Flowering Lilac

Our physicians will give you the support you need during your third trimester. In Jacksonville, FL, FABEN Obstetrics and Gynecology fully prepares you to welcome the new addition to your family into the world.

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

Getting Ready for Delivery

Childbirth Classes

You are encouraged to take childbirth classes with your support person starting in the seventh month of pregnancy. You will need to make arrangements in your fourth month of pregnancy to ensure a space in a class. Classes can be arranged through:

  • Baptist Medical Center, (904) 202-4233

There are 2 Maternity Suite Tours offered monthly by labor and delivery, the newborn nursery, and the post-partum floor. Call 202-1075 or click here to schedule a tour.

Third Trimester Checklist

  • 24–36 weeks: Call the office if you suspect rupture of membranes (leakage of fluid), if you have more than 4–5 contractions in an hour, vaginal bleeding, or if you notice a decrease in fetal activity.
  • 36+ weeks: Call the office if you suspect rupture of membranes (leakage of fluid), if you have regular contractions every 2–5 minutes, vaginal bleeding, or if you notice a decrease in fetal activity.
  • At 37 weeks, notify your doctor what contraception method you desire to use after delivery.
  • Make sure that you are pre-registered at the hospital.
  • Choose a pediatrician for your baby. You can schedule an interview or just visit the doctor's office Consider birth control options for post-partum.
  • Decide about circumcision. The circumcision is usually performed by the obstetrician and sometimes by the pediatrician. Insurance coverage varies for this procedure. Please review our circumcision policy regarding payment for this procedure if you are interested.
  • Decide if you will breast or bottle feed and purchase appropriate supplies.
  • Plan for a maternity leave from work. Please give our office 2-3 weeks to fill out the necessary paperwork. Disability paperwork should be given to our front office.
  • Consider taking a tour of the hospital: Baptist offers tours of the maternity ward. For more information, call the Women's Resource Library at (904) 202-1075.
  • Consider childbirth preparation classes. For more information, call the Women's Resource Library at (904) 202-1075.
  • Pack your labor bag and overnight suitcase. As a minimum, purchase basic items for your baby such as diapers, undershirts, and a few outfits.
  • Wash baby's new clothes to remove fabric finish.
  • Plan for your hospital stay by asking family and friends to care for other children and pets, collect mail, etc.
Education on Childbirth

Education on Childbirth

Baptist Hospital offers many courses at various places and times during the year, and for various fees.

General Orientation for New Moms and Dads

A specially designed orientation program is available at the Women's Pavilion for maternity guests. Information about the program is included in the Women's Pavilion packet or by calling the Women's Resource Library. Baptist nurses help prepare you in many ways for your special delivery. Baptist offers expectant moms and dads this single-evening class (adults only) to learn more about what to expect about your upcoming birthing event. The program includes a tour of the maternity suites, pre-admission to the hospital (please bring your insurance card), information on how to register for other birthing and parenting classes, and discussions with Baptist nursing staff about what to expect and how they can best help you.

Circumcision

Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the tip of the penis. In the United States, it is often done before a new baby leaves the hospital. There are medical benefits and risks to circumcision. Possible benefits include a lower risk of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases. The risks include pain and a low risk of bleeding or infection.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that the medical benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks. They recommend that parents make this decision in consultation with their pediatrician. Parents need to decide what is best for their sons, based on their religious, cultural, and personal preferences.

Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural Anesthesia's goal is to provide pain relief rather than a total lack of feeling. Epidurals block the nerve impulses from the lower spinal segments, which decreases sensitivity in the lower half of the body. Please visit Epidural Anesthesia for detailed information.

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