Quick Medication Reference Guide

This is a quick reference guide for the medications used at ACFS for your treatment cycles. It includes which medications need to be refrigerated, when to start and stop your medications during a cycle, and some of the over the counter medications you may use when you become pregnant. If you are not 100% sure what to do and if you still have questions, it is STRONGLY recommended that you call us ANYTIME at 480-860-4792 (push the number 2, when asked, if after hours).

REFRIGERATED MEDICATIONS

There are some medications that when purchased need to be refrigerated right away in order to preserve the potency and/or longevity of the drug. This list includes the following:

1. Lupron or Luprolide-full strength and Micro dose (this medication already comes pre-mixed by the pharmacy)
   
   
2. Growth Hormone, hGH, also known as Tevtropin or Protropin. This medication comes in boxes with a single vial of powder and a single vial of water that need to be mixed together to provide you with 3 days worth of medication per each vial of drug. This is done by mixing 3cc's or 3mls of water (to the “3” mark on the syringe) to the entire powder and injecting yourself with 1cc or 1ml (to the “1” mark on the syringe) of the medication into your hip. Remember to always refrigerate all MIXED and UNMIXED vials of this drug.
   
   
3. Progesterone Lozenges or Progesterone Suppositories come premade from the pharmacist. They are “waxy” in texture and will melt or stick together if not refrigerated.
   
   
4. hCG, also known as human chorionic gonadotropin, Ovridel, Pregnyl or Profasi is used to trigger ovulation. When the full dosage of 10,000 units is reconstituted by mixing the entire vial of the powder with 2cc's or 2mls of the water, (to the “2” mark on the syringe) the entire dissolved solution is given IM into the hip muscle and no refrigeration is needed. If you are instructed by a staff member at ACFS to do a “booster” shot of hCG after a timed intercourse or IUI cycle in which you stimulated the ovaries with HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropins), the dosage is 5,000 units IM and can be given at any time of the day exactly one week after the trigger shot was done. Not always is hCG available in 5000 unit vials, so many patients will purchase a 10,000 unit vial and reconstitute it as noted above and will then inject ½ of the amount or 1cc IM into the hip muscle. This will leave ½ the dosage or 5,000 units (1cc or 1ml) in the reconstituted vial, which can be dated and placed in the refrigerator for up to one month for use later if you have not conceived on that cycle and wish to try another cycle the following month.
   
   
5. Follicular Stimulating Hormone or FSH is also known as Follistim, Gonal–F, Bravelle, Urofillotropin or Fostimon. All unmixed vials can be stored at room temperature. If you have purchased either Follistim AQ or Gonal-F AQ cartridges for use with the pen, they need to be kept refrigerated at all times. Once the cartridge is punctured after the first injection, it remains good for one month under refrigeration, and then it should be discarded. There are also multi-dose vials of some of the above brands of FSH available. Once a vial is reconstituted for use (the powder is mixed with the solution), it must be kept refrigerated.
   
   
6. NuvaRing is a vaginal ring that is placed internally for 21 days and then it is removed during the last week of a 30-day cycle. It offers effective birth control and some of our patients may use it to help manipulate a cycle, treat simple ovarian cysts or to rest the ovaries after COH (controlled cycle of ovarian stimulation). It must stay refrigerated until you are ready to use it.

MEDICATION TIME TABLE

1. Prenatal Vitamins, that contain folic acid and omega 3-fatty acids or DHA, should be started when you are beginning the process to actively conceive. They should continue throughout the pregnancy. The folic acid helps to decrease the incidence of birth defects and spina bifida by 50%. The omega 3-fatty acids help to improve brain and eye development and maximize fetal growth.
   
   
2. Baby Aspirin 81 mg Tablets should be started when you are beginning the process to actively conceive. It should be taken daily through 34 weeks of pregnancy. It is used to decrease the stickiness of platelets and to increase uterine blood flow.
   
   
3. Parlodel or Bromocriptine should be started when advised by ACFS. It is used to treat elevated prolactin levels. Treatment is continued through the end of the 8th week of pregnancy. Repeat prolactin levels should be checked after being on the full dose of medication for 2-3 weeks.
   
