you can isolate at home for the 2 weeks prior to delivery so that your chance of having COVID-19 when you deliver your baby is as low as possible, to keep you and your baby safe. This is especially important if you work in a job with higher risk of exposure, such as a long term care facility, jail, meat packing facility, or other jobs where social distancing is difficult. If your partner and other children can also stay home during this time, that would be ideal, to decrease your risk of exposure to COVID-19. We understand not everyone is able to do this. If you need a note for your employer stating these recommendations, please let us know.

Online Obstetrics Resources

Can depression affect pregnancy?

CLICK HERE for more information.
Can I go to the salon for treatments?

Hair coloring and nail care are safe during pregnancy.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
Can I have dental work while I am pregnant?

Your teeth and gums may experience sensitivity throughout the pregnancy. Inform the dentist of your pregnancy and shield your abdomen if x-rays are necessary. Use of local anesthetics is safe during pregnancy. Contact our office with any questions about dental care.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
Can I have sex?

You can have sex unless you are having complications or sex becomes too uncomfortable.
There are times when exercise and sex should be avoided. This includes vaginal bleeding, leaking amniotic fluid, preterm labor, or certain placental conditions.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
Can I see a chiropractor when I am pregnant?

Yes, you may see a chiropractor while you are pregnant. Our practice does not make referrals to the chiropractor, but you may decide to go on your own if you please. Try to avoid any x-rays.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
Can I travel?

Traveling is safe during pregnancy for uncomplicated pregnancies. After 36 weeks, we recommend staying close to home. When you do travel, be sure to take breaks to stand up/walk around at least every two hours. If traveling by vehicle, wear a seat belt, position it under your abdomen as your baby grows. If you are involved in a car accident, please call immediately. You may need to be monitored. Please call if you are traveling outside of the U.S. or in Zika states. Please check CDC website for updated travel restrictions.
How can I tell if my partner is abusive?

CLICK HERE for more information.
How can my drug use affect my fetus?

CLICK HERE for more information.
How do I know if I have a breast infection/Mastitis?

Click here to learn more about breast infection/Mastitis
How does excess weight affect pregnancy?

Obese women have an increased risk for having a large for gestational age infant, post term birth, and other pregnancy complications.
CLICK HERE for more information about obesity and pregnancy.
CLICK HERE for more information about weight control and keeping fit during pregnancy.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
How does multiple pregnancy occur?

CLICK HERE for more information.
I am experiencing swelling. What should I do?
Call the office
- Recent, noticeable increase in feet and ankles
- Swelling of face and hands
Call the Provider Immediately
- Swelling accompanied by headache or upper abdominal pain
- Swelling with decreased fetal movement
- Elevated blood pressure (>140/90) if using home monitoring
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?

30 minutes of exercise is recommended daily in uncomplicated pregnancies. This could include walking, jogging, biking, aerobics class, yoga, swimming, etc. Weight training is acceptable. Listen to your body during exercise and drink plenty of fluids. After 20 weeks, avoid lying flat on your back and avoid activities with a high risk of falling or trauma to your belly (i.e. snow skiing, kickboxing, horseback riding).
CLICK HERE for more information.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What are foods I should avoid during pregnancy?

Download Your Guide to Pregnancy.
What are safe medications to take during pregnancy?

Download Your Guide to Pregnancy.
What are symptoms of labor?
Call the office
- If less than 36 weeks, call if contractions are every 15 minutes (4 per hour)
Call the Provider immediately
- If 37 weeks or more and contractions are every 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour
- Water breaks; small leak or as a gush
- Bleeding is more than a period
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What are the symptoms of depression?

CLICK HERE for more information.
What can I do if I have a backache?

Rest and warm (NOT hot) baths. Use correct posture and try to avoid heavy lifting. May also use a maternity belt. Heating pad on back is okay and an icepack can be beneficial, too.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What can I take for a headache while I am pregnant?

You can take Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol. If vision changes accompanying headache, or no relief, call the office.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What can I take if I have a cold and sinus congestion?
Rest, increase fluids, Benadryl, or over-the-counter (OTC) Chlor-Trimeton, humidify your home or bedroom, saline nasal spray. Avoid decongestants if you have high blood pressure.
Call the office:
- Temperature of 101 degrees (Fahrenheit) or higher
- Green or yellow mucus develops
- Persistent cough for more than 7-10 days
Call the Provider Immediately:
- Breathing is difficult or wheezing occurs
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What can I take if I have a cough and/or sore throat?

