Women’s Health Care Resources

You should continue with your routine health maintenance such as dental exams. Talk with your provider if you have any questions about establishing a healthy lifestyle during
your pregnancy.

Important Lifestyle Tips During Pregnancy

What matters most is protecting your baby throughout your pregnancy. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs, now is the time to stop. If you need help, please let us know.

Cigarette smoking is known to be harmful to your baby. It also causes known pregnancy complications including growth restriction, preterm delivery and low birth weight. E-cigarettes and vaping are just as harmful so please talk to your provider if you need resources to quit.

Alcohol and drugs have been linked with miscarriage, birth defects, low birth weight and cognitive delays. There is no safe amount of alcohol consumption in pregnancy and therefore, it should be avoided altogether.

Avoid the use of recreational drugs (such as marijuana), alcohol, and the overuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Intimacy – there is no reason to stop having sex while you’re pregnant. You or your partner may notice changes in desire. Desire may be less in the first trimester, due to nausea and fatigue. In the second trimester, sex may be very enjoyable. The third trimester can be a challenge comfort-wise. Try different positions and see what’s best for you both. If you experience any pain or bleeding associated with intercourse, please call our office.

Avoid changing cat litter boxes. If there is no one else to change the litter box at your house, use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after.

Hair treatments may be done in a well-ventilated area. It is recommended to keep hair dye and products away from the scalp as much as possible. Be aware that a perm may not last as long due to the way hair follicles change in pregnancy. It is not uncommon for women to see extensive hair loss in the three to six months following delivery.

Saunas, whirlpools, and hot tubs can be used as long as the water temperature does not exceed 100 degrees and you stay in no more than 10-15 minutes at a time.

Avoid Botox, chemical peels or fillers. You should not use skin products with retinol, retin-A or salicylic acid.

Tanning booths are not recommended.

Well water should be checked by the state of Wisconsin. A test kit can be purchased from Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene at:    (608) 262-3911.

Keep your regular dentist appointments and inform them of your pregnancy so they can use extra protection if x-rays are needed. Urgent dental work can be done if needed.

Travel is permissible during pregnancy until 36 weeks for most women. After 36 weeks, you should stay within a one-hour radius of the hospital. When traveling, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and walk around for a few minutes every 1-2 hours to decrease the risk of blood clots. Cruise lines only allow pregnant women to travel through 23 weeks. You should ask for a copy of your records when traveling. Always discuss your travel plans with your provider.