1. How do I know that I am pregnant?

Early symptoms of pregnancy may vary as per every woman, and they differ even with a woman in her next pregnancy. You may also go wrong in your decision as some of the early pregnancy signs look similar to those you feel pre- and post- menstruation period.Therefore, it is highly advised that you have your pregnancy test done on time before you close down with any judgment.

Early Symptoms of Pregnancy
  • Will have missed periods
  • 10 or 12 days after conception, minor spotting (bleeding) and cramps,similar to menstrual cramps; often associated with white, creamy vaginal discharge
  • Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, breast may have certain changes including swelling (fullness), tenderness and tingling sensation
  • Nausea with vomiting (morning sickness) or without it,along with fatigue
  • An urge to pass urine frequently
Pregnancy Tests
  • Urine Strip Test
  • Vaginal Sonography
  • Blood Tests (Qualitative hCG and Quantitative hCG Tests)

2. Alarm signs of early pregnancy / when is it urgent for me to contact a doctor? You should go for an immediate consultation with your gynecologist if:

  • You have missed your periods
  • Urine pregnancy test is positive
  • You have severe pain, lethargic feelings, fainting attacks or bleeding

3. What Preconceptional Care should I look for?

A safe pregnancy for mother and a fit baby are all that the parents wish. Sufficient care prior to your pregnancy fulfills this wish. Seek an early consultation with your obstetrician or gynecologist, who can provide you with the best preconception care.

Preconceptional Care includes diagnosing and taking care of any physical problems that might have harmful effects on both mother and baby later on.

The purpose of Preconceptional Care is to reduce the possibility of Birth Defects.

This may include:
  • Thalassemia status of both the parents
  • Rubella status for the wife
  • Diabetes
  • Blood sugar and thyroid tests along with necessary bodily examinations. For example, the folic acid supplements stop neural tube defects.

4. I am having lots of uneasiness/vomiting/feeling of bad taste in the first three months of my pregnancy.

That is because of a substance called hCG secreted by pregnancy,entering mother’s circulation – It is a sign of growing pregnancy. This can be naturally treated by ginger-ice cubes and many sugary things. It usually disappears once first 3 months get over!

5. When are sonographies necessary in pregnancy?

By the protocol, at the completion of the third month (13 weeks); then at the 4th and 5th month in order to rule out any malformations and by the 9th month to find out the weight, amount of fluid and blood flow. In addition, during pregnancy if your doctor feels you have any issues that require sonography, he would perform it, on a necessary basis.

6. I am suffering from stretching pain, muscular aches (especially backache), how to deal with such problems?

Stretching of muscles of the tummy, back and thighs are the common symptoms; usually happen with growing pregnancy. Such problems would never last forever; with changing time, they would go subsided.

Physiotherapy, local analgesic lotions, hot fermentation and painkillers (as prescribed) can help you to keep these problems under control.

7. What are the ‘Stretch Marks’/How to treat ‘Stretch Marks’ during pregnancy?

With the uterus growing upwards, an outer skin is stretched. Consequently, you may get itchiness all over the tummy. White or black marks are formed. The middle part of the tummy, from navel to lower down (pubis), shows a dark line called ‘Linea Nigra’.

Treatment: Local gels and creams with Allantoin and Indian herbs work well.Often, you may see your skin itchiness harassing more. Seeing a dermatologist can rule out the local conditions.

8. I am gaining too much weight / I am not gaining enough weight / I am losing my weight. How should I deal with this?

Weight Measurement

Weight gain varies from woman to woman. A pregnant woman tends to gain weight only from the fourth month onwards. An early pregnancy weight loss is normal. Later in pregnancy, a weight gain of 800g to 1000g per month is normal too. A weight gain of more than 2500g per month needs an attention.

9. I have a bloated/swollen abdomen.

That is due to the fluid retention, which is usually being evident during pregnancy. Swelling could be because of other problems such as thyroid, low protein or blood pressure problems.

10. Can I travel/go out/have outside food or drinks? Can I continue work?

Most of the pregnant women can do normal work, light household activities. Traveling to short or long distance is also safe, depending upon how she feels.

Again, the health level varies as per every mother and child to another. Sensibly, you should get guidance from your doctor and follow all instructions strictly.

11. What can I do to prevent stretch marks?

Having stretch marks is a physiological change, commonly relates to your pregnancy time. Do not panic, it would go lowered and vanished off after certain time. Consulting your doctor for appropriate remedies and treatments would definitely leave you stress-free!

12. How can I tell if I am in menopause?

Menopause is considered to be 1 year without a menstrual period.

13. What is perimenopause?

This is a stage of life when the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. It is characterized by hot flashes, breast tenderness, irregular periods, decreased libido, mood swings and difficulty sleeping.

14. What are the most common symptoms of menopause?

Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Irregular Periods, Emotional Changes, Loss of Libido and Vaginal Dryness.

15. When should I have my first GYN exam?

You should have your first exam when you are 21 years of age.

16. Can I have a pap smear if I have my period?

Yes, if you have a light flow.

17. My mother has a history of breast cancer, when should I get my first mammogram?

If you are at a greater risk for breast cancer, beginning a screening of mammograms before age 40 is recommended. Talk to your doctor about your particular risk factors.