PREGNANCY

1. I am 8 weeks pregnant and a few days ago I started (lightly) bleeding. My friend said that this is all right as it happened to her when she was pregnant. Is my baby alright?

In the first trimester of pregnancy (the first 3 months), some women may experience some bleeding and this is fine.

However, if the bleeding has clots and you also have cramps, you may be having a miscarriage and you will need to see a doctor.

2. Is it all right to have sex when you're pregnant? Will it harm my baby?

Apart from the risk of STIs which can harm your baby, having intercourse will not harm your baby.

In the later stages of pregnancy, intercourse has the potential to bring on labour. But other than that, sex during pregnancy is fine.

3. I am 14 weeks pregnant and I can't seem to keep anything down, not even water. What can I do?

Morning sickness can affect mothers to be for the first few months of pregnancy.

It is important that you keep an eye on your health and the health of your baby. Not being able to keep water down is an issue. Consult with your midwife, obstetrician or doctor regarding options. Women sometimes have success with special anti-nausea wristbands which are available from many pharmacies.

4. I am pregnant and lately I have a funny taste in my mouth. My teeth don't hurt and I can't afford to see a dentist to find out what's wrong. Is there anything I can do?

Because of the changes in your body during pregnancy, your teeth are at increased risk of decay, especially if you are throwing up a lot.

Regardless of cost, it is a good idea to visit a dentist during pregnancy. If you really can't afford it, you might be able to get financial assistance from WINZ.

5. I am 15 years old and I have just found out I am pregnant. I am not sure whether I want this baby or not. What should I do?

You have a number of options. You can continue with the pregnancy and either keep the child, or adopt it out. Or you can abort the pregnancy. It can be difficult to make a decision on your own.

It is a good idea to seek support for yourself and to find out information on the different options. Your friends, family, a counsellor or an appropriate agency are all good sources of support and information. You can make an appointment to discuss your pregnancy with an FPA clinic, Sexual Health Service, Pregnancy Centre or your own or any doctor.

Whatever you decide to do - and it is ultimately your decision - you need to make contact with the above agencies now so that all of the options available to you.

6. My partner and I have been trying to get pregnant for over a year now, with no success. What can I do?

There are many possible reasons why you have not yet conceived. Or there could be no reason at all and you'll just need to keep trying.

If you want to investigate further, the first step is for you and your partner to make an appointment with an FPA clinic or your own doctor for some simple tests. A sperm test is done and the woman has an examination and blood tests.

Then, depending on the initial test results, you may be referred to a fertility specialist.

7. I recently had a miscarriage and I want to try again. How long do I have to wait?

Technically it is possible for you to get pregnant during your next menstrual cycle.

You will need to consult with your doctor to check whether there is any reason for you to delay getting pregnant again. It is a good idea to discuss your emotional well-being.

8. When will I know when the baby is coming?

Every pregnancy is different and every birth (labour) is different. It could be that your waters break and then contractions begin (which feel like very painful period cramps). Or it could be that you start to have contractions and your water doesn't break until later. Many women have false labour, which is when you have contractions but they don't lead to childbirth, yet.

Whatever happens for you, it is a good idea to attend ante-natal classes so that you can learn more about this. Check your local Maternity Hospital or with your midwife or obstetrician for classes near you.

9. I have heard of Braxton Hicks contractions, but what are they?

Braxton Hicks are mild contractions during pregnancy. They usually occur in the later stages of pregnancy. They are normal and nothing to worry about.

10. I am pregnant with my first child and my partner and I want to have a home birth. Is this okay?

You have many birthing options available to you and whatever you decide to do, it is up to you.

If you do decide to have a home birth, you will need to discuss all the pros and cons with your lead maternity carer.

If you have any complications during your pregnancy or during labour, you may have to go to hospital after all. You will have to discuss whether you are close enough to the hospital to make this possible.

Many parents decide against home birth for their first child because of the unknown factors involved. Also you might want to consider that if there are complications, will being at home make them more dangerous than necessary.