Dos and Don'ts

When you are pregnant you are particularly susceptible to advice givers. As soon as your pregnancy becomes evident, well-meaning relatives, friends, and total strangers feel compelled to tell you what you should and should not do. Remember, as questions arise, please feel free to contact the professional staff at the office. We are here to answer your questions and help you have a healthy pregnancy. Here are some things to avoid in pregnancy:

• Do not smoke cigarettes or marijuana. Studies have shown the detrimental effects that smoking has on the unborn as well as on the young child living in an environment where one or both parents smoke. Therefore, it is the advice of the professional staff that you stop smoking during pregnancy, and for your health and the health of your children, that you do not resume smoking after delivery.
• Do not douche.
• Do not take over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs without checking with the office first. The exceptions are: Tylenol®, Metamucil® and some antacids such as Tums® and Mylanta®.
• Do not sit in hot tubs, jacuzzis, or whirlpools with water exceeding 100ºF. Also, do not sit in saunas. Do not sunbathe in hot weather. The reason for this precaution is the need to keep your core body temperature normal. Any of the preceding activities have the potential to heat your body to levels that are not safe for your baby. Avoid tanning booths as well.

Prenatal Instructions: Lansing OB/GYN Associates Office Procedures Physical Changes During Pregnancy "Anytime Sickness" Constipation When to Call the Office Emotional Changes Dos and Don'ts Sexual Intercourse Dental Hygiene Travel Toxoplasmosis Childbirth Education Herpes Virus Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Birth Exercise Preterm Labor Choice of Infant Feeding Relax Prenatal Instructions Brochure (PDF printable brochure)

• Do not use toxic substances: varnish, paint remover, pesticides, etc.
• Do not eat fish caught in Michigan. Because of high levels of toxic chemicals found in Michigan fish, the Department of Public Health has issued carefully constructed guidelines regarding consumption of fish found in many Michigan lakes and specific types of sports fish. To avoid the risk of ANY exposure, we recommend that you not eat Michigan fish during your pregnancy or while nursing your baby. Ocean fish such as shark, swordfish and king mackerel should also be avoided.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not consume excessive amounts of caffeine. Moderate caffeine intake has been defined as three servings or 250 mg. per day. An 8 oz. serving of coffee has 100 mg. of caffeine; a 12 oz. can of cola has 50 mg. of caffeine; tea has 40 mg. in an 8-oz. serving.
• Do drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.
• As a sugar substitute, NutraSweet® may be used in moderation during pregnancy. Moderation is defined as no more than two servings daily.

While this list does not include everything, it does provide guidelines to help you make some reasonable choices as you carry out the normal activities of daily living.

Note: This information applies only to Lansing OB/GYN Associates.