Advanced Women’s Healthcare (AWHDALLAS.com) is intended to inform and educate our patients and visitors. If you have any questions that arise during your pregnancy or medical treatment that are not covered in this website, please do not hesitate to ask us during your normal office visit or call the office in order that we may help you. Our phone number is 214-238-7888.

Visit Frequency

  • We will continue to see you about every 2 to 3 weeks

Testing

Group Beta Strep (GBS)

  • This is a culture we take of the vagina looking for a bacteria called Group Beta Strep
  • This will be done at about 35 weeks
  • You will be asked to undress from the waist down
  • This bacteria may be present in the vagina and causes no harm to you
  • However, this bacteria can make the baby sick
  • If the test comes back negative then nothing needs to be done
  • If the test comes back positive then we will give you antibiotics during labor
  • Make sure you ask your doctor what the result was at your next visit

What to Expect

Braxton Hicks

Cause

  • Tightening of uterus that may or may not be felt
  • This is your uterus preparing itself and your cervix for labor
  • Described as a “tightening” sensation
  • Contractions are irregular
  • Interval does not change
  • Discomfort relieved by rest
  • Discomfort usually in lower abdomen

What to do

  • If you notice them, rest
  • The frequency should decrease
  • Can take a warm bath or shower
  • Not a reason to go to the hospital
  • Empty your bladder
  • Increase fluids

Exercise

  • Continue to exercise at least 30 minutes a day 5 times a week

Common Discomforts

Heartburn

Cause

  • Increase in the hormone progesterone
  • Relaxation of the opening between esophagus and stomach
  • Slowed emptying of the stomach and intestines
  • Increase in uterine size
  • Worse in 2nd and 3rd trimester

What to do

  • Small, frequent meals
  • Low-fat meals (fat slows emptying of stomach and intestines)
  • Decrease cold drinks with meals
  • Sit upright for at least 1 hour after eating
  • Sleep with 2-3 pillows at night
  • Gavison, Maalox, Mylanta or Tums for symptom relief
  • Zantac or Tagamet over-the-counter for symptom prevention

Tingling and Numbness in Fingers (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)

Cause

  • Caused by water retention and swelling

What to do

  • Tylenol Extra Strength every 4 to 6 hours
  • Wrist splints found in drug stores

Swelling of Legs and Feet

Cause

  • Slowed return of blood from feet and legs due to growing uterus

What to do

  • No constrictive clothing
  • Support hose
  • Elevate legs every 2-3 hours above your heart
  • Lay on side instead of back

What is Happening?

  • Your baby is preparing to enter into the world
  • The brain and nervous system are maturing
  • Limbs are becoming smooth and plump
  • Skin is a healthy color
  • Fingernails are growing past the fingertips
  • If your baby is a boy the testicles have nearly completed their descent outside the body into the scrotum
  • Your baby is acquiring immunity to may infections as the protective antibodies in you blood pass through the placenta into the baby’s blood
  • Breathing movements are continued to be practiced
  • Your baby weighs about 5 pounds and is about 17 inches long from head to toe