General FAQs
What is a Kegel exercise?
Kegels are exercises that help to strengthen the pelvic floor—the muscles that support your bladder, uterus, and bowels. Kegel exercises help women become more aware of these muscles, learning to tense and relax them at will, which can help with labor pain and post-delivery healing. Strengthening the pelvic floor can also help with urine leakage. It is important to perform a Kegel correctly. To identify the right muscles, stop urination midstream—those are the muscles to focus on for a Kegel:
- Contract these muscles and hold for 5-8 seconds before releasing
- Relax for 10 seconds
- Repeat contract and relax for 10 cycles
- Repeat 3 times a day
How can I get my body ready for pregnancy?
Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise is a good start. Stop smoking, and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine. Women who are underweight or overweight and trying to conceive should talk to their doctor about achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. And women starting at a healthy weight should maintain it. With a doctor’s permission, many women start taking 400 micrograms of folic acid per day when trying to conceive, as well as get plenty of calcium (at least 1,000 milligrams a day). Women should talk to their doctors about whether starting a prenatal vitamin is a good idea, as well as to review any other medications or supplements they currently take to see if anything needs to be changed.
Can I get my period during pregnancy?
No. This can be confusing, but there is a difference between bleeding during pregnancy and having a period. Bleeding is common, especially in early pregnancy. But it should be light and nothing like a “normal” period. Women who are not sure they are pregnant and start bleeding like a period (filling a pad or tampon over a few days) are probably not pregnant. Women who know they are pregnant should report any bleeding to their OB or midwife. It’s usually not serious, but should be checked out just in case.
What does bleeding during pregnancy mean?
Often, it doesn’t mean anything, especially in the first trimester when bleeding is more common. But, women should always report bleeding to their OB or midwife, because it can sometimes be a sign of something serious. Miscarriage, molar pregnancy, and ectopic pregnancy will all cause bleeding. But so can infections, pelvic exams, and sex. Bleeding is more of a concern later in pregnancy.
What is the latest I can have sex while pregnant?
For most of pregnancy, there is no reason to abstain from sex. The exception is in the last few weeks, when some doctors advise against sex because it might lead to preterm labor. That’s because hormones in semen are known to stimulate contractions. But, by week 40, most couples are given the green light to resume having sex, because they want to get labor started and are no longer at risk of delivering preterm.
When can I find out the gender?
Can I drink alcohol when I'm pregnant?
There is a lot of information circulating that drinking alcohol in moderation is ok (or even beneficial). But the most widely accepted answer within the medical and research communities is that any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can put the baby at risk. The safest decision is to avoid alcohol entirely when pregnant, but always check with your OB/GYN or midwife.
How accurate is the gender determination before birth?
Do I need to make changes with my pets during my pregnancy?
Women should avoid some aspects of taking care of their pets when pregnant. Cleaning the litterbox, letting the hamster lick their hand, or cleaning the guinea pig cage can all leave pregnant women open to dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If there is no other option, women can use disposable gloves when performing these tasks and wash their hands, and all surfaces that pets touch, thoroughly and often. For dogs, it might be a good time for training to discourage jumping. Always keep in mind that animals can be unpredictable, getting underfoot, or leaving things around to be tripped over—good practice for parenting, but be extra careful while pregnant.
What do I need to know about health insurance for babies?
Women who have health insurance through an employer, probably don’t have to worry about their child’s insurance until after the birth (or adoption). Most insurers have a 30-day window to add the child. Each policy may be different, so women should talk to their insurance agent (or employer) to find out the rules for their plans. Women who don’t have insurance, should consider enrolling in the CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) prenatal coverage. Being in CHIP prenatal allows women to apply for CHIP coverage for their babies before the birth. Women can also apply after the birth for CHIP for a newborn.
Should I get an app to track my pregnancy?
This is purely a personal choice. Apps can help pregnant women stay informed on the stages of the baby’s development, as well as stay on track with all their prep. They can even provide reminders about what is ok (and what to avoid) to eat and do during each stage of pregnancy. There are a lot of apps out there, so make sure to choose one from a trusted source.
Do I need to pick a pediatrician before I give birth?
It is a good idea to choose a pediatrician before birth. Even healthy babies will need a lot of exams over the first few weeks and months, so having a doctor lined up saves a lot of time and stress for the whole family. When looking for a pediatrician, make sure to ask whether they will come to see the baby in the hospital and what their after-hours policy is.
Can I color my hair when I am pregnant?
It is generally considered safe for women to dye their hair during pregnancy, although some doctors advised waiting until after the end of week 12. Both semi-permanent and permanent dyes are not considered toxic and very little dye is actually absorbed by the scalp, further lowering risk. That said, some women find that the ammonia or bleach smell of permanent hair dye triggers nausea. Also, dye may not take to hair as expected because of pregnancy hormones (possible, but uncommon). Those same hormone changes make it more likely for women to have an allergic reaction to the hair color, so it is important to do a skin and strand test first.
Can I get a manicure while I am pregnant?
While there is not definitive research on beauty product use during pregnancy, manicures are generally regarded as safe. The one thing to avoid is long exposure to inhaled chemicals, so getting acrylic nails (or spending a while in a nail salon providing acrylic services to other customers) may not be advised. In addition, women often find that the strong odors in nail and hair salons trigger nausea or other symptoms. Consult with an OB or midwife to decide if a particular beauty treatment is safe.
Are there any restrictions I need to know about traveling while pregnant?
Yes, depending on the pregnant woman’s overall condition, length and method of travel, and destination. For instance, high-risk women are usually advised to avoid any travel after 32 weeks. For most expectant moms, the recommended cut off for travel is 37 weeks, although some airlines require a physician’s letter granting permission in the last trimester. Since pregnancy puts mother and baby at a higher risk of infection, up to date vaccines may be required for international travel. Cruising is generally safe, but the motion of the boat may exacerbate morning sickness. Talk to an OB or midwife for personalized travel guidance.
What over-the-counter painkillers can I take when pregnant?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is generally recognized as safe to take during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), aspirin, naproxen (Aleve®), and any other drugs in the class called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Always check with an OB or midwife before taking medication during pregnancy.
Is there anything I can do to avoid/help stretchmarks?
According to the American College of Dermatology, about 90% of women will get stretchmarks sometime after their 6th or 7th month of pregnancy. And genetics play a role. Some people have stronger collagen, which minimizes the risk of stretch marks. The best defense is to make sure skin stays hydrated and supple. Taking collagen (if approved by an OB or midwife) can help. Using skin creams and drinking enough water will also help skin hydration.
Is spotting normal?
Spotting, or light bleeding, is common in the first trimester (12 weeks) of pregnancy with about 20% of women reporting it. It is less common later in pregnancy, but usually not a cause for concern as long as it is light. Still, pregnant women should report any spotting to their OB or midwife because bleeding can sometimes be a cause of a serious concern.
Are there any changes to my beauty routine that I need to make?
There are many chemicals found in beauty products that women will want to avoid during pregnancy, including retinol (anti-aging), tetracyclines (acne reducing), and hydroquinone (skin lightening). To be cautious, pregnant women should also avoid products containing phthalates (fragrances, hairsprays, and nail polish) and teeth whiteners (whitening toothpaste is ok). Spray tanners can be harmful if inhaled. It can be hard to keep track of all the chemicals to avoid, so women may want to gather what they use and discuss with an OB or midwife.