During pregnancy, many changes take place and inevitably this generates many questions that a future mother does not always dare to discuss with her doctor. Nutrition, sexuality, childbirth… Here are the most common questions from pregnant women.
A pregnant woman regularly asks herself questions, if not every day. Seeing certain changes in their body or imagining their pregnancy follow-up, there are sometimes taboos and anxieties that expectant mothers have regarding pregnancy or the birth of their child. Episiotomy, urinary leakage, hemorrhoids, epidural or even bloating... All these things that we dare not say to pregnant women and that they learn during childbirth preparation courses and sometimes even at the time of birth! Moreover, it is not always easy for some women to approach these delicate, rather personal subjects and to talk about them around them, even to their doctor. But don’t panic, you are not alone! Know that most expectant mothers are faced with these common situations during pregnancy or during childbirth. On the other hand, it is better to know what to expect in order to react well and not to stress during these nine months or in the delivery room. here is the top 10 questions and topics that pregnant women do not always dare to ask:
1- Is it serious if I still drink alcohol during my pregnancy?
Does drinking a glass of alcohol occasionally put your baby in danger? Yes because alcohol is toxic to the fetus, reminds Public Health France! You have to remember that when you drink, he toasts with you! The alcohol passes through your blood and into his. Except that it takes him twice as long to eliminate it… Even moderate alcohol consumption is harmful for the future baby: risks of prematurity, miscarriage, low birth weight, growth retardation or mental retardation…
2- Why do pregnant women fart?
Pregnant, gases are completely natural and all the more so when digestion can be difficult, due to progesterone which slows digestion and can lead to bloating and gas. The space occupied by the baby also slows down the process by allowing less room for the stomach. There are foods that are more difficult to digest and therefore cause gas. In particular beans, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, artichokes or even onions. However, these vegetables are important in the balanced diet. We must therefore think carefully about finding the right balance for the different needs of our body.
3- I don’t want strawberries, is that normal?
Most of pregnant women actually have cravings (or dislikes) for certain foods, but not all. In question ? The hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. During this period, we often notice changes in eating habits, as if the body was adapting. For example, being disgusted with alcohol or coffee in the weeks following the start of pregnancy is no coincidence… After the 4th month of pregnancy, cravings and dislikes tend to fade. If not, and you’re getting your mate up in the middle of the night for strawberry pie, maybe you just need some attention… Feel free to discuss it. with the practitioner who follows you!
4- What to do against urinary leakage?
Nearly half of future mothers are affected by urinary leakage during pregnancywhich may appear from the first trimester. A giggle or even a sneeze and a mini-puddle is felt? Don’t panic, it’s normal… Over the weeks, the uterus presses more and more on the bladder and the pregnancy hormones contribute to the muscle relaxation of the perineum.
5- I no longer recognize my breasts
You are pregnant and you have already taken a bra cup. Are your breasts going to be so sensitive throughout your pregnancy? And why did the areola suddenly turn darker? This is one of the common changes associated with pregnancy. Under the action of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin, breasts changepartly to prepare for lactation. The breasts become larger and the areola (the pigmented area that surrounds the nipple, editor’s note) becomes darker and wider. Sometimes also, the veins are more visible on the breasts, especially in fair skin. According to the women, these changes are more or less pronounced, without it being possible to explain why. As for knowing if the breasts return to their size once the childbirth is over, it depends on the women… Some sports exercises can help tone the chest.
6- I’m afraid of episiotomy
L’episiotomy, this word a little vague and not always well understood, can be scary. To de-dramatize, it is therefore necessary to fully understand why an episiotomy can be performed during childbirth. This is an incision in the perineum, approximately 2-3 cm. His goal ? Increase the vulvar diameter to facilitate the passage of the baby. And especially, prevent a torn perineum, which could have very disabling consequences later, such as anal incontinence for example. So do not fear an episiotomy and trust the medical team by saying that if there is an episiotomy it is probably to avoid inconvenience. What’s more, this gesture is perfectly mastered, it is not not dangerous for the baby and you will hardly feel anything. Maybe a little tingling, but nothing next to contractions for example! After childbirth, healing is rapid, generally about ten days.
7- I have digestive problems
Pregnant, you are very constipated, often bloated and you have acid reflux ! In addition to the famous nausea, pregnancy is often accompanied by various digestive disorders. First advice : Talk to your gynecologist, it’s quite usual. In case of acid reflux : divide your meals, eat slowly and chew food well. Also avoid lying down right after a meal. If you have some constipation problems : drink as much as possible, at least 1 liter and a half. Prefer waters rich in magnesium, those whose content is greater than or equal to 50 mg/L. Choose fiber-rich foods : fruits, vegetables, wholemeal bread, brown rice, bran… Exercise if possible to speed up transit: walking, swimming… Finally, avoid self-medication, only your gynecologist can prescribe a laxative.
8- I pee all the time
Rest assured : yes, it is normal, especially in the first and last trimesters of pregnancy. In question, the increase in the volume of fluids and your kidneys which work more: you eliminate for two! Also, your uterus has grown in size and is compressing the bladder. Generally, the uterus rising in the abdominal cavity around the 4th month of pregnancy, you are a little less embarrassed at this time. But it often starts again in the last trimester: the uterus is growing in size and the baby descends into a low position. Once the childbirth is over, everything goes back to normal! In the meantime, be patient and above all do not limit the quantities of water because you need it.
9- I want sex less than before
Pregnant, your libido is not at the top. Under the influence of hormones, some pregnant women see their libido skyrocket, others experience a period of less desire. And it’s not just about hormones. the body changes and self-image too. Some future mothers find themselves more attractive, while others no longer recognize their female bodies. The fatigue and the small ailments of the first months will also disturb some women. Sometimes, once the first trimester has passed, women find an active and fulfilled sexuality. And in all this, one should not forget about the partner. Do not feel guilty and talk about it together to avoid the unspoken. Remember that penetration is not contraindicated. There is no risk of causing premature delivery, or even of hitting the fetus!
10- Does the epidural hurt?
Now that the birth is approaching, you still have many questions about the epidural : will the injection hurt? How long will the pose last? Here’s how it happens… In a sitting or lying position, the anesthesiologist will ask you to round your back and breathe well. Placed behind you, it will start by disinfecting your lower back, then give you a small, barely perceptible injection to numb your lower back locally. Then, he will install a very fine and flexible pipe, called a catheter. This will remain in place throughout the delivery to provide the anesthetic product. Rest assured, the placement of this catheter does not hurtyou will just feel a slight twinge. The installation of the epidural only takes a few minutes and already after about 15 minutes you no longer feel the pain of contractions. Here you are relaxed to welcome baby.