Download Frequently Asked Questions - Massachusetts General Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: If you have questions about exposures to medications, drugs, chemicals, xrays, infections and possible risks during pregnancy, you may call the
Pregnancy/Environmental Hotline at 1-800-322-5014 or 1-781-466-8474. Sponsored by
the Genesis Fund, the Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
All calls are confidential and free of charge.
1. How Frequent Are my Appointments?
The following is a general schedule for an uncomplicated pregnancy:
 From the beginning of your pregnancy through 28 weeks you will have a
monthly appointment.
 From 28-26 weeks, you will have an appointment every 2 – 3 weeks.
 From 36 weeks until delivery, you will have a weekly appointment.
You may schedule more than one appointment at a time. Routine prenatal visits,
in which you may ask all your questions and have your blood pressure, weight,
urine and status of your baby checked, are usually 15 minutes long. If we
anticipate a longer visit for prenatal diagnostic testing, we will let you know in
advance so you can plan accordingly. We make every effort to keep
appointments running on time. If you are going to be late, please call the office to
arrange an alternate time. Unexpected emergencies do arise that we need to
address immediately, which may cause delays in the schedule. Please bear with
us.
2. Can I Garden?
Yes, as long as you feel comfortable doing it. You should wear gloves and wash
your hands thoroughly after working with the soil.
3. Can I Paint?
Paint fumes are usually non-toxic if the area is well-ventilated. Water-based latex
paints are acceptable. If you have a question about the type of paint you are
using, ask the manufacturer or call us.
4. What About my Hair Care?
You may perm and color your hair during pregnancy as there is no danger to your
baby.
5. What if I Need Dental Work?
It is not necessary to delay your dental work until after your pregnancy. If your
dentist needs to take x-rays, just be sure to properly shield your abdomen. Local
anesthetics are permitted. If your dentist has any questions, please ask him/her to
call us.
6. Am I Allowed to Travel?
Travel poses no specific risks during pregnancy, but you should take some minor
precautions. Use your seat belt throughout your pregnancy. During long trips,
take time out to stand and move about. Consider access to obstetrical care.
Although travel does not cause premature labor, there is the possibility that you
may deliver far from home. Most airlines have restrictions in the last month of
pregnancy, so check with the carrier. Drink lots of fluids!
7. What is a Midwife?
At Mass General Hospital, you have the choice of having either an obstetrician or
nurse midwife as your healthcare provider. Mass General midwives are certified
by the American College of Nurse Midwives and provide modern obstetrical care
to women having an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. They are trained to
recognize abnormalities at every stage of pregnancy, labor, delivery and
postpartum. Midwives write prescriptions for medications and prescribe and
administer analgesic medication and local anesthetics. If necessary, they can
perform and repair episiotomies. Our midwives practice in collaboration with our
obstetricians. In the event of medical or obstetrical complications, the midwives
consult, collaborate and refer to the appropriate physician specialists. Many
problems can be co-managed by a nurse midwife/obstetrician team, so even if a
problem develops, a midwife may continue to participate in your care.
8. Will I Have my Own Obstetrician or Midwife Delivering my Baby When the
Time Comes?
After spending the vast majority of your pregnancy caring for you, your provider
would like nothing more than having the privilege of delivering your baby.
However, this is not always possible as we do not control the timing of when you
go into labor or deliver. Babies are born 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and this
means the labor unit never closes, making it necessary for obstetricians and
midwives to rotate coverage. As the labor unit is always staffed by both an
obstetrician and a midwife, we try to respect your choice of provider type.
Although we suggest you remain with your chosen provider for all of your
prenatal visits, you may schedule some of your visits with other providers. As
Mass General is a teaching hospital, obstetrical residents may possibly be
involved with part or your care.
9. What is a High Risk Pregnancy?
Women who begin their pregnancy with existing medical problems such as
diabetes, hypertension, heart problems or known fetal abnormalities require the
care of a high risk obstetrician. Usually, these women will have their medical
information communicated to us by their referring primary care physician or
obstetrician prior to their first visit. There are also non-medical situations, such as
substance use, spousal abuse or psychosocial problems, which may also make a
pregnancy high risk. Having a baby when you are older (35 years+) does not
automatically make you a high risk patient if you are otherwise in good health.
10. What is a Genetic Counselor?
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals certified by the American Board
of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counseling. They work
with your obstetrical team to provide in-depth genetic information and counseling
to expectant parents who may have questions or concerns based on their
individual history, such as: diseases that run in families or specific ethnic groups;
couples who have had a child with a birth defect; couples wit a history of stillbirth
or more than one miscarriage; pregnant women older than 35. Genetic counselors
may also discuss the effects of medications, drugs and alcohol on pregnancy as
well as the effects of maternal medical conditions such as diabetes, seizures, high
blood pressure and radiation therapy.
11. Will I Need Genetic Testing?
Prenatal diagnostic testing is always your choice. Your obstetrician or nurse
midwife assists you with deciding which, if any, testing is most appropriate for
you.
12. Exercise in Pregnancy.
Before beginning any exercise program, talk with your doctor to make sure you
do not have any obstetric or health conditions that would limit your activity. Ask
about any specific exercise or sports that interest you. Your doctor can offer
advice about what type of exercise routine is best for you.
Heart Rate
The extra weight you are carrying will make your body work harder than before
you were pregnant. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen and blood to the
muscles being worked, and away from other parts of your body, therefore, it is
important to not overdo it. Try to exercise moderately so you don’t get tired
quickly. If you are able to talk normally while exercising, your heart rate is at an
acceptable level.