Pregnancy Information
Welcome and congratulations on your pregnancy! We are delighted that you have chosen us for your obstetric care. We are here to help you in every way to experience a healthy and joyful pregnancy.
We offer many of the most advanced obstetrical technology and services available for you and your baby at Obstetrics & Gynecologic Associates of Flint. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your third, our obstetricians are here to make the most important event in your life a healthy one.
Here is important information you can read and print:
- Pregnancy Guidelines
- How to Contact Our Office for Warning Signs / Emergencies
- Safe Medications to Use During Pregnancy
We look forward to welcoming your new baby into the world. Please call our office at
How to Contact Our Office for Warning Signs / Emergencies
If there is an emergency during regular office hours call 810-239-9444. If after office hours or on weekends or holidays call 810-230-3893. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day. The four doctors in the practice share call; Dr. Lecea, Dr. Moreno, Dr. Holmes, Dr. Cherukuri. Typically they will return a call within 15 minutes of your call, if your call is not returned in that time frame, please call again. If you feel you cannot wait for a return call from the doctor, please go directly to the hospital (Hurley Medical Center or McLaren Regional Medical Center) or call 911.
Warning Signs
The following are important warning signs. You should call the office IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of these Warning Signs during your pregnancy.
- Any sign of bloody discharge from the vagina
- Continuous, severe headache
- Severe, unrelenting abdominal pain
- Persistent Vomiting
- Marked swelling of face, hands and lower legs.
- Blurring of vision or spots before the eyes that persists.
- Rupture of the amniotic membranes. (Leaking Fluid)
- Chills and fever of over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) not accompanied by a common cold.
- Painful, burning urination.
- Absence or decrease of the baby’s movements.
Symptoms of Early (Pre-Term) Labor
One or more of the following can be symptoms of early labor. Call the office according to the instructions above if you are experiencing any of the following:
Uterine contractions
These contractions often feel like menstrual cramping, or can be felt as a painless tightening and hardening of the uterus. Contractions during pregnancy can be normal, but those that occur regularly every 15 minutes or less may be a sign of pre-term (early) labor. If you are having contractions more than every 15 minutes; empty your bladder, drink water and lie down. If the contractions persist, call the office.
Pressure in the vagina or lower abdomen
A feeling of pressure in the lower back, pelvic area or thighs; especially those that occur regularly every 15 minutes or less. See uterine contractions above.
Lower backache
Discomfort in the lower back is a common problem in the later months of pregnancy. When associated with pre-term labor, the ache may radiate to the front and will not be relieved by rest or changing position.
Intestinal Cramping
This may or may not be accompanied by diarrhea, and may be confused with uterine cramping.
Change in vaginal discharge
This can be a normal part of pregnancy, but you should report this if there are any significant changes in the quantity and /or consistency of the discharge. Discharges of clear, yellow, pink or green fluid that soaks through clothes could mean that your amniotic fluid is leaking.
Safe Medications To Use During Pregnancy
Although you should try to minimize medication during your pregnancy, sometimes it is necessary for your health and comfort to take some type of medication. This list includes medicines that are safe for consumption during pregnancy.
Aches/Pains
The following medications can be taken for pain relief:
- Acetaminophen
- Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol, or generic acetaminophen
Allergy Symptoms, Itchy/Watery Eyes
(choose ONE of these medications):
- Chlorpheniramine
- Tripelennamine
- Benadryl/diphenhydramine
- Claritin
- Zyrtec
Cold / Flu
Avoid over the counter medications with alcohol or aspirin. Always check the ingredients. Medications should be taken as directed and for no longer than seven days. If symptoms persist, call our office.
- Actifed
- Allerest
- Allergy relief medicine (ARM)
- Benadryl (tablet, capsule, and liquid form), Benadryl Plus
- Chlor-Trimeton, Chlor-Trimeton LA
- Claritin
- Comtrex
- Robitussin DM
- Sine-Off (WITHOUT aspirin)
- Sinutab Extra Strength, Sinutab Maximum Strength (NOT Sinutab Allergy)
- Sudafed (tablet and liquid form), Sudafed Plus, Sudafed 12 Hour
- Throat lozenges
- Triaminic, Triaminic Cold, Triaminic Nite Lite, Triaminic PM, Triaminic 12 Hour
- Tylenol Sinus
Constipation
The following medications can be taken for constipation relief:
- Colace 50mg (one or two, twice daily)
- Fibercon
- Metamucil
- Milk of Magnesia (M.O.M.)
Other helpful suggestions:
- Increase Water Intake To 8-10 Eight-Ounce Glasses Daily
- Eat Plenty Of Fresh Fruits, Green Leafy Vegetables, And Fiber
- Get Adequate Exercise; Walking Is A Good Exercise During Pregnancy
If Constipation Persists, Call Our Office For Further Instructions.
Cough
- Guaifenesin (Plain Robitussin)
- Guaifenesin With Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM
Diarrhea
The following medications can be taken for relief of diarrhea:
- Immodium AD (use no longer than 48 hours and no more than four caplets or 8 teaspoons in a 24-hour period)
- Kaopectate
You might also try the B.R.A.T. diet (banana, rice, applesauce, tea/toast).
