Frequently Asked Questions: Pregnancy
Even a healthy pregnancy can be a difficult and confusing time. Your body goes through so many changes, some of which can catch you off guard! Friends and family, thankfully, have lots of advice. However, some questions can be a bit embarrassing and, when you’re at the OBGYN, you may be too overwhelmed to remember every question. Don’t worry! We have answers to your women’s health questions. How do I tell if I’m pregnant? Early signs of pregnancy include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Fatigue Nausea Frequent urination Change in appetite Morning sickness Breast swelling Missed period
How are due dates calculated? The average pregnancy is 266 days from your last ovulation cycle. That is about 40 weeks. If you aren’t sure about your due date, ask your OBGYN! They will be able to tell you.
Can I have sex while pregnant? Unless your OBGYN has specifically told you not to have sex during your pregnancy, it is absolutely safe to do so. Your baby is protected by an amniotic sac, uterus, and mucus plug in the cervix. Do I have to take prenatal vitamins? Yes! Pregnancy is rough on your body. You will need additional vitamins and minerals to protect your body and support your baby. It’s important that you talk to your OBGYN about what vitamins are best for you. There are many options so take some time to find what’s right for you. Is this heartburn normal? The combination of increased progesterone and a growing uterus can cause heartburn. There are some ways to try to prevent this however. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Smaller, frequent meals Walk after meals Elevate your head and chest while sleeping Wear loose clothes Drink ginger root tea Take antacids
How do I prevent stretch marks? Stretch marks are incredibly common in pregnancy. Around 90 percent of pregnant women develop them! If you want to avoid being part of that majority, then make sure to drink lots of water, eat a diet high in skin-supporting vitamins, and massage your stomach daily with a moisturizer. Can I exercise while pregnant? Unless your obstetrician specifically tells you not to, you can remain active during your pregnancy. Low impact exercises are fine. This includes things like aqua aerobics, walking, tai chi, and yoga. Exercises that involve jumping and contact sports, however, should be avoided. What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes which develops in some pregnant women. It is caused by the placental hormones. In most cases, a pregnant mother’s pancreas produces around three times as much insulin as normal. This is necessary because the pregnancy hormones impact blood sugar levels. If the pancreas can’t keep up, gestational diabetes can develop. Anyone pregnant can get gestational diabetes. However, there are some risk factors that increase your odds of developing it. These risks include:
1. Age Over 25 years old 2. Race African American Native American Hispanic Pacific Islander 3. Family history Relative with diabetes 4. Weight Overweight BMI over 30 5. Past medical history Had gestational diabetes before Had a precious big baby (macrosomia) Has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) Why can’t I control my bladder anymore? Urinary incontinence is very common during pregnancy. Your baby takes up a lot of space in your torso and can put a lot of pressure on your bladder. This pressure can cause an overwhelming urge to go to the bathroom. Additionally, as the muscles around your uterus stretch out, you can lose some control. Weakened pelvic muscles can cause minor leaks for a few months after giving birth as well.
What is the difference between a gynecologist, obstetrician, and an OBGYN? Gynecologists deal with a wide range of women’s health concerns. These range from pap smears to STD screenings to breast exams. Obstetricians deal specifically with pregnancy. They will care for you from your first prenatal testing to follow-up after delivery care.
Note- This article is originally appeared on - http://physical-healthtips.blogspot.com/2016/11/frequently-asked-questions-pregnancy.html