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Answers to commonly asked questions about caring for yourself and your developing baby.
Why Exercise?
Prevention or reduction of most pregnancy-related symptoms including back pain, ankle swelling, fatigue, varicose veins, constipation, and bloating.
Enhanced psychological well-being; more energy and improved mood.
Reduced cardiovascular stress on your body.
Reduced incidence of pre-eclampsia.
Prevention of excess weight gain.
Maintenance of fitness.
Improved sleep patterns.
Easier labor and delivery.
Faster recovery after delivery
What Exercises are Safe During Pregnancy?
Walking
Swimming
Riding a bicycle
If you were a runner prior to pregnancy, you most likely can continue running during your pregnancy, but may have to change the briskness of your routine as your pregnancy advances.
How Often Should You Exercise?
Unless advised by your medical provider, most women should exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week.
Types of Exercises to Avoid
Activities where there is a high risk of falling [gymnastics, skiing, horseback riding]
Contact sports [hockey, basketball, soccer]
Scuba diving
After 13 weeks of pregnancy [1st trimester] avoid any exercises on your back.
Exercise Safety
Before starting an exercise program, speak with your pregnancy care provider.
Monitor exercise intensity. Keep your heart rate less than 150 beats per minute.
Dress for the weather and stay cool while exercising.
Drink plenty of water! This will prevent you from overheating and dehydrating.
Have energy for exercising by eating a light, low-fat high protein snack at least one hour before exercising.
Warning Signs
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop exercising immediately and consult your pregnancy care provider
Dizziness or fainting
Shortness of breath
Irregular or rapid heart beat
Chest pain
Difficulty walking or muscle weakness
Decreased fetal movement
Vaginal bleeding
Uterine contractions
Leaking of vaginal fluid
Calf pain or swelling
Headache
During pregnancy, a pregnant woman must be careful about anything she eats, drinks, smokes, inhales, and swallows. Please inform your medical provider of all medications [prescribed, over the counter, vitamins, & herbal supplements] that you are taking. Your provider will determine which are safe for you to take during pregnancy.
Avoid all tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, street drugs [example: cocaine, crack, heroin, LSD, meth], and unprescribed pain medications during pregnancy. All of these substances pass through the mother to the unborn baby and may cause harmful effects on the health of the pregnancy and for the health of the baby. Please be honest with your medical provider if you are having problems with substance use/abuse. Your prenatal provider will review the options that will help keep you and your baby safe.
Always inform any medical provider you see during pregnancy of your pregnancy. Some medications are not considered safe during pregnancy. Your provider will determine what is safe for you to take during pregnancy.
AVOID all medications that contain Ibuprofen [such as Aleve, Motrin, and Advil] and Aspirin unless your provider specifically recommends the medication. These medications may cause bleeding problems for mother and baby.
If you are taking prescription medications for health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or mental health conditions [depression, anxiety], you should immediately contact the medical provider prescribing these medications and inform them of your pregnancy. The medical provider will determine if these medications are safe during pregnancy. DO NOT STOP your medications until you talk with your provider.
Flu vaccine is highly recommended during pregnancy for the pregnant mother & her immediate family members. During pregnancy, the inactivated influenza is recommended for the mother. Talk with your provider about the most appropriate time to receive the vaccine.
Most common antibiotics may be prescribed in pregnancy for specific indications [example urinary tract infections, upper respiratory or sinus infections].
It is best to avoid ALL medications in the first trimester [1st 13 weeks of pregnancy], but it is safe to use the following medications at any time during the pregnancy if absolutely necessary, especially after 13 weeks of pregnancy.
Many couples wonder if sex is safe in pregnancy and if intercourse will harm the baby. In most pregnancies, sex is considered safe and healthy. However, you should avoid intercourse or any sexual activity that results in orgasm if you are experiencing:
Vaginal spotting or bleeding
Uterine contractions
Ruptured membranes
Placenta previa
Or if you have been advised by your doctor
Note: You may notice light vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse. Please call you medical provider if bleeding continues for longer than 30 minutes.
The woman’s comfort should be the most important guide during sex. As pregnancy advances, you and your partner may wish to have sex in positions that do not put pressure on the growing abdomen, such as the mother on top or by lying side by side. If you have any questions about having sex during pregnancy, talk with your medical provider.