   
4. Progesterone Lozenges generally start the day after ovulation and continue if you are pregnant through the end of 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you are doing a Donor Egg Cycle or a Thawed Embryo Transfer, you will be advised by ACFS when to start them. They will also be continued through the end of 12 weeks of pregnancy. Progesterone lozenges are used to help augment the uterine lining preparation.
   
   
5. Progesterone Injections start the day after transvaginal aspiration of oocytes and continue through the end of the 8th week of pregnancy. If you are taking Parlodel for an elevated prolactin level, continue the injections through the end of the 9th week of pregnancy. If you are doing a Donor Egg Cycle or a Thawed Embryo Transfer you will be advised by ACFS when to begin the injections. The injections will be continued through the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. Progesterone Injections are used to help prepare the uterine lining and to help support the pregnancy.
   
   
6. Crinone 8% Gel starts the day after transvaginal aspiration of oocytes and continues through the end of the 8th week of pregnancy. If you are taking Parlodel for an elevated prolactin level, continue the gel through the end of the 9th week of pregnancy. If you are doing a Donor Egg Cycle or a Thawed Embryo Transfer you will be advised when to begin the Crinone Gel. The Crinone Gel will be continued through the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. Crinone Gel is used to help prepare the uterine lining and to help support the pregnancy.
   
   
7. Prednisone 10mg tablets are started when advised by ACFS, and is continued through the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. It is a medication that requires that you “wean off” the dose slowly. Instructions will be provided at the time the medication is no longer required. Prednisone is used to treat positive antisperm antibodies and in the treatment of repeated pregnancy loss. It helps to decrease antibody response.
   
   
8. Heparin Injections are started when advised to do so by ACFS, and is continued through the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. It is a medication that requires monitoring of your Platelet levels and your PTT (bleeding time). A monitoring schedule will be provided to you at the start of this medication. It is used to help prevent micro-clotting associated with positive antiphospholipid antibodies and/or repeated pregnancy loss.
   
   
9. Calcium-Magnesium (1500 mg) and Vitamin D (400 units) are started when you are instructed to begin Heparin Therapy. It is continued through the end of the 12th week of pregnancy. It helps to prevent the risk of osteoporosis sometimes associated with heparin use.
   
   
10. Lupron 5mg/ml dose (full dose) is started day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle and continues as directed by ACFS. It is used to suppress the ovaries and to temporarily make you menopausal. In a stimulated cycle it will help to allow for the growth of more follicles and will help to prevent ovulation. If you are doing a Donor Egg Cycle or a Thawed Embryo Transfer you will continue the prescribed dosage until you are advised to take the last injection. In stimulated cycles only, the dosage will eventually be decreased and will be continued until you take your last dose in the PM with the trigger shot.
    
    
11. Micro Lupron 40mcg/ml dose (mini-flare protocol) is used in certain stimulated cycles and is started on the evening of day 2 and is continued twice a day AM and PM starting on day 3 until advised by ACFS. The last dosage is given in the PM with the trigger shot. It is used to initially stimulate the ovaries before it suppresses them and prevents ovulation.
    
    
12. Antagon or Ganirellix Injection is started when advised by ACFS during a stimulation cycle when the majority of the follicles are 12mm in size. This medication is continued every morning until advised to take the last dosage in the PM with the trigger shot. It helps to allow more follicles to reach maturity and to prevent ovulation.
    
    
13. Z-Pac is started 2 days prior to a Sonohysterogram (SHG) and continues until the 5 day dose is finished. It helps to prevent the risk of infection.
    
    
14. Zithromax 500mg tablets are started before any Transvaginal Aspiration of Eggs and Embryo Transfer, fresh or frozen, and are taken in the PM's the night before, the night of, and the night after. They are used to prevent the risk of infection.
    
    
15. Medrol 32mg tablets are started before any Transvaginal Aspiration of Eggs and Embryo Transfer, fresh or frozen, and are taken in the AM's the morning before, the morning of, and the morning after. They are used to diminish the body's antibody response.
    
    
16. HMG (Human Menopausal Gonadotropins) also known as Repronex, Menopur, Lepori is started on the morning of day 3 and is continued until you are advised to stop. This is usually when the follicles reach a cumulative size of 16, 17 or 18mm's. This medication is a combination of your body's natural hormones FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and is used to make 2-4 egg follicles, in low dosage for IUI, and in a higher dosage for IVF, to stimulate the ovaries to make multiple follicles.
    
