Obstetrics

Obstetrics is the branch of medicine which is principally concerned with the phenomena and management of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the post-partum period, in both normal and abnormal circumstances. 

Obstetrical care consists of periodic visits to the doctor during pregnancy, care during labor and delivery, and an office visit at 6 weeks after giving birth vaginally, and at 2 weeks and 6 weeks after a Cesarean birth. Prepared child birth with or without classes is encouraged.

Dr. Block delivers at Los Robles Hospital. This hospital has 7 labor/delivery rooms and has the only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Eastern Ventura County. Hospital stays range from 1 - 2 days for a vaginal birth and 3 - 4 days for Cesarean birth.

It is recommended that a prescription pre-natal vitamin be taken daily for 2 months prior to pregnancy, daily during pregnancy, and for 6 weeks after delivery. An iron supplement e.g. Slow Fe is recommended daily during the pregnancy and for 6 weeks after delivery if the post-partum blood count shows anemia.

At the first pre-natal visit, a pap smear will be done and blood work and urine analysis will be ordered. Between 15 - 20 weeks an expanded AFP screening blood test will be ordered. A diabetes screening blood test will be ordered between 24 - 28 weeks. A Group B Strep culture will be done between 35-37 weeks. Other tests will be done, if necessary.

A 2-D ultrasound will be done at a Radiology facility between 16 - 20 weeks to check for fetal anomalies. Another ultrasound is usually done in the office between 32 - 36 weeks.  Other ultrasounds will be done on an as needed basis.

3-D/4-D ultrasounds are available (including DVD) in the office and are usually performed between 27 - 32 weeks. Please speak to our staff for more information.

A well balanced diet including foods from all the major food groups is recommended. Three glasses of fat-free milk daily is encouraged. The white meat of poultry and fish is recommended for protein intake. All fish containing mercury must be avoided. Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish should not be eaten during pregnancy. Sushi containing salmon and snapper should be avoided. Tuna intake should be limited to 8 ounces per week. Soft cheeses should be avoided. Excessive intake of carbohydrates (e.g. breads, pastas, rice, potatoes) is discouraged.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What medications are safe to take in pregnancy?
2. When is it time to go to the hospital?
3. How can I get in touch with Dr. Block if there is a true emergency?
4. What kind of exercise may I do during pregnancy?
5. Is it OK to douche during pregnancy?
6. May I go in a hot tub or jaccuzzi when I'm pregnant?
7. Can I take a bath during pregnancy?
8. Can I travel during pregnancy?
9. Does Dr. Block recommend any books about pregnancy?
10. Should I listen to advice given to me by friends and relatives?
11. May I get a perm or get my hair colored during pregnancy?
12. May I get dental work during pregnancy?
13. What about umbilical cord blood banking?

1. What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?

The following medications are safe to take during pregnancy and for nursing moms (unless there are any allergies)

• HEADACHES: Tylenol (regular or extra-strength), Advil
• COLDS/CONGESTION: Sudafed, Actifed, Ocean Saline nose drops
• NAUSEA : Emetrol
• COUGH: Robitussin DM, Robitussin Plain, DAC (requires prescription)
• SORE THROAT: Chloroseptic spray or lozenges, warm salt water gargles
• HEARTBURN/INDIGESTION: Mylanta I or II, Maalox, Riopan or Riopan Plus, Tums
• CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS: Caltrate, Oscal, Fos Free, Tums
• HEMORROIDS: Anusol Ointment
• STOOL SOFTENERS: Colace, Metamucil, Fiberall
• LAXATIVES: Doxidan
• DIARRHEA: Kaopectate

2. When is it time to go to the hospital?

It is time to go to the hospital when your contractions are every 5 minutes apart for one hour, if your water breaks, or if there is any significant bleeding. The nurses will notify Dr. Block of your arrival at Labor and Delivery.

3. How can I get in touch with Dr. Block if there is a true emergency?

For a true emergency, Dr. Block or another doctor can be reached by calling (805) 496-6613. If there is no response within 5 minutes, please go to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911.

4. What kind of exercise may I do during pregnancy?

Most reasonable exercises such as walking, jogging, bicycling (with protective helmet), weight training, treadmill, or stairmaster is OK. It is not recommended that your heart rate exceed 120 beats per minute. If you have pre-existing medical problems which may impair your ability to exercise, please consult with Dr. Block. Activities such as surfing, skiing, paragliding, and parachuting are not advised. In addition, all contact sports should be avoided.

5. Is it OK to douche during pregnancy?

In general, it is not a good idea to douche during pregnancy.

6. May I go in a hot tub or jaccuzzi when I'm pregnant?

It is OK to go in a hot tub or jaccuzzi as long as the water temperature does not exceed 98.6 degrees F.

7. Can I take a bath during pregnancy?

Yes.

8. Can I travel during pregnancy?

Travelling is OK before 34 weeks of pregnancy. It is a good idea to take a short walk every 2 hours or so and to flex your ankle joints to avoid blood clots in your legs.

9. Does Dr. Block recommend any books about pregnancy?

Dr. Block recommends What to Expect When You're Expecting.

10. Should I listen to advice given to me by friends and relatives?

In general, no. Dr. Block encourages you to compile a list of your questions in between your visits and to bring the list with you to your next pre-natal visit. If you have a question that you don't think can wait for your next visit, please call the office during office hours and every attempt will be made to return your call as soon as possible.

11. May I get a perm or get my hair colored during pregnancy?

It's not a good idea to have chemicals in contact with your scalp; therefore coloring your hair or getting a perm is not advisable.

12. May I get dental work during pregnancy?

Yes, it is OK to get dental work during pregnancy. Novacaine for anesthesia is OK and penicillin or ampicillin is OK to take for dental work. X-rays are OK as long as the abdomen is covered with a lead shield

13. What about umbilical cord blood banking?

In the past, a baby's umbilical cord blood was thrown away as medical waste. We now know that it is a rich source of special blood cells called stem cells. These are the building blocks of blood, organs, tissues, and the immune system.

Stem cells can potentially cure dozens of diseases and researchers now believe they may prove effective in the future treatment spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, diabetes, and immune diseases including HIV/AIDS.

Below is a list of companies which offer this service. Please note that these services are generally not covered by insurance. If you are interested in finding out more about these services, you may visit the following websites:

Cryo-Cell International
1 (800)786-7235
http://www.cryo-cell.com/

Cord Blood Registry
1 (800) 588-6377
http://www.cordblood.com/index.asp

Family Cord Blood Services
1 (800) 400-3430
http://www.mycordblood.com/

Cord Blood Family Trust
1 (866) 821-9820
http://cordbloodfamily.com