Frequently Asked Questions
of First-Time Expectant Mothers
About Pregnancy, Baby & Birth
That line is called linea nigra and it’s due to hormone changes that affect the skin’s pigmentation. It will go away after delivery and when the hormone levels stabilize.
You can start by talking to your OB doctor about referrals. Many OB offices have a referral list. You can also talk to friends and family who have children. When you get some names, then you need to check with your insurance company to see if they are part of your plan. Lastly, contact the pediatrician’s office and see if they are accepting new patients. Some offices will allow you to make an appointment to interview the pediatrician in order for you to meet the doctor and ask questions regarding specific concerns, and practice style.
As part of their prenatal class package, some hospitals offer classes that feature one, or several, of their pediatricians as the speaker. Signing up for this class is another good way to meet the pediatrician and learn about their style and philosophies. Don’t forget to inquire about evening and weekend hours, as well as lactation support. Some pediatricians have certified lactation consultants as part of their team.
Since you are considered term at 37 weeks, you should have completed all the classes you intend to take by that time. Many classes fill quickly, so you should sign up early in your pregnancy in order to get the dates and times that you want. However, most first time moms deliver at close to, or a little after 40 weeks. So go ahead and register for all the recommended classes, even if you can’t fit them into your schedule until the 37-39th week range. Most organizations have refund policies for those who deliver before their class.
Braxton-Hicks contractions actually start after your 3rd or 4th month, becoming more frequent as your due date nears. Braxton-Hicks contractions are usually mild, intermittent and go away with a change in activity or by increasing your fluids. These are really practice contractions, they are not changing your cervix at all, and therefore it’s not real labor. True labor contractions get stronger, grow closer together and last longer.
Most hospitals have an early discharge procedure in place for those who would like to leave early; however it’s advisable not to, especially for a first time parent.
All babies need a metabolic screen drawn prior to discharge and it’s not accurate until the baby is 24 hours old. Also, if you choose to breastfeed, most moms find it very beneficial to have the availability of nurses and lactation consultants for guidance and troubleshooting. There are also some medical conditions, such as newborn jaundice, that may not show up in the newborn until they are 24-36 hours old.
Use that time in the hospital to get used to caring for your baby, and use the experience of the staff to answer questions that will invariably come up.
Monitoring weight gain helps ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome for both mother and baby.
Research demonstrates that low weight gain during pregnancy results in low birth weight babies, so this is not the time to diet or restrict calories without medical supervision.
Weight gain goals for pregnancy are based upon pre-pregnancy body mass index: In general, women with a normal BMI (body mass index) should gain about 25-35 pounds.
If you are overweight, or have a higher than normal BMI, you should gain about 15-25 pounds. Those expecting twins, should gain about an extra 10 pounds above the guidelines.
Pregnant women should limit their intake of “lower mercury” fish to about 12 ounces per week. Good choices of “lower mercury, higher omega 3” fish include: herring, salmon, sole, and light tuna.
Pregnant women should never eat swordfish, tilefish, shark, and king mackerel because of their high mercury content.
Good non-fish sources of Omega 3 fatty acids include flaxseed (linseed), walnuts, and cooked soybeans. Certain prenatal vitamins now also contain Omega 3 fatty acids. Additionally, non fish oil fatty acid supplements are also available. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Animal experts suggest talking with a trainer or signing up for a class. Animal training companies, as well as many hospitals, now offer “baby and bowser” classes.
Animal trainers recommend that you start “training” your dog during your pregnancy to prepare him for the change in his routine. Start now to alter his walking and exercise patterns. Start using baby gates from time to time to block him out of rooms. Move his bed out of your bedroom and put it where it will be when the baby arrives.
Most importantly, never leave your baby or child alone with the dog.