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Patient Center: After Fetal Surgery

Activity

Restrictions on your activity are dependent on the type of procedure you had, and your condition after surgery. You may have some limitations until 37 weeks' gestation. You are able to get up for meals, shower, use the bathroom, and go from one room to another. Your doctor will be more specific about any alteration in this plan. Bedrest promotes blood flow to your uterus and baby, and decreases pressure placed on your cervix - these factors help decrease uterine contractions.

Medications

You may be on tocolytics until 37 weeks' gestation. The most commonly used tocolytic is Nifedipine. If needed, pain medication will be provided. You should bring your prenatal vitamins and begin taking them again after discharge.

Diet

Since your activity is decreased, you may not feel like eating. We will provide you with a bedrest diet and encourage you to eat 6 very small meals a day. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day will help with problems of constipation that can result from bedrest.

Exercise

You will receive instructions for bedrest exercises, which will help keep some muscle tone. The most important exercise is flexing your foot towards your head and then pointing it. Do the bedrest exercises as often as you can. Also remember to change sides at least every two hours when you are lying down.

Managing at Bedrest

Be sure to have help available especially if you have children. Make a schedule for yourself. Schedule a change of rooms to spend time in, take naps, make telephone time, plan project time and other diversional activities. Talk to other mothers who have had to stay in bed during their pregnancy.

Follow-up Appointments

You will see the perinatologist once per week after discharge. You will have an ultrasound at least once per week, or more often, if deemed necessary by your doctor. Your baby and uterus will be monitored weekly in the Perinatal Testing Center. Some patients do not need to stay in San Francisco after their surgical procedure. If you are able to return home after your fetal surgery, our Perinatologist will contact your Obstetrician to work out a plan for your future care.  Your operative reports and hospital discharge summary will be sent to your doctor.

Important Telephone Numbers:

Fetal Treatment Center (800) RX-FETUS   1-800-793-3887
24 Hr Pediatric Surgery (415)476-2538
Labor & Delivery (415)353-1787
Perinatal Testing Center (415)353-2722
Perinatologist - Outpatient Clinic (415)353-2223
Intensive Care Nursery (415)353-1565

When to call the Doctor

• If your incision (cut on the abdomen) is red, warm and tender to touch, or has anything draining from it
• If you have a temperature over 101°F (38.5°C)
• If fluid leaks from your vagina
• If you have vaginal bleeding
• If you don't feel the baby move everyday
• If you have persistent back pain, cramping, abdominal tightening, or pelvic pressure
• If you have chest pain or difficulty breathing