Top Questions on Having a Baby Answered by an OB Who Has Been There.

I can tell you without reservation that my pregnancies (especially the first one) were the most significant events in my life. I was overwhelmed, excited, a tiny bit fearful (OK-I was scared to death) and completely in awe of the task my body was about to perform. Time screeches to a halt and everything you do becomes profoundly important. I remember it like it was yesterday. I think most women do.

I always found it helpful to talk to women who could offer wisdom, courage and just good information. For that reason, scoopcharlotte.com reached out to Dr. Kathleen Persavich with CAROLINAS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Charlotte Ob/Gyn who recently had a baby.We wanted to get the perspective of a doctor who had “been there”.

I think I might be pregnant.  I want to be pregnant.  I have babies on my mind. How soon should I go to the OB/GYN?

It is wise to have a preconception counseling meeting with your OB/GYN. At this meeting the doctor will discuss getting your body ready. You need to get up-to-date on vaccines, possibly have genetic testing, assess health and lifestyle changes, determine when to stop taking birth control and begin taking a prenatal vitamin.

Vitamins? Should I start these BEFORE I get pregnant? Can I get them OTC or should I call my OB/GYN?

I recommend starting prenatal vitamins 1-3 months prior to pregnancy. They can be prescribed by the doctor or picked up over the counter. Just look for vitamins with at least 400 micro-grams of folic acid along with iron.If you have difficulty swallowing or keeping down pills, gummy prenatal vitamins are OK in the first trimester.  However, the gummies do not have the iron you need later in the pregnancy, so you will want to switch to a prenatal with iron sometime in the second trimester.

Please recommend a book on pregnancy & childbirth. I am overwhelmed by the choices out there.

Mayo Clinic’s Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy  is a great comprehensive book on pregnancy and childbirth providing  week-by-week updates on baby’s growth and month-by-month changes for mom.  Also, babycenter.com has a pregnancy due date calculator that will give you email updates on baby’s growth based on basic gestational progression. This is a fun way to keep up with what is going on with your baby in utero.

 What’s the first thing I should do / start doing once I know I am pregnant?

The number one thing is to take care of yourself. By taking care of yourself you are taking care of your baby. Reduce stress levels and take inventory of all the “extra” things you do – ask yourself if they’re really necessary?

Yes, I would recommend it.  Many of my patients have told me the classes prepared them for what to expect in the hospital on the big day.

Your uterus will take up to 6 weeks to “involute” (meaning return to its normal size).  Your abdomen size will depend on many factors, including how much weight you gained in pregnancy as well as your diet after delivery.  Remember that breastfeeding helps burn up to 500 calories daily, so it is a great way to help get the pregnancy weight off.

While I was a medical student, I had the opportunity to work with a midwife in a remote town in Mexico.  The “birthing bed” they had was a piece of plywood held up by four posts.  I reminded myself that women have been doing this for thousands of years with far fewer resources than we now have available.  It’s all about perspective.

Mainly getting a little something in your stomach first thing is the key. Vitamin B6 can be helpful as well, so talk to your personal doctor about taking an extra supplement.

Try not to worry.  There are so many “unknowns” about pregnancy and you can get very wrapped up in worrying about things that are completely out of your control. Focus on taking care of yourself, which is the best thing you can do for your baby while pregnant.

Yes, to an extent.  Your hormones are all over the place, which can lead to emotional waves.  However, if your emotions are affecting your normal daily function, you need to speak with your doctor.

Most of the same risk factors that increase your risk for Type 2 diabetes also increase your risk for gestational diabetes. Your doctor will determine if you are at risk. If you are diagnosed the doctor will help monitor blood sugar and manage treatment.  A screening for Gestational Diabetes generally occurs at 28 weeks. Your healthcare provider may decide to screen you earlier if he/she thinks you are at high risk.

The amount of dye that is absorbed through the scalp is really nominal especially in highlighting. I suggest waiting until the 2nd trimester just to be safe. I highlighted my hair during my pregnancy.

Testing starts when you are thinking about getting pregnant. Some tests are required and some are optional. Your doctor will give you a timetable of tests at the first meeting. Ultimately they are information gathering tools that help you prepare or help your doctor give you the best prenatal care.

Women are pursuing careers, waiting to get married, furthering their education and putting off having children until they feel more established, so I am seeing many patients over 35. As we age we tend to have more health problems, and the chances of having a baby with a genetic defect does increase as a woman ages. Staying healthy and managing any health concerns is key. If age concerns you, discuss the particulars with your doctor, such as any issues or medicines you are currently taking.

Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy so what is considered “normal” is a bit hard to quantify. During the first prenatal visit you will be given a booklet with the basic guidelines regarding warning signs and when to contact the nurse. Some people have a heightened sense of anxiety; if that is you, discuss this with your doctor. Sometimes just talking with the medical professionals can ease your mind.

I ended up having an emergency C-section which was not in my plan. In the moments leading up to the surgery a real shift occurred from “self” to “baby”. I wasn’t concerned about pain, my birthing plan, or my body. All I cared about was my baby.

I didn’t really have any cravings but I do I have a funny story. I was going to a wedding in New York in late fall. I started wrestling with these maternity panty hose. Literally, it felt like I was in a wrestling match and losing. I was rolling around on the bed, tugging, pulling and stretching. Finally, I began to laugh at the absurdity of it. What was I doing? Who was going to care whether I had on hose. Why was I putting myself through it?