Pregnancy FAQ

by Dr N Palaniappan

Assoc Prof Of ObGyn

Sri Ramachandra Medical College

1. What are the signs and symptoms of pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting are the earlier symptoms of pregnancy. However some women have these symptoms even before a normal period

2. How accurate are the urine pregnancy tests?

Most tests are about 97% accurate. You must follow the instructions given

in the reading material given with these tests. Normally you have to wait for about 3 minutes for the results

3. Can I use the urine pregnancy tests?

Yes. Urine pregnancy tests are cheap and easily available for use and can be used in the convenience of one’s home.

4. How early can I use the tests?

Normally you can detect a pregnancy about 2-3 days before most women expect their next period.

5. Do I need counseling before I conceive?          

Ideally yes. You can clarify all the doubts you have about vitamin supplementations, when to start iron, folic acid and calcium tablets, and implications of pre existing diseases or medications if any. This is essential to avoid any congenital diseases associated with drug intake during pregnancy.

6. How often should I see the doctor?

Ideally, once a month for the first 7 months, once in two weeks for the next month and once a week in the last two weeks. Speak to your doctor if you need any additional visits and always follow your doctor’s advice as he/she is in the best position to understand your baby rather than any generalization.

7. Are there safe medications for nausea and vomiting?

Yes. There are medications that will not affect your baby or its growth. In severe cases, you might need hospitalization for further evaluation.

8. How early and how often do I need to do an ultrasound?

If you have regular periods then normally you need an ultrasound in 18-20 weeks of pregnancy to detect any abnormalities in your baby. This scan is a must for all pregnancy. Another scan at 34 weeks is optional but desirable to check your baby’s growth profile. If your periods are not regular, then you need an ultrasound at 7-8 weeks to check your baby’s viability and gestational age.

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        9. Is the ultrasound safe?

                        Yes. Ultrasound is a very safe investigation and has no side effects for you or your baby. And the information it gives your doctor is immense.

10. Can I have an X Ray instead?

NO. And that’s a strict no. X Rays can cause fatal abnormalities in your baby. It must be avoided at all costs.

11. I am healthy. Do I still need to take iron and calcium tablets?

                  Yes. Even healthy women need to take iron and calcium tablets to meet the growing needs of your baby. It should ideally be started at the end of  the 12^th week.

12. When will I feel my baby’s movement?

                  Normally during your first pregnancy, its normal to feel your baby's movements by around 18-20 weeks. During the subsequent pregnancy you will feel it earlier.

13. Smoking and pregnancy?

Well, the consequences of smoking on pregnancy are low birth weight, pre mature babies and a lot more problems. Think of your baby before you are tempted by that smoke.

14. Can I travel?

Yes. But you must take pre-cautions. Take utmost care and avoid long drawn flights. Avoid traveling in crowded buses.

15. I love food and different varieties. Can I continue eating these foods?

Yes. You can have most foods. Ask your doctor to make sure these foods do not contain anything that can harm your baby. Try to eat small frequent meals and drink plenty of water.

16. Can I have sex during pregnancy?

                  Studies warn against having sex only if you have history of preterm labour, previous miscarriage, placenta previa (low lying placenta), bleeding, or leaking water. Otherwise sex is safe during pregnancy.

17. Do I need vaccination during pregnancy?

                        Yes. You need two doses of tetanus, one each in the 6^th and the 9^th month.