Top Ten Common Pregnancy Questions

At Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Hampton, we are asked many questions about pregnancy and what women can expect. Our goal is to give pregnant women the highest quality of care possible. Whether this is your first child or your fifth, we encourage our patients to seek prenatal care as soon as they find out they are pregnant.

Being pregnant for the first time can be a scary — but quite enjoyable — experience. Our obstetrics team at OB-GYN Associates of Hampton is here to guide you along on your pregnancy journey, putting you at ease and providing the highest quality of health care. Feel free to call us about any aspect of women’s health or pregnancy, or contact us.

How Will I Feel When I’m Pregnant?

Pregnancy symptoms in the first trimester of pregnancy may not appear until the middle or end of the second month. Hormonal changes will cause tenderness in your breasts, and you may begin to feel more tired than usual Food cravings, an increase in the need to urinate, and morning sickness may all be more noticeable. You may also suffer from heartburn.

Pregnancy symptoms in the second trimester are more prominent. Your breasts begin to grow along with your belly. You may start to feel the baby move and become more active. Dental issues, nasal/sinus problems, and skin irritations can begin to appear. Leg cramps, dizziness, and a vaginal discharge are also common. Every woman is different when it comes to the symptoms they experience, and some may not experience any at all.

Pregnancy symptoms in the third trimester can include increased frequency in urination, leg cramps, constipation, ligament pain in the abdomen, and weight gain. Back pain and Braxton Hicks contractions will become increasingly more common. Some women begin to experience high blood pressure and the symptoms of gestational diabetes.

The hormonal changes that caused breast tenderness in the first trimester may also lead to fluctuations in your emotions. You may go from being incredibly happy to extremely sad, crying at the smallest things. This is all part of a healthy pregnancy and will be monitored by your obstetricians and their staff.

Can I exercise while I am pregnant?

The answer is a resounding yes! Pregnant women can and should exercise on a regular basis. Regular exercise keeps circulation and heart function strong. Proper exercise improves flexibility and will keep your muscles strong and resilient, which will help when it is time for you to deliver the baby. Walking, swimming, stretching, and yoga or Pilates are all exceptional forms of exercise that work well for pregnant women. Staying fit and strong will make the birthing process go much smoother, and in some cases, much faster.

During pregnancy, it may be more difficult to perform certain types of exercise. Lifting weights or using weight machines may be limited as you move into the third trimester. Exercises may have to be modified to account for the shift in your center of gravity and ensure that you can continue to exercise without injuring yourself or the baby.

How much weight gain is acceptable during pregnancy?

Every woman will gain weight differently during pregnancy. As one of the first pregnancy symptoms, weight gain can get out of control rather quickly. It’s important to work with the gynecologists and obstetricians at your OB-GYN office to effectively manage your weight and keep it under control. Walking and swimming are ideal exercises for managing your weight.

Women who are at an optimum weight before pregnancy should only gain between 25 and 35 pounds. Underweight women should gain a little more, while overweight women should gain a little less. On average, the CDC has found that only 32% of pregnant women gain the suggested amount of weight for their pre-pregnancy size. Most gain more weight than they should.

Several factors affect pregnancy weight. In addition to hormonal fluctuations, food cravings, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and a decrease in activity can all play a role in the weight gain associated with pregnancy. It’s essential to work with your doctor as well as a nutritional counselor to keep your weight under control. Prenatal vitamins and supplements will ensure you get the nutrients you need without all of the extra calories.

How Will I Know My Due Date?

Understanding how due dates are calculated is important. A woman can normally count on 36 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. To efficiently calculate your due date, you will need to know the date of your last menstrual period — 280 days or 40 weeks from the first day of your last period will be your due date.

The due date of a pregnancy is only an estimation. In reality, less than 5% of babies are born on the due date the mother is given. Many factors affect the due date of a child. Considering menstrual periods are not always like clockwork, just one day can throw off the due date.

What Prenatal Vitamins Do I Need?

Pregnant women have special nutritional needs. As part of a prenatal care plan, obstetricians prescribe prenatal vitamins to ensure both mother and child get the nutrients they need. Nutrients like folic acid are harder to come by if you try to get all of your vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat.

It can be difficult to choose the right prenatal vitamin. At OB-GYN Associates of Hampton, the obstetricians and nursing staff will be able to help you find the right supplements and prenatal vitamins to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.

What Professionals Do I Need for Pregnancy?

Obstetricians and gynecologists are often confused with one another. A gynecologist specializes in women’s reproductive health. A gynecologist also deals with birth control and the implantation of IUDs. Obstetricians, on the other hand, deal with pregnancy and the health conditions that are related to it. This includes conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression.