Gargle with warm salt water 4x a day & at bedtime. Run humidifier at night. Throat lozenges, hot tea, & cough drops. If cough is productive, can take over-the-counter (OTC) expectorant (like Robitussin or Robitussin DM) to loosen phlegm. Tylenol for pain or fever.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What can I take if I have a fever or pain?

If temperature is 101 degrees (Fahrenheit) or higher, call the office, take plain Tylenol and increase fluids.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What can I take if I have allergies?

Over-the-counter (OTC) Claritin or Benadryl. Avoid decongestants.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy.
What can I use for facial care?
For prescription meds you may use the following:
- Cleocin T Gel or lotion (Lotion is preferred)
- Oral Erythromycin (Preferred)
- Benzyl Peroxide (Preferred)
- Azelaic Acid (Azelex Cream)-we do not advise
Avoid Metro Gel, Ret-in A, anything topical containing vitamin A, and Tetracycline. Anything over the counter that does not contain any of the following substances, are safe to use.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What can I use for Hemorrhoids?

Sit in soothing tub of warm (NOT hot) water. Use over-the-counter (OTC) medicated wipes like Tucks. Avoid constipation (see below).
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What if I have bleeding?
Some bleeding/spotting may occur after an internal exam and intercourse. This does commonly occur in 1^st trimester.
Call the Provider Immediately
- Bleeding is spotting with mild cramping
- Bleeding is heavy (using a pad every 2 hours)
- 2^nd & 3^rd trimester cramping or bleeding
- Cramping is equal or worse than menstrual cramps
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What if I have vomiting?
Common in 1st trimester.
Call the office
- Unable to keep down liquids and solids for more than a 24 hour period
- Weight loss of more than 3-5 pounds
Call the Provider Immediately
- Signs of dehydration occur (e.g. dry mouth, fatigue/lethargy, poor skin turgor)
- Abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting
CLICK HERE for additional information.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

CLICK HERE for more information.
What is early pregnancy loss?

CLICK HERE for more information.
What is gestational diabetes?

CLICK HERE for more information.
What is group B streptococcus (GBS)?

CLICK HERE for more information.
What is influenza (the flu)?

CLICK HERE for more information.
What is postpartum sterilization?

CLICK HERE for more information.
What is recurrent pregnancy loss?

CLICK HERE for more information.
What is safe to take for heartburn while I am pregnant?

Avoid spicy foods and large meals. Avoid reclining after meals. Try over-the-counter (OTC) Tums or Pepcid AC.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What is the Cell-Free DNA Prenatal Screening Test?

Screening tests are used to estimate whether your fetus is at higher risk or lower risk of having a certain condition. CLICK HERE for additional information.
What is the recommendation for weight gain?

Underweight women with a low weight gain during pregnancy appear to have an increased risk of having a low-birth weight infant and preterm birth. There is an increased risk of ‘small for gestational age’ births in women who gain less than the recommended weight, based on pre-pregnancy weight.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What should I do if I am constipated?

Increase fresh fruits and juices, bran and water (6-8 glasses above normal intake). Over-the-counter stool softener (if not in prenatal vitamin). 4 oz. prune juice at night until normal. Can add fiber like Metamucil.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What should I do if I have cracked or bleeding nipples?

Click here to learn more.
What should I do if I have diarrhea?

If accompanied by vomiting and/or fever, stick to a clear diet like chicken or beef broth, jello, 7-Up, ginger ale, or Gatorade for 24 hours. Then can add bananas, plain toast or crackers, rice or plain applesauce. If not back to normal in 48 hours, call the office.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What should I do if I have groin pain?

Round ligament pain is sharp, sudden pain in the groin area caused by the uterus growing to accommodate the baby. Move carefully and avoid sudden movements. Turn over carefully when you are in bed or getting up. Get off of your feet.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What should I do if I have leg cramps?

Wear support pantyhose and low-heeled shoes. Elevating feet and warm (NOT hot) baths may help. Increase milk intake.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
What should I do if my baby has thrush or I have thrush on my nipples?

Click here to learn more.
What vulvovaginal changes can occur during pregnancy?

CLICK HERE for more information.
Who should get vaccinated against the flu?

CLICK HERE for more information.
Why am I so tired? What is the best sleep position?

