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Normal pregnancy

How long is a normal pregnancy?

Usually, a pregnancy is 40 weeks in length, counting from the first day of your last menstrual cycle period. Pregnancy is broken down into three phases, which are called trimesters. The first trimester lasts 12 weeks, the second from 13 to 27 weeks and the third from 28 to 40 weeks.

Do I need tests?

Routine tests are offered to all women after their pregnancy has been confirmed by their doctor. These include blood tests to check for anaemia (lack of red blood cells), your blood type and any infections or blood disorders you may have now or had in the past. You are also offered a urine test to see if you have a kidney infection. Other special tests are available to women who may be at risk for an abnormal pregnancy.

Who will care for me during my pregnancy?

See your doctor as soon as you know or suspect you are pregnant. You can continue to see your doctor throughout your pregnancy or you can see a midwife. To increase your chances of having a healthy baby, you will be asked to visit the antenatal clinic on a regular, but flexible basis. The nurse or midwife checks your weight, urine and blood pressure at each visit, and you will also be examined by a doctor or midwife. Be sure to discuss any changes or questions you have with them.

What can I do about morning sickness?

Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting you may have during pregnancy. Although called 'morning' sickness, it can happen throughout the day. Usually, it begins in early pregnancy and goes away by the fourth month. To relieve morning sickness, try to eat several, smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day. Beside your bed have a small snack that you can nibble before you get up in the morning. Avoid rich, fatty foods or cooking smells that bother you, and try to eat more carbohydrates like dry toast or a plain baked potato.

What should I be eating during my pregnancy?

A healthy, balanced diet is vital for your health, and your baby's growth and development. Choose a wide variety of foods from the four food groups – bread, other cereals and potatoes; fruit and vegetables; milk and dairy foods; and meat, fish and alternatives (such as beans or lentils). A normal pregnancy increases your food needs by about 200 calories a day in the final three months. Make up these extra calories with healthy snacks like fruit or a sandwich.

It is likely that you will have to increase the amount of calcium in your diet during pregnancy. You can do this by drinking plenty of low-fat milk, and eating yoghurt and cheese, as well as dark green vegetables. It is also important that you take a daily supplement that contains 400 micrograms (400 mg or 0.4 mg) of folic acid (a B vitamin) before and during your pregnancy until the twelfth week. Folic acid lowers the chances that your baby will have spinal cord problems. Ask your doctor or midwife about which supplement you should take.

What should I avoid eating during my pregnancy

Certain foods should be avoided while you are pregnant because they carry the risk of being contaminated with bacteria. These foods include soft cheeses, unpasteurised milk, raw or softly boiled eggs, inadequately cooked meats, and pâtés.

It is a good idea to cut down on caffeine during pregnancy. If you drink coffee, try to limit yourself to three regular cups a day.

Can I drink alcohol during my pregnancy?

Any alcohol you drink is passed through to your baby and may damage his or her health. To be on the safe side it is probably best not to drink any alcohol during your pregnancy. At the very least, avoid drinking during the first three months and then try to limit your drinking after that to one or two units of alcohol once or twice a week. (One unit is equal to half a pint of normal strength beer or lager, or a single pub measure of spirits, wine or sherry.)

How much weight should I gain?

Weight gain differs from woman to woman, but a normal weight gain during pregnancy is 11–16 kilograms (24–35 pounds). Talk to your doctor or midwife about how much weight gain you should be aiming for, keeping in mind that eating a balanced, healthy diet is much more important than gaining a few pounds.

What about smoking?

When you smoke or when you are regularly exposed to others' smoke (passive smoking), carbon monoxide and nicotine are passed from your blood into to your baby's blood, which limits the amount of oxygen and nourishment that your baby receives and needs. Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to many serious problems – including miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome, to name a few. So if you smoke, stop immediately, and encourage your partner to do the same.

Can I exercise during pregnancy?

Physical activity is good for your health and your sense of well being. If you have a normal pregnancy, it is likely that you can exercise, but always check with your doctor first. Vigorous exercise that might cause injury should be avoided, so opt for gentle exercise in which you don't feel pain, short of breath or overly tired. The best kind of exercise during pregnancy allows you to keep the weight off your body – swimming or using a stationary bike are good choices, although walking is a good option too. Whatever you choose, make sure your body temperature does not become too high and drink plenty of fluids. If any problems arise, stop exercising immediately and see your doctor.

What about prescription or over-the-counter medication?

If you are taking prescription medicine, discuss with your doctor whether it is safe to continue to use it during pregnancy. Some prescription drugs can interfere with your baby's development, while others may be vital to control a chronic condition, such as asthma or diabetes. Always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicine or herbal remedies, no matter how harmless they may seem.

Can I have sex during pregnancy? Will I want to?

If your pregnancy is progressing normally, it is probably safe for you and your partner to have sex. If you're at all uncertain whether you should have sex, ask your doctor or midwife.

Your desire for sex will probably change during your pregnancy. In early pregnancy, your interest in sex will probably drop as your hormones change, you gain weight, feel tired or experience morning sickness. During the second trimester, your interest will probably pick up again. Then, during the final trimester, that interest may drop again as your size, back pain or fatigue may make having sex difficult. It may help to try different positions with your partner to increase your comfort.

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