Q1:I feel so nauseated that I can't eat anything. Is this dangerous?
A1:Nausea, also called morning sickness, is usually not dangerous because it doesn't last too long. It becomes dangerous when you are unable to eat an adequate amount of food or to drink enough fluid. Nausea is typically the worst at the beginning of pregnancy. It usually disappears after the first trimester, and you feel better for the rest of your pregnancy.
Q2:I read somewhere that caffeine can make a woman infertile. Is that true?
A2:Studies have shown drinking 8 cups of coffee a day (1600mg of caffeine) is associated with a decrease in a woman's ability to get pregnant. Some researchers have found an association between excessive caffeine consumption and miscarriage.
Q3:I've heard depression and stress can keep me from getting pregnant. Is this true?
A3:It may be true. A recent study showed that emotions may play a part in a woman's ability to conceive. Nearly half the women in the study who were unable to get pregnant did get pregnant when they learned to reduce and to manage their stress.
Q4:How can I find the best caregiver for me?
A4:If you have an obstetrician you like, you may not have to look further. If you don't have one, call your local medical society, and ask for a referral. Ask friends who have recently had a baby about their healthcare provider. Ask the opinion of a labor-delivery nurse. Sometimes another doctor, such as a pediatrician or internist, can refer you to an obstetrician. Ask your local librarian for publications that list physicians in your area.
Q5:Can I do anything about heartburn?
A5:Yes. Antacids may provide considerable relief. Follow the directions relating to pregnancy on the package or your doctor's instructions. Don't overdo it. You can use antacids, such as Amphojel®, Gelusil®, milk of magnesia and Maalox, without much concern. Avoid sodium bicarbonate because it could cause you to retain water. In addition to antacids, try the following tips for heartburn relief.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Avoid eating before bedtime.
When lying down, elevate your head and shoulders.
Q6:Not all babies are Rh-positive, are they?
A6:No. Some women who are Rh-negative carry a child who's also Rh-negative. In this case, no RhoGAM injection is given after delivery.
Q7:I've heard a pregnant woman shouldn't have her hair colored or get a permanent. Is there any reason to avoid these?
A7:It's a good idea to avoid these activities during the first trimester, especially if you have morning sickness. Fumes from the hair dye or the permanent solution could make you feel ill.
Q8:I often take vitamins and herbs. Can I continue to take them while I prepare for pregnancy?
A8:It isn't a good idea to self-medicate with anything while preparing for pregnancy or during your pregnancy. In excessive amounts, certain vitamins, such as vitamin A, can increase the risk of birth defects. The key to vitamin, mineral and herb use and good nutrition during pregnancy is balance. A multivitamin is the only supplementation most women need while they are trying to conceive.
Q9:I've heard there's a new drug now used for sickle-cell anemia, which I have. Can I use it while I try to get pregnant?
A9:You are probably referring to hydroxyurea, which has proved to be the first effective treatment of sickle-cell anemia. It helps reduce the excruciating pain of some sickle-cell attacks, but its use carries some risk and it cannot be given to all sickle-cell sufferers. We do not know the long-term effects of the drug, so women contemplating pregnancy are advised not to use it.
Q10:What should I do to prepare for pregnancy?
A10:You can do many things to prepare for pregnancy.
Exercise regularly.
Find out if medications you take regularly can be decreased or discontinued. Ask your physician if they are safe to take during pregnancy.
Get your weight under control. Pregnancy is not the time to lose weight.
If you need X-rays or medical tests, get them done before trying to get pregnant.
It's a good time to control or to eliminate tobacco, alcohol or drug use.
Decide who will deliver your baby.
Check on your insurance coverage for pregnancy.
Paying attention to these details before you get pregnant makes your pregnancy safer and more enjoyable.
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