Pregnancy FAQ
How important is breastfeeding?
Breast milk protects your baby against infection and provides all of your baby’s nutrition. Breastfeeding promotes mother and baby bonding. Breastfeeding benefits the mother’s health and wellbeing. It is always wise to follow up with a lactation consultant for the best advice.
To meet our lactation consultant, book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
When should we stop using contraception?
If you are using hormonal contraception, then discontinue them 2-3 cycle before attempting to conceive.
Barrier methods for contraception can be continued until pregnancy is desired. It is always wise to follow up with a gynaecologist for the best advice.
To meet our gynaecologist, book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
Do I need to change what I eat if I'm trying for a baby?
Stick to a balanced diet to boost your chances of conceiving and of having a healthy baby. Eat several servings of fruit, vegetables, grains such as whole wheat bread, and calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, cheese, and milk every day. Not getting enough nutrients can affect your periods, making it difficult to predict when you ovulate. And you may not ovulate at all if you've lost a drastic amount of weight or are obese. It is always wise to follow up with a dietician for the best advice.
To meet our dietician, book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
Will my weight affect my fertility?
Overweight women who are having trouble conceiving may find fertility improves if they are able to lose weight. On the other hand, women who have a BMI less than 18 may also have trouble with ovulation. It is always wise to follow up with your dietician for the best advice.
To meet our dietician, book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
Should I start exercising more before I conceive?
Please consult a gynaecologist to check if you can start exercising more before you conceive.
To meet our gynaecologist, book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
Is smoking, drinking and taking drugs harmful when I'm trying to get pregnant?
Yes. Use of these substances is associated with increased risk to the foetus.
Why is planning my pregnancy better? It is best to identify any risk factors prior to pregnancy?
It is always wise to follow up with an obstetrician and gynaecologist for the best advice.
Book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
Is caffeine not healthy when I'm pregnant? Should I limit caffeine or stop it completely?
Most sources recommend that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day. This is the amount of caffeine in one cup of coffee. It is always advisable to limit the use of caffeine whether or not one is pregnant.
Please follow up with a doctor for the best advice.
Do I have to go on a diet before I get pregnant?
Any decision to go on a diet before one gets pregnant is best discussed with a doctor first. Healthy lifestyle and nutrition is always recommended. Body mass index that is best is between 20 and 25. A BMI score of above 30 carries increased health risks for mother.
For advice related to diet consult a dietician for an evaluation.
To meet our dietician, book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
When is the best time to conceive?
Women with regular cycles usually ovulate 14 days prior to the next menses. The fertile time is usually the 5 days before this. Using the longest and shortest cycles, women can usually predict the range for ovulation. There may be ovulation test kits that are available in the pharmacy. If you have infrequent cycles, you should consult your doctor.
To meet our obstetrician and gynaecologist, book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
What food should I eat and avoid?
A healthy diet with wide range of colours in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat is best. It is always wise to follow up with a Dietician for the best advice.
To meet our dietician, book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
I've been trying to conceive for months and it’s not working. Does that mean I have a problem?
50% of couples having regular intercourse 2-3 times/week will conceive in 6 months. This number goes up to 85% by the end of one year. If you haven't conceived by this time it is reasonable to consult an Obstetrician and gynaecologist for advice.
Book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
When should I start taking vitamins if I'm trying to get pregnant?
One should be careful not to take any medications without the doctor’s advice, especially if one is trying to get pregnant. If you planning to get pregnant, please discuss with a doctor for the right advice.
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How do I take care of my breasts while preparing for breastfeeding?
It is always wise to follow up with a lactation consultant or an obstetrician and gynaecologist for the best advice.
Book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
How bad is smoking during pregnancy?
The dangers of smoking during pregnancy include premature birth, low birth weight, and pregnancy complications. Even being around cigarette or shisha smoke puts a woman and her baby at risk for problems.
It is always wise to follow up with your doctor for the best advice.
To meet a doctor in NMC Women’s Hospital, book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
Is sexual intercourse allowed during pregnancy?
Please consult with a gynaecologist for advice.
Book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
When do I start counting the days to know exactly when I conceived?
Calculating the day your baby begins to develop and keeping track of your pregnancy dates can be a challenge. The development of pregnancy is counted from the first day of the woman’s last normal menstrual period (LMP), even though the development of the foetus does not begin until conception, which is about two weeks later.
It is always wise to follow up with your doctor for the best advice.
Book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
Why is day 1 of my menstrual cycle considered the first day of pregnancy?
The first day of your pregnancy is actually considered to be 14 days after. Prior to ultrasound, the menses was the first clue as to when you conceived, assuming regular cycles.
Why is tracking your menstrual cycle important when trying to get pregnant?
It is the first clue as to when you conceived, to help determine your estimated due date. If menses are irregular, having this information will help your doctor determine possible problems.
Does stress affect my menstrual cycle?
The body is sensitive to any unexpected disruptions. For some women, stress may play a role in causing irregular or missed periods.
It is always wise to follow up with a doctor for the best advice.
Book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
Does my age affect conceiving?
Yes, fertility decreases as a woman ages.
I hardly gained anything in the first trimester but now I’m putting on about a half kg a week. Is that okay?
How much weight you should gain depends on how much you weigh at the beginning of pregnancy.
Check with a gynaecologist for the best advice.
Book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
I have a trip planned for the second trimester that includes a flight and a long car ride. What can I do to stay safe and comfortable?
It is important to get up and walk every 2 hours to prevent blood clots in your legs. The seat belt should be fastened with the shoulder harness across you and the lap belt below your abdomen. Before planning such trips by air or by road, it is advisable to check with your obstetrician/gynaecologist.
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What medications are safe during pregnancy?
If you are taking medication you should review them with your physician prior to pregnancy. Do not stop medication without discussing with provider. If you will be starting any new medications, let the prescribing doctor know you are trying to get pregnant.
It is always wise to follow up with your Health Provider for the best advice.
Book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
I'm having so much discharge all of a sudden. Is this normal?
It is common to have more discharge during pregnancy. If you are having other symptoms, such as itching or odour or if it is watery or bloody, see your doctor.
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When should I stop sleeping on my stomach and back?
If you are comfortable you can sleep on your stomach through the entire pregnancy. You should stop sleeping on your back after 20 weeks.
It is always wise to follow up with your Health Provider for the best advice.
When can I try conceiving again after a miscarriage?
After losing one baby, women often worry about miscarriage of their next child. When you do start trying to conceive, especially after a second or third miscarriage, your doctor will probably recommend tests to make sure there aren't any issues with your chromosomes, immune system, or uterus.
In such situations, it is always wise to follow up with an obstetrician/gynaecologist for the best advice. Book your appointment now through our website or call directly on .
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that develop in the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can vary in size, from that of a bean to as large as a melon.
Fibroids affect at least 20% of all women at some time during their life. Women aged between 30 and 50 are the most likely to develop fibroids. Overweight and obese women are at significantly higher risk of developing fibroids, compared to women of normal weight.
Is using the laptop safe when pregnant?
The usage of laptop during pregnancy has not been shown to cause harm. It is always advisable to place the laptop on a desk for maximum comfort.
Can I have alcoholic beverages if I'm pregnant?
Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can cause your baby to be born with both physical and mental birth defects. The most serious concern is a condition called foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is one of the most common causes of mental retardation.