{"id":1543,"date":"2021-08-13T13:23:06","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T17:23:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2mehealthcare.com\/ob2me\/?p=1543"},"modified":"2024-10-08T10:38:31","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T14:38:31","slug":"pregnancy-faqs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/2mehealthcare.com\/ob2me\/pregnancy-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Top Pregnancy FAQs for Brand New Moms-to-Be"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, you’ve taken an at-home test, followed up with a doctor’s visit, and confirmed that yes, you are pregnant! Whether you have been actively trying or this pregnancy comes as a surprise, there are sure to be thousands of questions running through your head. Until you have the chance to get more in-depth answers directly from your OB\/GYN, here is a brief overview of common pregnancy FAQs for new moms-to-be.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. What Prenatal Vitamins Should I Take?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Normally, most of your nutrients are obtainable from the foods you eat. But when you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, there are a few vital supplements that you should add to your daily routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most importantly, you need to be taking folic acid, a B vitamin found in dark green vegetables, legumes, and enriched grains. It is considered the most essential addition to your vitamin regime. When your baby is developing during the earliest stages of pregnancy, folic acid helps form the neural tube, which helps prevent some of the significant congenital disabilities of your baby’s brain and spine. Folic acid also plays a massive role in cell growth and development, as well as tissue formation. All of these are essential to ensuring the birth of a happy, healthy baby.<\/span><\/p>\n

400 mcg is a typical dosage of folic acid but always talk to your doctor about your specific needs and any other <\/span>prenatal vitamin recommendations<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The term <\/span>morning sickness<\/span><\/a> can be misleading because you may not only experience it in the morning. Some women are more likely to vomit or be nauseous in the late afternoon or evening, and some might feel ill all day. Fortunately, this stage is only temporary, typically ending as you enter your second trimester. If you keep having these symptoms after your first trimester, consult your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Will I Have Strange Food Cravings? If So, When?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Watermelon dipped in pickle juice. Buffalo wings dipped in vanilla ice cream. Eating lemons straight. These are just a few of the unusual cravings some women have reported having and enjoying during their pregnancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But why do some pregnant women have strange <\/span>food cravings<\/span><\/a> or suddenly start enjoying foods they previously have hated? There is no universally accepted scientific answer, but there are two predominant theories. Most doctors and experts agree that significant hormonal changes are to blame or that these cravings could be your body signaling you to consume specific nutrients that might be missing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research suggests that 50-90% of pregnant women will experience this phenomenon. Most start to notice cravings in their first trimester, which get stronger in their second trimester and usually subside by the third.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some odd cravings may require the attention of your doctor. For example, you should consult your OBGYN if you’re constantly craving ice. This is not in itself harmful to your body, but the underlying reason could be. Typically, this is a sign of anemia, and your doctor will suggest extra vitamins and foods rich in iron.<\/span><\/p>\n

You should also consult your doctor if you find yourself craving non-food items during pregnancy, as this could indicate an eating disorder known as <\/span>pica<\/span><\/a>. If you feel the urge to eat substances like clay, paper, or glue, this is not healthy and can end up causing more health problems, such as weight loss, infections, and stomach irritations. In those cases, contact your doctor right away to figure out what nutrients your body is lacking.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. What Foods and Drinks Should I Avoid?<\/span><\/h2>\n

We all have our favorite foods and drinks, from pizza or sushi to Taco Tuesday margaritas. Unfortunately, while you are pregnant, you might have to put some of your go-to favorites on hold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the most common foods and drinks to avoid:<\/span><\/p>\n