Pregnancy

Q: How long will the morning sickness last? I'm so nauseous!
A: Morning sickness should occur less and less by the second trimester/4 months. Maybe sooner! On rare occasions it will stick around. Rare!

Q: When will I feel the baby kick? Can I interact with him?
A: Between 16 and 20 weeks you should feel that first noticeable kick. Babies respond to touch by week 26. Ask your doctor to show you the amount of pressure you can use to interact with your unborn child. In examination, he or she may be able to help you feel the head. Some parents have claimed they taught their unborn child to kick on request, by using a verbal cue whenever the baby would kick on its own.

Q: In what month does the baby start to see or hear? Can we interact?
A: Around week 29 the baby can turn its head to find the source of a bright light. Some research has shown reactive "listening" as early as 14 weeks gestational age. The baby should be able to hear the mothers voice at 20 weeks, certainly by 30. You can play music for your baby, talk to your baby and have hubby talk to your baby - long before month 8! It is good for you too.

Q: Is spotting normal?
A: Spotting can be normal in the first trimester. Warning signs to call your doctor: cramps, heavy bleeding, passage of clots or tissue, increase in pain and/or fever, red spotting (instead of brown or pink). Otherwise don't panic, but be sure to mention it on your next visit.

Q: Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?

 Sex for most couples is an important aspect of their lives together. Some couples experience a new dimension to their sex lives when a woman is pregnant, but for some couples it may be a concern. However, there is no medical evidence that sex in pregnancy harms the baby. Your baby is well cushioned and protected by the muscles of the wall of the uterus and by the bag of waters. There is also a mucus plug, which seals off the neck of the uterus (womb). No injury to mother and baby will occur during gentle loving sex.

However in the following circumstances caution is suggested:

♦    If you have a tendency to miscarriage, your doctor may suggest that you avoid sexual intercourse for the first three months of pregnancy

♦    If you have a history of premature labor you might choose to avoid sex during the later stages of your pregnancy

♦    If you have a confirmed low lying placenta which will have been diagnosed following a scan, you Dr may advise you to avoid sexual intercourse during the pregnancy.

Remember there is more to lovemaking than sexual intercourse. Encourage your partner to be imaginative and creative.