It’s normal to feel tired. You may also notice you need more sleep than usual. Try to get at least 8-10 hours per night. Listen to your body.
After 20 weeks try to sleep on your side to allow for maximum bloody flow to your baby. Lying on your back can cause your blood pressure to drop. You may also find it helpful to put a pillow behind your back and between your knees to improve comfort. As your pregnancy progresses, use more pillows and frequent position changes to stay comfortable.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy
Why is drinking alcohol dangerous for my fetus?

There is no safe amount of alcohol so we recommend avoiding all alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol can cause birth defects, mental retardation and abnormal brain development.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Why is hysteroscopy done?

CLICK HERE for more information.
Why is smoking dangerous during pregnancy?
If you smoke cigarettes, marijuana or e-cigarettes, so does your baby. This is a very important fact of pregnancy. Here are some known complications from smoking during pregnancy.
- Low birth weight baby
- Placental abruption
- Preterm premature rupture of membranes
- Stillbirth
CLICK HERE for more information.
Download Your Guide to Pregnancy

“

Extremely friendly and quick! I love the doctor that I see and the ladies at the front are always so welcoming. The design of the building is also bright and cheerful. Very impressed!

Joni

“

Extremely friendly and quick! I love the doctor that I see and the ladies at the front are always so welcoming. The design of the building is also bright and cheerful. Very impressed!

Joni

“

We struggled for years to get pregnant. It wasn't until we went to the group that we learned what was going on and had a plan. A year ago, we found out we were pregnant. We had a beautiful baby boy just four months ago! From day one and through delivery and complications, everyone at The Group was by our side cheering and providing amazing care. Thank you for helping us bring our perfect and healthy baby boy into this world. We are forever grateful to this amazing office and staff.

Ally

“

I've never had a negative experience at The Group! From annual exams, infertility treatment, the birth of our son, and then treating complications after birth, the providers were amazing. Not once did we feel like a number. I commute over 2 hours to stay with The Group because I've yet to find any other provider that comes close.

Ally

“

I have been going to the Group for over 36 years and wouldn’t change a thing! I think Jo is the greatest. She makes me feel so comfortable and takes the time to talk about anything that I may need to discuss!!

DeDe

“

I saw Dr. Jennifer Steines and was very happy with her. She explained my condition and options very well. She gave me a sheet of written instructions and where to purchase necessary items. Her nurse was equally good and was professional but personable. I really appreciate their care for me I give them high recommendations.

Documents

Online Obstetrics Resources

Can depression affect pregnancy?

Can I go to the salon for treatments?

Can I have dental work while I am pregnant?

Can I have sex?

Can I see a chiropractor when I am pregnant?

Can I travel?

How can I tell if my partner is abusive?

How can my drug use affect my fetus?

How do I know if I have a breast infection/Mastitis?

How does excess weight affect pregnancy?

How does multiple pregnancy occur?

I am experiencing swelling. What should I do?

Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?

What are foods I should avoid during pregnancy?

What are safe medications to take during pregnancy?

What are symptoms of labor?

What are the symptoms of depression?

What can I do if I have a backache?

What can I take for a headache while I am pregnant?

What can I take if I have a cold and sinus congestion?

What can I take if I have a cough and/or sore throat?

What can I take if I have a fever or pain?

What can I take if I have allergies?

What can I use for facial care?

What can I use for Hemorrhoids?

What if I have bleeding?

What if I have vomiting?

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

What is early pregnancy loss?

What is gestational diabetes?

What is group B streptococcus (GBS)?

What is influenza (the flu)?

What is postpartum sterilization?

What is recurrent pregnancy loss?

What is safe to take for heartburn while I am pregnant?

What is the Cell-Free DNA Prenatal Screening Test?

What is the recommendation for weight gain?

What should I do if I am constipated?

What should I do if I have cracked or bleeding nipples?

What should I do if I have diarrhea?

What should I do if I have groin pain?

What should I do if I have leg cramps?

What should I do if my baby has thrush or I have thrush on my nipples?

What vulvovaginal changes can occur during pregnancy?

Who should get vaccinated against the flu?

Why am I so tired? What is the best sleep position?

Why is drinking alcohol dangerous for my fetus?

Why is hysteroscopy done?

Why is smoking dangerous during pregnancy?

Joni

Joni

Ally

Ally

DeDe

Dawn

What people are saying.