If diarrhea persists, call our office for further instructions.
Heartburn/Indigestion / Upset Stomach
The following over-the-counter medications can be taken for indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomach:
- Gaviscon
- Maalox
- Milk of Magnesia
- Mylanta, Mylanta II
- Pepcid
- Riopan
- Rolaids
- Tums
- Zantac
The following prescription medications may be used only on the advice of your physician:
- Pepcid
- Tagamet
- Zantac
Hemorrhoids
The following medications can be taken for relief of hemorrhoids:
- Annusol
- Preparation H
- Tucks
Other helpful suggestions:
- Soak in a warm bath
- Take a sitz bath
Insomnia (Sleeplessness)
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
- Tylenol PM
- Unisom
Nasal and Sinus Congestion
- Saline nasal spray
- Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray (limit use to 3 days)
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), use only if the above is not effective
Nausea/Morning Sickness
The following medications can be taken for relief of nausea:
- Benadryl
- Doxylamine (Unisom) 12.5 mg every 6-8 hours
- Emetrol (don’t use if diabetic)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)- 10 mg every 8 hours, may increase to a total of 150 mg per day (50 mg every 8 hours)
Other helpful suggestions:
- Ginger Root (2 tablets, 2-4 times a day)
- Small frequent meals
- 8-10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day
Services
4-D Ultrasound On Site
It is more than just your baby's 1st picture!
Having a baby can be one of the most exciting times in your life. The ultra sound is the first picture of you developing baby, so, why not have the best? Our office offers the latest in ultra sound technology in the convenience of our office with our specialized obgyn sonographer.
What makes 4D ultrasound so remarkable? It represents the difference between video and a still photograph. Through this revolutionary technology, a 3D image is continuously updated providing a "live action" view that leads to a number of medical benefits. Physicians and sonographers can better analyze fetal development, so you'll know what to expect and can feel confident during your pregnancy.
In contrast to other 3D imaging diagnostic processes, 4D allows your doctor to visualize internal anatomy moving in real-time patients and this information helps our physicians provide improved care, give peace of mind, and the best health care for you and your developing baby.
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Prenatal Care
Prenatal care helps keep you and your baby healthy.
You're having a baby! Congratulations!! The best gift you can give yourself and your baby is early prenatal care. It's important to take very good care of yourself, so that both you and your baby are healthy. Taking good care of yourself includes getting early prenatal care from an experienced obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN).
And even if you are feeling fine, continue to make all your prenatal visits and follow the doctors' recommendations. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care. Doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others.
Regular prenatal care helps you and your obstetrician monitor how your pregnancy is going. It also helps him or her spot any potential health problems before they become serious. Some pregnant women may experience complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, but with regular prenatal care, you can better manage any health issues that may come up. Call our office to make a preconception appointment at (810) 239-9444.
Learn more:
- Prenatal Care
- Screening tests during pregnancy
- Smoking cessation in pregnancy
- Blood draws & other testing on site
- Meds in Pregnancy
Preconception Planning
Women's care that delivers
It is important for women to start prenatal care as early as possible - ideally even prior to conception. A full check up with your obgyn before pregnancy is recommended. Any health problems can be addressed at that time and preparations can begin for a healthy pregnancy. The sooner the prenatal care begins the better.
At Obstetrics & Gynecologic Associates of Flint, we recommend preconception planning and prenatal care to make sure you are as healthy as possible for an upcoming pregnancy. Our high standard of care continues for you and your baby through pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, our four obstetricians have the expertise and experience that high-risk pregnancy and multiple births require. As physicians who specialize in women's health care, we are here to discuss all of your concerns and provide you with prompt compassionate care. We look forward to welcoming your new baby into the world. Please call our office at (810) 239-9444 to schedule an appointment for preconception planning, pregnancy testing, or prenatal care.
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Pregnancy After 35
The Benefits of Becoming a Mother at Age 35 or Older
It's no secret that more women today are choosing to have children later in life than women of the previous generation – and the reasons are as unique as the individuals. Some women long to accomplish personal goals or career objectives prior to starting a family. Some women don't find their ideal mate until later in life. But whatever the reasons, first births among women ages 30 to 39 have doubled in the past 15 years, and those for women 40 and older have increased 50 percent. For women age 35 and older who do in fact desire to become pregnant, there are unique issues and factors to consider.
It is important for women of any age to have a preconception visit with their doctor, but this is especially vital for women 35 and older. A comprehensive visit to your obgyn prior to conception is recommended for couples 35 and older. During the appointment, the obstetrician gathers facts from the couple, such as family histories and personal medical backgrounds and will screen for problems that could potentially develop in a fetus due to the parents' age and medical histories. Our doctors will partner with you in having the best pregnancy at any age. They specialize in pregnancy care for women over 35 and will give you the unique, individualized care you and your baby deserve. Call for an appointment at (810) 239-9444.
