Q: Is nausea and vomiting the first sign of pregnancy?
A: No, nausea and vomiting can occur due to many other causes. Missing a period is the first sign of pregnancy. It is best to get your urine checked for HCG levels to confirm pregnancy. (HCG is a hormone whose blood level increases during the first three months of pregnancy).

Q: How is the expected delivery date (EDD) be estimated?
A: There are many methods for calculating the EDD. One easy method it to add seven days and nine months to the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). For instance, if your LMP is 1^st October, then the EDD will be 8^th July of the next year.

If the LMP is not known, EDD can be roughly estimated by palpating the abdomen (fundal height measurement). Ultrasonography can also be used to estimate EDD. All these methods are only rough estimates, the baby may be delivered around the time of EDD.

Q: What are the tests required once the pregnancy is confirmed?
A:Routine examinations are conducted on the first visit after confirmation of pregnancy. These include:

Blood grouping and typing,
Hemoglobin percentage,
Urine for protein and sugar,
Hepatitis B,
HIV (for AIDS),
VDRL (for venereal disease),

Q: What is the role of ultrasonography in pregnancy care?
A: Besides determining gestational age (age of the foetus), ultrasonography (USG) is very useful for finding out useful imformation like foetal well-being, fetal anomalies, confirmation of presence of foetal sac, monitoring foetal grwoth, multiple pregnancies, position of placenta, etc.

It is a non-invasive procedure and is perfectly safe to both the mother and the foetus.

Q: What should be the frequency of visits to the doctor during pregnancy?
A:Ideally, monthy visits till seventh month, bi-monthy visits after that and in the last month of pregnancy, the visit should be weekly.

Q: Is it safe to take medicines during pregnancy?
A: It is not advisable to take any medicines without consulting your gynaecologist. If you consult any other specialist for some other reason, be sure to tell him/her that you are pregnant. Some drugs can be harmful for the foetus.

Q: Are there any other precautions to be taken during pregnancy?
A: Refrain from smoking, drinking, drugs and intoxicants. These are harmful for the fetus. Avoid bumpy road travel. Remember not to expose yourself to X-radiation.
 

A:Tetanus vaccine is routinely given in all developing countries including India. First dose is at 18 weeks of pregnancy, the second is at 24 weeks, the third dose is given 6 months after the second dose (i.e 2^nd month after delivery). For pregnant women who have had primary tetanus vaccine (2 doses within 3 years or 3 doses within 5 years), one booster injection is given any time between 20-36 weeks of pregnancy.

Q: Is it true that a pregnant woman has to eat for 2 ?
A: Not at all. A pregnant woman need not double her intake. It is however true that nutritional needs will increase as the baby grows. It is therefore important to have a nutritious and balanced diet. Weight is checked and a pregnant woman usually gains 10-12 kgs during her pregnancy.

Q:Is there any way to avoid backache occurring during pregnancy?
A:During pregnancy, the centre of gravity moves further forward from the spine. There is a compensating tendency to throw the shoulder back and curve the spine, and this causes backache and strain. It is important to keep your back as straight as possible, tighten the abdominal muscles when standing or walking to lessen the protuberance. When lying down, lie down with back well supported and the legs raised. Go for walks, avoid high heels. Yoga is also beneficial for avoiding backaches. Sleeping and lying down becomes more difficult in pregnancy and mothers are advised to try out different positions until they find the one that suits them the best. The left lateral position (lying on your left side) is the most beneficial to your baby in the later months of pregnancy.

Q: Is it OK to continue your routine work during pregnancy?
A: Most women carry on their routine daily work throughout their pregnancy. Unless you are advised bedrest by your gynecologist, there is no reason to disrupt your routine, unless you choose to do so. 

INFORM YOUR DOCTOR IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:

1.BLEEDING FROM VAGINA
2.PAIN IN ABDOMEN
3.SWELLING OF FACE AND EXTREMITIES
4.HAZINESS OF VISION
5. BURNING DURING URINATION
6.WATERY DISCHARGE FROM VAGINA
7. INCREASE OR DECREASE IN FOETAL MOVEMENTS
8.BLEEDING FROM NIPPLES OR RECTUM
9.FREQUENT OR SEVERE HEADACHES
10.SHIVERING OR FEVER 

Wear comfortable clothes, remain mentally tension-free, keep yourself happy and peaceful. Nature makes a very good job of pregnancy and childbirth in most cases, so take care and enjoy your pregnancy.