Q: How much weight will I gain?
The ideal gain during pregnancy should be 11kg over & above your pre -pregnancy weight, provided you have normal BMI. This 11 kg is spread throughout the pregnancy with 1 kg weight gain during end of 1st trimester & 5 kg at end of each subsequent trimesters.
The rate of weight gain is approx 250 – 300 gm/wk. If you are obese you should not gain more than 7 kgs. The ideal weight to start a pregnancy on is 45 – 47 in an average heighted Indian woman. Sudden weight gain, excess weight gain excessive weight gain, no weight gain, weight loss, require immediate medical attention.
Q: When will I show?
The pregnancy becomes obvious many a times around 3-4 months. In a patient pregnancy for 1st time it may show a little later because of water retention, central fat deposition & weight gain.
Q: How long will the morning sickness last? I'm so nauseous!
By the time you are 31/2 months pregnant the morning sickness may leave you. But if it still remains persistent you need to find out if it is because of long hours of fasting, gastritis or wrong food intake. Very rarely it continues for a longer period of time.
Things you can do to relieve morning sickness- Small frequent feeds. Best to keep it every 3 hours during the wake up hours
- Don’t starve & don’t fast
- Avoid oily, spicy, refined & preserved food
- Drink lots & lots of fluids in between the meals
- Avoid tea, coffee, smoking & alcoholism
- Home made freshly cooked food is the best food during pregnancy
- Carry some snack – fruit, whenever out of home
Q: Is it safe to continue to have sexual intercourse during pregnancy?
In a normal woman it is safe to continue having normal sexual activity, but the normality of situation has to be confirmed from your gynecologist. In certain high risk situations the doctor may suggest to avoid SI.
Q: Are leg cramps common in pregnancy?
Leg cramps occur due to Calcium & mineral deficiency & sluggish blood circulation. Adequate Calcium intake through diet supplementation with respect to duration of pregnancy should be undertaken. Regular light exercising & stretches may also help. First kick is also perceived by a 1st time pregnant mother later than the experienced mother. This is called quickening felt between 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy Quicken becomes an important assuring sign to mother that baby is well. A healthy mother with a sound mental disposition itself is an important assurance & security for her unborn foetus.
Q: May I travel during pregnancy?
Traveling during pregnancy has to be strictly undertaken under supervision. Long distance travels undertaken in a comprised medical situation can increase risk to your health. High altitude (travel by flight) also needs to be taken under advice.
Q: Is spotting normal?
Spotting during the first trimester can be normal only after through examination & assurance by a clinician. Any such spotting during pregnancy requires urgent attention.
Following are important symptoms & signs for which one should seek immediate medical advice: Cramps, heavy bleeding, Passage of clots or tissue, fever, foul smelling vaginal discharge, giddiness.
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