Pregnancy Q&A
Common Questions About Pregnancy
When should I see my doctor?
Getting prenatal care as soon as you know you're pregnant (or, if possible, before you conceive) and seeing your health care provider regularly as your pregnancy progresses are vital to you and your baby's health.
Your actual schedule will vary depending on your health care provider and the nature of your pregnancy. If you are healthy and are not categorized as a high-risk pregnancy, you can expect to go to the doctor once a month for the first 28 weeks, at which point you'll go every two to three weeks until week 37 and then weekly until you deliver.
When should I start prenatal education and what classes should
I look for?
It is important to educate yourself during pregnancy. Attending classes and sharing thoughts and concerns with other couples will aid you in making informed decisions with your health care provider during the birthing process. Most people prefer to take childbirth preparation classes, depending on the type of class (one day, weekend or a weekly series) around week 28-34 of pregnancy. Schedule classes early to ensure that your first choice for classes is available to you and in the time frame that fits your personal schedule.
Select programs taught by nationally-certified educators with creative and interactive teaching strategies that allow for questions, participation, state-of-the-art technology, flexible class schedules and convenient times and locations that meet your needs.
What does a midwife do?
A certified midwife is a health care professional trained to care for a woman during and after pregnancy. Unless there are complications, she also can help with the birth. Georgia licenses certified nurse midwives who have passed accrediting examinations to order tests, offer treatment and assist with the birth of low-risk mothers and babies. For more than 50 years, midwives have been important providers to child-bearing women, offering personalized attention throughout pregnancy and birth, as well as throughout a woman's life.
What can I do to relieve leg cramps?
Leg cramps are common during pregnancy. Some experts believe cramps may be a result of too little calcium; others simply attribute them to the physical strain of pregnancy. To lessen the incidence of cramps, eat foods rich in calcium, drink eight to 12 glasses of water daily and stretch before and after exercise and before getting into bed. When cramps do occur, gently stretch and massage the cramped muscle. Heat also can relax tense, tight muscles. Take frequent breaks if you stand a lot and wear support hose to encourage good circulation. If cramps occur primarily at night, elevate the foot of the bed to promote circulation. As with any discomfort during pregnancy, mention the severity and frequency of your leg cramps to your doctor or midwife.
How will I know I am in Labor?
Your doctor or midwife will give you guidelines on when to call and come to the hospital, but if you are experiencing contractions that are regular and painful, you have a pinkish or blood-streaked vaginal discharge or your water breaks (in a gush or a trickle), labor has probably begun. Remember, though, that some women never establish perfectly regular contractions, so when in doubt, call your health care provider.
What should I pack to take to the hospital with me?
Pack one bag for labor and one for after delivery. You may leave your "after delivery" bag in the car until after the baby is born. Ask your doctor, midwife and other mothers you know for advice, but generally speaking, pack:
- A robe, slippers and extra underwear
- Your toothbrush, hairbrush and other personal toiletries
- A list of important phone numbers to announce the good news
- A camera, extra batteries and film
- Comfort items that are important to you, such as your own pillow, your favorite cream and your journal
- Clothes to go home in (you may still need a maternity outfit for a few weeks)
- Clothes for your baby to go home in
- Snacks, a change of clothing and a toothbrush for your partner