Frequently Asked Questions

Getting in touch with us is very simple, just dial our main office number (919)678-6900 and follow the instructions. 

Labor is defined by regular contractions causing cervical change. Contractions will typically start far apart and progressively become more frequent and stronger over time. As contractions become closer, they will also increase in intensity and duration. Once you begin to have contractions, typically they last one minute from the start to the end of the contraction. Once they are five minutes apart give us a call and let us know. Your water may break once this process has begun or before you show any signs of labor. If your water breaks at any time, let us know so that we may advise you further. Finally, if you have any heavy bleeding towards the end of your pregnancy please call us. 

It is important that you call us if you think you might be in labor. We can often help you determine where you are in labor and whether you need to be seen. If we determine that you need to be seen, we will call to make the arrangements. Contact us HERE at 919-678-6900.

Pain control options are numerous. They range from breathing techniques and meditation to epidurals. Most people don’t know what will work for them until they are actually in labor. So, it is important to keep your options open. Natural methods may include techniques such as controlled breathing, use of the birthing ball, Jacuzzi baths, showers, reflexology massage, and acupuncture. These methods might not be adequate for all people. Pharmacological methods include the use of narcotic analgesics and epidural anesthesia. All of these methods are safe during labor. 

Air travel is safe for most women up to 36 weeks of gestation. Most US carriers allow domestic travel up to this time. It is important to check with your individual carrier to determine their rules. Most international airlines allow travel up to 35 weeks of gestation. If you have any complications during your pregnancy, air travel may not be recommended. Please check with us to determine if air travel is recommended for you. If you are deemed to be a good candidate for air travel, several precautions can be taken to make your travel more comfortable. Gas producing food and drink should be avoided before scheduled flights. If you have nausea or air sickness, an anti-nausea medication may be helpful. Support stockings and movement of the lower legs may help to prevent blood clots in the legs. Since air turbulence cannot be predicted, seatbelts should be used continuously while seated. Seatbelts should be low on the hips below your belly. 

The guidelines for automobile travel are very similar to those for air travel. In general, it is okay to travel up to 36 weeks, assuming that you have an uncomplicated pregnancy. It is important to keep in mind that if you do have complications while you are away, especially between 24 and 34 weeks, that require delivery of your baby, your baby may require an extended hospital stay, which may be very inconvenient for your family. 

It is best to avoid all over-the-counter medications during pregnancy, especially the first three months; however, if necessary, the following treatments are thought to be safe for you and your baby.

All herbal remedies should be avoided!

Below is a list of common ailments along with our recommendations (for ailments not listed here, contact our office):

• Allergy- Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Flonase
• Cold/Flu- Robitussin, Mucinex (plain), Sudafed, Triaminic, Afrin nasal spray, Breathe right strips, Tylenol cold/flu, Flonase
• Heartburn/Reflux- Pepcid, Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, Zantac, Pepto Bismol
• Diarrhea- Imodium
• Constipation- Colace, Metamucil, Citrucel 
• Hemorrhoid- Preparation H, Tucks pads, warm sitz bath
• Fever/Aches and Pain- Tylenol (NO NSAIDs!)
• Sleep Trouble- Benadryl, Unisom
• Nausea/Vomiting- Vitamin B6/Unisom combination

Call our office IF:

• You can’t keep liquids down for 12-24 hours
• You have abdominal pain, dizziness, extreme weakness
• You have a fever of 100 degrees or higher
• You develop a rash
• You experience pain or burning with urination
• You cough up or blow out yellow or green-colored mucus

We like you to have chosen a pediatrician by approximately your 32nd week. Once you come into the hospital in labor, the hospital staff will ask you which pediatrician you have chosen and they will alert their office of your delivery.