Frequently Asked Questions

Return to general FAQ page

• I am pregnant - when should I have my first visit?  Unless you are having complications, your first OB visit should be between 8-10 weeks of pregnancy.  Gestational weeks are counted beginning with the first day of your last menstrual period.  We typically schedule your first obstetrical visit during 10-12 weeks of gestation, however if you are unsure of your last menstrual period or have had any prior history of miscarriage, we would like to see you for a "confirmation of pregnancy" visit.  Please call our office to schedule this appointment during the time that you think you will be 8-10 weeks pregnant.
• How long will the first visit take?  You can anticipate the OB work-up visit will last about 2 to 2^1/2 hours.  It will entail meeting with the OB coordinator nurse who will explain our practice, complete several forms, and answer any questions you might have; an examination by the doctor or midwife and lab work.  You will only have an ultrasound on the first visit if you are scheduled for a "confirmation of pregnancy" visit or if you have had a previous miscarriage.
• What dietary recommendations do you give your patients? Click here to see information about foods to avoid during pregnancy.  Click here for a listing of recommendations to help with nausea.
• Where does your practice deliver?  We are affiliated with Northside Hospital only.  
• Can I come to ObGyn of Atlanta if I plan to home-birth?  Our practice does not support home births because of the risks associated with them.  We cannot assume the care for you through your prenatal course.
• When should I start taking folic acid if I'm considering getting pregnant and can I take over-the-counter prenatal vitamins?  You should begin folic acid supplementation as soon as you decide you may attempt pregnancy.  For more information about folic acid, click here.  You can take over-the-counter prenatal vitamins as long as they contain at least 400 mcg or .4 mg of folic acid.  Women at increased risk, that is with a family history of Spina Bifida, should take 4 mg (or 4000 mcg) of folic acid.
• What do you suggest if my prenatal vitamin makes me nauseous?  Many patients have found that Flintstone’s Vitamins are tolerable.   Taking two Flintstone's Vitamins will suffice as a supplement.
• How often will I come in and what tests will I have done during my pregnancy?  Click here to view the normal pregnancy schedule listing tests that should be performed.  We are a full-service obstetrical office providing all the prenatal testing you will need for a typical pregnancy.  Click here for more information about our obstetric services in general.  If you have a special problem we will refer to you the perinatologists, with whom we will work closely to manage your pregnancy.
• How does the practice handle disability during and after pregnancy?  Click here to learn more about our disability guidelines.
• Can I have an epidural if I choose to deliver with the midwives? Yes.  The anesthesiologist will administer your epidural while the midwife continues to manage your labor and delivery.
• May I travel long distances while I am pregnant?  Yes, but only until you reach 34 weeks of pregnancy for international travel or 36 weeks for domestic travel. After 36 weeks you should go no farther than one hour away from the hospital without your doctor’s permission.  You should stop every one to two hours and walk for about 10 minutes to increase circulation and prevent leg and feet swelling. 
• May I travel by airplane?  Yes, with authorization by your physician or midwife.  Some airlines require a written letter from the physician authorizing travel by air.  Remember if you go out of town, take a copy of your prenatal records with you.
• May I go swimming?  Yes, provided you have not experienced a rupture of your membranes (water breaking)
• May I go to the dentist while I’m pregnant?  Yes, and we encourage you to do so.  Your dentist should use only local anesthesia and must cover the abdominal area during all X-rays.  No nitrous oxide may be used.
• May I get a hair permanent?  Yes. Remember, because of the changes in your body related to pregnancy, the permanent may not take.
• May I have my hair colored/dyed?  Yes.
• May I use a salt substitute?  No, because it contains potassium salts that could cause problems.
• Are diet drinks okay?  Yes, after the first trimester (13 weeks), but try not to drink more than one a day.  If given a choice, use products with Nutrisweet, also known as Aspartame.
• May I drink coffee, tea or drinks with caffeine?  In moderation (No more than the equivalent of two cups of coffee per 24-hour period).
• When will I feel the baby move for the first time?  You may feel the baby move around 18 to 22 weeks.  If this is not your first pregnancy, you may feel movement earlier.
• May I have intercourse throughout pregnancy?  Yes.  There are no restrictions as long as there are no complications (i.e. vaginal bleeding or premature labor).  If in doubt, consult your physician or midwife.  Intercourse is not allowed once your water has broken.
• May I exercise during my pregnancy?  Yes, but only in moderation as directed by your doctor or midwife.  Low impact or prenatal aerobic exercise classes, as well as walking and swimming are recommended.  Remember, do not lie flat on your back during any exercise. 
• May I sit in a Jacuzzi or hot tub?  No, because your body temperature could become too high.  This could be harmful to both you and your baby. 
• Is alcohol safe?  Since no safe level of alcohol consumption has been documented at any point, our general recommendation is to avoid all alcohol intake throughout the entire pregnancy.  If you have any further questions, please consult your physician or midwife. 
• I've been placed on bedrest - what can and can't I do ?  Please click here to see our guidelines for bedrest.

Return to top of page