Questions & Answers


Q&A – pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
NCT expert Gillian Fletcher gives you answers to the questions you have been meaning to ask!

During Pregnancy

What foods should I avoid?

During pregnancy you are more vulnerable to food borne infections such as salmonella, although the risks are rare. It is best to avoid foods that can cause infections such as raw or undercooked meat, raw seafood, soft cheeses, unpasturised milk and raw or undercooked eggs.
 
Can I have sex during pregnancy?
You may find that sex is more enjoyable as the worry of conception has gone and you will find new positions to suit you and your bump. However, bear in mind that although sex is perfectly safe during a straightforward pregnancy, everyone is different. Some women will have a higher libido than before while others only want to climb into bed to go to sleep – the most important thing is that you feel comfortable.
 

How do I cope with niggles and discomfort during pregnancy?

Morning sickness – eating something can help the nausea subside. Nibbling something dry like a cracker can help but try to avoid caffeine and rich or fried food as these are often triggers.

Heartburn – avoid spicy food and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Sit up as straight as you can when eating to avoid the baby pressing on your stomach causing acid to be pushed from your stomach into your oesophagus.

Aching and swelling – plenty of water, rest and some gentle exercise can ease swelling.

Sensitive skin – soothe the itchiness from your skin stretching by using moisturiser. Speak to your midwife if you experience severe itching, particularly on hands and feet.

Labour

Where will my baby be born?

If your pregnancy is straightforward you can choose where to have your baby. You can give birth in hospital in a midwifery-led unit, a consultant-led unit or at home.
 
What are the benefits of water or home births? 
Home birth can provide a more relaxed atmosphere and help you to feel in control during labour, while water birth can ease the pain by providing calm and space. Not all hospital units will have a birth pool available although some hospitals will allow you to use your own pool.You can also hire a pool to use at home.
 
How can I have a straightforward birth and manage pain in labour?
Labour is hard work! If you have a realistic idea of the mental and physical demands you will find yourself better equipped to cope with the pain of labour. Go with your instincts and go through the labour at a pace you feel comfortable with. Make sure you have the right birth partner to support you all the way - they can be just as important as pain relief.
Breathing through your contractions is a great way to ease the pain of labour as it helps keep you calm and your womb supplied with oxygen. You can also choose from other options such as TENS machines, pethidine or water.
 
How will I know I’m in labour? When will I need to go into hospital?
When your contractions are long, strong and coming close together, ring your midwife or hospital to discuss your options. The longer you can labour at home the better. Labour is unpredictable and usually lasts much longer than people think it will, especially if it is a first baby. Many women say they wish they hadn’t gone to hospital so early as it was harder to cope in a strange environment.
 

Labour follows several stages: 

First stage: You will begin to experience contractions at regular intervals – initially short and far apart and gradually becoming more frequent and painful. When your cervix is dilated 10cm, you are at the end of the first stage of labour.

Transition phase: Contractions are long and powerful and you may feel angry and stressed, weepy, shaky or sick and as if you can’t go on, although some women sail through this phase without recognising it. If you do experience the sickness or shaking take it as good sign that you are making good progress.

Second stage: This stage often lasts between one and two hours with a first baby and is when your baby passes down through your pelvis and vagina and is born.

Third stage: You deliver the placenta.
 
How do I avoid going past my due date?
Unfortunately you can’t. Your baby knows when the time is right and will not arrive before it’s ready. The estimated due date is calculated using the 1st day of your last period so it is sometimes not an accurate prediction. Only 4% of babies come on their due date but most are born within ten days of the date.

 
What if I need a caesarean birth?
Sometimes women know in advance that they will have a caesarean although the decision is often not made until or during labour. Every woman is different so recovery time can vary. Most women will be mobile within 24 hours although they may need help lifting their baby. Most women should be feeling well and recovered in about 4-6 weeks.

Life as a parent

How do I cope with a newborn baby?

Every mother worries about how they will cope, it’s perfectly normal. You will get most things right from doing what feels ok for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends and your partner. The NCT is here to help too. You could enrol on an early days course to help you through the first few months or meet up with other mums at your local NCT branch. Call 0300 330 0770 to find out about the NCT in your area.
 
How easy is it to breastfeed?
Give yourself time to establish breastfeeding. Learning how to do it takes patience and practice in the first few weeks. It’s a bit like learning to ride a bike! Ask for help if you need it – call the NCT breastfeeding line on 0300 330 0771 to get support and discuss any issues.
 
When can I exercise?
The most important thing is that you enjoy being a mum – you can exercise later. However it is important that you exercise your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles as soon as the baby is born but do make sure you only do gentle abdominal tightening to begin with and not sit-ups. Rest, eat well-balanced, nutritious meals and do a little light exercise such as walking with the pram.
 
Why is my baby crying?
A good question! Young babies do not cry because they are being difficult: they need something and this is their way of telling you. As time goes on, you will learn to differentiate your baby’s cries, but initially you will need to act on your own instincts and respond to your baby’s needs as best you can. You could try and work through what might be the cause. Often picking him up for a cuddle and talking gently to him can start to soothe the crying. If your baby is crying and you could do with some support, try phoning a friend or the Cry-sis helpline on 08451 228 669.
 

To book an NCT antenatal or early days course or find out more support groups in your area, call 0300 330 0770 or visit www.nct.org.uk
 

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