Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Being pregnant raises lots of questions – especially for first-time parents. You may be wondering what the early signs of pregnancy are, what is false labor, or the best position to sleep in. These questions are perfectly normal – especially when your body is going through so many changes.
Here are some questions — and answers — to support you along your pregnancy journey.
General
Q: What are early signs of pregnancy?
A: Some early signs to look for include sore breasts, fatigue, frequent urination and nausea (feeling sick). Sometimes pregnant individuals have some very light bleeding, called "spotting", at the time when their period would be due. This is also known as implantation bleeding, which is when the fetus plants itself into the wall of your womb. Spotting is completely normal and does not need any medical treatment.
Every person is different and not everyone will notice all these symptoms. If you're eagerly looking out for any hints that you might be pregnant, other early signs of pregnancy include:
- being constipated
- increased vaginal discharge without any soreness or irritation
- having a strange taste in your mouth
- "going off" some things, such as tea, coffee, tobacco smoke or fatty food
Q: What occurs during the first trimester?
A: The first trimester (weeks 1 – 12) is the most fragile period, during which all major organs and systems in your baby's body are formed. It is during this first trimester that the fetus is most susceptible to damage from substances such as alcohol, drugs, certain medications and illnesses such as rubella (German measles). Most birth defects and miscarriages occur during the first trimester. Even though the organs and body systems are fully formed by the end of 12 weeks, the fetus cannot survive independently.
Q: How does the baby develop during the second trimester?
A: During the second trimester (weeks 12-24), the fetus has now developed all its organs and systems and will now focus on growing in size and weight. The mother usually begins to feel better and will start showing the pregnancy more. The umbilical cord continues to thicken as it carries nourishment to the fetus. However, harmful substances also pass through the umbilical cord to the fetus, so care should be taken to avoid alcohol, tobacco and other known hazards. By the end of the second trimester, the fetus’s development will be about 13 to 16 inches long and weighs about 2 to 3 pounds.
Q: What development occurs during the third trimester?
A: The third trimester (weeks 24-40) marks the home stretch, as the mother-to-be prepares for the delivery of the baby. The fetus is continuing to grow in weight and size and the body systems finish maturing. The mother may feel more uncomfortable now as they continue to gain weight and begins to have false labor contractions (called Braxton-Hicks contractions). The lungs are still maturing and the fetus begins to position itself head-down. By the end of the third trimester, the fetus is about 19 to 21 inches long and weighs, on average, six to nine pounds.
Q: What role do hormones play during pregnancy?
A: Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles during pregnancy, such as:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). Only produced during pregnancy—first by the ovaries and later by the placenta — HCG hormone levels found in maternal plasma and urine increase dramatically during the first trimester and may contribute to nausea and vomiting often associated with pregnancy.
- Human placental lactogen (hPL). This hormone, produced by the placenta, ensures proper fetal development and plays a role in stimulating milk glands in the breasts in anticipation of breastfeeding.
- Estrogen. Responsible for the development of the female sexual characteristics, this group of hormones is normally formed in the ovaries, and is also produced by the placenta during pregnancy to help maintain a healthy pregnancy.
- Progesterone. This hormone is produced by the ovaries and by the placenta during pregnancy, and stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining in anticipation of implantation of a fertilized egg.
Q: What is a birth plan?
A: A birth plan will allow you the opportunity to discuss with your obstetrician or midwife your preferences of how you'd like your baby's birth to be handled. It will not only assist before you go into labor, it will also communicate your wishes to other members of the team such as your labor and delivery nurse and your delivery provider, while you're in active labor. Your preferences may include requests such as: who you want present before and during labor; if you’d like music playing during labor; pain relief options; and actions to take immediately after the baby is born.
Q: Will I gain weight during pregnancy?
A: Weight gain during pregnancy varies from person to person and depends on body type. Each individual should talk with their care provider about the appropriate amount of weight gain, as well as diet and exercise.
Q: Why do I need to take folic acid during pregnancy?
