FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some possible questions that mothers-to-be may ask from the moment they realize they are pregnant until delivery: 

Early Pregnancy (First Trimester: 1-12 Weeks)

  1. How do I confirm that I am really pregnant?
  2. When should I start attending antenatal care?
  3. What foods should I eat to have a healthy pregnancy?
  4. Are there foods or drinks I should avoid?
  5. What vitamins or supplements do I need to take?
  6. Is it normal to feel tired and nauseous?
  7. How can I reduce morning sickness?
  8. Can I continue doing household chores and farming?
  9. Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
  10. What are the danger signs I should watch out for in early pregnancy?

Mid-Pregnancy (Second Trimester: 13-26 Weeks)

  1. How often should I visit the health center for antenatal care?
  2. Why do I feel the baby moving? When should I be concerned?
  3. Can I take herbal medicine during pregnancy?
  4. What are the benefits of taking tetanus injections?
  5. How do I know if my pregnancy is progressing well?
  6. Why are my legs and feet swelling? Should I be worried?
  7. What should I do if I feel dizzy or weak often?
  8. Can I sleep on my back? What is the best sleeping position?
  9. How do I prepare for breastfeeding?
  10. When should I start preparing for delivery, and what should I bring to the hospital?

Late Pregnancy (Third Trimester: 27-40 Weeks)

  1. What are the signs that labor is starting?
  2. What should I do if my water breaks at home?
  3. Can I give birth at home, or should I go to the hospital?
  4. What should I do if I experience severe abdominal pain?
  5. How can I manage pain during labor?
  6. What should I eat or drink when labor starts?
  7. How long does labor usually last?
  8. What happens if my baby is not in the right position for birth?
  9. What should I do if I notice reduced baby movements?
  10. How soon should I start breastfeeding after delivery?

Post-Delivery and Recovery

  1. How do I take care of myself after childbirth?
  2. How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?
  3. What vaccines does my baby need after birth?
  4. How do I prevent infections after childbirth?
  5. How long should I rest before resuming normal activities?
  6. What should I do if I experience heavy bleeding after delivery?
  7. When should I go for postnatal checkups?
  8. How can I prevent another pregnancy too soon?
  9. What should I do if I feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed after birth?
  10. How can my husband or family support me during this time?

Early Pregnancy (First Trimester: 1-12 Weeks)

Here are the answers to the common questions mothers-to-be may ask during each trimester of pregnancy,
from confirmation to delivery and postpartum care.

Q1. How do I confirm that I am really pregnant?

You can confirm pregnancy using a home pregnancy test, but visiting a health center for a blood test or ultrasound is the best way to be sure.

Q2. When should I start attending antenatal care?

You should start antenatal care (ANC) as soon as you confirm pregnancy, ideally before 12 weeks. Early visits help detect and prevent complications.

Q3. What foods should I eat to have a healthy pregnancy?

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein (eggs, beans, meat, fish), and dairy products. Drink plenty of water.

Q4. Are there foods or drinks I should avoid?

Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, unpasteurized milk, raw or undercooked meat, and foods that may cause food poisoning, like raw fish.

Q5. What vitamins or supplements do I need to take?

Take folic acid daily to prevent birth defects. Iron and calcium supplements are also recommended to prevent anemia and support bone health.

Q6. Is it normal to feel tired and nauseous?

Yes, fatigue and nausea (morning sickness) are common. Rest often and eat small, frequent meals to manage nausea.

Q7. How can I reduce morning sickness?

Eat dry crackers or toast before getting out of bed. Avoid greasy and spicy foods, drink ginger tea, and take small sips of water throughout the day.

Q8. Can I continue doing household chores and farming?

Yes, but avoid heavy lifting, excessive bending, or standing for too long. Take breaks and stay hydrated.

Q9. Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

Yes, unless you have complications like bleeding or a high-risk pregnancy. Discuss with your midwife or doctor if unsure.

Q10. What are the danger signs I should watch out for in early pregnancy?

Severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, fever, severe vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any.

Mid-Pregnancy (Second Trimester: 13-26 Weeks)

Q11. How often should I visit the health center for antenatal care?

At least once a month. More frequent visits may be needed if you have any complications.

Q12. Why do I feel the baby moving? When should I be concerned?