    
17. FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) also known as Bravelle, Follistim, Gonal F, Fostimon is started in the evening of day 3 and is continued until you are advised to stop. This is usually when the follicles reach a cumulative size of 16, 17, or 18mm's. This medication is one of the body's natural hormones and is used to stimulate the ovaries to make multiple follicles.
    
    
18. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) also known as Profasi, Ovridel, Pregnyl is given when advised by ACFS to “trigger”. It is given at a specific time to cause the exact timed release (ovulation) of the oocytes (eggs) from the follicles. It allows the oocytes in the follicles to undergo the final maturation process before being released from the ovaries. It also gives us a specific window of when ovulation will occur so that timed intercourse, IUI or Transvaginal Aspiration of Eggs can be performed.
    
    
19. Human Growth Hormone also known as Tevtropin, Protopin, Serostim is given in the AM's starting on day 1 or 2 of a stimulated cycle. It is continued until advised by ACFS to stop. This is usually on the day that we decide you are ready for “trigger”. It is used to help potentially improve the oocyte quality.
    
    
20. Metformin or Glucophage is a medication that is started after confirming insulin resistance. This is done by a simple fasting blood test that measures the ratio of glucose to insulin. The dosage of the medication ranges from 500mg Bid to1500mg Tid. It is taken daily as directed and is discontinued when you become pregnant. It helps to allow for better stimulation with fertility medications.
    
    

NEEDLE AND SYRINGE GUIDE

1. The following medications are given subcutaneously (SQ) with BD Ultrafine Insulin Needles:

   Lupron or Luprolide
   Micro Lupron
   Heparin
   
   

2. The following Medication is give subcutaneously (SQ) using the Pre-filled syringe it is supplied in:

   Antagon or Ganirellix
   
   

3. The following medications are given intramuscularly (IM) using a 3cc syringe with an attached 23gauge 1½ inch needle. An 18gauge 1½ inch needle is first attached to the 3cc syringe to draw up and mix the medication. The 23gauge 1½inch needle is then re attached to the 3cc syringe and the shot is given into the muscle:

   Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Profasi, Pregnyl, Profasi, Ovridel
   Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) Menopur, Repronex, Lepori
   Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Bravelle, Gonal F, Fostimon
   Human Growth Hormone (HGH), Tevtropin, Protropin, Serostim
   
   

4. The following medication is given intramuscularly (IM) using a 3cc syringe with an attached 22gauge 1½ inch needle. An 18gauge 1½inch needle is first attached to the 3cc syringe to draw up and mix the medication. The 22gauge 1½ inch needle is then re attached to the 3cc syringe and the shot is given into the muscle:

   Progesterone in oil
   
   

5. The following medications are given subcutaneously (SQ) using prefilled aqueous cartridges. They are administered by using a “Pen device provided by the manufacturer:

   Follistim or Gonal F
   
   

MEDICATIONS YOU CAN TAKE IN PREGNANCY

Ailment	Name Brand Drugs (please note the generic equivalent is also safe)
Allergies	Benadryl Claritin
Cold	Benadryl Robitussin DM Tylenol, Extra-Strength Tylenol
Constipation	Colace Dulcolax Fibercon Metamucil
Headache	Tylenol, Extra-Strength Tylenol
Menstrual cramps* *See also pregnancy related cramping	Advil Aleve (only for severe cramps during first 2 days of menses during a treatment cycle) Motrin Tylenol, Extra-Strength Tylenol
Pregnancy related cramping* *If you are pregnant and are suffering from menstrual-like cramping with bleeding, call the office immediately.	Tylenol, Extra-Strength Tylenol
Stomach virus (diarrhea)	Kaopectate Pepto-Bismol
Urinary tract infection	Most antibiotics are safe in the first trimester. Cipro and tetracycline, including doxycycline, are not recommended in pregnancy
Yeast Infection	Monistat 3, Monistat 7 (external use only) only )during 1st trimester of pregnancy)

In pregnancy, Category B medications have been shown to have no adverse effect to the fetus. Category C and D medications have been associated with an increased risk of birth defects, category D being much worse than C. Before taking any prescription medications, consult either ACFS or your obstetrician/provider first. With any prescribed medication, you need to weigh the risks versus the benefits of continuing to take the medication. You should always consult with the prescribing physician, to see if there are other medications you can take instead, or can safely go off the medication during the pregnancy?

