Pregnancy FAQ
You will encounter various questions and doubts during pregnancy. We have compiled the most common questions and authoritative answers for each stage of pregnancy to help you better understand and handle pregnancy situations.
First Trimester Questions (1-12 Weeks)
Basic Confirmation Questions
Q: How many days after a missed period can pregnancy be detected? A: Generally, early pregnancy test strips can be used 7-10 days after a missed period. Blood HCG test can detect pregnancy 10-14 days after ovulation, which is earlier and more accurate than urine test.
Q: What does a faint line on the early pregnancy test strip mean? A: A faint line (weak positive) on the early pregnancy test strip usually means that you have just become pregnant and the HCG level is low. It is recommended to test again after 2-3 days or go to the hospital for blood HCG confirmation.
Q: How to calculate the due date? A: Due date = first day of last menstrual period + 280 days (40 weeks). Or calculate a more accurate due date by measuring fetal size through ultrasound.
Morning Sickness Questions
Q: When does morning sickness start and end? A: Morning sickness usually starts at 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, is most severe at 9-10 weeks, and gradually relieves at 12-14 weeks. Everyone's reaction time and severity are different.
Q: At what level of severity does morning sickness require seeing a doctor? A: You need to see a doctor if the following occurs:
- Unable to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Weight loss of more than 5%
- Significantly reduced urine output
- Severe dehydration symptoms
- Confusion
Q: What can I eat to relieve morning sickness? A: You can try:
- Eat a few soda crackers before getting up
- Small frequent meals, avoid empty stomach
- Drink ginger tea or hold ginger slices
- Eat light and easy-to-digest food
- Avoid strong odors
Q: Can Vitamin B6 relieve morning sickness? A: Yes. 10-25 mg of Vitamin B6 per day helps relieve morning sickness, but it should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.
Nutrition and Diet Questions
Q: What is good for the fetus in the first trimester? A: The focus is on supplementing folic acid, 400-800 micrograms per day. Eat more protein-rich foods, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, etc.
Q: What vitamins need to be supplemented in the first trimester? A: Folic acid must be supplemented, and pregnancy complex vitamins are recommended. If the diet is unbalanced, additional iron, calcium, DHA, etc. may be needed.
Q: Does coffee affect the fetus? A: It is recommended to limit caffeine intake in the first trimester, no more than 200 mg per day (about 1-2 cups of coffee).
Daily Activity Questions
Q: Can I exercise in the first trimester? A: Light exercise is allowed, such as walking and pregnancy yoga. Avoid strenuous exercise, jumping exercises, and exercises that compress the abdomen.
Q: Can I fly in the first trimester? A: It is generally not recommended to fly in the first trimester (especially the first 8 weeks) because the risk of miscarriage is higher. If you must travel, please consult a doctor and take preventive measures.
Q: Can I dye or perm my hair during pregnancy? A: It is recommended to avoid dyeing and perming hair in the first trimester. If you must do it, choose plant-based hair dyes and keep good ventilation.
Medical Check-up Questions
Q: When is the first prenatal check-up? A: The first formal prenatal check-up is usually performed at 8-12 weeks of pregnancy to confirm the number of weeks of pregnancy, establish a pregnancy file, and conduct basic examinations.
Q: How many ultrasounds are needed in the first trimester? A: Generally, 2-3 ultrasounds are needed:
- 6-8 weeks: Confirm intrauterine pregnancy, fetal heart
- 11-13 weeks: NT scan
- Re-examination may be required depending on the situation
Q: Is slight vaginal bleeding normal? A: Slight bleeding in the first trimester may be implantation bleeding, but be alert to problems such as ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. It is recommended to seek medical attention for examination in time.
Second Trimester Questions (13-28 Weeks)
Fetal Movement and Development Questions
Q: When can I feel fetal movement? A: Primiparas usually feel fetal movement at 18-20 weeks, and multiparas may be earlier, about 16-18 weeks. Fetal movement will increase with gestational weeks.
Q: What is the reason for less fetal movement? A: Possible reasons include:
- The fetus is sleeping
- Pregnant woman is not focused
- Fetal position problem
- Too much or too little amniotic fluid
- Fetal intrauterine hypoxia
Q: How to count fetal movement? A: Count fetal movement for 1 hour at a fixed time every day, normal fetal movement should be no less than 3-5 times. Or count fetal movement for 12 hours, should be no less than 30 times.
Weight Gain Questions
Q: How much weight gain is normal in the second trimester? A: It is recommended to gain 0.3-0.5 kg per week in the second trimester. Gain about 4-8 kg throughout the second trimester.
