Everypatientshouldknow

DODE N. WASHINGTON, M.D., FACOG
KAREN RUSHFORD, CNM, MSN, MA
LINDA L. HARPER, APRN
LINDA M. CRAWFORD, ADMINISTRATOR
What Every OB Patient Needs to Know!
Over the counter medications that are safe during pregnancy:
Headache/Pain/Fever
Diarrhea
• Tylenol (regular or extra strength)
• Kaopectate or Imodium AD
Cold/Congestion
Minor Rashes
• Sudafed or Actifed
• Calamine lotion, Benadryl, or Hydrocortisone
• Tylenol Cold
• Saline nose drops
• Vicks Vapor rub
Constipation
• Stood softener- Colace or Surfak
• Bulk producing laxative-Metamucil or Fiberall
• Robitussin (plain or DM)
• Other- Milk of Magnesia
Heartburn
Hemorrhoids
• Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, or Maalox
• Anal Suppositories
• Preparation H
Nausea/Vomiting
• Tucks
• Dramamine, Emetrol
• Vitamin B6 25mg 3 times per day
Warning Signs in Pregnancy
Please call the office immediately if you experience any of the following:
• Bright red vaginal bleeding
• Severe headaches or dizziness
• Leaking of amniotic fluid, sudden gush or a slow leak
• Swelling of the face or body
• Sharp abdominal pain or side, which does not go away
• Chills and Fever
• Dim or blurred vision, flashing bright lights or spots
• Pain when urinating
If you experience a watery or bloody vaginal discharge,
call the OFFICE @ 843-349-0100 during office hours.
If after hours go to Conway Medical Center for medical attention.
620 SINGLETON RIDGE ROAD
CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA 29526
OFFICE: 843.349.0100
FAX: 843.349.0104
WWW.COASTALCAROLINAOBGYN.COM
DODE N. WASHINGTON, M.D., FACOG
KAREN RUSHFORD, CNM, MSN, MA
LINDA L. HARPER, APRN
LINDA M. CRAWFORD, ADMINISTRATOR
Contractions
When any muscle in your body “contracts”, it becomes tight and hard to touch. When your uterus, which is
a muscle, contracts you will feel it get tight or hard. When the contraction stops, your uterus becomes soft.
It is normal for your uterus to contract at times during pregnancy. This may happen when you first lie
down, after sex, or after you walk up and down stairs. It is not normal to have frequent uterine contractions
before your baby is due. If you feel a contraction every 10 minutes or more often for one hour(in other
words, more than 5 contractions in an hour), please call the office as soon as possible.
How to check for contractions
Lie down and place your fingertips on your abdomen. If your abdomen is tightening and softening, you can
tell how often these contractions are happening. “How Often” is the time in between the start of one tight-
ening and the start of the next tightening.
What to do Everyday
Because uterine contractions can sometimes occur without any other warning sign, it is important for you to
feel your abdomen for contractions at least twice a day for half hour periods if you have been told that you
are at risk for premature labor. It is helpful to do this at the same time each day.
Premature Labor Warning Signs:
• Menstrual like cramps
• Abdominal cramps
• Low dull back pain
• Increase or change in vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain or pressure
620 SINGLETON RIDGE ROAD
CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA 29526
OFFICE: 843.349.0100
FAX: 843.349.0104
WWW.COASTALCAROLINAOBGYN.COM

Source: http://www.coastalcarolinaobgyn.com/pdf/GeneralInfoForOB.pdf