| 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?
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| 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?
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| 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?
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| 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?
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| 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?
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| 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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