Top 10 Must-Know Questions for All Newly Expecting Moms!

Back to school is around the corner, and in that spirit we are revisiting some of our most listened to She Found Motherhood podcast episodes! Starting with this episode which originally aired in September of 2020, Drs. Sarah and Alicia answer your top 10 questions about early pregnancy, such as what bloodwork is needed, what does spotting mean, when to expect ultrasounds, and why you might be so gosh darn bloated!

Be sure to download our free Preparing for Pregnancy Guide, and check out these other episdes that dive a bit deeper into specific early pregnancy topics:

• Morning Sickness: The Low Down on Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy!
• Constipation & Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy | How to Manage at Home
• The Sad Truth about Miscarriage

Let's address the top 10 most common questions about early pregnancy, drawing insights from Dr. Sarah and Alicia’s extensive experience!

1. How Do I Know Everything Is Going Well?

This is often the first question on every expectant mother's mind. In early pregnancy, there are a few ways to reassure yourself. Blood work, specifically checking the beta HCG (pregnancy hormone) levels, can be done before six weeks of gestation. These levels should double every 48 to 72 hours. An ultrasound between 8 to 10 weeks helps confirm that the pregnancy is progressing normally. Lastly, common pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, nausea, and fatigue are usually positive signs.

2. When Is It Safe to Announce My Pregnancy?

Many women worry about the risk of miscarriage before announcing their pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur around the 7 to 8-week mark. Typically, women wait until the 12-week mark after hearing the baby’s heartbeat or seeing it on an ultrasound. Some choose to wait for genetic testing results, which are usually available by the mid-second trimester.

3. How Do I Choose My Care Provider?

Choosing a care provider is crucial. Options typically include midwives, family doctors, and obstetricians. Midwives specialize in normal, healthy pregnancies and offer personalized care, including home births. Family doctors offer comprehensive care, handling both pregnancy-related and general health issues. Obstetricians focus on high-risk pregnancies and are skilled in operative deliveries.

4. What Blood Work Do I Need in Early Pregnancy?

Early pregnancy involves several blood tests to ensure the health of both mother and baby. These include checking hemoglobin and iron levels, thyroid function, and blood type. Screening for infections like HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis is also standard. Additional tests may be offered based on individual medical history.

5. When Will I Get an Ultrasound?

The first ultrasound, known as the dating ultrasound, is usually done between 8 to 10 weeks to confirm pregnancy dates and ensure everything is progressing normally. The second major ultrasound, the anatomy scan, occurs around 20 weeks and provides detailed information about the baby’s development.

6. When Can I Hear My Baby’s Heartbeat?

Typically, a baby’s heartbeat can be heard in the office by 12 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, it can be detected earlier, around 8 to 10 weeks, depending on factors like the mother's body type and the position of the uterus.

7. What Does It Mean If My Pregnancy Symptoms Suddenly Disappear?

While pregnancy symptoms can be reassuring, their sudden disappearance doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. Many women find that their symptoms decrease naturally around 10 to 12 weeks. However, if symptoms dramatically decrease around 7 to 9 weeks, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for reassurance.

8. Does Spotting Mean I’m Miscarrying?

Spotting in early pregnancy is common and doesn’t always signal a miscarriage. It can be caused by implantation bleeding, cervical changes, or a subchorionic hemorrhage. However, if spotting is accompanied by significant pain or cramping, it’s important to seek medical advice.

9. Why Am I So Bloated?

Bloating is a common early pregnancy symptom, caused by the hormone progesterone. This hormone slows down the digestive system, leading to bloating and gas. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s a normal part of early pregnancy.

10. How Can I Manage Constipation in Pregnancy?

Constipation is another common issue during pregnancy, also linked to progesterone. To manage it, stay hydrated, eat high-fiber foods, and consider taking a fiber supplement like Metamucil. Regular physical activity can also help keep things moving.

These are the top 10 questions that expectant parents often have during early pregnancy. If you have more questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. For more tips on optimizing your health during early pregnancy, be sure to check out our Preparing for Pregnancy guide linked here!