Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to the materials you have received in the orientation folder, for your convenience, we have listed answers to some commonly asked questions.  Whenever possible, please write your questions down to review at your prenatal visits.

1.  Who will deliver my baby?

Generally, the doctor whom you consider to be your primary provider will make every effort during weekdays to attend your delivery.  However, because we are a group practice and rotate coverage, any one of our seven doctors may attend your delivery.  We encourage you to rotate your visits so that you have the opportunity to meet everyone, but this is not mandatory.

2. Which medications are safe?
  • Tylenol for headache and fever
  • Robitussin DM for cough
  • Ricola, Halls, Chloraseptic spray for sore throat
  • Sudafed (Plain) for congestion
  • Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin for allergies
  • Kaopectate/Imodium, Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea
  • Colace, Milk of Magnesia or Metamucil for constipation
  • Monistat or Gynelotrimin for yeast infections
  • Tums, Mylanta, Maalox, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Zantac or Pepcid AC for heartburn
  • Vitamin B6 50mg once a day, Unisom, Ginger and Seabands for nausea
3. What routine tests should I expect to have, and when are they done?
  • First Office Visit:  Blood type, Complete Blood Count, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, Rubella, HIV, Urine culture, Cystic
  • Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening & Ultrasound:  Optional: Ashkenazi Jewish common mutation panel (Familial Dysatutonmia screening, Tay Sachs and  Canavans).
  • Quad Screen (a.k.a AFP)*:  15 – 20 weeks (not necessary with Sequential Screening)
  • Ultrasound:  18 – 20 weeks
  • Glucose Load:  24 – 28 weeks (Screening for Diabetes)
  • Group B Strep Culture:  36 weeks
4. Are there any other tests I should know about?

Your physician may recommend additional testing.  Generally, these tests are recommended based on reported personal or family history.  Examples of these special tests are:

  • Chorionic Villus Sampling*:  10 – 13 weeks
  • Amniocentesis*:  16 – 18 weeks

*To inquire about these tests, please call the San Francisco Perinatal Associates (415-202-1200), or the Prenatal Diagnosis Center (415-750-6400).

5. I was exposed to chicken pox, do I need to worry?

If you had chicken pox as a child, you are immune and do not need to worry.  If you have no history of chicken pox and are exposed, please call our office.

6. I was exposed to a child with “slapped cheek”.  Do I need to worry?

“Slapped cheek” is a common viral infection in children by parvovirus.  Although it rarely causes infections in the developing fetus, please notify us of your exposure.

7. Can I color my hair and get my nails done?

Yes.

8. Can I travel?

As long as your pregnancy is uncomplicated, travel by air or car is fine as long as emergency care is available at your destination.  We recommend the purchase of travel insurance (see your travel agent for details).  Travel must be completed by 36 weeks.

9. Can I exercise?

Yes, exercise is encouraged.  There is no recommended heart rate restriction.  It is acceptable to maintain the same level of activity that you had before pregnancy, provided that you feel comfortable.  We encourage exercise for the lower back such as yoga or other stretching.

10. Can I have intercourse?

Yes.  Intercourse will not cause harm.  You may notice some spotting or light bleeding up to 48 hours after intercourse.  This is normal.  If bleeding is heavy or persists beyond 48 hours, please call our office.

11. Is it safe to sleep on my back?

By the time most pregnant women reach the third trimester (28 weeks) they will no longer feel comfortable sleeping on their back.  Most women will want to sleep on their sides by this time to feel more comfortable. A long body pillow can help provide more comfort sleeping in side positions.

12. How much caffeine is acceptable?

Generally, we suggest limiting your caffeine intake to two (2) drinks (hot or cold) per day or approximately 200mg per day.

13. Which cheeses are safe to eat in pregnancy?

Any cheese that has been pasteurized, including soft cheeses, is safe to eat in pregnancy.

14. Pregnant Women and the Risks of Mercury in Fish.

For information about the risks of mercury in fish and shellfish call the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s food information line toll-free at 1-888-(SAFEFOOD) 723-3366, or visit the FDA’s Food Safety website.

For information about the safety of locally caught fish and shellfish, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Fish Advisory website or contact your state or local Health Department.

15. I plan on doing some painting.  What do I need to know?

Avoid oil based paint.  Latex based paint is acceptable as long as adequate ventilation is available.

16. What if I need to file for Short Term Disability?

We encourage you to speak with your HR Department about your benefits package.  If you will file for State of California (EDD) Disability benefits, you can download the necessary claim forms at http://www.edd.ca.gov, form DE-2501. You will need to fill out your portion of the forms. After you have completed it with signatures and dates, please leave the original forms with us. Once we have completed the Doctor’s Certificate, we will return the forms to you so that you may mail them to the State.

Timeline: You will need to mail the forms seven days after the first day of your disability, and no later than 49 days from the beginning of your claim. Please note that the guidelines and procedures for the State are often different than disability insurance policies that you may have through your employer.  We are happy to work with you to complete all necessary paperwork.  Please direct questions regarding your disability to our medical assistants.  There is no charge for State Disability forms; however there is a $20 fee to fill out Private Disability forms.

17. What is the new Paid Family Leave I keep hearing about?

Starting summer 2004, the State of California began offering six weeks of paid family leave for “Baby Bonding,” beyond any disability leave you may be paid for. The claim form for PFL will be mailed to you by EDD once your disability benefits have termed.  Please note that we do NOT need to fill out the Doctor’s Certificate on this claim form, as you do not need our authorization to take Baby Bonding time.  Should your spouse or partner wish to take PFL, he or she may request this form online at, http://www.edd.ca.gov and the form will be mailed.

18. Do you recommend a book that will answer further questions about my pregnancy?

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