Common pregnancy concerns

When you’re pregnant, it is rather common to have fears about being a new mom. Below, we explore whether many of those concerns are true or false.

“When you gain 50 pounds during pregnancy like I did, you fear that you’ll never get back in shape.” — Charisma Carpenter

After pregnancy, will I get back in shape?

You absolutely can but that is up to you. Don’t wait until you have the baby to start working out. There are exercise routines that you can do now that are designed especially for pregnant women. Eat healthily and keep moving. After having surgery, some women find it difficult to get their old figure back and opt to have a mommy-makeover. There is nothing wrong with that either.

Can getting scared while pregnant harm the baby?

Research has shown that as early as 17-weeks, stress on the fetus can have potentially harmful effects on the brain and development.

Will my child have a birth defect?

About 78 percent of pregnant mothers have this concern but less than five percent of all newborns in the United States are actually born with a birth defect. As my grandmother used to say, “Don’t worry about something until there’s something to worry about.”

What if I have a miscarriage?

Worrying adds stress to your pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage is only 10 to 20 percent.

How do I know if my baby is doing okay in my womb?

You can check your baby’s heartbeat with a fetal doppler monitor. You will also know by monitoring the movement of the baby and normal growth.

What if I go into labor early?

About 10 percent of babies are born early and many come into the world during the last month of pregnancy and are called “pre-term.” Hospitals are well equipped to handle pre-term babies. The chances are low that your child will be born prematurely.

Can I have vigorous sex during my late stages of pregnancy?

Yes, I wouldn’t do somersaults but you can have active sex throughout your pregnancy.

When not to have sex?

“Your doctor may advise you not to have sex if you have any of the following types of high-risk pregnancy:

• You’re at risk for miscarriage or history of past miscarriages
• You’re at risk for preterm labor (contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
• You’re having vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping without a known cause
• Your amniotic sac is leaking fluid or has ruptured membranes
• Your cervix has opened too early in pregnancy
• Your placenta is too low in the uterus (placenta previa)
• You’re expecting twins, triplets, or other “multiples”

Keep in mind, if your doctor says “no sex,” that may include anything that involves orgasm or sexual arousal, not just intercourse. (WebMD).”