A midwife is a person who receives all of the proper training that is needed to deliver babies in a variety of situations. Some are allowed to work in hospital settings, while others often perform home births for those who do not want their child to be born in a hospital setting.

A doula is not formally trained but has the necessary experience to guide and support a woman who is ready to give birth. Doulas continue to work with the new mother for the first few days after the birth of the child.

What Can I Eat During Pregnancy?

A pregnant woman can eat almost anything she wants during pregnancy. Because of the increase in nutritional demands on the body, eating a balanced diet is essential. This means avoiding empty calories found in refined sugars and alcohol. Eliminating fatty foods is also important. It’s also a good idea to cut out anything with caffeine. Depending on your physical health, your obstetrician will be able to help you come up with a list of foods you should remove from your diet.

In order for pregnant women to maintain their health and well-being, they must include the right foods. Shop around for the freshest fruits and vegetables possible. Drink the freshest fruit juices and include wholesome dairy foods for calcium and Vitamin D. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is also essential after childbirth if you plan on breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, it’s important to focus on eating a balanced diet. A balanced diet offers the maximum amount of nutrients and fiber with the fewest calories. For many women, this can be difficult, especially during pregnancy. Working with a nutritionist who specializes in creating personalized diet plans is the best option for focusing on a balanced diet.

What Is a Typical Visit Schedule for an OB-GYN During Pregnancy?

A typical visit schedule normally starts as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test. If you have pregnancy symptoms, it’s important that you schedule your first visit to your OB-GYN as soon as possible. Normally, obstetricians will want to see a pregnant mother once a month until the last six or eight weeks of the pregnancy. During the last three months, it may be increased to once every two weeks. The last month of the pregnancy will see a lot of changes. Your obstetrician may want to start seeing you once a week until the baby is born.

If you begin to experience pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, your obstetrician may ask to see you more often and also recommend bed rest or limited amounts of activity. It’s vital that your doctor closely monitor these conditions to ensure that no harm comes to the mother or the baby.

What Is the Best Way to Reduce Your Baby’s Risk of Birth Defects?

Folic acid is a vital nutrient that is necessary for the health and well-being of the newborn. It is also essential for proper development. It’s important to choose a prenatal vitamin with the necessary folic acid and other essential nutrients.

The best way to keep your baby’s risk to a minimum is to attend all of your routinely scheduled prenatal appointments. This gives your obstetrician a chance to closely monitor your pregnancy and help maintain your and your baby’s good health. Monthly visits allow your obstetrician to pay close attention to any changes or abnormalities you may experience during your pregnancy.

While taking supplements can be beneficial, some may not be good for your baby. Follow your doctor’s orders and only take the supplements and medications they recommend. If you are on medication for a specific health condition, you will want to discuss your options with your doctor before ceasing the medication. Certain types of medication are associated with both birth defects and an increased risk of a baby being stillborn.

Why Did I Start Bleeding? Should I Be Concerned?

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, changes in the cervix and uterus may lead to spotting or intermittent bleeding. This is completely normal. If the bleeding lasts longer than you are comfortable with, call your obstetrician. If you are keeping up with your monthly visits to your OB-GYN, they will be able to closely monitor the situation.

If you have any concerns or feel pain or discomfort, call your OB-GYN and ask for a well-being check. They will be able to uncover the cause of your discomfort and recommend a possible treatment plan to get it under control. It’s important that the placenta and embryonic sac stay intact throughout the pregnancy. If there is any kind of disruption or damage, your doctor may recommend a C-section.

Heavy bleeding is a serious sign and should not be ignored. Any time you start to bleed heavily, it’s crucial that you call your doctor right away. Right before the baby’s birth, you may experience what is referred to as the “bloody show.” This is actually a mucus plug that builds up to keep the birth canal secure. Once it is released, the baby’s birth is not far behind.

OB-GYN Associates of Hampton Is Available to Answer All of Your Pregnancy Questions

At OB-GYN Associates of Hampton, we understand you will have lots of questions. We are here to put your mind at ease and make sure you have all of the answers you need to feel comfortable and secure throughout your pregnancy. Not everyone will have a smooth pregnancy. This is why we work with pregnant women to build healthy habits. This process starts long before they actually conceive and will continue long after the baby is born. Whether you have questions about the coronavirus, your diet, or changes your body will go through before, during, and after pregnancy, we have the answers you can rely on.

Considering pregnancy is a big step. If you have questions or just want to know more, you are encouraged to contact the staff of OB-GYN Associates of Hampton. With board-certified physicians and certified nurse practitioners, you can count on receiving the highest quality medical care possible. Our clinical and administrative support staff are always available to help you fill out complex insurance claims and help you with any concerns you may have. When you are ready to schedule your first appointment, all you need to do is call 757-722-7401. You can also fill out the online contact form on our website.