Pregnancy FAQs

Which hospital is Manhattan Womenโ€™s Health affiliated?

  • We are affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  In the second trimester, you will receive a registration form for the hospital.

What can I expect for frequency of visits with my doctor?

  • Physician appointment may vary from patient to patient, depending on certain risk factors. Generally, you will have monthly visits until 28 weeks, then visits are every two weeks up to 36 weeks; and then visits are weekly until delivery. We always try to follow our office schedule, but please understand that if a baby needs to be delivered or an emergency arises, you may have to wait, or your appointment may need to be rescheduled. Please accept our apologies.

When will I start to feel the baby move?

  • Feeling fetal movements begin between 20-24 weeks. Movement is a signal of fetal well-being and should be felt daily. Please call if you note decreased fetal movement. Feel for kick counts once a day starting at 28 weeks. It should be at the most active time of day. It should take less than 30 minutes to get 10 movements.

What is the recommendation regarding travel during pregnancy?

  • The ideal time for travel is the second trimester. We do not recommend air travel beyond 30 weeks. Please consults us if you plan a trip. It is preferred that you have an exam prior to any extended travel. During your trip, make sure to maintain your circulation by standing and walking at regular intervals every 2 hours. If you are flying, consider an aisle seat. Consider using compression stockings to decrease leg swelling.  Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are advising our unvaccinated patients to avoid all travel at this time.

Is it safe to wear a seatbelt during pregnancy?

  • Safety belts will not hurt your baby. Always wear both the lap and shoulder belt. Buckle the lap belt below your belly. Place the shoulder belt across the center of your chest.

Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

  • It is fine to have sexual relations during pregnancy in most cases. Some couples’ feelings about sex change during pregnancy, but many couples continue in their already established patterns. Stop having intercourse if advised by your doctor or if you experience vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid and call the office immediately.

Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?

  • Continue your usual active lifestyle, but do not become overtired or overheated. During exercise, avoid becoming too breathless. A good guide is that you should be able to easily converse during exercise. Keep in mind: your center of gravity and balance will be affected by your pregnancy. Reduce your workout level in late pregnancy. Avoid horseback riding, water skiing, scuba diving, skiing and high impact aerobics. Also, avoid Jacuzzis, hot tubs, saunas, Bikram yoga, and other activities that will make you overheated. Be sure to drink enough fluids. Get up slowly after lying or sitting. This will prevent feeling dizzy or fainting.

How much rest should I need during pregnancy?

  • Try to get a least 8 hours of sleep a night. You will probably feel much more tired than usual and welcome occasional naps as well. In the first trimester, it is more common to require more sleep.

What is the concern regarding exposure to cats during pregnancy?

  • Exposure to cat litter should be avoided. Toxoplasma, an organism which may be harmful to your developing baby, is spread in cat feces. Therefore, do not change the cat litter.

Is it safe to have dental work during pregnancy?

  • Dental work is allowed during pregnancy, but best postponed to the second trimester.

What should I do if I need an X-ray during pregnancy?

  • Be sure to tell any physician or dentist who prescribes an x-ray that you are pregnant. Please call when possible.

Can I eat fish while I am pregnant?

  • Fish have nutrients that are good for pregnant women.  We do advise avoiding eating large fish (swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tile fish) see FDA guide for eating fish in pregnancy.

Which medications are safe during pregnancy?

  • Please call before taking over the counter medications during your pregnancy. Tylenol may be used as needed. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen. See below for recommendations for relief of cold symptoms.
      • Drink plenty of fluids
      • Eat well-balanced meals
      • Be sure your diet includes plenty of vitamin c rich foods.
      • Rest
      • Use a humidifier
      • for a stuffy nose, use saline nose drops or Breath Right strips.
      • Tylenol for aches and fevers
      • Avoid over the counter medications with “D” (For example: Claritin-D)

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Monday - Thursday: 9am - 7pm
Friday: 9am - 5pm
Weekends: Closed

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