These are some of the most frequently asked questions about pregnancy, childbirth, new parenthood and the period after the birth.

Pregnancy

What are the noticeable early signs of pregnancy?
Signs that you are pregnant may include a missed period, tender or sore breasts, PMS-like twinges, fatigue and nausea. Some women also find that they either crave or cannot stand certain foods.

How early can I do a pregnancy test?
A blood test can be positive as early as 10 days after conception. The most common way to determine pregnancy is to purchase an over-the-counter home pregnancy test. The pregnancy tests on the market today can detect a pregnancy as early as the first day of your missed period (the day after your period was due). Many women's cycles are not consistent from month to month. For this reason, some women purchase a kit with two tests, so that they can retake the test three to seven days later if the results are negative or uncertain.

How do I figure out my due date?
Your baby's birth date is estimated to be 10 lunar months (or 280 days) from the date of your last period. A technique called Naegele's rule can be used to calculate your due date. Take the first day of your last menstrual period, count back three months, and then add seven days. Or use an online due date calculator.

How much weight should I gain?
Everyone is different, and it depends partly on whether you were underweight or overweight before you got pregnant. If you are expecting multiples, you should gain more weight. Today there is less emphasis on the exact number of pounds you should gain and more emphasis on healthy eating.

How long does morning sickness last?
Different women have different experiences but, typically, morning sickness starts around Week 6 and fades by the end of Week 12 (the end of the first trimester). Click here for some tips for coping with nausea and vomiting.

Should I have an amniocentesis?
Women 35 and over may be advised to have an amniocentesis. At that age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome increases. An amniocentesis may also be suggested if you have a family history of a genetic illness. Don't feel you have to have an amniocentesis even if the test is suggested. This procedure does have risks. Think about what decision you would make if the amniocentesis showed a problem. If you would not choose to end your pregnancy, you may not wish to risk the test. Click here for more about amniocentesis.

When will I feel my baby move?
You may feel movement as early as 14 weeks, or you may not feel anything until 18 or even 21 weeks. Women who have been pregnant before often feel movement earlier because they know what to expect. At first, it is just fluttering and then the movement becomes more active and identifiable.

What determines the sex of my baby?
Your baby's sex is determined at fertilization by the type of male sperm that fertilizes the egg.

Men have two types of sperm:

• Y-chromosome sperm (male)
• X-chromosome sperm (female)

If a Y-chromosome sperm fertilizes the egg, you will have a boy. If an X-chromosome sperm fertilizes the egg, you will have a girl!

How common is miscarriage?
About 25 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. The majority happen during the first trimester, sometimes before a woman knows she is pregnant. Two to three percent of miscarriages happen after the first trimester. In most cases, the reason is unknown.

What if I bleed during pregnancy?
Bleeding can mean you are miscarrying, but 20% of women experience some bleeding during pregnancy and half of these will go on to deliver healthy babies. Call your doctor right away if you notice any amount of bleeding, for advice on what should be done next.

How do I sleep comfortably when I’m pregnant?
Use pillows to help create a comfortable position. One suggestion is to sleep with one leg hooked over a pillow, a pillow cushioning your belly and a pillow behind your back, supporting it. You can buy big king-sized pillows or even body pillows. It is not true that it is dangerous to sleep on your belly but it may be uncomfortable.

I've heard it is dangerous to exercise during the first trimester. Why?
Women used to be advised to either reduce the amount they exercised or refrain altogether from exercising when pregnant. This traditional medical advice was based on the concern that exercise could potentially cause overheating, which, in turn, could increase the risk of a baby being born with a birth defect. However, recent research has led to new recommendations.

If you have an uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy, it is a good idea to do some aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises. Kegels are also recommended to strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor. Whether you were a “couch potato” or you were involved in regular vigorous exercise before becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor or midwife before starting your exercise program.

If you have had any complications during your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will likely discourage you from exercising.

Click here to learn more about exercising during pregnancy and Women’s College Hospital’s free Exercise and Pregnancy Helpline.

Why can’t I go in a hot tub or sauna when I’m pregnant?
Becoming overheated during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk that your baby will be born with a birth defect. This is why women are advised to avoid hot tubs and saunas during the first trimester.

What if I have a headache or other aches and pains. Are there medications I can take safely?
This is an excellent question to discuss with your doctor. Although it is best to discuss with your doctor what is right for you, many doctors recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) for minor aches and pains during pregnancy. To find out about the safety of different medications, you can also call Motherisk’s toll-free line, from anywhere in Canada, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, at 1-877-327-4636.

Childbirth

What are my chances of having a cesarean section?
More than 20 percent (1 in 5) babies born in Canada are delivered by cesarean section. This is the national average but the rate of cesarean section delivery varies greatly from place to place. If you are pregnant with multiples, you are more likely to have a cesarean.

Most women who have previously had a cesarean can have a vaginal birth for subsequent children. Ask your care provider if VBAC (a vaginal birth after cesarean) is an option for you. Click here to learn more about a cesarean section.

Do breathing techniques really work to control pain during labour?
Many women find using different breathing techniques extremely effective. Breathing techniques can distract you during the stressful or painful moments before labour begins. They can help you focus, relax the muscles in your body, including your uterus, and provide more oxygen to both you and your baby. Being in a more relaxed state will allow you to respond more positively to pain.

What is back labour?
Back labour occurs when the baby's spine is against the mom's spine. This causes pressure and pain. The best way to work with back labour is to get the weight off your spine – use labour positions where the weight is off your back, such as a "hands and knees" position. Massage is also a great help, including counterpressure, where your labour supporter pushes hard against the area that is aching. TENS units may also be helpful for back labour.

How soon can I get an epidural?
Most of the time an anesthetist will wait until you are three centimetres dilated since this means active labour has begun. It's always a good idea to get a vaginal exam before getting an epidural in case your labour is almost at an end.

If I get an epidural, will I still be able to push?
An epidural can relax you and slow labour down. Any time an area is numbed, it is harder to get it to participate! However, the newer epidurals don't affect your ability to push the same way the older methods did.

After the Birth

How soon after the birth can I have sex?
Most people wait until their caregiver has examined them to make sure they are healing, usually about six weeks after the birth. By this time, you should have stopped bleeding, and any tearing should have healed. Ask your caregiver about birth control methods.

When can I start exercising again?
You can begin some gentle exercise, like pelvic tilts, Kegels, walking and stretching right away, as long as there have been no complications in your labour or birth. It takes several weeks for your hormones to settle down and for your joints to become more stable. Listen to your body and don't do anything that hurts. Work up slowly to your pre-birth activity level.

When is it safe to travel with the baby?
Travel by car or plane is safe for a baby of any age; however, it takes a lot of planning and may be wearing for the parents. If the mother can face the trip, the baby is also up to it.

You may be surprised by how much there is to pack! If traveling by plane, take diapers and other supplies for up to two days in your carry-on luggage, just in case your bags are lost.

If traveling by car, the trip will take longer, since you will have to make numerous stops for feedings. It is not safe to take the baby out of the car seat and breastfeed in a moving vehicle. By law, you must have a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS)-approved care seat for your baby.

When traveling by plane, a restraining seat may also be recommended, although law does not require it. Some car seats can also be used in planes. Check the label to know for sure. Of course, if you use the restraining seat, you will have to buy an extra plane ticket for you child, which will increase the cost of your flight.