From the Desk of Dr. Simhaee

Dear Expectant Parents,

Congratulations on your new pregnancy! We would like you to read this letter and other educational material that will be suggested or given to you during this pregnancy. We feel assured that the material given will add greatly to your understanding of pregnancy. Educational material given is not to discourage any questions; if you have any questions or concerns, I will be more than happy to answer them.

Your prenatal appointments will be arranged at approximately every three-to-four week intervals during the first seven months and closer together thereafter. Good prenatal care contributes to the health of the mother and the baby. Some of your blood test and ultrasound need to be done within certain gestational age. As a result it is important that you keep all your appointments. If any problems should arise, you can always contact the office to send me a massage or to set up an extra appointment to speak with me.

If I am not available as a result of illness, vacation, or attendance in a medical conference, there will be a qualified physician of my choice available to you. The name and telephone number of the covering doctor will be given to you by the office staff or answering service.

The Hospital

You will be delivering at the North Shore University Hospital unless notified otherwise. The hospital is located at 300 Community Drive in Manhasset. The main telephone number of the hospital is 516-562-0100. If you are not familiar with the hospital’s location, it is suggested that you take a drive to the hospital before your due date so that you will know exactly where you need to go when the time comes. When the time comes for you to go to the hospital, you need to go to the Admitting Office, which is located at entrance #3 of the Main Building. Do not go to the emergency room.

What To Do When You Go Into Labor At Full Term

If this is your first pregnancy, you may call me after your labor has started and your contractions are 5 minutes apart for at least two hours lasting at about 60-90 seconds per contraction.

If this is not your first pregnancy, you may call me after your labor has started and your contractions are 5-6 minutes apart for one hour lasting at about 50-60 seconds per contraction and then go to the hospital.

Also, call me if you have noticed that your membrane (amniotic sac) has ruptured, if you have heavy vaginal bleeding, severe headaches, not feeling movements from the baby, or if there may be any concern about any conditions. If your call has not been answered within 15 minutes, please call again and mention that the nature of your call is an emergency. If 15 minutes has passed again (from the second call) and you have not received a phone call back, you may proceed to the labor and delivery room at North Shore University Hospital.

My ultimate goal in providing your obstetrical care is your continued good health and delivery of a healthy, robust newborn. I will do my best to achieve this goal and for this process I will suggest the standard and tailored tests for you. We should know that, in spite of all our efforts, unforeseen difficulties can still occur, which might not be within our control.

“I WANT TO ASSURE YOU THAT YOU ARE GETTING THE BEST OF CARE!”

My overall approach in life and medicine is that one cannot know everything, and I am not an exception to this rule. That said, please be assured that I will manage your prenatal care to the best of my knowledge and ability. If at any point I believe I need a second opinion regarding the management of your prenatal care or any ultrasound findings, I will refer you to another Board Certified OB/GYN or a Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician. Keep in mind that this is to ensure you are getting the best of care.

Lamaze Classes

Especially for first time parents, I recommend that you participate in preparation for parenthood class. They are held in the hospital or privately. If you are interested, please call 516-562-4415 at North Shore University Hospital between 24-28 weeks of your pregnancy to schedule your class.

Lactation Services

After giving birth, a new mother is faced with many challenges including physical recovery from the birth, mental challenges, changes of hormone levels, and bonding with her new child which often includes breastfeeding. For many women, breastfeeding their child is a simple, easy process. For others, there are challenges that come along with nursing their child. When the process isn’t as smooth as it could be, the woman may speak with a lactation consultation.

Lactation Office at North Shore University Hospital: (516) 562 – 4447

Additional Prenatal Care Recommendations

1. Take your prenatal vitamins or 1 mg of Folic Acid daily
2. Add DHA to your prenatal vitamin around 14-16 weeks
3. Add one over-the-counter Iron pill daily to your diet starting around 14-16 weeks (such as: Slow Fe 50 mg, Feosol 65 mg, Ferrous Sulfate 325 mg, or any other brands)
4. If your vitamin D level is low, please take 1 Vitamin D3 1000 or 2000 units daily according to our specific recommendation
5. Obtain the book What to expect while you are expecting and read per month of pregnancy
6. Every mother-to- be is very concerned regarding their weight gain during pregnancy. Also, they always check and compare their abdomen to that of other pregnant women. Here are a few suggestions for you:
   
   
   1. As your mother told you during your childhood, do not compare yourself to anyone else. You are unique and your pregnancy is unique.
   2. With the first pregnancy, you abdominal muscles are strong so you will not show until you are approximately 16 to 20 weeks pregnant. With the second pregnancy, you will show earlier; some patients even show after their first missed period.
   3. Have a scale in your bathroom, check your weight on the same day of the week every week in the morning, without your clothes on, and document on wall. This way, you can monitor your exact weight. Doctor will advise you on what the ideal weight gain for you is during this pregnancy. Attached I have provided you a guide on how to manage your diet during pregnancy. 
7. It is very important that you read about mercury in fish and listeria on our website at: http://www.simhaeeobgyn.com/fo...
8. Make sure to see your dentist annually for a tooth cleaning. It is important to get a tooth cleaning if you have not had one in the past year.
9. Please go to our website and read about breastfeeding and lactation so that you can be better prepared for post-pregnancy. Thank you for trusting us with your prenatal care and delivery. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office anytime.

Congratulations, again best wishes, and good luck with your pregnancy!