20 pregnancy panics sorted

Here’s reassurance for every pregnant woman who’s ever panicked

1…I DON’T FEEL VERY PREGNANT

Not throwing up or flaking out with fatigue? Don’t panic. ‘We’re all different,’ says midwife Laura Abbott (www.homebirths.com). ‘While some women suffer sickness and sore boobs early on in pregnancy, others don’t get any symptoms at all.

The downside is you may not develop aversions to harmful things, like alcohol and cigarettes, so it’s essential to eat well and cut out anything dangerous.’ And if you are suffering, those nasty niggles normally disappear by the end of the first trimester.

2…I CAN’T EAT BECAUSE I FEEL SICK

So much for eating for two, heh? Luckily, your body has reserves for baby to draw on. ‘Baby’s need for calories and certain nutrients isn’t as great now as it is later in pregnancy, so not gaining weight won’t have an effect. You can make up for it by eating well in the second and third trimesters,’ says Laura.

‘Low blood sugar levels exacerbate morning sickness though so eating, even though you don’t want to, helps. Eat little and often and have something small before you got to bed so you’re not waking up hungry. Keep a pack of biscuits by your bed too so you can refuel before getting up in the morning, and drink plenty to replace fluids lost through vomiting.’

3…I’VE GOT WEIRD PAINS

It’s hard not to panic over pain but period-like twinges are common in early pregnancy. ‘It’s not unusual to feel crampy at the sides as the uterus grows and the ligaments stretch to support it,’ says Laura.

‘These growing pains can continue throughout pregnancy as baby’s increasing size puts more pressure on your ligaments and muscles. If they’re occasional and not accompanied by fever, chills, bleeding or increased vaginal discharge, there’s no cause for concern.

If you experience sharp, persistent pains, particularly to one side along with light prune juice coloured bleeding during your first trimester, seek immediate medical attention to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.’

4…MY BUMP DOESN’T LOOK BIG

 ‘No two pre-pregnant shapes are the same, so why should bumps be identical?’ says Gail Johnson, from the Royal College of Midwives. ‘Lots of things make a difference, like how tall or short you started out, how big your baby is and where she likes to lie.

Women who’ve kept fit and have tight abdominal muscles don’t show so much, and even clothes and posture make a bump look different. Don’t compare your bump with others.

Concentrate on how it changes weekly, how your clothes get tighter, and baby’s movements stronger and talk to your midwife who can reassure you about the size of baby.’

5…MY PREGNANCY WASN’T PLANNED AND I DIDN’T TAKE FOLIC ACID

‘Many thousands of pregnancies aren’t planned so lots of women aren’t popping folic acid pills the recommended three months prior to conception,’ says Laura. ‘With such a good diet in the western world and folic acid added to bread and cereals it’s unlikely you’ll be deficient in any nutrients.

However, the Department of Health recommends taking a 400 (mcg) microgram supplement of folic acid daily  during the first 12 weeks to reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, so get popping if you’re within that period.’

6…SOMETIMES I CAN’T FEEL MY BABY MOVE

One minute your bemoaning baby keeping you awake with her kicking, the next your fretting because you can’t feel her move. So what’s normal? ‘Your baby has her own active times,’ says Laura.

‘Getting used to her pattern helps you recognise any changes. If you are concerned or haven’t felt any movements for a 12 hour period contact your midwife who can check you out and reassure you.

It’s sometimes easy to ‘miss’ baby’s movements when you’re rushing about all day. Drinking a cold glass of water is often a good way to prompt her into action, but remember movements slow down and change closer to your due date. A bigger baby has less room for acrobatics.’

7…I GOT DRUNK BEFORE I KNEW I WAS PREGNANT

There’s loads of conflicting advice on drinking during pregnancy but the Department of Health advices pregnant women not to drink at all. ‘Fine in an ideal world, but many pregnancies aren’t planned and lots of women drink or smoke before they know they’re pregnant,’ says Laura.’ If you take care now, it’s extremely unlikely one excessive night before you knew you were pregnant will have any adverse affect on your pregnancy or baby.’

