Getting pregnant is an exciting time. However, it's also one of the most nervous moments for a woman. This is because a lot of women are not sure of what they should and shouldn't be doing while they are pregnant. This blog will look at the questions that a woman should be asking her doctor to make sure that she is doing the right things at the right time.
1. What medicines are safe to take during pregnancy?
During your pregnancy, you may sometimes need non-prescription medicines for headaches, colds and cough or acidity. While we always recommend talking to your doctor, we have mentioned a few medicines that are generally considered safe by doctors:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol), also called paracetamol, for headache, pain or fever
Vitamin B6 and doxylamine (Unisom) for nausea and vomiting
Fiber supplement for constipation
Saline nasal spray for allergies, but check with your doctor for the dosing and brand.
If you are taking medicine for a specific health condition, please inform your doctor about all your prescribed medicines the very first time you visit her.
2. What skincare products should I avoid during pregnancy?
If your skincare routine includes products with retinol, or vitamin A, like isotretinoin (Accutane) or Retin A, you should consult your doctor and mostly avoid these products. Also make sure to not experiment with new products once you are pregnant.
3. How much weight gain is normal during pregnancy?
How much weight gain is normal depends upon your body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy. BMI is calculated based on your pre-pregnancy weight and your height. At each appointment, your doctor will monitor your BMI and will provide you with a range that is ideal for you. Here's the standard chart that you can refer to so that you can easily track your weight gain during pregnancy:
A BMI of less than 18.5: 13-18 kg
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9: 11 to 16 kg
A BMI between 25 and 29.9: 7-11 kg
A BMI greater than 30: 5-9 kg
And if you are carrying twins, here's the chart:
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9: 16.7- 24 kg
A BMI between 26 and 30: 14-22.6 kg
A BMI greater than 30: gain 11-19 kg
4. How long can I work when I'm pregnant?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it can vary depending on the individual woman's pregnancy. However, in general, it is generally considered safe for pregnant women to continue working up until the last few weeks of pregnancy. After this point, it is generally recommended that women take some time off to rest and prepare for childbirth. Of course, every pregnancy is different and some women may need to take some time off earlier than others due to complications or simply feeling too tired to work. It is important to listen to your body and speak to your doctor to determine what is best for you and your pregnancy.
That said, there are certain guidelines that pregnant women should follow when it comes to working. For example, pregnant women should avoid working in environments that are too hot or humid, as this can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid lifting heavy objects or working for long hours on their feet. If possible, expectant mothers should try to take frequent breaks and take the time to rest and put their feet up when possible.
5. How do I know if I will need a C-section or not?
If you are pregnant, your doctor will usually give you an idea of whether or not you will need a C-section during your pregnancy. However, there are a few things that can help you determine if you may need a C-section:
If you have a medical condition like placenta previa or placenta accreta.
If you are carrying twins or triplets, you may also need a C-section.
In some cases, you may not know that you will need a C-section until you go into labor. If your labor is not progressing as it should, your doctor may recommend a C-section. This could be due to things like fetal distress or a failure to progress.
Maternal obesity
Gestational diabetes
Larger than average baby
Going past your due date
Previous cesarean delivery
Maternal age (i.e. you're 35 years old or older)
Ultimately, your doctor will make the decision about whether or not you need a C-section. However, it is important to be aware of the signs that could indicate that a C-section may be necessary.
6. Is it safe to have caffeine during pregnancy?
Caffeine is a stimulant that can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus. Caffeine can also affect a pregnant woman's blood pressure and heart rate. While moderate caffeine consumption (200 mg or less per day) is not associated with adverse effects, pregnant women should limit their intake to avoid potential risks. Excessive caffeine consumption (more than 200 mg per day) has been associated with miscarriage, low birth weight, and premature birth.
7. What foods should I avoid during pregnancy?
Here's a list of food items that you should stay away from:
soft, unpasteurized cheeses
unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
raw eggs
raw or undercooked fish (sushi), shellfish, or meats
processed meats
8. What vaccinations should I get?
Your vaccination schedule can depend on your requirements in specific. But here are two vaccines that are a must to take during pregnancy:
Tdap is recommended for every pregnant woman at any time between 27 and 36 weeks. This is important because babies can only receive their own first dose of the DTaP vaccine at 2 months and by getting vaccinated during pregnancy you can also pass on some immunity to your baby.
The influenza vaccine provides protection against common seasonal viruses and H1N1, especially since your immune system is weaker than before now that you are pregnant and the chances of getting sick are high. This vaccine can be taken anytime during pregnancy.
8. Which month is safe to travel by plane during pregnancy?
Mostly healthy pregnant women can fly up to 36 weeks. But after that, it's best to stay close to home. But there can be cases where a woman needs to take rest and avoid travelling due to medical conditions like high blood pressure, history of miscarriage, blood clots, weak cervix, low lying placenta and in such cases, it's best to not travel.
9. Can I dye my hair during pregnancy?
It may not be unsafe if done following all precautions. But it's best to avoid it as much as possible. If you still want to go ahead with it, it's best to check with your doctor once.
Also, make sure you go to a good salon, which is not overcrowded, unhygienic and is properly ventilated. You can go for highlights instead of colouring the full head.
Congratulations on the exciting news that you’re expecting! Now that you’ve received the exciting news, you may have a lot of questions. There are many questions that you may be asking yourself which is perfectly normal. Here at STREE, we know how important it is for you and your family to be informed about your pregnancy. We’ve put together a list of questions that every woman should ask her doctor during her pregnancy. We hope you find this list helpful!