Pregnancy Questions & Answers
How
do I determine my due date?
Pregnancy lasts approximately 280 days. While your healthcare provider
will most likely calculate your due date during your first prenatal visit,
you can also use a calendar to determine it on your own. First, find the
first day of your last menstrual period. Count back three months, then
add seven days. This is your due date.
Only a small percentage of babies are born on their actual due date. It
can be helpful, though, in creating a time frame for your baby's
arrival, which usually comes within two weeks before or after the due
date.
Why
do I need to take prenatal vitamins?
Why do I need to take prenatal vitamins? The majority of your daily intake
of vitamins and minerals should come from the foods that you eat, but
the recommended daily allowance may not be met through food alone. Prenatal
vitamins are a good supplement. Taking a folic acid supplement before
and during your pregnancy is also especially important.
Because an excess dose of vitamins might be related to birth defects,
make sure to check with your physician before taking any supplements.
Why
do I have a dark line from my belly to my navel?
The linea nigra (dark line) is a harmless, common sign of pregnancy that
usually appears when the abdomen is swollen. Although it occurs more often
in dark- skinned women than in light-skinned women, it is thought to be
hormonally initiated and cannot be avoided. Staying out of the sun can
help reduce pigment changes during pregnancy. The line may fade after
delivery, but will not necessarily disappear.
What
is the most comfortable sleeping position during pregnancy?
Posture is important even while sleeping. A good position to sleep in
is on your left side with your knees slightly bent. Place a pillow between
your legs and under your abdomen to help keep your spine aligned.
Is
it safe to take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen & cold
medicine?
It is important to remember that medications you take can affect your
baby. Notify your physician of all medications you usually take, and check
with him or her before starting anything new. This includes all over-the-counter,
herbal, and prescription medications. You should never use narcotics during
pregnancy.
How
often will I have prenatal visits?
During the first seven months of an uncomplicated pregnancy, you can anticipate
monthly prenatal visits. Visits are every two weeks, beginning with the
eighth month and become weekly from the ninth month through delivery.
Will
my varicose veins get worse?
Increased fluid in your circulatory system and pressure from your expanding
uterus on veins in your legs are two combined causes for varicose veins.
Varicose veins are hereditary, but will diminish significantly after giving
birth.
Is
it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
Having sex during pregnancy will not harm your baby. During the first
trimester, though, you may not feel like making love because of nausea,
tiredness, or other physical discomfort. By the middle months, you will
probably be feeling better physically, emotionally, and sexually, and
making love can be an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Many couples
make love right up until the time of delivery.
Regardless of whether it involves lovemaking, feeling loved during pregnancy
is important for your sense of well-being. Remember to speak openly and
honestly with your partner about feelings you may be experiencing.
When
will I feel the baby kick or move?
The sixteenth week of pregnancy is the earliest stage at which you may
become aware of your baby's movements. They will probably feel like
butterflies with small bursts of energy at first, but before long it will
be the unmistakable kicking and lunging of a live person inside you.
