Pregnancy is a unique journey for everyone that brings lots of changes in people’s lives and invokes a lot of curiosity in their minds. Every couple undergoing their pregnancy journey has a lot of questions on their mind as they all want to ensure that their pregnancy is normal and they are doing their best for the health and well-being of their unborn child. Here are some of the most common questions that to-be parents or a couple who is planning to conceive often think of and need answers to
1. How many times do I need to visit a doctor while pregnant?
In general, it will amount to 10-12 times. Most doctors will see the patient in about 10 to 12 weeks. You’ll then begin to see the obstetrician around week 10. From there, tests will be scheduled to monitor both your and the baby’s health.
Visits will be scheduled every 4-6 weeks until 28 weeks, then every 2-3 weeks until 36 weeks. Beginning around week 36, it is probable that visits will be weekly. Naturally, this will depend on both your and the baby’s health.
2. What happens during prenatal appointments?
Prenatal appointments include:
- Checking your blood pressure.
- Checking your weight.
- Taking a urine sample to check for excessive protein or glucose
- Examine for swelling in your hands, feet, or face.
- Listening to your baby’s heartbeat from week 16 onward.
- Check the size and position of your baby by weighing and pressing your belly.
3. How is the due date selected?
The due date is determined 40 weeks after the first day of the last menstruation. This is assuming that the period was a regular 28-day cycle. This means that it is in fact 38 weeks since conception.
If you don’t remember when your last period was, an ultrasound can help you establish your due date after the first six weeks of pregnancy.
4. How to handle morning sickness?
Everyone experiences morning sickness differently. Some women experience no morning sickness at all, while others suffer from severe symptoms.
Unfortunately, when it comes to evidence-based medicine, there isn’t much to do. Natural treatments, such as ginger or multivitamins like B6 and B1, may prove beneficial. Some foods can cause nausea more than others, and it is usually recommended to approach each item of food with a ‘trial and error’ perspective to see what works best for the mother.
When you reach 16 weeks, things normally start to change. Most women feel better as the morning sickness starts to subside. It is quite rare for it to last beyond 16 weeks.
5. What exercise is safe for me to do while pregnant?
Staying active throughout pregnancy benefits both you and your baby by reducing pregnancy symptoms such as water retention and anxiety. Walking, swimming, yoga, and strength training are among the various fitness activities that are safe to do throughout pregnancy. If you were a regular at a particular class before becoming pregnant, you should be able to continue attending it, but you should see your doctor beforehand.
In general, you ought to use caution. Avoid harsh workouts that make you more likely to fall, rigorous ab exercises, and spending lengthy periods of time flat on your back, especially in the second half of your pregnancy. It is also advised to avoid exercises that increase your risk of dehydration and overheating.
6. Do I need to ‘eat for two’ while pregnant?
This is a popular myth. During pregnancy, you should maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet while increasing your daily calorie intake by 350 to 450. For example, include a few healthy snacks throughout the day, such as carrots, fruit salad, or hard-boiled eggs.
It may also depend on your present weight, height, and pregnancy trimester, so consult your doctor regarding it.
7. How long can I work when I’m pregnant?
Depending on the nature of your profession, you should be able to continue working until you give birth. However, if you have a very physically demanding job or any complications in your pregnancy, your doctor may advise you to limit your activities for your own and your baby’s safety.
It’s also vital to talk to your doctor about any mental stress you’re experiencing at work, as they can advise you on whether you should avoid such situations or find alternative ways to deal with them.
8. What pregnancy symptoms are normal and what are not?
The answer to this question varies according to how far along you are.
First Trimester
Common symptoms during the first trimester include nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and breast tenderness. Small amounts of vaginal spotting are also normal. However, red flag signs to be aware of include an inability to keep any food or liquids down, significant vaginal bleeding or cramps, or severe abdominal pain. If you encounter any of these symptoms, consult your doctor right away.
Second Trimester
Once you enter the second trimester, you may experience usual pelvic pressure or lower abdominal stretching. However, if you suddenly get significant pelvic pressure or pain, vaginal bleeding, or excessive vaginal discharge, contact your doctor.
Third Trimester
Finally, in the third trimester, it is usual to experience uterine contractions and pelvic pressure. Additionally, first-trimester tiredness may recur. As your due date approaches, keep an eye out for indications of labor, including contractions, your water breaking, or a loss of your mucus plug, which is frequently a reliable clue that labor is on its way.
9. What can I expect throughout labor and delivery?
Your labor and delivery experience can vary greatly depending on whether you deliver in a hospital, birthing center, or at home. A nurse or provider will conduct periodic cervical exams to detect cervical dilation and effacement. He or she may also propose treatment options to improve your and your baby’s health, such as IV and electronic fetal monitoring, which should be discussed with you as per requirement.
Discussing it ahead of time also allows you to discuss pain management choices (such as an epidural) and plan for the options accessible to you during the stages of labor.
10. What is the likelihood that I will need a C-section?
Given that one in every three women has a C-section, this is a vital question to ask your doctor, especially if you want an unmedicated birth. Reviewing your personal risks with your provider before birth can help you set realistic expectations. While the answer varies by situation, typical risk factors for C-sections include:
- Maternal Obesity
- Gestational Diabetes
- Suspected macrosomia (bigger than the typical baby)
- Post-term pregnancy (lasting beyond your due date)
- Previous cesarean birth.
- Advanced maternal age (if you are 35 years or older)
Overall, don’t be anxious to contact your doctor if you’re unsure about something. He or she understands that this is a new experience for you and can assist you figure out what is usual and what is not.