Physicians for Women > Patient Education > FAQ - Obstetrics

Yes, Splenda is made from all-natural ingredients and is safe during pregnancy. However, you should avoid aspartame. Which is found in Sweet and Low.

If you have been active, you may continue. Exercise at a pace where you can talk comfortably. If you haven't been active, now is not the time to begin an exercise regime; however, walking would be fine.

Drink a lot of fluids, eat well and rest. A vaporizer may help. Tylenol, Sudafed, Dimetapp and plain Robitussin are permitted after the first trimester. Do not take anything with ibuprophen in it, such as Advil.

Although it isn't encouraged, you can if an acrylic paint is being used and you make sure the house is well ventilated.

You may try Rolaids, Riopan, Maalox or Tums. You can also try Pepcid AC or Zantac. Sometimes, a glass of milk may help. Too. But, make sure you pay attention to which foods are aggravating it, and alter your diet to avoid them.

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, yes. For traveling by car, plan to stop every 2 hours to get out to walk. After 34 weeks, check with your physician. And, always make sure your insurance information is up-to-date and you have contact information for your physician.

Purchase Anusol HC at the pharmacy and follow directions on the box, or use a stool softener such as Metamucil, Citrucel or Senokot.

Headaches are not uncommon during the first 17 weeks. If needed, Regular or Extra Strength Tylenol may be used according to package directions.

Local anesthesia is fine. Be certain your abdomen is shielded if it is absolutely necessary to have dental x-rays.

Using a tanning booth is not recommended in general. Because your body is going through a lot of changes right now, it would not be uncommon for you to burn more than tan. So, if you must tan or be in the sun, make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen.

Hot tub use is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. You should avoid anything that would raise your core body temperature, such as hot tubs saunas or steam rooms.

Severe headaches, contractions, bleeding, cramping or any loss of fluid from the vagina, decreased movement of your baby, fever over 100.4 degrees or any other feelings you feel is abnormal.

For constipation, increase your water intake and try adding high-fiber foods to your diet, such as:

• bran, whole grains, cereals
• fruit (fresh or dried)
• raw vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, celery, etc.)
• cooked vegetables (cauliflower, potatoes, ruhbarb, string beans, corn, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, etc.)

You may also try Metamucil, Citrucel or Fibercon.

To PREVENT morning sickness, try the following suggestions until you find one that works:

• Eat a piece of bread or a few crackers before you get out of bed in the morning or when you feel nauseated.
• Get out of bed slowly, and avoid sudden movements.
• Have some yogurt, cottage cheese, juice or milk before you go to bed or before you get up. Or, try one of these if you have to get up during the night.
• Eat several small meals during the day so your stomach doesn't remain empty for very long.
• Eat high protein foods - eggs, cheese, nuts, meat, etc. - as well as fruits and fruit juices.
• Drink soups and other liquids between meals instead of with meals.
• Avoid greasy or fried foods. They are hard to digest.
• Avoid spicy, heavily seasoned foods.

To REMEDY morning sickness, try these suggestions:

• Sip soda water (carbonated water) when you begin to feel nauseated.
• Take deep breaths.
• Drink spearmint, raspberry leaf or peppermint tea.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine HCL) 200 mg. in the morning or evening may help.
• Emetrol can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy and is safe to use.
• Many people have "trigger" foods, which, if identified, should be avoided.