Pregnancy Q & A
Answers to Common Pregnancy-Related Questions
How can I make the right choice in choosing my health care provider (HCP)?
Some key questions to ask are: Where do you deliver, what prenatal tests do you recommend, do you support natural childbirth, when do you recommend a cesarean delivery, what is your philosophy on pain management, who will be allowed in the delivery room with me, what will happen after my baby is born?
What prenatal tests do I need?
Ask your provider which tests you will be given at each stage of pregnancy, what the risks are, and what help you will receive in making an informed decision after receiving test results.
Can I still exercise now that I'm pregnant?
You can continue to exercise as you did before you conceived, provided that you clear it with your health care provider. If it feels like too much, slow down. As your pregnancy progresse, fatigue may slow you down, so listen to your body. Make a point to always drink water before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. You local hospitals or community centers may offer classes especially designed for pregnancy, such as prenatal yoga, belly dancing and swimming. These same places may offer postpartum exercise classes as well, which are designed for women who have just had babies. The instructors know what moves a new mom should be doing and what she should be avoiding. The best is that you can take your baby with you; nobody cares if you need to stop and breastfeed, and it is a great place to meet other new moms and build lasting friendships.
Should I include my partner in everything?
If you want your partner involved or your partner wants to be involved in your pregnancy then it is a good idea to start off with your first prenatal visit. They can meet your HCP, ask questions, supply details about medical history, and be in on the conversation about tests and genetic screening. After that, any medical procedures, tests, ultrasounds and appointments in which test results will be given, so you will have support. And finally, office visits toward the end of your pregnancy, will allow your partner to ask any questions about the labor, delivery and postpartum process.
He is encouraged to attend childbirth education classes with you. The classes are helpful because they provide information on what role a partner can play in the labor and delivery process. They also serve as a second set of ears, which is helpful because there can be a lot of information to absorb. If you can't convince him to go with you, give him some time to absorb the changes that are going on in your lives, and after determining what is holding him back, look for ways to address his concerns.
Should I have a birth plan or birth preferences to discuss with my HCP?
Many women have strong feelings about how they picture their birthing experience. A birth plan sounds very firm and inflexible, so a list of birth preferences may come across as a more gentle way of conveying all of your goals, wishes and desires to you health care team so they can be respected during the birthing process. Your birth preferences can include details regarding; who will be present during your labor and delivery, mobility during labor, routine IVs, pain medication, episiotomy, cutting the umbilical cord, labor environment, having baby placed on chest for skin to skin bonding and temperature regulation, breastfeeding immediately after birth, rooming-in or no separation of mother and baby until discharge home. Whether you have birth preferences or a mental image of ideal childbirth, being flexible and open minded comes in handy during labor and delivery. Be prepared for the possibility that your preferences may change at any time during labor, particularly if this is your first baby.
How do I calculate my due date?
Your HCP has a due date calculator wheel that can give you a more accurate estimate, but here's a quick, simple way to do it yourself. Figure out the first day of your last menstrual period and add 9 months and 7 days to that date.
Is it safe to take over the counter medications?
It is safe to always check with your HCP before taking any medications. Remember that whatever medication you take, your baby will be taking it too. Generally, start out with home remedies, such as resting and drinking extra fluids. Hot fluids such as clear broths, decaffeinated tea or saline nose drops can help ease congestion. Cold compresses may alleviate headaches. If you need something stronger, acetaminophen (Tylenol), is considered a safe over the counter product for headaches or aches and pains from colds/flu.
What is the most comfortable sleeping position?
It is not recommended to sleep on your back after 24 weeks as that can impeded blood flow to the major blood vessels providing blood flow to your heart. So try to sleep on your side using full-body pregnancy pillows or you strategically place several small pillows to support your back, under your belly and between your legs.
Is it safe to have sex?
Unless you HCP has told you to refrain from sex due to medical reasons, having sex at any stage of pregnancy will not harm the baby. The fluid in your amniotic sac cushions your baby and the mucous plug blocking the cervix helps to guard against infection. You may have more or less interest in sex during various stages of your pregnancy.
