YOU SHOULD KNOW

Maternity

Pregnancy and Medications

In general, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid medications, especially during the first 14 weeks. However, the following medications are acceptable for use during pregnancy: For a cold, you may take Sudafed, Chlor-Trimeton, Benadryl, Regular Strength Robitussin, Saline Nose Drops, and cough drops WITHOUT zinc.

For a headache, you may take Regular Strength Tylenol, but do NOT take aspirin or Advil.

Thirty-Six Weeks: What to Expect

Congratulations! You are now in the thirty-sixth week of your pregnancy. This is an exciting time of preparation! You may have questions and concerns during these final weeks leading up to the birth of your baby. We, your providers, want to make this period of waiting as easy as possible for you and your loved ones. We have compiled a list of things you might experience, and a list of things you should report to your doctor or certified nurse-midwife. We have also identified the easiest way to contact your provider if you have questions or concerns after office hours.

We also wish to remind you to register at the hospital if you have not done so already. You will appreciate having done this when you arrive at the hospital to deliver your baby.

Things You Should Report to Your Doctor or Certified Nurse-Midwife

• A decrease in your baby’s normal activity, or if the baby has not moved at least 10 times during the day.
  
  
• Any bright red vaginal bleeding, with or without accompanying pain.
  
  
• Any signs that you might have broken your water, such as a sudden gush of fluid, or a slow trickle of fluid that does not appear to be related to urinating. Please note the color of the fluid and the time of day it appeared.
  
  
• A headache unrelieved by Tylenol or any comfort measures. Such a headache may or may not also include blurry vision, “floaters” before your eyes, abdominal pain, or increased swelling, particularly in the face.

Normal Things You Might Notice After 36 Weeks

• Increased vaginal discharge without itching, odor or irritation.
  
  
• Increase in lower back discomfort.
  
  
• Ankle swelling, especially in the evening.
  
  
• A change in the quality and character of the baby’s movements. The baby is more crowded in the uterus now, and may not have room for large body movements. However, your baby should continue to move approximately the same amount as it has previously.
  
  
• Irregular uterine cramps or contractions. These are often referred to as “Braxton Hicks” contractions, false labor, or labor “warm-ups.”
  
  
• You may or may not observe the loss of your mucus plug. This is not cause for concern and does not necessarily mean that labor will start soon.
  
  
• Light bleeding or cramping in the first 12 hours after a cervical exam.