Over the counter medications are generally safe to take during treatment and in pregnancy, but make sure to read the label first, and if there are any questions or doubt, please call ACFS before taking any medications. Antibiotics that can be taken during pregnancy:

• Amoxil (Amoxicillin)
• Ampicillin
• Augmentin
• Bicillin L-A (Penicillin)
• Ceclor CD
• Ceftin
• Cleocin (Clindamycin)
• Ery-Tab (Erythromycin)
• Flagyl (Metronidazole)
• Keflex (Cephalexin)
• Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin)
• Macrodantin (Nitrofurantion)
• Zithromax (Azithromycin)

HEALTHY START: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREGNANCY

“Arizona Center for Fertility Studies wishes you a healthy, safe and wonderful pregnancy and delivery! It was our pleasure to assist you in achieving your most cherished dream. Please come by and show off your new “miracle of love and science” when your life calms down. We would love to see you all. Wishing you both all the love and joys of parenting”.

From all us at ACFS.
Congratulations, You're Expecting!

From now until you deliver, you should be nourishing yourself and your developing baby by keeping a healthy and balanced diet, taking time to relax, and maintaining your physical health. Below are some recommended guidelines:

Nutrition

What you eat supplies the nutrients your baby needs to develop, so it is crucial to eat regularly, at least three nutritious meals and two healthy snacks a day. Your daily diet should include a balanced diet of grains, vegetables, fruits, milk products, and proteins.

The United States Department of Agriculture's website offers a great program that will help you construct a personalized food pyramid according to your daily dietary needs during pregnancy:

Visit www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramidmoms/index.html

We recommend the following nutrition guidelines:

• The United States Public Health Service recommends that pregnant women take either a prenatal vitamin or a multivitamin supplement daily that contains 400 mcg (0.4 mg) to 1000 mcg (1mg) of folic acid. Women in intermediate to high risk categories for neural tube defect should take 4000 mcg (4 mg) to 5000 (5 mg) of folic acid daily. You should also take 5 mg of folic acid if you have been diagnosed with elevated levels of homocysteine. Folic acid has been shown to decrease the incidence of fetal neural tube (spina bifida) defects. The recommended daily dose can decrease the occurrence of birth defects and neural tube defects by 50%. Folic acid can also be obtained naturally through dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals. If you do not eat enough of these foods, than you should folic acid supplements.
• Eat foods rich is omega 3-fatty acids or take supplements. Omega 3's have been shown to maximize the baby's eye and brain development, and also to maximize fetal growth.
• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids, especially water, milk, and natural fruit juices, to stay hydrated and to help prevent constipation. Water is a great example but make sure to avoid untreated water (which is rarely found in the United States but may be found in underdeveloped countries) that has not been chemically treated, filtered, or boiled to eliminate infectious bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Decaffeinated coffee, colas, and tea can be safe to consume, but remember, they still contain small amounts of caffeine.
• Eat foods rich in iron (e.g. dried fruit, meat, dark green leafy vegetables, and legumes).
• Avoid “ready to eat” meats, poultry, and seafood (e.g. hot dogs, deli meats, refrigerated pates or meat spreads and smoked seafood), and do not consume soft, unpasteurized cheeses (e.g. feta, brie, camembert, queso blanco, queso fresco) and other unpasteurized dairy products. These products are more likely to carry Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium that cause listeriosis. Pregnant women and their unborn children are 20 times more susceptible to listeriosis then healthy adults, and 1/3 of all listeriosis case involves pregnant women. Infection can lead to preterm labor, low birth weight, mental and physical disability, or even death. Canned meats such as pates, spreads, and cooked seafood along with pasteurized milk or foods containing pasteurized milk are safe to consume.
• Do not eat undercooked or raw meat and fish, especially pork, lamb, or venison, and avoid raw foods such as oysters or sushi. Be extra careful to not touch your mouth after handling undercooked meat. Raw and undercooked meat can contain Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis. This disease can affect a baby by causing hearing loss, mental retardation, and/or blindness. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis include swollen glands, fever, headache, muscle pain, or stiff neck. Toxoplasmosis can be difficult to detect, but if you experience any of these symptoms you should see your doctor or health-care provider immediately.
• Do not eat fish known to contain high levels of mercury; mercury is toxic and can damage the nervous system, especially that of a developing fetus. Examples of fish to avoid include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and large species of tuna. As long as the fish contains low-mercury levels, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommend you incorporate fish with low-mercury levels in your diet, as they are rich in high-quality protein and omega- 3 fatty acids and contain low levels of saturated fat. The FDA and EPA provide the following tips:
  1. Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.
  
