Pregnancy is the exciting phase that brings huge new experiences and changes in life. A woman’s body deals with a lot of transformations. At this period of time, pregnant women need physical, mental, as well as emotional support.
An obstetrician is the one who will help a woman in all possible ways. A specialist provides the best maternal-fetal care throughout the pregnancy. Probably every woman has a number of questions in their mind. Everyone doubts if they are taking the right care of themselves or not.
Here, in this article, we will discuss those important queries that everyone should feel free to share their concerns with the doctors.
Common Questions To Ask An Obstetrician For A Healthy Pregnancy
What Foods Should I Avoid And Eat During Pregnancy?
There are many myths regarding the foods that women should eat or stop eating during pregnancy. It will be the best idea to get it confirmed by your obstetrician. The doctors usually advise avoiding uncooked beef meat as it has a toxoplasmosis bacteria present in it that can cause birth defects.
In addition, a woman should also stop taking unpasteurized dairy byproducts, as it contains Listeria bacteria which can cause stillbirth. Avoid eating refrigerated smoked meat products and raw sprouts.
It is very healthy to eat a lot of nutritious food such as low-fat meats, omega-3 fatty acids-rich foods, whole grains, etc. Doctors also take prenatal supplements such as vitamins, iron, folic acids, etc. Moreover, it is advisable to wash the fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Is Acidity Common During Pregnancy?
Most women in their second trimester of pregnancy start suffering the acidity problem. It’s because of hormonal changes which can disturb the functioning of the digestive system. Consequently, it causes heartburn or acid reflux which is totally common and normal.
Add fiber-rich food to your diet and stop eating junk foodstuffs. Try to lay in an upright position with extra pillows below your head.
What Exercises Should I Practice During Pregnancy?
Doctors mostly advise pregnant women to take a brisk walk. Harsh workouts or intense yoga are strictly instructed to avoid. A woman can do certain exercises such as simple stretching or swimming which are very beneficial for joints. Do not do activities that can increase your pulse rate above 140.
Simple exercises are very helpful as they reduce back pain and excessive weight. Moreover, you can do yoga poses such as balancing table pose, triangle pose, cow pose, etc.
Is It A Necessity To Have a Cesarean-Section?
Out of five, two women go through the cesarean section. Usually, every woman expects a normal delivery as it is the best to give birth to a healthy baby. An obstetrician is the right judge to assure if that is possible or not.
There are specific factors like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, obesity, old maternal age, complicated previous pregnancy, or large-size fetuses that require C-section. It emerges as the safest alternative that is good for the health of a woman and a baby.
Can I Still Have Sexual Intercourse While Being Expecting?
Several women query a doctor about this, especially in the first trimester. Most of the partners worry that doing the sex while being pregnant can harm a fetus and a woman too. However, obstetricians suggest that it is fine to have sexual intercourse unless they feel there are medical complications.
As the pregnancy proceeds, keep changing the various positions to find out which is the most suitable one for you.
Can I Continue Working At The Time Of Pregnancy?
This is the common question on the ask-list of women when they are in their third trimester. If it is not a high-risk pregnancy case, then you can keep working until the delivery date.
On the other hand, if your job is something that requires much physical work, then an obstetrician may recommend some precautions or limitations. It will help to keep the child safe and healthy. Moreover, excessive tension and work stress can also impact the health of a baby, so it’s fine to talk about your workload with your manager.
Do You Suggest Any Prenatal Classes?
Every pregnant woman should know about each trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, the obstetrician suggests opting for the prenatal classes which makes aware of:
- First trimester: It starts from the first day of your last menstrual date till week 12. There are many hormonal changes in the body that indicate some physical symptoms of pregnancy. Such as missed periods, fatigue, nausea, etc.
- Second trimester: It starts from 12 weeks till the 27 weeks of pregnancy. You might observe some changes like growth in the size of breasts and abdomen, stretch marks, and fetal movement near 18 to 24 weeks.
- Third trimester: It starts from 24 weeks till the delivery date. During this last phase, there will be an increase in weight, tiredness, uterine contraction and relaxation, constant issues in falling and staying asleep, etc.
Are Non-Prescription Medicines Safe?
During pregnancy, it is a must to first confirm your ongoing medication with your obstetrician. A doctor will ask to stop taking it or switch it with some better alternative. It is necessary because very few medicines have been authorized as completely safe.
How Much Weight Is Normal During Pregnancy?
It is a must to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. About 11 kg to 15 kg of increase in weight is considered healthy but being overweight can lead to the risk of gestational diabetes. So, discuss with your obstetrician and plan a dietary chart accordingly.
Should I Need A Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is a practice to diagnose if a fetus carries specific genetic defects such as neural tube defects, Sickle-cell anemia, Down Syndrome, etc. Usually, it is performed only in the case if a mother or any family member has a record of such abnormalities.
Normally, there are fewer chances of childbirth defects so, unless an obstetrician feels the need, women do not require genetic testing.
Can I Travel To Distant Places During pregnancy?
The most suitable time to visit distant places is during the second trimester of your pregnancy. If you’re experiencing any medical complications, do not skip to consult your OB before going. Be cautious about carrying essential medicines with you.
Summing Up
These mentioned questions will allow you to make the most of your first appointment with your obstetrician and get the right maternal-fetal care needed. It’s a right of every woman to get their doubts clear by speaking with the doctor.
Getting the best answer to your question, you’ll be able to continue experiencing a great moment of your pregnancy and ensure having a healthy child.
