Pregnancy can be nerve-wracking, especially for first-time parents. With the wealth of advice available online, not to mention advice from loved ones and strangers alike, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by information – whether it’s true or not.
Here, Dr. Shevonda Sherrow with Innovative Women’s Health Specialists and Dr. Joseph Kipikasa with Erlanger Health System help us separate fact from fiction when it comes to pregnancy and potential complications.
Fact: Some mental health medications are safe to continue during pregnancy.
This may be surprising, but some medications used to treat disorders like major depression and anxiety can, and should, be continued during pregnancy. “Many believe that all anxiety and depression medications are unsafe in pregnancy. This is not true,” says Dr. Sherrow. “Several medications for these problems are safe and recommended to continue in pregnancy.”
Often, the risks associated with untreated mental illness during and directly after pregnancy are greater than the potential risks of taking these medications. For example, a woman with untreated depression is less likely to get adequate prenatal care and more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors like smoking or drinking. Untreated depression is linked to premature birth and low birth weight, and the babies are exposed to higher levels of cortisol in the womb, which can increase their risk of developing psychiatric disorders later in life.
While some medications are considered to be safe for use during pregnancy, others are absolutely not. For this reason, Dr. Sherrow advises consulting your doctor about any prescription medications if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. “The bottom line is if you are taking any medications, you should speak with your OB-GYN prior to pregnancy or prior to discontinuing the medication on your own during pregnancy,” she says.
Fiction: Pregnancy cravings are based on what your baby wants or needs.
Because the umbilical cord is attached to the placenta, arm movements will not impact it in any way. However, it is important to note that expecting mothers should not participate in prolonged heavy lifting. Additionally, lifting objects overhead or reaching for objects can increase the risk of falls, as changes in body size and weight during pregnancy can impact balance.
An umbilical cord that is wrapped around the baby’s neck, known as a nuchal cord, is a surprisingly common occurrence that is generally harmless. The most common cause of nuchal cords are fetal movements, and there is no way to prevent or correct this while a baby is still in the womb. Because this is a common occurrence, your doctor will likely check the baby’s neck once the head is delivered to avoid potential issues. In most cases, the cord will be loose enough to slip off and the birth will proceed without incident.
Fact: Pregnancy is uncomfortable, and that is normal.
According to Dr. Kipikasa, “Pregnancy is a major change in the body. You accumulate extra weight and extra fluid, and as a result, there are mechanical changes that occur in the body that can cause discomfort, sometimes even significant discomfort.” Discomfort is to be expected, but pain is not. Dr. Sherrow explains, “Pain is the universal sign that something is wrong. Soreness is different from pain, and if a pregnant woman is experiencing pain, she should contact her obstetrician’s office right away.”
If you are experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain that doesn’t ease up on its own or severe headaches that don’t improve with Tylenol, it is best to consult with your doctor. It is also best to err on the side of caution if you’re unable to differentiate between discomfort and pain, according to Dr. Kipikasa. “I always tell people to ask if they are unsure. The worst we’re going to tell you is that it’s normal and nothing to be worried about, but sometimes there might be something going on that we should address or look into,” he says.
Fiction: Raising your arms over your head can cause the umbilical cord to wrap around your baby’s neck.
Because the umbilical cord is attached to the placenta, arm movements will not impact it in any way. However, it is important to note that expecting mothers should not participate in prolonged heavy lifting. Additionally, lifting objects overhead or reaching for objects can increase the risk of falls, as changes in body size and weight during pregnancy can impact balance.
An umbilical cord that is wrapped around the baby’s neck, known as a nuchal cord, is a surprisingly common occurrence that is generally harmless. The most common cause of nuchal cords are fetal movements, and there is no way to prevent or correct this while a baby is still in the womb. Because this is a common occurrence, your doctor will likely check the baby’s neck once the head is delivered to avoid potential issues. In most cases, the cord will be loose enough to slip off and the birth will proceed without incident.
If you have any questions about your pregnancy
it is always best to speak with your doctor. While there is a wealth of information available online, it is not necessarily accurate, and even taking advice from other mothers can be tricky as each pregnancy is different – what is normal for one mom may not be normal for you. “Your doctor should always be your first line, and it is important to form a positive relationship between doctor and patient,” Dr. Kipikasa says. “That’s the person who is going to be delivering your baby. They have your patient history and can be very helpful in figuring these things out.” There’s no such thing as a ‘silly question,’ and you should always feel comfortable bringing up any concerns to your doctor.
Fiction: Women should avoid exercise during pregnancy.
Exercise is an important part of maintaining your health, and this is just as true during pregnancy. Even if you didn’t have an exercise program before pregnancy, you can benefit from activities like walking at a moderate pace, using an elliptical machine, and participating in Pilates or yoga. However, a pregnant woman should take care not to get overheated or dehydrated, as this can be very dangerous.
Generally, it is safe to continue your existing workout routine as long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated. “If you did it prior to pregnancy, you can continue as long as it is not an activity that could cause you to hurt your abdomen,” Dr. Sherrow says. “If you can do the activity and have a normal conversation while doing it – i.e. do not sound as if you are having a hard time breathing – it is generally okay to continue.”
Dr. Shevonda Sherrow
Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist,
Innovative Women’s Health Specialists
Dr. Joseph Kipikasa
Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist,
Erlanger Health System
