Pregnancy Q&A

Our team of midwives answer your prenatal questions

Making informed decisions is part of your pregnancy journey. Everyday you need to make decisions on your diet, keeping your baby safe, and later, your options for labour and your baby’s birth. If you are struggling with common pregnancy complaints, the right information and reasons for the symptoms or complaint you are experiencing can help you find safe ways to alleviate or cope with these discomforts.

A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who specialises in pregnancy, labour and birth. In this article, our team of midwives provide expert answers to some common questions from expectant moms.

Q: Should I see a general practitioner (GP), midwife or gynaecologist during my pregnancy?

A: A gynaecologist (gynae) is a pregnancy specialist. Those women who are high risk or have difficulties during their pregnancies are advised to see a gynaecologist for their prenatal care visits. An expectant mom with a normal pregnancy can be monitored by a GP and midwife.

Q: Is spotting or bleeding normal in pregnancy?

A: Bleeding during pregnancy is not normal but it is common in the first trimester when some women have what is known as an ‘implantation bleed’ around 10 to 14 days after conception. It may occur when a fertilised egg implants in the lining of the uterus – and it is normally just a drop or two of blood. If you do bleed in pregnancy, as a precaution, seek medical help so that your healthcare provider can determine where the bleeding is coming from, as it can be a sign of miscarriage.

Q: Are abdominal cramps normal in pregnancy?

A: Abdominal cramps or discomfort is common during pregnancy as the uterus stretches and prepares to accommodate the baby. These may cause discomfort, but they don’t last long or they may come and go over a period of time. If you experience cramping with bleeding, consult your healthcare provider.

Q: I need to use the restroom much more frequently now. When will this subside?

A: Frequent urination starts at six weeks into the first trimester and subsides as soon as your baby is born. You may urinate even more in the first few days after giving birth. This is because your body is getting rid of extra fluid accumulated during pregnancy. After that, your urination should be back to normal.

Q: I’m getting more headaches now. Is this normal? 

A: You may have an increased number of headaches during pregnancy. This can be attributed to hormonal surges and increased blood volume circulation when you are pregnant. Headaches may also be worsened by poor posture, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, low sugar levels, stress, dehydration and caffeine withdrawal. Headaches in the third trimester may be attributed to tension from lifting heavy objects and poor posture. It may also be caused by preeclampsia – high blood pressure during pregnancy. If you experience frequent headaches on waking, you should have your blood pressure measured by your GP.

Q: Why do I get morning sickness?

A: Morning sickness is a term used to describe recurring nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. It can happen at any time of the day but occurs mostly in the morning. The main cause is hormonal changes. Morning sickness typically starts in the first trimester and subsides during the second.

Here are some ways to cope:

• Replace three large meals per day with smaller meals. Choose bland foods, like rice, cereals or bananas, over fatty and spicy foods. They are low fat and are less likely to upset your stomach.
• Avoid strong odours. These may cause you to gag and bring on nausea.
• A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey before bedtime may reduce morning sickness. A slice of ginger a day may also help.
• Keep almonds or dry biscuits next to your bed and snack on a few before you get up. Low blood sugar and postural hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that occurs when you stand up from sitting or lying down, can trigger morning sickness when you get out of bed. It can also make you feel lightheaded and dizzy.

Q: I’m constipated. How can I alleviate this safely in pregnancy?

A:  Increased hormonal levels slow down digestion and relax the muscles in the bowels. This can cause constipation in pregnant women. An expanded uterus can also put pressure on the bowels, which can contribute to constipation. Drink lots of water – a minimum of eight glasses a day. Eat foods rich in fibre such as fruits, vegetables and wholegrain breads and cereals. Black strap molasses (available at pharmacies in the health section) and soaked linseeds can alleviate constipation and are safe for use during pregnancy.

Q: I’m in my third trimester and I feel contractions. Is this something to worry about?

A: Early contractions typically occur in the third trimester but they can also occur in the second. They are called practice or Braxton Hicks contractions, named for the doctor who first described them. The uterine muscles can tighten from 30 seconds to two minutes. These help you prepare for labour and let you practice your breathing exercises. Practice contractions tone the muscles in the uterus and promote blood flow to the placenta. They also help soften the cervix for childbirth.  When early contractions occur near the time of delivery, they are called ‘false labour’. False labour works to dilate and efface (stretch/dilate) the cervix.

Contact your healthcare provider or midwife if you have any concerns or questions.