The changes of pregnancy can affect sexuality and levels of sexual desire for both the woman and her partner. It is normal for a woman’s sex drive to change with the stages of pregnancy as the body image changes and discomforts come and go. Sexual feelings may also change as the pregnancy progresses. Discussing your needs and emotions with your partner will help you enjoy a happy and satisfying sexual relationship during pregnancy.
A pregnant woman should be aware that sexually transmitted infections such as Herpes, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, HPV, Syphilis, and HIV, can pass from a mother to her newborn. If you think you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, please inform your medical provider. You can protect yourself and your baby from exposure to sexually transmitted infections by using condoms and limiting sexual partners.
In general, pregnancy is considered a state of health. These days, more mothers-to be are working right up until a few days, or even a few hours, before they go into labor. The fact that fewer than 40 percent of working women in the United States get paid pregnancy leave may have something to do with this trend. In fact, the U.S. is one of only a handful of developed countries that doesn’t guarantee paid pregnancy leave to working women. That’s the bad news. The good news is that most women, depending on a few key factors, can actually work through their pregnancies without jeopardizing their--or their baby’s – health.
Can I work while I'm pregnant?
Probably, but that depends on many factors you should discuss in detail with your physician and perhaps your employer. If you’re free from any medical conditions and experiencing a normal, low-risk pregnancy (and if your job isn’t hazardous, strenuous, or overly stressful), you can most likely continue to go to work through your pregnancy.
Is it okay to work right up until I go into labor?
If your pregnancy is going along smoothly and your job isn’t causing any problems for you or the baby, chances are you can work right up until your baby arrives if that’s what you want to do. Keep in mind, however, that you will likely experience more fatigue and back pain toward the end of your pregnancy, so try to go easy on yourself. If you can afford to take a little time off before your due date, you may just want to take advantage of what will be your last “alone time” for quite a while.
Are there any reasons why I might need to stop working or cut back on my hours?
If your job is hazardous, excessively strenuous, or potentially harmful to the fetus’s health, your physician may recommend that you limit your working hours, ask for a different assignment at work, or stop working altogether.
If you have a health problem such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure, or if you’ve had problems with past pregnancies, your physician may want to restrict what you do both on and off the job. Be sure to discuss all of your health issues with your physician and ask specifically how they may affect your ability to do your job during your pregnancy.
Similarly, if your developing baby has a condition that could be adversely affected by the strain or stress of working, your physician may recommend that you make changes. Women who are carrying twins or other multiples may also have to stop working earlier than planned.
What kinds of jobs might be considered unsafe for a pregnant woman?
Any job that exposes you to substances proven harmful to a fetus—including pesticides, some cleaning solvents, lead, and certain chemicals- can be extremely dangerous. Industries that are considered potentially risky for pregnant women including farming, health care, some factory work, dry cleaners, printing, some crafts businesses (such as painting and pottery glazing), highway or tollbooth jobs (where workers breathe in high levels of lead and carbon monoxide from car exhaust), and the electronics industry. Health-care workers may be exposed to other substances harmful to a developing baby, such as chemotherapy drugs, x-rays, organic mercury and other chemicals, as well as many viruses and bacteria.
Teachers and childcare providers who are constantly exposed to many viruses and bacteria should practice good hand hygiene. People in those professions can decrease their germ exposure through frequent hand washing.
Federal law requires your employer to inform you about any toxic agents you may be exposed to on the premises and to protect the health and safety or pregnant woman.
Should I continue working if my job is very physically demanding?
This is another issue you should discuss at length with your physician. While moderate exercise is good for you and your baby, too much hard work can definitely be harmful. If your job requires heavy lifting – generally defined as more than 20 pounds on a regular basis – climbing, or prolonged standing or walking, your physician may suggest that you work fewer hours or stop performing certain tasks. Remember that the extra weight and your growing belly can affect your balance and may cause falls. In the earlier stages of your pregnancy, nausea, and dizziness can also increase your chances of injury, especially if your job is very physical.
Be sure to ask your physician for advice. According to a report by the American Medical Association, “physical activities at work, such as prolonged standing, bending, or shift work, pose the greatest hazard when present in combination and in circumstances where women have limited opportunity for rest.”