8…I’VE BEEN DOWNING COFFEE TO FIGHT FATIGUE

If you can’t get up and go without your fix of caffeine keep doses low. ‘Using caffeine in moderation won’t harm baby but research recommends no more than 300mg a day (see below) as high intakes may be related to an increased risk of miscarriage, small babies, and birth defects,’ says Laura.

Caffeine culprits:

3 mugs of instant coffee (100mg each)
3 cups of brewed coffee (100mg each)
6 cups of tea (50mg each)
8 cans of cola
4 can’s of ‘energy drink’ (up to 80mg each)
8 (50g) bars of plain chocolate (up to 50mg each)
(As recommended by the Food Standards Agency):

9…I FELL ON MY BELLY

It’s hard to be graceful when you’re pregnant but baby’s well protected by nature’s airbag. ‘Your abdominal muscles are strong, the walls of the uterus tough and baby’s floating in fluid that cushions her from bumps and falls,’ says Laura.

‘On extremely rare occasions an accident may cause placental abruption, so any pain, vaginal bleeding or loss of amniotic fluid should be checked out immediately.’

10…I PIGGED OUT ON PATE WITHOUT REALISING IT WAS A RISKY

‘It’s very unlikely to have done damage but avoid pate, un-pasteurised dairy products and mould ripened cheeses in future as they may contain listeria, a bacteria which can harm your unborn baby,’ says Fiona Ford from the Centre of Pregnancy Nutrition. 

Avoid also:

Raw eggs, undercooked meat  or raw shellfish. They can carry salmonella, a bacteria which causes food poisoning.

Liver products and supplements containing vitamin A. High levels can cause birth defects.

Raw/undercooked meat, smoked-only or cured meat like parma ham and unwashed fruit and veg. They may carry toxoplasmosis which can cause miscarriage, still born babies or organ damage.

Limit oily fish to two portions a week because it contains pollutants, and tuna to one steak or four medium sized tins, as it has high levels of mercury which can damage baby’s developing nervous system. Avoid shark, swordfish and marlin because of mercury.

11…HAVING SEX WILL HARM MY BABY

‘Having sex is completely safe and won’t cause complications like miscarriage during a normal pregnancy,’ says Dr Daghni Rajasingham, from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

‘Even with  your partner on top, the strong muscles of the uterus protect baby while the amniotic sac creates a cushioning affect so there’s no risk of trauma. However, If you’re in a high-risk category (placenta previa, tendency to miscarry, history of premature labour) ask your GP or midwife if sex is safe.

Talk to them too if you notice unusual symptoms after intercourse, such as pain, bleeding, discharge, or contractions that seem to continue after sex.’

12… FLYING IS DANGEROUS

With most airlines allowing you to fly up until 36 weeks (you’ll need a letter from your doctor saying you’re fit to fly from 28 weeks onwards) your tot’s safe in the sky. Think carefully about distances you’re covering though.

‘Avoid flights of more than ten hours,’ says Sue Jacob from the Royal College of Midwives. ‘If you’re at high altitude for long periods, oxygenation to the baby is lowered.

Short term this can cause fetal distress, long term there may be growth problems. 
 
13…I HAD JABS FOR MY EXOTIC HOLIDAY BEFORE I KNEW I WAS PREGNANT

No one deserves a break like a pregnant woman, so don’t let it spoil your trip. ‘While we recommend avoiding jabs during pregnancy, the disease risk at your destination could be much worse than the theoretical risk of a vaccination,’ says Lynda Bramham, nurse adviser for MASTA (Medical Services for Travellers Abroad; www.masta.org). ‘Your doctor or midwife can reassure you what’s safe.’

14…I’LL CATCH TOXOPLASMOSIS FROM MY CATS

Fortunately cat poo poses a very slim risk, with only about one in 500 pregnant women in the UK contracting toxoplasmosis. ‘Prevention is best so always make sure you change a litter tray with gloves on and wash your hands after.

Better still, get someone else to do it,’ says Laura. Wear gloves when gardening too as cats love to poo among the plants.

