| Q |
Is it possible
to hire a doctor to be there the whole time during the birth?
|
| A |
If you wish
the attention of one-to-one care, private midwives are available
for antenatal and delivery and will cost around £2000. An obstetrician
will charge around another £1000 extra for a similar package.
If this is out of your reach, be assured that - according to
a recent report - UK maternal and baby outcomes through the
NHS are among the best in the world.
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|
| Q |
Is it true
that a woman's orgasm can help aid pregnancy? |
| A |
No, I am
afraid that there is no good evidence to suggest this. If the
propagation of the human species relied upone female orgasm
at the time of ejaculation, I doubt we would be facing the current
global overpopulation!
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|
| Q |
When can
I anticipate feeling the baby moving regularly during my pregnancy?
|
| A |
The baby
doesn't usually have consistent, regular movements that you
can feel until around 24 weeks, although it may be much earlier.
If you have pain in your abdomen, be sure to report it to your
midwife or a doctor. Unusual pulling or stretching is very common
and related to the hormones that make all your ligaments that
much more 'creaky' during pregnancy. Sometimes they are known
as Round Ligament pains, after the ligament supports of the
uterus.
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|
| Q |
Is there
a danger to the foetus if I am exposed to chickenpox or shingles?
|
| A |
Your baby
would only be at risk if you actually caught chicken pox whilst
pregnant. Most people have had chickenpox as a child and are
thus immune. Your doctor can check your antibody level if you
are concerned.
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|
| Q |
What brand
of pain killer is safe to take during pregnancy? |
| A |
It's best
to avoid any painkillers during pregnancy unless you absolutely
need it. Of the proprietary brands, paracetamol is safe to take.
You should avoid any nurofen-type products (such as Ibuprofen).
If you feel you need to take pain medication, please discuss
it with your midwife or doctor.
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|
| Q |
Is it normal
to experience period-type pains in my lower stomach during the
early stages of pregnancy? |
| A |
It is normal
to get mild lower abdominal pains in early pregnancy. If the
pains are severe or associated with any bleeding, you should
seek further advice from your doctor immediately.
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|
| Q |
Will it do
the foetus any harm if I sleep on my tummy? |
| A |
The best
sleeping position is on your left side with one leg crossed
over the other and a pillow between them. This is best both
for the function of the placenta and also your kidneys. If you
find you wake up slightly more on your front, this will not
do any harm and will find that it happens less as the pregancy
advances.
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|
| Q |
How much
weight should I gain? |
A |
Most women
gain from 12.5 kg to 15.9 kg (25-35 lb), 70 percent in the last
20 weeks. The fetus weighs 3.4 kg (7 lb); placenta and fluid,
around 1.5 kg (3 lb); the rest is water and fat (maternal store)
concentrated around your backside to provide balance - otherwise
you’d topple over! It also gives extra energy for labour. It’s
a myth that you’re eating for two, but you should eat a balanced
diet (as per Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating) supplemented
with folic acid, iron and calcium.
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|
| Q |
Should I stop
exercising? |
| A |
This isn’t
the time to take up marathon running. Keep doing whatever you’re
used to - but check with your doctor if you engage in strenuous
or potentially dangerous sports. Consider mild to moderate prenatal
exercise classes, walking, or swimming.
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|
