7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PATIENT EDUCATION: OBSTETRICS
STAGES OF PREGNANCY: FIRST TRIMESTER
Whether you have been trying to conceive for a while, or your pregnancy comes as a bit of a surprise, now is the time to plan for the months to come. The first trimester is usually the most difficult for Moms-to-be. Check out the following articles for information on health and hazards during the first trimester.
Changes to Your Body During Pregnancy
Changes to a woman's body begin very early in pregnancy. In fact, it seems that just about everything changes. Understanding these changes is important, as they will help you realize what is normal or abnormal.
Chorionic Villus Sampling
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a procedure used to diagnose certain birth defects in the first trimester of pregnancy. The test has been performed regularly since 1982, and thousands have been performed around the world.
Dental Work During Pregnancy
Dental work during pregnancy is safe.
Drug Use During Pregnancy
It is estimated that 10% to 45% of pregnant women in the first trimester, unaware of their condition, reach for the most common over-the-counter drug: aspirin.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where a pregnancy develops outside of its normal position within the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube.
First Trimester Bleeding and Miscarriage
Often, the first sign of an impending miscarriage is bleeding early in pregnancy.
Folate and Birth Defects
If you plan to have children some day, here is important information for the future mother-to-be: THINK FOLATE NOW.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
This is a term that includes several conditions that are associated with placental abnormalities of a pregnancy.
Home Pregnancy Tests
Home pregnancy kits provide privacy and fast results, and can detect pregnancy as early as 6 days after conception, or 1 day after a missed menstrual period.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Many women experience nausea and vomiting during their first trimester and sometimes into their second trimester due to hormonal changes brought on by the pregnancy.
Is the Consumption of Fish Dangerous During Pregnancy?
Healthcare officials have issued a new advisory on the dangers of eating fish. Healthcare officials are concerned that the level of mercury in fish might pose certain risks to a developing fetus.
Keep Your Baby Safe During Pregnancy
Food can be contaminated with a bacteria called Listeria. Learn to protect your food against this common bacteria.
Medications and Pregnancy
Since 1984, all OTC drug products have carried the following warning: 'As with any other drug, if you are pregnant or nursing, seek the advice of a health professional before using this product.'
Nutrition and Supplements for Pregnancy
Even before pregnancy begins, nutrition is a primary factor in the health of mother and baby. A well-balanced diet before conception contributes to a healthy pregnancy and will probably need few changes.
Preconceptual Counseling
If you are having sex and you are capable of becoming pregnant, you should be taking 0.4 mg. of folic acid each day in case you become pregnant--even if you are not planning to become pregnant for a long time.
Pregnancy and Eating Disorders
One of the most important things a woman can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy for herself and her baby is to eat a well-balanced diet. Good nutrition during pregnancy is essential to creating an environment that allows the baby to grow and flourish.
Pregnancy and Exercise
The benefits of exercise, good nutrition, and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle are undisputed as ways to reduce many of the diseases that affect women such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity.
Prenatal Testing
A variety of prenatal tests are available. While not all patients need or will have all the various tests, it is good to know that they are available.
Risks During Pregnancy
Many women have concerns regarding exposure to X-rays, radiation, and anesthetic agents during pregnancy.
Vitamin A and Birth Defects
The consumption of vitamin A at levels at or above 10,000 IU (200% of the Daily Value, or DV), or 3000 Retinol equivalents (REs), and some types of birth defects has raised serious public health concerns.
Weight Gain During Pregnancy
The average recommended weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505