  2. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, Pollock, and catfish.
  
  3. Albacore (“white”) tuna, another commonly eaten fish, has more mercury then canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week.
  
  4. Check local advisories about the safety of fish from local lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. If no advice is available, limit intake to 6 ounces (one average meal) per week of fish caught in local waters, but don't consume any other fish during that week.
• Minimize your caffeine intake: do not drink more than 12 ounces of coffee per day. This stimulant can inhibit the body's absorption of iron and calcium.

For more nutrition and food guidelines, visit the FDA's “Food Safety for Mom's to Be” webpage: http://www.fda.gov

Precautions:

For your health and the health of your baby, avoid:

• Alcohol. The amount of alcohol consumption that puts a fetus at risk is unknown. Therefore, guidelines recommend the cessation of any alcohol intake throughout the entire pregnancy. Alcohol abuse can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome or other physical and mental birth defects. ACFS recommends absolutely no alcohol use during the entire pregnancy.
• Drugs. This includes illicit drugs but also certain legal drugs such as herbal and dietary supplements, prescription drugs, and over the counter drugs. Accutane (also known as Isotretinoin) and certain psoriasis drugs such as Soriatane are known teratogens (agents which can cause birth defects), especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy. You should receive clearance from your healthcare provider prior to taking any medications.
• Tobacco. A fetus receives less oxygen if the mother is smoking. This can lead to low birth weight, preterm labor, increased risk for miscarriage or other pregnancy complications. Therefore, you should avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. ACFS recommends absolutely no smoking during the entire pregnancy.
• Hazardous substances. Examples include carbon monoxide, mercury, lead, paint thinner, benzene, formaldehyde, solvents, paint, cleaners and pesticides.
• Cat litter boxes. A litter box may contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis. When possible, have someone else handle cleaning the litter box. If you are handling the litter box by yourself, make sure to use rubber gloves and facemask when cleaning.
• Saunas and hot tubs. Your body temperature should not rise above 100 degrees F for a sustained period of time.

Healthy Exercise:

At appropriate physician-approved levels, exercise during pregnancy can benefit your health in a multitude of ways. It can reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling, elevate your energy and mood, reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes, and help you sleep better.

• If you exercised regularly and were physically active before you became pregnant, most likely you can continue moderate exercise throughout your pregnancy. Regardless, before you begin or resume exercise activity during pregnancy, consult with your physician to obtain clearance for your intended regimen.
• If you did not exercise regularly prior to pregnancy, you should consult your physician to see what types and levels of physical activity are appropriate. As long as you do not have certain medical conditions, most likely you will be able to initiate exercise with slow and gradual regimen.
• Women who possess risk factors for preterm labor, experience vaginal bleeding, or have had premature rupture of membranes should NOT exercise during pregnancy.
• Determine with discretion what exercises and sports are safe for you and the baby. Walking, running, hiking, dancing, swimming, and stationary bicycling are generally considered safe activities for most pregnant women. Many aerobics and yoga centers now offer classes geared specifically towards pregnant women.
• Always wear light clothing and drink plenty of fluids before and after exercises. Make sure you consume the daily extra calories you need during pregnancy.
• Keep your heart rate at an acceptable level as long as you are able to talk normally while exercising, you should be fine. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen and blood to the muscles being worked and away from other parts of your body, so you do not want to over-exert yourself.

