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This is a list of day-to-day guidelines compiled from PROM list members' suggestions.
Taken as a whole, these guidelines represent the most conservative approach
to managing a PAP pregnancy, and are especially useful for women who are looking
for a comprehensive list of PAP precautions others have found helpful so that
they can feel that they are doing everything in their power to prevent recurrence.
Keep in mind, however, that following these guidelines exactly may require
a level of caution that is not appropriate or realistic to your situation. Many
members of the PROM list have had successful PAP pregnancies by following only
those guidelines below that made sense in their circumstances -- or even ignoring
them all (including the precautions about sex and orgasm). The key is to
find what works for you to give you peace of mind. Adapt these guidelines
to your needs and constraints, especially if you have small children who require
your help and supervision.
You may want to print out this list and have your health care practitioner
check off all the boxes that apply to you.
Everyday Activity
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No lifting over 10 pounds. |
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Minimal stairs. |
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Limited standing and walking. |
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No housework. |
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No increase in altitude or long car trips. |
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Get lots of rest. |
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No bending. |
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No baths. Sit down in the shower if you can (use a plastic lawn
chair if you don't have a seat in your shower). |
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Use unscented soap. |
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No professional singing (puts undue pressure on the diaphragm and
all the muscles around the uterus; singing for fun is fine). |
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Avoid nipple stimulation, including letting hot water run on your
breasts in the shower (it stimulates the uterus). |
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No sex or orgasm |
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Use antibacterial wipes after you use the toilet to prevent chances
of infection. |
Diet & Supplements
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Get adequate protein in your diet (minimum is 60 grams of protein
daily). |
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Minimize sugar intake; reduce intake of carbohydrates. |
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Keep taking your prenatal and folic acid supplements. |
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Take extra Zinc, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C, on top of prenatals
(ask your health care practitioner for dosage). |
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Drink water (2 to 3 liters per day). |
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Drink unsweetened or fruit-juice sweetened (not corn-syrup sweetened)
cranberry juice, or take cranberry capsules to prevent urinary tract
infections. |
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Eat yogurt (including soy yogurt with live cultures) or take acidophilus
supplements to help your body naturally fight off infection. |
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Other
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Monitor for unusual vaginal discharge, urinary tract infections,
etc. |
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Monitor for preterm labor |
In addition to the above, add the following:
Monitoring and Preventative Measures
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Ultrasounds and digital vaginal examinations for cervical changes
or funneling every two weeks, and every week between 18 and 24 weeks. |
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Bacterial cultures for signs of infection(s) every two weeks. |
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Cerclage after 14 weeks, if needed. |
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P17 shots, if applicable. |
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fFN test every two weeks after 22 weeks. |
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Get an amniotic fluid index (AFI) baseline and baseline cervical
measurements. Use these to track any changes in either measurement later
in pregnancy, as warning indicators. |
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See perinatologist and OB on alternating weeks, throughout remainder of
pregnancy. |
Everyday Activity |
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Modified bedrest (limited activity, bathroom privileges, short
showers). |
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Strict and/or hospital bedrest, if needed. |
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Take leave from work or reduce work schedule, if possible. |
Diet |
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Don't eat anything that distresses your intestines. Too much straining
to have a bowel movement can put increased pressure on membranes and cervix. |
Next page
>>
| Remember: this information was compiled by the members of the PROM list.
We live all over the world, with many different standards of medical care. We
are not doctors and nothing in these guidelines should be taken as medical advice.
A doctor should be consulted before undertaking any of the tests, dietary suggestions,
or other recommended actions within these guidelines. |
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Article by Kay Squires & Holly Norman, january 2005
Special thanks to the members of the PROM list
© 1998-2024 Inkan, The PROM Page
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Pregnant
After PROM (PAP) |
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