Baby movements start around 18-25 weeks and are a good sign of health. If movements decrease, drink something cold, lie down, and check again. If still reduced, see a doctor.

Q13. Can I take herbal medicine during pregnancy?

Avoid herbal medicines unless approved by a qualified healthcare provider, as some may be harmful to the baby.

Q14. What are the benefits of taking tetanus injections?

Tetanus vaccination protects you and your baby from infections that can occur during childbirth. It is given at least twice during pregnancy.

Q15. How do I know if my pregnancy is progressing well?

Regular antenatal visits, a growing belly, normal baby movements, and no unusual pain or bleeding are good signs.

Q16. Why are my legs and feet swelling? Should I be worried?

Mild swelling is normal due to increased blood volume. Elevate your legs when resting and drink plenty of water. However, if the swelling is sudden or severe, see a doctor.

Q17. What should I do if I feel dizzy or weak often?

Eat small, frequent meals, drink enough water, and avoid standing up too quickly. If dizziness is severe, seek medical advice.

Q18. Can I sleep on my back? What is the best sleeping position?

It is best to sleep on your left side to improve blood flow to the baby. Sleeping on your back in later pregnancy can reduce circulation and cause dizziness.

Q19. How do I prepare for breastfeeding?

Learn proper breastfeeding techniques, keep nipples clean, and avoid using harsh soaps. Attend breastfeeding classes if available.

Q20. When should I start preparing for delivery, and what should I bring to the hospital?

Start preparing by 7 months. Pack essentials like baby clothes, sanitary pads, diapers, a wrapper, soap, and any hospital documents.

Late Pregnancy (Third Trimester: 27-40 Weeks)

Q21. What are the signs that labor is starting?

Regular contractions, lower back pain, a bloody discharge (show), and water breaking are signs that labor has started.

Q22. What should I do if my water breaks at home?

Go to the hospital immediately, even if contractions have not started, to prevent infections.

Q23. Can I give birth at home, or should I go to the hospital?

It is safer to deliver in a health facility where trained professionals can assist and handle emergencies.

Q24. What should I do if I experience severe abdominal pain?

Seek medical attention immediately, as it may indicate complications like preterm labor or placental issues.

Q25. How can I manage pain during labor?

Practice breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and try different labor positions. Pain relief medications can also be given at the hospital.

Q26. What should I eat or drink when labor starts?

Light meals and water are recommended to keep your energy up. Avoid heavy meals.

Q27. How long does labor usually last?

It varies, but for first-time mothers, it may take 12-24 hours. If labor takes too long, seek medical attention.

Q28. What happens if my baby is not in the right position for birth?

The doctor may try to turn the baby, or a C-section may be recommended if necessary.

Q29. What should I do if I notice reduced baby movements?

Drink water, rest on your left side, and count the kicks. If movements are still reduced, go to the hospital immediately.

Q30. How soon should I start breastfeeding after delivery?

Immediately after birth, preferably within the first hour, to help the baby get colostrum (first milk) which boosts immunity.

Post-Delivery and Recovery

Q31. How do I take care of myself after childbirth?

Get enough rest, eat well, drink plenty of water, and keep the vaginal area clean to prevent infections.

Q32. How do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?

Your baby will have regular wet diapers (at least 6 per day) and gain weight steadily.

Q33. What vaccines does my baby need after birth?

BCG (for tuberculosis), Hepatitis B, and Oral Polio vaccine are given at birth.

Q34. How do I prevent infections after childbirth?

Keep your stitches or incision clean, change pads regularly, and practice good hygiene.

Q35. How long should I rest before resuming normal activities?

At least 6 weeks for proper healing, but avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

Q36. What should I do if I experience heavy bleeding after delivery?

Seek medical help immediately, as it could be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage.

Q37. When should I go for postnatal checkups?

Within the first 6 weeks after delivery to ensure you and your baby are healthy.

Q38. How can I prevent another pregnancy too soon?

Use family planning methods like contraceptive pills, injections, or implants.

Q39. What should I do if I feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed after birth?

Talk to a health professional. Postpartum depression is common and treatable.

Q40. How can my husband or family support me during this time?

They can help with baby care, cooking, and emotional support. Encourage their involvement.

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