Virginia Homebirth Midwifery
We expect people to use good judgment about when to call with concerns. We work from our homes and appreciate it
when people respect our time with our families. Here are some guidelines:
1. Call between 9 AM and 8 PM Monday through Friday.
Please DO NOT call after 8 PM or before 9 AM or on weekends for administrative things such as changing
appointments or asking questions that have nothing to do with your immediate health. If your concern has nothing to do
with your immediate health, ask yourself, “Can this wait until the weekday?”
2. It is OK to be overcautious about a health concern. If you are uncomfortable putting off your call, don’t put it off!
Warning Signs: When To Call!
These warning signs should not be ignored:
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Fever – Temperature over 100.5 degrees F.
Chills, Nausea or Vomiting – that interferes with your ability to take in food or fluids.
Unusual or Severe headaches - especially combined with visual changes. If a headache does not respond to
Tylenol, it could be a sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Blurred Vision – this could be another sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Extreme Swelling of the ankles, face and hands. Yet another possible sign of pregnancy- induced hypertension.
Your Baby Stops Moving
Vaginal Bleeding or Any Flow of Fluid From Your Vagina - if this happens, do not place anything into your
vagina; no intercourse, no tampons, no douches, no tub baths.
Burning Urination – frequent urination or urinary urgency.
Cramping – A certain amount of cramping in pregnancy is normal, especially during the first twelve weeks.
Unless you have bleeding or fluid leakage along with the cramping, there is usually no need to be alarmed. If
you do start cramping, drink several large glasses of water and lie on your left side. If the cramping does not
subside in one hour, give us a call.
Pain and redness in calves - Painful or tender red streaks in your legs or vulvar area.
Signs of Labor: When To Call Us!
We like to be called when you start your labor. You should call whenever you think you have started your labor.
Some time-honored signs of approaching labor are:
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Bloody show
Bag of waters breaking
Regular contractions that become longer, stronger and closer together.
Jennifer Rector, CPM
757-472-2936
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Virginia Homebirth Midwifery
COMMON CONCERNS
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Breast Tenderness ~ Wear a good support bra. The tenderness will decrease as your pregnancy progresses.
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Swelling ~ A certain amount of swelling is normal during pregnancy. It happens most often in the feet and
legs and usually appears in the last few months. It may happen more often in the warmer weather. Because
swelling in the hands and face may mean there is another problem, please let us know if you experience that.
1.
Put your legs up whenever possible.
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Rest, preferably on your left side, as much as possible.
3.
Increase your intake of water (8 to 10 glasses per day).
4.
Reduce your salt intake.
5.
Do not take diuretic pills (water retention pills) for the swelling. Eating cucumbers and
watermelon are a good alternative.
6.
Wear support hose.
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Backache ~ Sleep on a firm mattress. Wear low-heeled shoes. Be aware of good posture. Take Tylenol if
needed. See a chiropractor. Use a maternity belt.
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Vaginal Discharge ~ Increased vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy. If it becomes itchy, foul
smelling, discolored or looks like cottage cheese, please let us know.
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Varicose Veins ~ Elevate your legs whenever possible, wear support hose. Do not wear knee high or thigh
high stockings.
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Cramping ~ A certain amount of cramping in pregnancy is normal especially during the first twelve weeks.
Unless you have bleeding or fluid leakage along with the cramping, there is usually no need to be alarmed. If
you do start cramping, drink several large glasses of water and lay on your left side. If the cramping does not
subside in one hour, give us a call.
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Sun Exposure ~ Although sunbathing in moderation is fine, you should be aware that you are more likely to
burn when you are pregnant. Remember to use sunscreen and to drink plenty of extra fluids to prevent
dehydration.
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Cats ~ It is fine to keep your cat and to love on your cat all through your pregnancy. You must have someone
else clean the cat box for you. It is very dangerous for you to clean the cat box during your pregnancy.
Of Course You Can:
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Shower
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Take a Bath ~ Do not go in hot tubs.
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Have dental work ~ Be sure to tell your dentist you are pregnant.
Virginia Homebirth Midwifery
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Swim ~ Lap swimming is an excellent exercise during pregnancy. Do not go in rough water, body surf or
scuba dive. No diving (unless you are already a proficient swimmer), jumping or belly flops.
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Have Sex ~ Unless you have had problems such as placenta previa, bleeding, contractions, or if it causes pain.
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Exercise ~ Walking or swimming is usually best. If you have been exercising regularly you may continue on
a modified basis for pregnancy.
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Travel ~ While traveling it is a good idea to empty your bladder every one to two hours and to stretch and
move around. Let us know if you are going out of town.
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Paint ~ Make sure that the room is well ventilated.
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Visit the Beautician ~ Consult your beautician as the effect of coloring, perming, straightening, etc may be
different on your hair right now.
Homebirth Friendly Doctors
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Dr. Dan Whitenack or Dr. Marc Lunenfeld, Chiropractors – Norfolk (757) 855-1099
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Dr. Kevin Conover, Chiropractor – Hampton (757) 591-8834
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Dr. Patrick Morrison, Chiropractor – Virginia Beach (757) 313-2304
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Dr. Robert McLean, Family Practice Doctor – Newport News (757) 596-8073
Other Important Numbers
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State of Virginia WIC office - 1-888-WIC FOOD or www.vahealth.org/wic
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Health Insurance for working families: 1-866-87FAMIS (1-866-873-2647)
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Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
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Birth Certificate Information: VDH, Office of Vital Records and Health Statistics, PO Box 1000, Richmond,
VA 23218-1000. 1-804-662-6200
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The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) can help you contact a professional certified
lactation consultant anywhere in the world. Call ILCA at 919-787-5181 or visit their Web site at www.ilca.org.
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La Leche League International (LLLI) is a non-profit volunteer organization that provides encouragement,
assistance, and educational materials to breastfeeding mothers. To locate a support group near you, call 1-800La Leche or visit their Web site at www.lalecheleague.org.
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The White House offers a greeting for your new baby. Send your baby’s name, address and birth date to:
White House Greetings Office, Room 39, Washington DC, 20500
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www.motherwear.com – located under their professional resources section is a fabulous pamphlet on
breastfeeding.
Virginia Homebirth Midwifery
Over The Counter Medications
This is a list of some of the medications that are safe for you to use when you are pregnant. Take only the
amount of medication directed on the package.
1. Cold and Sinus Relief
Sudafed/Sudafed Plus
Robitussin (without alcohol)
Tylenol (NOT Ibuprofen or Aspirin), Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Allergy, Tylenol Sinus
Chlor-trimeton
Actifed
2. Cough Medications
Benylin Expectorant/Cough Suppressant/Multi-Symptom
Robitussin, Robitussin CF, Robitussin DM
3. Constipation
8 glasses of water per day
Exercise
Fruit and Bran
Metamucil
Colace/Surfak/Correctol
Dulcolax
Milk of Magnesia
4. Diarrhea
Rheaban
Kaopectate
Immodium AD
5. Headaches
Tylenol (NOT Ibuprofen or Aspirin)
6. Hemorrhoids
Anusol HC or Preparation H (cream or suppositories)
Tucks or Witch Hazel soaks
Dibucaine
7. Indigestion/Heartburn
Maalox
Mylanta
Tums
Rolaids
Zantac, 150 mg twice per day
8. Nausea/Vomiting
Frequent, Lighter meals
Eat crackers before getting out of bed in the morning
Space out solids and liquids by 30 minutes
Ginger tea, ginger snaps, ginger ale, or peppermint
9. Sore Throat
Cepacol
Sucrets
Salt water gargle (1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water. Gargle and spit out)
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