How can I keep comfortable and safeguard my and my baby's health on the job?
Even if your job is easy and hazard-free, you’re still going to experience some discomfort and fatigue while working during your pregnancy. The American Medical Association recommends that employers accommodate a woman’s increased physical requirements during pregnancy by allowing her to take breaks every few hours.
There are also steps you can take to stay as comfortable as possible. For example to prevent back pain, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that you wear low-heeled shoes with good support and make sure you have a chair with good back support. (You can also tuck small pillow behind your lower back.) Try wearing support stockings, which will prevent swelling in your legs and may decrease the odds of getting varicose veins.
If you have to sit for long periods of time, propping up your feet on a footrest – even a wastebasket or telephone book will help your circulation. You should try to avoid crossing your legs because it impedes circulation and may promise varicose veins. Also keep in mind that pregnant women are more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome, so if you use a keyboard a lot, adjust the height of your chair so that your forearms are level with the keyboard. And remember to give your hands and wrists a rest by talking regular breaks.
In addition, pregnant women should never skip meals and should drink plenty of water. Keep a full glass at your desk at all times to remind you to drink enough, and use bathroom breaks to take a short walk or do some stretches. (Varying your position is a great way to combat fatigue, too!)
If your job requires you to stand for long periods of time, try resting one foot on a stool or box. Sit down often on your breaks. If that’s not possible, or if your feet and legs swell anyway, support stockings will help.
By taking a few precautions and listening to your body, you can ensure a healthy and productive nine months on the job.
What if I want to stop working while I am pregnant? If you choose to stop working during your pregnancy, that is certainly your choice. Please understand that your physician cannot “take you out of work” unless there is a medical reason. Unless there is a medical diagnosis made that prohibits you from working, you will not be able to obtain disability benefits through your employer. Common discomforts of pregnancy are not generally considered medical indications to take a woman out of work. It is illegal for a physician to make a diagnosis simply at the woman’s request to be able to stop working.
How do I get my FMLA/Disability forms completed?
FMLA forms and Disability Forms are two different types of forms. FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) is designed so that your employer will hold your job for you while you are out of work on approved medical leave. Disability will pay you a certain percentage of your normal income while you are out of work on medical leave.
Our policy states that forms will be completed within 5-7 business days, so please ensure that you give us the required forms as soon as possible. The first form for a patient will be completed free of charge. Each additional form incurs a $25 fee. The first form for a spouse is also filled out free of charge. Any additional forms for a spouse will also incur the $25 fee.
Please be aware that any intermittent leave forms are completed only after it is authorized by our physician.
After delivery, our policy is to approve 6 weeks postpartum leave for a vaginal delivery and 8 weeks of postpartum leave for a C-section delivery, regardless of what your employer allows. If you elect to remain out of work longer than 6 weeks, then you will have to arrange the additional leave with your employer before you deliver. Any additional postpartum leave will only be approved by your physician if you are experiencing a complication that requires close monitoring.
For more information, visit PregnantAtWork.org.
Travel during a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy has no harmful effects on your baby. Travel in properly pressurized aircraft offers no unusual risk and pregnant women can generally fly up to 34 weeks of the pregnancy.
It is recommended that pregnant women observe the same precautions for air travel as the general population, including periodic movement of the lower extremities, ambulation or walking hourly, and use of seatbelts while seated.
The seatbelt should be worn during the pregnancy. The leading cause of fetal death during automobile accidents is the death of the mother. The lap belt portion of the restraining belt should be placed under the growing abdomen and across the upper thighs. The belt should be snug as comfortably possible. Based on limited information, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist concluded that is does not appear reasonable to recommend disabling airbags during pregnancy.
Learn More:
Zika Virus:
Be aware of urgent maternal warning signs and symptoms during pregnancy and in the year after delivery. Seek medical care immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms that are listed in the resource linked below. These symptoms can be a sign of a life-threatening condition.