Unhealthy Exercise:

Not all physical activities are safe, especially if you have not exercised regularly before your pregnancy. To keep you and your baby safe, we recommend a few precautions:

• Avoid heavy lifting and jerky, bouncing motions since joints and ligaments are at a greater risk for injury during pregnancy.
• Do not exercise in hot and humid weather.
• Avoid any impact exercise and contact sports that pose risk of trauma to the abdomen (e.g. kickboxing, soccer, and volleyball).
• Avoid exercise if you are ill.
• Your center of gravity changes throughout pregnancy, so avoid exercises that require delicate balance or that increase the likelihood of falling.
• Sporting activities not considered safe for pregnant women include: horseback riding, diving, scuba-diving, skiing, water-skiing and motor sports like snowmobiling.
• Do not do any exercises on your back after your first trimester of pregnancy.

Stop exercising immediately and call your physician if you experience vaginal bleeding, dizziness, increased shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, muscle weakness, calf pain or swelling, uterine contractions, decreased fetal movement, or fluid leaking from the vagina.

Suggestions for Dealing with Nausea:

During pregnancy you may experience nausea and vomiting because of changes in your hormone levels. This nausea is often called “morning sickness” but can occur throughout the day and/or night. Not all women have morning sickness, and it usually goes away after the first few months of pregnancy. Here are a few tips for minimizing nausea and vomiting:

• Get up slowly in the morning, since sudden movement can exacerbate nausea. Eating crackers or another light snack can potentially help ease nausea if eaten right before rising from bed.
• Eat small but nutrient-rich meals.
• Eat high protein snacks.
• Avoid long periods without food.
• Drink fluids between, not with, meals.
• Avoid foods that are greasy, fried, fatty or highly spiced.
• Avoid pungent and unpleasant odors. Get fresh air when you can.
• Rest when you are tired.
• Avoid reclining immediately following meals.
• Try ginger, chamomile tea, red raspberry leaf capsules and/or tea
• 500-1500 mg of time-released vitamin B pills from the health food store
• If all else fails, call ACFS or your OB- there are certain medications that are safe and effective in early pregnancy to help decrease the nausea. They include Tigan, Zofran and Phenergan (also in suppository form).

If you have any of the following symptoms due to intense nausea, call your healthcare provider:

• Inability to retain food for more than 24 hours.
• Weight loss.
• Dark colored or concentrated urine.
• Inability to urinate every 4-6 hours.
• Accelerated pounding heartbeat.
• Blood in vomit.

A Few More Tips…

• In general, there are no restrictions to having sexual intercourse unless you have a high-risk pregnancy (in which case, you should discuss the matter with your healthcare provider). There is no danger to the baby as it is protected by cervix, amniotic fluid and by the mother's abdomen.
• Sexual relations should be avoided if you experience spotting, bleeding, cramping, or if you have been instructed to avoid intercourse by your healthcare provider.
• Spotting is very common in pregnancy and generally does not lead to problems. Matter of fact, up to 23% of women spot and/or bleed in early pregnancy. It is usually “scary” and you should call ACFS, anytime of the day or night, when it happens. Be sure to continue all your medications, especially progesterone, if you have spotting or bleeding; because most of the time, it does not indicate a miscarriage. However, if you experience vaginal spotting or bleeding, pelvic rest may be recommended (e.g. no intercourse, tampons, and tub baths). Consult ACFS or your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Hair dying, whether through the use of natural products or chemicals, during pregnancy is considered safe but should be done with caution. The amount of chemicals used in the hair is not potent enough to create a risk for either you or your child. Just to be safe, use gloves, do not leave dye in your hair longer then the instructions indicate, and dye your hair in a well ventilated room. ACFS recommends NOT dyeing your hair in the first trimester of pregnancy just to be safe.
• Flying in an airplane and/or traveling to high elevations has not been proven to increase the risk of miscarriage. ACFS recommends not traveling in the first trimester unless it is important. It is troublesome to be having heavy bleeding with a miscarriage at 37,000 feet and another 3-hour plane ride to go. Also, even though the flight did not cause you to miscarry, you will not easily forgive yourself for going.
• Avoid hot tubs greater than 99 degrees.
• Avoid getting acrylic nails/artificial nails in the first trimester because of the toxic flumes in the salon.

Please do not hestitate to call us, at anytime, at ACFS if there are questions or concerns.