Pregnancy Facts All Expecting Mothers Should Know

When a woman finds out she's pregnant, she is filled with an endless amount of questions. Even if she just thinks she may be pregnant, the questions start their endless parade through her head. The following are common pregnancy questions and their answers.

Am I pregnant?
Symptoms of pregnancy vary with every woman, and every pregnancy. With my first pregnancy I had many classic pregnancy symptoms:

- sore, tender breasts
- fatigue
- nausea
- missed period

With my second pregnancy, I had no symptoms except light spotting. I took a pregnancy test only because I was one day late and I already had a left over test at home. I was shocked when the results showed positive.

Some women also report frequent trips to the bathroom, even in the early stages of pregnancy.

If you think you may be pregnant, and you're period is due, buy a test.

What's a good diet to follow while I'm pregnant?
There is an old saying that a pregnant women has to eat for two. This is true, to an extent. But remember that you are not supposed to be eating enough for two full grown adults. In general, eating an extra 300 calories while you are pregnant is deemed safe. Talk to your doctor for a diet plan suited to your specific needs.

Read this article for some foods that should be avoided during pregnancy.

It's a well known fact that alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. But if you happened to have had a night of overdoing it with alcohol before you realized you were pregnant, your baby should be fine.

In general, if it's healthy for you, it will be healthy for your baby.

When will I hear the baby's heartbeat?
You can generally hear the baby's heartbeat when you are about ten weeks along in your doctor's office. It will sound a lot like yours, but much faster. At about twenty weeks, you may be able to hear your baby's heartbeat in your own home with the use of a stethoscope.

When will I get an ultrasound?
When you will have an ultrasound depends on your pregnancy, your doctor and your insurance. During a normal pregnancy without any known risks, an ultrasound will generally be requested by your doctor at about twenty weeks.

When will I feel my baby move?
The first flutters of your baby may go unnoticed by most women. It usually feels like butterflies in your stomach, or tiny bubbles. You should be able to feel this at about twenty weeks, but some women have been known to feel these gentle movements earlier.

Is it normal to be absent-minded during pregnancy?
Yes, this is completely normal. It also tends to increase in frequency the further along you get in your pregnancy.

It's a good idea to keep a notebook handy for writing down any questions or concerns you may have as you go along with your pregnancy. This way you will have them handy for your next doctor visit and you won't forget to ask.

These answers are based on my own experiences with pregnancy and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. If you have concerns at any point during your pregnancy, consult your doctor.

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