Q: What to do if weight gain is too fast? A: You can:
- Control total calorie intake
- Increase protein and dietary fiber
- Moderate exercise
- Avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods
- Monitor weight regularly
Q: Do I need to worry if weight gain is too slow? A: Need to pay attention to fetal development. If the fetus develops normally, slow weight gain of the pregnant woman may not be a problem, but adjustment is needed under the guidance of a doctor.
Physical Discomfort Questions
Q: Is abdominal pain normal in the second trimester? A: Mild abdominal pain may be caused by uterine enlargement and stretching, which is a normal phenomenon. If the abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.
Q: How to relieve back pain in the second trimester? A: You can:
- Maintain correct posture
- Use pregnancy pillows
- Moderate exercise to strengthen back muscles
- Avoid standing or sitting for a long time
- Heat compress for relief
Q: What to do about edema in the second trimester? A: Mild edema is normal, you can:
- Elevate legs to rest
- Moderate exercise to promote circulation
- Control salt intake
- Wear loose and comfortable shoes
- Seek medical attention if severe
Daily Life Questions
Q: What to do about poor sleep quality in the second trimester? A: You can:
- Use pregnancy pillows
- Left lateral sleeping position
- Avoid drinking a lot of water before going to bed
- Keep the bedroom environment comfortable
- Appropriate exercise to improve sleep
Q: Can I use skincare products and cosmetics during pregnancy? A: You can choose pregnancy-safe skincare products and avoid products containing retinoic acid, salicylic acid, etc. Makeup is recommended to choose pregnancy-specific brands.
Delivery Preparation Questions
Q: When to start preparing the hospital bag? A: It is recommended to start preparing the hospital bag at 28 weeks of pregnancy and have all items ready before 36 weeks.
Q: How to choose a delivery hospital? A: Factors to consider:
- Hospital's professional level and equipment
- Distance from home
- Medical insurance reimbursement
- Doctor's experience and skills
- Hospital service and environment
Third Trimester Questions (29-40 Weeks)
Pre-labor Signs Questions
Q: What are the signs before labor? A: Signs before labor include:
- False contractions turn into regular contractions
- Bloody show (small amount of vaginal bleeding)
- Water breaking (amniotic fluid flowing out)
- Lightening (fetal head descent)
Q: How long after bloody show will I give birth? A: Labor may start within 24-48 hours after bloody show, but it may also take longer. Primiparas usually take longer.
Q: What to do if my water breaks? A: Take the following measures immediately:
- Lie flat, elevate hips
- Put a clean towel under the hips
- Contact the hospital or emergency services immediately
- Do not take a bath or have sex
- Record the time and color of water breaking
Fetal Position Questions
Q: What to do if the fetal position is incorrect? A: If the fetal position is found to be incorrect, you can:
- May turn naturally before 32 weeks
- Consult a doctor about external cephalic version
- Consider the necessity of C-section
- Do knee-chest position to help turn
Q: How to judge fetal position? A: Ultrasound examination is the most accurate, and doctors can also initially judge fetal position through abdominal palpation.
Third Trimester Discomfort Questions
Q: Is shortness of breath normal in the third trimester? A: It is normal. The enlarged uterus compresses the diaphragm, causing shallow and rapid breathing. You can relieve it by adjusting posture and deep breathing.
Q: How to relieve heartburn in the third trimester? A: You can:
- Small frequent meals
- Avoid spicy and greasy food
- Do not lie down immediately after eating
- Elevate the upper body when sleeping
- Consult a doctor for medication
Q: What to do about severe insomnia in the third trimester? A: Common causes include frequent urination, discomfort, anxiety, etc. You can:
- Reduce water intake before going to bed
- Use pregnancy pillows
- Maintain a regular schedule
- Appropriate relaxation techniques
- Consult a doctor for medication if severe
Medication Safety Questions
Q: Can I take medicine during pregnancy? A: Must take medicine under the guidance of a doctor. Be extra cautious about medication during pregnancy, as many drugs may affect the fetus.
Q: What to do if I catch a cold? A: For mild colds, you can:
- Rest more, drink more water
- Gargle with salt water to relieve sore throat
- Wash nose with saline
- Seek medical attention if severe
Q: Can I get vaccinated? A: Some vaccines are safe, such as flu vaccines, but need to be administered under the guidance of a doctor. Avoid live attenuated vaccines.
Mental Health Questions
Q: What to do about pregnancy depression? A: Pregnancy depression needs attention, you can:
- Communicate with family and friends
- Seek professional psychological counseling
- Maintain moderate exercise
- Attend prenatal classes
- Medication treatment if necessary
Q: How to relieve pregnancy anxiety? A: You can:
- Learn pregnancy knowledge to reduce fear
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Communicate with partner
- Join pregnancy support groups
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Friendly Reminder: These answers are for reference only, please consult your obstetrician for specific questions. Everyone's situation is different and requires individualized professional guidance.