FAQs for Our Gynecologist Specialists

Pregnancy Questions

• When should I schedule an appointment for my first OB visit after learning that I am pregnant?

  Ideally you should schedule your first OB visit at around 6-7 weeks from your last menstrual period. However, if you are bleeding or in pain before then you should schedule an appointment immediately.

• Do I have to call before I go to the hospital in labor?

  If you are one of our patients, you DO NOT have to call us when you are in labor. A physician from this practice is immediately available at all times to see you at the hospital. If you are having regular contractions every 5 minutes, or if your water breaks, you should go to “triage “ at Winnie Palmer Hospital or Oviedo Medical Center. Other reasons to go to triage are a decrease in your baby’s movements or any heavy vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

• How many ultrasounds will I have during my pregnancy?

  You may have an ultrasound in the first trimester to assess how far along you are, and whether there may be more than one fetus. We offer an ultrasound for genetic testing around week 12. There is  another  ultrasound scheduled at 20 weeks to assess fetal anatomy. Some patients may require additional ultrasounds depending on fetal and or maternal conditions.

• What will happen at my first prenatal visit?

  The first visit will usually include a general exam and pelvic exam, blood work, assessment for any high-risk pregnancy factors, and any other testing or referrals deemed necessary based on your medical history. We will discuss any questions or concerns that you may have. We also give you lots of helpful information so that you can have an enjoyable pregnancy.

• How often are my visits?

  In a normal low risk pregnancy, the first several visits are usually every 4-6 weeks; by 28-32  weeks you will be seen every 2 weeks and by 36 weeks patients are seen weekly. In high risk pregnancies these intervals may change depending on fetal and or maternal conditions.

• What is a high risk pregnancy?

  High risk pregnancies are complicated by a maternal, fetal or obstetric complication. Examples of fetal conditions include multiple gestation like twins and triplets, fetal growth problems or any medical complication the fetus may have that is detected during the pregnancy. Maternal high risk conditions include advanced age, high blood pressure, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Obstetric complications include conditions such as placenta previa (where the placenta implants over the cervix) and preterm labor.

• What is your practice philosophy on episiotomies ?

  An episiotomy  is a cut to the perineum — the skin and muscles between the vaginal opening and anus. We do not routinely cut an episiotomy.If we think that there will be tearing  of the vagina or surrounding tissue in the wrong direction, or if there is a shoulder dystocia (where the shoulders are impacted), then  we would need an episiotomy to make more room to get the baby delivered safely.

• Which hospitals do you use to deliver your patients?

  We deliver our patients  at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies , and Oviedo Medical Center.

• What if I have questions after the office has closed?

  The physicians are available to all patients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency calls. They can be accessed by calling the answering service at 407-644-5371 after office hours. Non-emergency questions can be answered via our phone menu items.

• Should I rotate through the different providers during my pregnancy?

  Ideally, meeting as many providers as possible is helpful for some patients who may be uneasy with the notion of meeting a physician for the first time at delivery. Many patients feel comfortable in seeing  two or three providers regularly throughout the pregnancy. Your comfort is most important to us and so patients have the liberty to see as many providers they feel comfortable with.

• If I need an urgent visit, can that be arranged quickly?

  Absolutely, if there is an urgent need to be seen you usually can be seen the same day.

• Who should receive the Tdap(tetanus-pertussis) vaccination?

  All adults should receive the Tdap booster at least once during adulthood. It is recommended that every pregnant woman obtain the vaccine during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, even if they have received the vaccine previously. Any adults that will be around a newborn baby should have the vaccine as well.This vaccine is available at all of our offices for family members of our patients.

• Is there a guarantee that the doctor that I usually see in the office will deliver my baby?

  There is no guarantee that the doctor that you regularly see in the office will deliver your baby. We  have Hospitalists (doctors who just do deliveries) and Midwives in addition to the doctors that you see in the offices, that cover  patients at both of the hospitals to ensure patient safety and overall exceptional care .

• Are mammograms and ultrasound services offered in your office?

  Yes, our practice offers both of these services.

• Does the group offer TOLAC’s?

  Yes , our group encourages a “trial of labor after c-section” (TOLAC) if you have had only one prior uncomplicated c-section, and you go into labor on your own. We are unable to “induce” you, and recommend delivery no later than 41 weeks by repeat c-section if labor has not begun.There is a small risk of uterine rupture in this situation, and we will need to discuss the risks and benefits regarding TOLAC at your pregnancy visits.

• Should I exercise when I am pregnant?

  Being active and exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can be very beneficial and help to avoid some unwanted pregnancy side effects. Activity during pregnancy helps reduce backache, constipation, bloating and swelling; helps with sleep and mood; helps prepare for labor by strengthening your muscles and your endurance. Swimming, walking and stationary cycling are all excellent ways to exercise in pregnancy. Try to avoid any sports that are dangerous because of the potential for injury including skiing, contact sports and scuba diving.

• What is a 4-D ultrasound?

  4-D fetal ultrasounds are similar to 3-D ultrasounds where they show width, height and depth , with the difference associated with time: 4-D ultrasound  allows a 3-dimensional picture in real time. We offer these ultrasounds at our office purely for fun pictures of your baby. It is best to do this ultrasound between 28-32 weeks .

• What Should I Avoid Eating While Pregnant?

  Women are strongly urged to avoid alcohol during pregnancy, and to limit caffeine to no more than 200mg per day. For perspective, an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine, an 8-ounce cup of brewed tea contains about 47 milligrams and a 12-ounce caffeinated cola soft drink contains about 29 milligrams. Women are also encouraged to avoid unpasteurized  deli meats ,raw meats and fish , and soft and unpasteurized cheeses.

• What can I take if I have a cold?

  If you are out of the first trimester, you may take Tylenol, Robitussin, Mucinex, Sudafed, and any lozenges or throat sprays over the counter Please avoid aspirin and ibuprofen products. Please consult your physician regarding any other medications.

• Is it Ok to travel while pregnant?

  It is safe to travel, either by car or plane through 32 weeks. After that, please consult your doctor.

• Are Dental X-Rays Okay?

  We discourage “routine” screening x-rays while pregnant. However, they are safe if needed to diagnose a potential problem. If this is the case, please make sure that they shield your abdomen with a lead apron while taking the x-ray.

• What are Fetal Kick Counts?

  Start by finding a comfortable position during a time when your baby is usually most active. You may sit comfortably, or lay down on your left side. Lying on your left side also allows for the best circulation which could lead to a more active baby. Count the movements of your baby until you reach number “ten”. As long as you reach this number before two hours is up, then your baby is moving appropriately. You may eat something sweet, or drink a cold beverage to get your baby to wake up and move more. If you are unable to count 10 movements in 2 hours, please call the office for an immediate appointment if it is during business hours and you are less than 37 weeks pregnant. If you are over 37 weeks pregnant or the office is closed, please  proceed directly to Winnie Palmer triage for evaluation.