Flowering Lilac

You can trust us to provide the information and resources you need during your second trimester. In Jacksonville, FL, FABEN Obstetrics and Gynecology proudly helps moms-to-be have healthier pregnancies.

What to Expect

Nausea: Nausea is common in early pregnancy. If possible, we prefer conservative measures such as frequent small meals (six a day) and the use of bland foods. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. If you are unable to tolerate liquids, please call the office.

Constipation: Constipation is a common problem in pregnancy. Drink plenty of fluids and eat meals high in fiber, such as fruits, whole grains, and vegetables.

What to Look Out For

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, please call your doctor right away.

  • Tightening of the abdomen that becomes constant or comes and goes
  • Contractions every 10 minutes—you start from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next to determine how far apart the contractions are
  • Cramping like your menstrual cycle—cramping can be in the abdomen or lower back
  • Lower abdominal pressure or cramping that feels like gas pains
  • Increased vaginal discharge or clear vaginal dripping
  • Bloody discharge from the vagina
  • Symptoms similar to the flu—nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • You do not feel your baby kick or your baby kicks less frequently than usual

Prenatal Nutritional Information

Medications and Pregnancy

If possible, you should try and avoid any medication during the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy. However, occasionally you may need to take something. The following is a list of medications that are appropriate to use in pregnancy.

  • Allergies: Actifed, Claritin, Zyrtec, Normal Saline Nose Spray (for dry nasal passages)
  • Backache: Tylenol Regular Strength or Extra Strength
  • Cold &/or Flu: Tylenol Regular Strength
  • Congestion: Actifed, Claritin, Mucinex, Vicks Vapor Rub, Sudacare Vaporizing Shower Tablets *TAKE NOTHING CONTAINING ALCOHOL*
  • Constipation:
    Bulking agents—Metamucil, Fibercon, Fiberall, Benefiber, Citrucel
    Laxatives—Senekot, Pericolace, Fleets Enema (only if no bowel movement after 3 days)
    Stool Softeners—Colace, Doxidan, Dulcolax, Milk of Magnesia
  • Cereals that may help: Cracklin Oat Bran/Uncle Sam’
  • Cough: Robitussin DM, Vicks Cough Syrup, Throat Spray, Throat Lozenges *TAKE NOTHING CONTAINING ALCOHOL*
  • Diarrhea: Imodium AD, Increase fluids-Gatorades/PowerAde/Pedialyte/Water
  • Fever &/or Headache: Tylenol Regular or Extra Strength *TAKE NOTHING CONTAINING ASPIRIN or ASPIRIN PRODUCTS i.e. Motrin/Ibuprofen/Advil/Aleve/Excedrin
  • First Aid: Neosporin Ointment, Bacitracin Ointment
  • Gas: Phayzyme, Simethicone, Beano
  • Heartburn/Indigestion:
    Antacids—Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, Gaviscon
    Acid Reducers— Tagament (once or twice daily), Pepcid AC (as package direction), Prevacid (as package direction)
  • Hemorrhoids: Preparation H, Anusol HC, Tucks Wipes
  • Insomnia: Benadryl, Tylenol PM (as package directions)
  • Leg cramps: Tums (take one three times a day)
  • Nausea &/or Vomiting: Dramamine, Emetrol, Vit B6 10–25 mg tablets three times a day, Ginger capsules 250mg four times a day, Gin-Gin candies (world market), Sea Bands. If symptoms persist, please contact the office.
  • Rashes/Itching or Insect Bites: Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, Hydrocortisone cream/lotion or ointment, Benadryl cream/lotion or ointment, Caladryl lotion/cream, Aveeno Oatmeal baths
  • Sore Throat: Tylenol Regular or Extra Strength as needed, Throat Spray, Throat Lozenges, Gargle