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High Risk Pregnancy
When Mom and baby need a little extra care
High-risk pregnancies carry more risks to the mother and developing baby. A pregnancy may be termed high-risk if you have a medical condition or develop one during pregnancy. All pregnancies in women over the age of 35 are considered high-risk. With careful monitoring and management, most women with high-risk pregnancy deliver healthy babies, and at Obstetrics & Gynecologic Associates, we are committed to doing just that!
The management of high-risk pregnancies requires knowledge, skill, expertise and strong institutional support. At Obstetrics & Gynecologic Associates of Flint, we are able to draw on all the technologically and clinically advanced resources Hurley Medical Center has to offer, including an integrated team of providers committed to serving the needs of high-risk patients, such as experts in genetics and neonatology, as well as other pediatric specialists.
Together, our team is dedicated to a focused goal: providing patients with confident, competent, compassionate and consistent care during pregnancy. Because we work together as a team, our patients can be confident that they will receive informed, individualized and comprehensive treatment through every stage of pregnancy and childbirth with a group of physicians who truly care about them. Call the office at (810) 239-9444.
Hurley Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
It is also important to note that the NICU at Hurley Medical Center is the only Level 3 Neonatal Unit in the area.
"Each year nearly 1,000 babies born premature or critically ill need the care available only at Hurley. These babies are either born at Hurley or are transported here from other hospitals in Genesee, Shiawassee, Lapeer, and other outlying counties. Over 95 percent of the babies admitted to Hurley's NICU over the past two years survived. When you combine the breadth of services we offer with the latest technology and a competent, caring staff, you can see why we say Hurley babies have the best.” Dr. Aladdin-Abdel Rahman Director, Newborn Intensive Care
Our capabilities to help critically ill newborns and preemies are unmatched in our surrounding 15-county area. Hurley's NICU offers specialized care for the region's smallest patients, delivered 24-hours a day. Hurley's newly renovated NICU has 44 beds in three pods designed for maximum privacy with soft lighting, noise reduction, and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
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Multiple Births
Multiple Blessings
Women expecting multiples have many different and unique experiences than those women who are carrying a single pregnancy. Since multiples are at a greater risk of developing complications, your obstetrical group will want to see you more frequently. For women expecting twins, our ob/gyns understand the special needs of our patients and are here to assist you through your pregnancy.
Your first trimester prenatal schedule may not differ from that of a single pregnancy; however you may discover that we want to see you every two to three weeks. Once you enter into your second trimester you should expect to have two prenatal visits per month. During the third trimester you should anticipate weekly prenatal appointments. Our group of obstetrician will make decisions on your prenatal care based on what is best for you and the health of your babies. We will use our expertise in multiple births to provide you and your babies with the best care available. Call the office to schedule an appointment at 810-239-9444.
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Vaginal Delivery
Need top notch obstetrical care? We deliver.
We encourage our patients to embrace the birth process that is right for them. For women who are having a low risk pregnancy and want a more natural birth experience, the Birthing Center at Hurley Medical Center or the New Life Center at McLaren Regional Medical Center might be just the right fit. Our obstetricians will partner with you on the best delivery option for you and your baby. Our goal is to deliver healthy babies to healthy moms. Our obstetricians are on call 24 hours a day to answer questions during your pregnancy. Call the office to meet our experienced team of obstetricians at 810-239-9444.
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Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery (VBAC)
Our goal is to deliver healthy babies to healthy moms.
If you desire to try a vaginal delivery this time around, you'll be happy to know that 90% of women who have undergone cesarean deliveries are candidates for VBAC. Quite interestingly, the highest rate of VBAC is in women who have experienced both vaginal and cesarean births and given the choice, decide to deliver vaginally.
In most published studies, 60-80% or 3 to 4 out of 5 women who have previously undergone cesarean birth can successfully give birth vaginally. Our obstetricians based on your current pregnancy and after discussing your options with you, will be able to make an informed decision on whether VBAC may be an option for you this time around. Make your ob appointment at 810-239-9444.
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Cesarean Delivery
Our goal is to deliver healthy babies to healthy moms.
Cesarean sections are avoided unless medically necessary for the health of the mother or the well-being of the baby. There are many reasons why your obstetrician may feel that you need to have a cesarean delivery- such as a breech baby, diabetics, or preeclampsia. Some cesareans occur in critical situations, some are used to prevent critical situations and some are elective. Our obstetricians will use their expertise, keeping in mind your wishes, to make the best decision for you and your baby. Call the office at 810-239-9444 to make your ob appointment.
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Early Pregnancy Loss
Find the support you need to try again.
A miscarriage can be devastating. It is a very emotional event for a women and her partner. It is important that you know that most women will go on to have a normal pregnancy after a miscarriage. If you have a history of repeated miscarriages, be sure you consult with your obstetrician who can work with you to attempt to determine a cause. Consulting with one of our physicians can give you some support and relieve some of the anxiety over a miscarriage. Need answers on early pregnancy loss? Call for an appointment (810) 239-9444.
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