15…WORKING OUT WILL HARM BABY

Actually, regular walking or prenatal yoga is great, building up your stamina and strength for the rigors of labour. Don’t indulge in dangerous sports (ski-ing, horse-riding) that carry risk of direct injury to your abdomen and uterus though and avoid getting seriously over-heated as it can effect baby’s developing nervous system.

‘Whatever you’re doing you should be able to hold a conversation,’ says pregnancy fitness expert Alison Merry (www.bloomingfit.com). ‘If you can’t, slow down.’

16…SITTING INFRONT OF THE COMPUTER ALL DAY WILL GIVE BABY RADIATION POISONING

Sorry, can’t get out of work that easily. There’s been no link proved between low radiation levels emitted by computers and miscarriages or other pregnancy problems.

Sitting for long periods can up back pain though. ‘Walk around regularly and sit on a supportive chair or exercise ball to help your pregnant posture,’ says Laura.

17…TAKING ANTIBIOTICS FOR A URINARY INFECTION IS BAD FOR BABY

‘Letting it linger is far worse,’ says Sue Jacob. ‘Left untreated you’ve a 30% chance of developing a kidney infection which can result in high temperatures and premature labour. Your GP can prescribe you drugs safe to take in pregnancy.’

18…MY 20 WEEK SCAN SHOWS MY PLACENTA IS LOW-LYING

 ‘As many as one in four placentas are low-lying  in mid-pregnancy, covering the cervix and blocking baby’s exit, but  90% move up by the time baby’s due,’ says Laura.

In the very small percentage of pregnancies where the placenta touches the cervix triggering heavy bleeding you’ll most likely be taken into hospital to have yours and baby’s health monitored. If it doesn’t move, the only way baby can be born is by C-section, usually around 38 weeks.

19…DYING MY HAIR WILL HURT BABY

More likely your pride. ‘The chemicals in hair dye aren’t highly toxic and there’s little scientific evidence they can harm baby,’ says Laura. ‘However, your hormones can alter you hair playing havoc with your colour or producing a perm that’s flat.’

20…MY BLOOD PRESSURE WAS UP AT MY LAST CHECK

Stop stressing. ‘A slight increase could be down to arriving late for your appointment,’ says Laura. ‘It won’t have harmed baby and was probably normal an hour later.

If it’s accompanied by sudden swelling, particularly in the feet, hands and face, sickness, abdominal pain, headaches, blurred vision and protein in the pee, seek immediate medical attention.

It could indicate pre-eclampsia.’ This occurs in 5 to 10 per cent of pregnancies and is potentially life-threatening to mum and baby. In severe cases, the only cure is delivery.

RELAX THOSE WORRIES AWAY…

1. Find a peaceful place to sit or lie, putting on mellow music if it helps you relax.

2. Take a long, deep breath in through your nose, then breathe out slowly through your mouth, visualising the tension and anxiety melting out of you in your breath, like an ice cube melting in the sun. With each soothing out breath, continue to imagine your body becoming calmer, heavier, deeply relaxed.

3. Tell yourself that you’re doing your best for baby, that relaxing is good for you both. Visualise yourself happily cuddling your baby.

4. Feel the sensation you have in your mind and body just before you fall asleep. Let it flow through you leaving you in a deeply relaxed, yet conscious, state.

5. Now imagine you’re somewhere the air is pure, cool, refreshing. Take three deep breaths in and out, filling your lungs and charging your brain with oxygen. You should feel refreshed, energised and awake by your third breath.

As recommended by relaxation and wellbeing expert, Belinda Freeman (www.relaxation-centre.co.uk)

95 out of 100 babies are born without abnormalities and the few who are don’t necessarily have major problems or problems that can’t be treated.

(www.babyworld.co.uk)

Here’s another good reason to chill out during pregnancy. A study by Early Human Development shows babies born to anxious or stressed mums are 40% more likely to wake up repeatedly during the night, refuse to go to bed or suffer from sleepless nights.

Fret not. Limiting your caffeine intake doesn’t mean cutting out chocolate. In fact, it could be beneficial. According to the university of Helsinki babies of mums who eat chocolate when pregnant smile, laugh and are more positive than those whose mums don’t.