First Pregnancy Questions

Your world changes the moment you see two pink lines. It doesn’t matter if it was something you dreamed about for years or a complete surprise. One thing is certain: the questions will start to pour in the moment you find out you are pregnant. First Pregnancy Questions.

Google may have already made you an expert in ovulation and implantation, or baby names. But what about pregnancy? This is a whole new world. It’s a mix of confusion, excitement, and awe. And sometimes, panic.

You’re not the only one. These are the 11 most common and normal questions that almost all women ask themselves if this is their first pregnancy. Let’s go through them together with clarity, honesty and a bit of humour, because pregnancy is crazy.

1. When can I expect my first scan to be performed?: First Pregnancy Questions

It’s a fact that the first ultrasound is one of the most anticipated moments in early pregnancy. You want to be able to see the baby, listen to the heartbeat and feel confident that everything is going as planned.

Your first scan’s timing will depend on your circumstances and whether you are using the public or private system.

• Most women will have their first scan between 8-10 weeks if everything is fine and they are considered low risk.
• Your GP might refer you to an earlier “dating” scan if you have cramps, bleeding or a miscarriage history. This is usually around 6-7 weeks.
• The 12-week nuchal translucency test screens for chromosomal anomalies like Down syndrome.
• A morphology scanner will be performed at about 18-20 weeks. This gives you an in-depth look at your baby’s growth.

You’re entitled to be anxious and impatient while you wait for your appointments. Your body is already working overtime.

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2. When is it okay to let people know I am pregnant?

There’s no right or incorrect answer.

Some couples announce their pregnancy immediately, while others wait until 12 weeks, when the chance of miscarriage is significantly reduced.

Question yourself:

• Would I like support if anything went wrong?
• Whom would I like to know, no matter what the circumstances?

Women find that telling trusted friends and family early can make the first difficult weeks of nausea and fatigue a bit more bearable. You might also appreciate the extra empathy and love when you are battling morning sickness while trying to be normal at work.

Your body, your baby, your timeline.

3. What foods should I avoid when I am pregnant?

Let’s discuss cravings, aversions and restrictions. Your relationship with food is turned upside down by pregnancy. You may be imagining pickles, peanut butter and chicken one moment and then gag at the sight.

These foods can cause foodborne illness, such as salmonella, listeria or toxoplasmosis.

• Soft cheeses (like brie, camembert, blue chees,e unless pasteurised)
• Cold cuts and deli meats
• Undercooked or raw eggs
• Unwashed fruit and vegetables
• Raw seafood (sorry, sushi lovers)
• Salads in salad bars and cafes
• Liver pate: Too much vitamin A
• High mercury fish, such as swordfish and shark
• Limit caffeine to a maximum of 200mg per day and avoid alcohol.

It’s temporary. It’s pure bliss the first time after birth you eat soft cheese.

4. How often do I need to visit a doctor?

After you confirm your pregnancy, your GP will refer you to a midwife. Your risk level will determine how often you visit.

Here is a rough guide.

• First visit: between 8-12 weeks (longer; covers history, health checks, bloods, and so on)
• Every 4 to 6 weeks up to 28 weeks
• Every 2 to 3 weeks up to 36 weeks
• After that, every week up to birth

These appointments are to check your baby’s development and listen to the heartbeat and monitor your health (like your blood pressure, urine and mental well-being). These appointments are also a great time to ask any questions, no matter how silly they may seem.

5. When will I see my bump start?

Ah, bump watch. It feels as if you are bloated forever at first. One day, you wake up to find your stomach round and unmistakable.

Generally:

• The first signs of pregnancy in first-time mothers begin between 12-16 weeks
• It may be sooner if it’s your second baby or third.
• Slim women tend to show earlier.
• The height, muscle tone, and build of your body can all affect the percentage.

It’s normal to compare your bump with other pregnant women. It’s okay to be all belly at just 14 weeks, or to hide it until 22.

6. When can I hear the heartbeat of my baby?

The heart of your baby begins to beat around five and six weeks after conception. It’s usually too small to detect before 10-12 weeks. This is especially true with a Doppler, the device that your midwife uses during appointments.

• You’ll see the heartbeat on your screen when you first scan.
• You’ll probably hear it for the very first time around 12 months.

It’s important to know that it can be difficult to locate early. Don’t worry if your caregiver cannot find it after 10 weeks. The baby might be in a difficult position.

7. When can I find out the gender of my baby?

You won’t know for sure if you are on team pink or blue until you have your 20-week morphology scan.

However:

• Around 10 weeks of pregnancy, some women choose the NIPT (non-invasive fetal testing). This test checks for chromosomal problems and can reveal your gender if desired.
• Some people choose to wait for the surprise moment to arrive at birth (and you should be commended if you can do this).

Remember: Some babies will be shy, cross-legged or wriggling during the scan. So, even at 20 weeks, you may leave with “maybe.”

8. Can I continue to exercise while pregnant?

Short answer: Yes. As long as you are not pregnant with complications, it is safe to move.

The general rule of thumb is:

• You can continue to do what you used to do before you became pregnant.
• Walking, swimming, prenatal Yoga or Pilates are all great options if you’re just starting.
• Avoid high-risk activities: contact sports, scuba, horseback riding, hot yoga or any other activity that can lead to an accident.

Listen to your body. Pregnancy shouldn’t be a time to ignore pain and exhaustion.

You may also like: Is the Pregnancy Glow Real?

9. Is it safe to have sex while pregnant?

If your doctor says otherwise, it is safe. For many couples, having sex while pregnant can be an amazing bonding experience.

There are a few things you should know:

• You may feel more or less in the mood due to pregnancy hormones.
• Orgasms may trigger mild contractions of the uterus (unharmful if you are pregnant and in good health).
• You may be advised not to use birth control if you have a placenta that is low-lying or cervical concerns.

Communication is the key, both with your partner and care provider.

10. Should I attend a birthing class?

You can do it, even if you believe you have read all the books and watched all of the YouTube videos.

Birth and antenatal class:

• Learn what to expect during pregnancy, delivery and the first few days with your baby
• Prepare your Partner for better support
• Advise on pain relief, breathing techniques and other real-world advice
• You will often be taken on hospital visits so that you are familiar with the environment.
• Connect with other couples who are expecting (some will become lifelong friends).

Online Classes are available if you don’t like to learn in person. Imagine it as you preparing yourself for the biggest event in your life.

11. How can I tell when I am going into labour?

Spoiler alert! Early labour isn’t as it seems in the movies.

It may not be a dramatic moment of water breaking or a giant contraction that sends a woman straight to the hospital. Signs can be subtle and slow:

• Back pain or cramping that comes and goes
• Feeling tight across your abdomen (like cramps during your period)
• A “show” — mucus plug tinged with blood

• A trickle of water
• The contractions are becoming stronger, more regular and closer together

Call your local maternity unit if you are unsure. You’ll be guided on the best time to visit. Once real labour kicks in, we’re sure you’ll be able to tell.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy can be a blur. No one gives you instructions on how to grow a tiny person from scratch. It’s normal to be unsure, curious or overwhelmed by the questions that come up.

What is the truth? A silly question is not acceptable during pregnancy.

Ask them questions. Do not hesitate to ask questions. You can get support from other mothers, your caregiver, and trusted sources. You are not expected to know everything; we all didn’t, and many still don’t.

You’re doing a great job, whether you’re thinking about baby names or figuring out how to assemble a pram. You should trust your gut instincts. Trust your instincts. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to become pregnant.