A: Folic acid supplementation can help reduce the risk for neural tube defects — a type of birth defect affecting the brain and spinal cord. The most common neural tube defect is spina bifida, in which the vertebrae do not fuse together properly, causing the spinal cord to be exposed. This can lead to varying degrees of paralysis and incontinence.
Folic acid supplements intake should begin prior to conception. In fact, intake of folic acid and prenatal vitamins should start when you are not taking active steps to prevent pregnancy (not using birth control) or when you are actively attempting to conceive.
Your healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate amount of folic acid to meet your individual needs.
Q: Can I exercise during pregnancy?
A: Regular exercise during pregnancy, with the approval of your physician or midwife, can often help to minimize the daily physical discomforts and help with the recovery after the baby is born. There is evidence that physical activity may be especially beneficial for people with gestational diabetes. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, people who exercised and were physically fit before pregnancy can safely continue exercising throughout the pregnancy. Individuals who were inactive before pregnancy or who have medical or pregnancy complications should consult with their physician or midwife before beginning any exercise during pregnancy.
Q: What is the proper way to lift something while pregnant?
A: Weight gain during pregnancy adds strain to the back. Proper lifting can help reduce the strain and prevent injury. When lifting, a pregnant person should keep in mind the following recommendations:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
- Tuck in the buttocks
- Bend at the knees
- Lift with the arms and legs, not the back
- Limit the amount and weight of the items lifted
Q: What is false labor?
A: Often, pregnant moms-to-be think they are experiencing actual labor and immediately go to the hospital only to find that it was a false alarm and they were actually experiencing false labor. Here are some signs of true labor:
- Contractions occur in a regular pattern
- Contractions get stronger and stronger
- Contractions get closer and closer
- Discomfort in back and/or lower abdomen
- Contractions do not stop with walking
- Cervix dilates (opens up)
If you are bleeding or are fewer than 36 weeks pregnant and experiencing consistent contractions, you should visit your doctor immediately or call 9-1-1 to be taken to the nearest hospital.
Q: What is the best sleeping position while pregnant?
A: As the fetus grows within the uterus, lying on your back is not recommended due to pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. In addition, the increased pressure on the back and intestines can cause discomfort. Sleeping on the stomach during pregnancy also should be avoided, because of pressure on the fetus.
The best sleeping position for a pregnant person is on the left side, because it allows for maximum blood flow to the fetus and improves kidney function in the mother. Improved kidney flow helps to reduce any swelling. Placing a pillow between the knees can help a pregnant individual sleep more comfortably on their side.
Q: How does a multiple pregnancy occur?
A: Multiple pregnancy usually occurs when more than one egg is fertilized and implants in the uterus. This is called fraternal twinning and can produce males, females, or a combination of both. Fraternal multiples are siblings conceived at the same time, but have a separate placenta and amniotic sac. Just as siblings often look alike, fraternal multiples may also look very similar.
Identical twinning is when one egg is fertilized and divides into two or more embryos, producing all males, or all females. Identical multiples are genetically identical. However, these children have different personalities and are distinct individuals. Identical multiples may have individual placentas and amniotic sacs, but most share a placenta with separate sacs. Rarely do identical twins share one placenta and a single amniotic sac.
Q: How is multiple pregnancy diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis may be made early in pregnancy, especially if reproductive technologies have been used. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnosis may be made by pregnancy blood testing, such as hCG and alpha-fetoprotein levels, or by ultrasound.
Q: How is multiple pregnancy managed?
A: Specific management for multiple pregnancy will be determined by your physician or midwife based on:
- Your pregnancy, overall health and medical history
- The number of fetuses
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the pregnancy
- Your opinion or preference
Management of multiple pregnancy may include increased nutrition, more frequent prenatal visits, increased rest, maternal and fetal testing and cervical cerclage (a procedure used to suture the cervical opening).
Q: Where can I find resources to help me with food, transportation and more?
A: Summa Health is committed to connecting our patients to the resources they need. Visit summahealth.org/communityresources for more information.
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