Once you find out that you're expecting, you may find yourself full of new questions. This is quite normal for expecting moms, especially if it's your first pregnancy. Don't hesitate to ask your health care provider questions that you may have in regards to your pregnancy as they've probably been asked the same question before by other expecting moms.
What Happens During Prenatal Visits?
You may find yourself wondering why prenatal visits are so important and what happens during each visit. During each prenatal visit, your doctor will monitor your weight gain to ensure that you're gaining an adequate amount of weight, keep tabs on your blood pressure, listen to your baby's heart rate, monitor your stomach growth by measuring your abdomen from your naval to the top of your pubic area and ask how you've been feeling. He may also perform routine tests to screen your baby for abnormalities such as spina bifida by conducting an ultrasound or have you take a glucose tolerance test, or GTT, to ensure your blood sugars are in check.
Sex During Pregnancy
You may also ask if sex is okay during pregnancy---and it is as long as your pregnancy is healthy, according to KidsHealth. KidsHealth defines a normal pregnancy as a pregnancy that is at low-risk for complications and that you are in good general health. You may experience changes in your sex life during your pregnancy, especially as you get further along. Maintain open communication with your partner about having, or not having, sex. Your sex drive may fluctuate during different stages of pregnancy, and that's okay. You may find it more difficult to have sex in certain positions, but you and your partner can spice up your sex life by trying new positions that are more comfortable for you. As you get closer to your due date, you may find your sex drive has taken a nose dive. You may become preoccupied with the thought of being a new mom, parenthood and your new responsibilities.
What Is Childbirth Like?
Childbirth is different for every woman and no two childbirths are the same, according to the American Pregnancy Association, or APA. The first phase of labor generally lasts the longest. Typically, during early stages of labor, you may experience irregular dull, aching pains in your back and abdomen. This pain will progress with each stage of labor. The American Pregnancy Association states that if your labor begins during the day to continue with daily routines to keep yourself preoccupied. As your contraction become more regular and closer together, begin to head for the hospital. This is the second phase of labor just before birth. During the second phase, your contractions become stronger and more regular. The third and final phase of labor is the shortest, according to the APA. During this phase, contractions become much longer, may overlap and become more painful. As each stage of labor is passed, your cervix dilates until it reaches 10 cm, which is enough room for the baby to pass through your vaginal canal. Because of the intense pain, you may experience nausea, hot flashes and vomiting. When you are ready to begin pushing, ask your health care provider if it's okay to begin. He will let you know when you can safely begin to push the baby and the bonding with your little one can begin.
