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Dr. Alexander is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She is a 1987 graduate from Gulfport High School. Dr. Alexander attended Spelman College in Atlanta Georgia where she received a Bachelor's of Science degree in chemistry in 1991. She attended the University of California in Los Angeles for medical school. Dr. Alexander trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tulane University Medical School in New Orleans, Lousiana. Dr. Alexander is a board certified Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has practiced on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for 8 years. She lives in Gulfport, with her husband, son and daughter. Dr. Alexander's current practice is in Biloxi, MS. She specializes in primary care for women. This includes obstetrics, well and mature women examinations, adolescent gynecology, innovative gynecologic surgeries, urinary incontinence, and female sexual dysfunction.
Submitted by Anonymous from Biloxi
Q: Dr. Alexander, I am 12 weeks pregnant and I try to take my prenatal vitamins however with the sickness that I am having all day, sometimes I cannot take my vitamin. My Dr. said to take 2 Flintstone Vitamins everyday instead. I read the ingredients and they are not the same, I do not see iron listed either. Is this sufficient enough? Thank you for your time and your help. M.
Answered 07/23/09 23:56:47 by Dr. Donna Alexander
A: Most nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby can be found in your diet; however, there are 2 vital elements that are likely deficient. These are folic acid and iron. Folic acid can help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The recommended amount of folic acid during pregnancy is 400-600 micrograms. The body's need for iron during pregnancy is tremendous. The body has a 50% increase in blood volume during pregnancy and has difficulty maintaining iron stores for this increase and for storage in the baby's liver. 30 milligrams of iron is recommended during pregnancy. Taking more vitamins than are necessary can be harmful. The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine recommends the Dietary Reference Intakes of the following vitamins during pregnancy to help you get started: Calcium - 1300mg (under age 19), 1,000mg (over 19) Phosphorus - 1250mg (under age 19); 700mg (over 19) Iron - 30mg Zinc - 15mg Iodine - 175ug Magnesium - 400mg (under age 19); 360mg (over 19) Vitamin A - 800RE Vitamin D - 5ug Vitamin E - 10mg Vitamin C - 70mg Folic Acid - 600ug Thiamin - 1.4mg Riboflavin - 1.4mg Niacin - 18mg Vitamin B6 - 1.9mg Vitamin B12 - 2.6ug Remember choose the right prenatal vitamin and eat a healthy diet! A nutritious diet will help your body process the prenatal vitamins more effectively. Many women can experience nausea, stomach pain and even vomiting after taking their daily prenatal vitamin. Some things that may help are taking your prenatal vitamin at night with a snack. Talk with your doctor about taking only the necessary supplements separately, such as folic acid and iron. Also ask your doctor about other types of vitamins such as chewable, liquid or children's vitamins instead.Submitted by Nigel from St. Martin
Q: My husband and I want to have our children close in age. How long after child birth do you recommend waiting before getting pregnant again? Thanks, C.B.
Answered 06/23/09 12:07:16 by Dr. Donna Alexander
A: Pregnancies less than 18 months apart can be associated with complications such as preterm labor; however, pregnancies very far apart have also been linked to complications. Being healthy before conceiving and during your pregnancy is most important and can limit some complications.
