Pregnancy FAQ
Pregnancy questions, answered
Straight answers to common pregnancy questions, explained in plain language.
All questions
Is cramping normal in early pregnancy?
Mild, period-like cramping in the first weeks is common as your womb grows and is usually not a problem.
What symptoms are normal in early pregnancy?
Tiredness, nausea, tender breasts, needing to pass urine often and food changes are all normal early on.
When should I start antenatal care?
As soon as you know you are pregnant — ideally before 12 weeks.
What happens at the first antenatal visit?
A full history, examination, blood and urine tests, and a plan for the rest of your pregnancy.
Is nausea and vomiting normal?
Yes — it affects most women in the first months and usually improves by around 16 weeks.
What can I do for pregnancy heartburn?
Smaller meals, staying upright after eating and avoiding fatty or spicy food help most women.
Is back pain normal during pregnancy?
Yes — as your baby grows your posture changes and the ligaments soften, which often causes low back pain.
When is swelling during pregnancy concerning?
Mild swelling of feet and ankles is normal. Sudden swelling of the face and hands, or with headache or blurred vision, is not.
What should I eat during pregnancy?
A balanced plate of starches, vegetables, protein and dairy, plus iron and folic acid supplements from your clinic.
Which foods should I avoid?
Alcohol, raw or undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurised milk, and very high-mercury fish.
How much water should I drink?
About 8 to 10 glasses a day, and more in hot weather or if you are vomiting.
Can I take medicine during pregnancy?
Some medicines are safe and some are not — always check with your nurse, midwife, doctor or pharmacist first.
What should I do if I took medicine before knowing I was pregnant?
Do not panic — take the packet to your provider so the actual risk can be assessed.
Can I exercise during pregnancy?
Yes — for most women, about 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days is good for you and your baby.
Which activities should I avoid in pregnancy?
Contact sports, activities with a fall risk, scuba diving, and lying flat on your back for long periods after mid-pregnancy.
When can I feel my baby move?
Usually between 18 and 22 weeks in a first pregnancy, and sometimes from 16 weeks if you have been pregnant before.
How does my baby develop during pregnancy?
Organs form in the first three months, growth and movement follow, and the last weeks are for weight, lungs and brain.
How often should I attend antenatal appointments?
Roughly monthly until 28 weeks, every two weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until birth — more often if there are risks.
What tests and scans happen during pregnancy?
Blood and urine tests at booking and through pregnancy, plus at least one ultrasound scan where available.
How do I know I am in labour?
Regular, painful contractions that get stronger, longer and closer together — often with a show or waters breaking.
When should I go to the hospital?
When contractions are strong and about five minutes apart, if your waters break, or with any warning sign at any stage.
What happens during a caesarean birth?
Your baby is born through a cut in the lower abdomen and womb, usually with a spinal anaesthetic so you are awake.
What should I expect after giving birth?
Bleeding that gradually reduces, cramping, sore breasts, tiredness and big emotional changes over about six weeks.
What is normal postpartum bleeding?
Heavy red bleeding for a few days, then lighter pink and brown loss that fades over two to six weeks.
When should I seek help after birth?
For heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain, breathing problems, severe headache, or any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
How do I get breastfeeding started?
Feed skin-to-skin as soon as possible after birth, then on demand — about 8 to 12 times a day.
When is bleeding during pregnancy an emergency?
Any bleeding in pregnancy should be checked, and heavy bleeding or bleeding with pain is an emergency.
What should I do if my baby stops moving?
Go to hospital immediately — reduced or absent movements must be checked the same day.
What are the warning signs of high blood pressure in pregnancy?
Severe headache, blurred vision, pain under the right ribs, sudden swelling, or a fit.