Flu vaccine: As pregnant women can get very sick from the flu, it is advised to have a flu vaccine [Inactivated form] during pregnancy. Talk with your medical provider about the best time to receive flu vaccine in pregnancy. A pregnant woman should NEVER receive the live influenza vaccine. All household members should also receive the flu vaccine to decrease the risk of exposure for the pregnant woman. For more information, visit: www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-flu-vaccine-and-pregnancy
Abrysvo (RSV) vaccine: Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that spreads in the fall and winter and is very dangerous to babies and young children. You will be offered this vaccine during your pregnancy if appropriate. It is recommended that all pregnant women who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant from September to January receive this vaccine. When a pregnant mom receives the vaccine, her body creates antibodies that pass to her baby before birth and during breastfeeding. This means that the baby will have some antibodies to protect them from RSV for the first 6 months after birth. If you do not receive the vaccine during pregnancy, there is the option for your baby to receive an antibody injection called Nirsevimab, after birth. For more information, visit: www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-rsv-vaccine-and-pregnancy
Tdap vaccine [Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis]: Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap with each pregnancy to protect the newborn from Pertussis [whooping cough]. The ideal time to receive the vaccine is between 27 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccine will be discussed with you at your 26-28 week visit. If you do not have the vaccine during pregnancy, you will receive it after delivery while you are in the hospital. All other household members should also receive the Tdap prior to the baby’s arrival to decrease the risk of exposure for the newborn. For more information, visit: www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-tdap-vaccine-and-pregnancy
COVID vaccine: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and help to protect against serious illness. During pregnancy, you have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 than people who aren’t pregnant. When you get vaccinated, the antibodies made by mom may be passed to her baby to help protect the baby after birth. We recommend the COVID vaccination for all patients, including those who want to be pregnant, are pregnant, and women who are currently breastfeeding. We do not offer the vaccine in our office, but we can provide with a statement of support if it is needed for your to receive the vaccine during your pregnancy at another location. For more information, visit: www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/covid-19-vaccines-answers-from-ob-gyns
Other vaccines/immunizations: Before receiving any vaccinations or immunizations during your pregnancy, you should always consult with your Obstetrical provider as to the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy. Measles and chicken pox vaccinations should not be given during pregnancy.
Hot tubs and saunas: Pregnant women should avoid hot tubs, saunas, and very hot tub baths. The water temperature should be less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Limit your time to 10 minutes for tub baths. High temperatures can cause raise the mother’s blood pressure causing harm to the developing baby.
Dental care: It is safe and recommended for a pregnant woman to maintain good health during pregnancy. Our office can provide a dental care statement as guidance for your dentist in providing dental care during your pregnancy. When having dental x-rays, your abdomen should always be shielded.
Hair coloring and permanents: Hair treatments are acceptable during pregnancy, but they may not take as well as when non-pregnant. It is recommended that you wait until after the first 13 weeks of pregnancy before having hair treatments.
Exposures to infections: Pregnant women should avoid contact with cat litter or nesting material, urine, or droppings of rodents [household pests and pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs]. These animals can carry viruses in their urine and feces that can be very harmful to the developing baby.
Exposure to toxic substances: Toxic substances such as chemicals, cleaning solvents, lead, mercury, some insecticide, and paints [including paint fumes] can be harmful during pregnancy. A pregnant woman should avoid exposure to these substances. If you are concerned about exposure to substances in your workplace, contact your Safety Officer regarding the safety of these substances during pregnancy.
Exposure to x-rays & diagnostic tests: Always tell your medical provider that you are pregnant so that the appropriate safety precautions may be used. If you work in a field where you may be exposed to x-rays, please talk to your Employee Health or Safety Officer regarding specific precautions you should observe in your workplace. Unshielded x-ray exposure may affect your baby’s growth or cause birth defects.
Recommended Websites
The Internet offers unlimited access to worlds of information. However, information gathered through internet resources should be used with caution as not all information sites have accurate and/or reliable medical information. We encourage our patients to feel free to ask medical providers questions regarding their care. Reliable sources include:
marchofdimes.org [Spanish - nacersano.marchofdimes.org] - Health of moms and babies
Parenting: www.healthychildren.org
Sleep Safety for Infants: www.safesleepnc.org
PREGNANCY FAQs
Planning for Labor & Delivery
Pain management during labor, cord blood banking, choosing a pediatrician, infant feeding, birth control after delivery