Congratulations you’re pregnant! You’re probably feeling excited and maybe a little nervous, especially if this is your first time. You probably also have lots of questions.   

We asked Dr Virochana Kaul, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and IVF practitioner at Northpark Private Hospital in Bundoora to share the 10 questions she’s asked most often by women.  

 

1. Can I exercise while I’m pregnant?

You can exercise in pregnancy. There is evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour.

If you already exercise, regularly, you can keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable. Exercise is not dangerous for your baby.

Exercise tips for pregnancy

• Don’t overdo things – you should be able to hold a conversation while exercising. 
• If you weren’t active before your pregnancy, don’t suddenly take up strenuous exercise.
• Even gentle exercise is beneficial.
• Make sure you warm up and cool down properly.
• Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather. 
• Make sure the instructor or trainer is properly qualified and aware that you are pregnant.
• Swimming is a great exercise while pregnant, as the water will support your increased weight.

Activities to avoid

• Avoid any sports that have a risk of falling including horse riding, downhill skiing, ice hockey, gymnastics and cycling which may cause a risk of damage to your baby. 
• You should also avoid contact sports and scuba diving.
• Do not lie flat on your back for long periods of time.

 

2. Can I have sex while pregnant?

It's perfectly safe to have sex during pregnancy unless your doctor or midwife has told you not to. Sex will not hurt your baby, as penis cannot penetrate beyond your vagina, and the baby cannot tell what's going on. Sex drive may change, and orgasms may be painful and in later trimesters, can cause some Braxton Hicks,

Having sex may help to induce labour.  The side position is usually   more comfortable.

When to avoid sex

• If you have vaginal discharge which is infectious, as it will be painful
• Your waters have broken – it can increase the risk of infection
• If you have placenta which is low and you have bleeding - it may aggravate the bleeding
• If there are any problems with the entrance to your womb (cervix) and it is short – you may be at a higher risk of going into early labour or having a miscarriage
• If you have previously had early labours or losses in early pregnancy.

 

3. Can I have my hair coloured while I am pregnant?

The majority of research indicates the chemicals found in both semi-permanent and permanent dyes are not highly toxic and are safe to use during pregnancy? In addition, only small amounts of hair dye may be absorbed by the skin, leaving little that would be able to reach the foetus. The same is considered true while breastfeeding.  

Although no data is available on women receiving hair treatments while breastfeeding, it is known that little of the chemicals would actually be absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, the chance of them entering the milk and posing a risk to an infant would be unlikely.  However the following precautions are recommended.

Precautions

• Consider waiting until the second trimester to treat your hair
• Make sure the treatment is done in a well-ventilated area
• Do not leave the chemicals on your hair any longer than indicated by the directions
• Rinse your scalp thoroughly with water after treatment
• Wear gloves when applying the treatment
• Carefully follow the directions on the package
• Do a patch test for allergic reactions before completing the process

 

4. Can I use a sauna or hot tub while I’m pregnant?

Little is known about the safety of saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms in pregnancy. It’s best to avoid them because of the risks of overheating, dehydration and fainting, particularly in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This is the time of formation of organs in baby and heat can cause interference.

 

5. Should I be eating for two while I’m pregnant?  

You definitely do not need to eat for two while pregnant. Research indicates that too much weight gain can affect your pregnancy and increase the risk of a C-section, diabetes and hypertension.

You don’t need to significantly increase your calorie intake during your pregnancy.   You only need an extra 300 calories every day (which is the equivalent of a slice of toast with peanut butter).

Eating healthily will help nourish and strengthen your body. You will naturally gain weight while you are pregnant as your baby grows. The amount you’ll need to gain will vary based on your pre-pregnancy weight. If you’re underweight or overweight you may need to gain a little more or a little less than someone with a healthy BMI and adjust your calories accordingly.  

Your obstetrician will monitor your weight as your pregnancy progresses and advise you about how to keep your weight gain within a healthy range through diet and exercise.

 

6. Can I drink coffee or tea while I’m pregnant?

It is difficult to determine whether a mother’s caffeine intake in pregnancy is associated with problems for the baby during and after pregnancy. Caffeine does pass from mother to baby across the placenta during pregnancy and in breastmilk after birth. Unborn babies are less able to break down caffeine than adults. This means that babies may be exposed to the same stimulant effect as their mum.

Low to moderate caffeine intake does not make it harder to conceive a baby, nor does it increase the risk of miscarriage. However, higher levels of caffeine intake (greater than 300mg per day) may be associated with decreasing the chances of becoming pregnant and increasing miscarriage rates. It may be associated with babies being smaller during the pregnancy and weighing less at birth. There is no association between caffeine and birth defects and there is no evidence for long term effects on children in terms of behaviour and development.

The recommended limit in Australia is a maximum of 200mg caffeine per day. This is equivalent to 1 cup of strong espresso style coffee; 3 cups of instant coffee; 4 cups of medium strength tea; 4 cups of cocoa or hot chocolate; 4 cans of cola.

Avoid double shots of espresso coffee and drinks which are marketed as sports and energy drinks as. Drinks with high levels of caffeine should be limited to one per day, with no other caffeinated drinks consumed.

In summary, if you drink tea or coffee limit your intake to 1 -2 cups a day. 

 

7. Can I raise my arm over my head while pregnant?

There is a myth that if you reach your arms over your head, the umbilical cord could get wrapped around the baby’s neck. Umbilical cord can get wrapped around the baby’s neck, especially after 20 weeks when the baby starts getting very active, it rarely causes any harm to the baby. Four out of every 10 babies are born with the cord wrapped around their neck, and it usually doesn't pose any problems.

However you should avoid overstretching as in pregnancy you have relaxed muscles due to high hormone levels and may be prone to spasms. Since you can’t take strong pain medications, you should avoid overextension.

 

8. Can I eat seafood, soft cheese, deli meat or rare steak?

Certain fish, including tilefish, swordfish and mackerel should be avoided due to the high concentration of mercury. However other fish are fine in moderation. Some fish such as salmon, sardines and anchovies are especially good choices because they are both low in mercury and high in omega-3 fatty acids. 

It’s best to avoid sushi and soft cheeses such as brie, soft goat’s cheese and blue cheese during pregnancy unless they are heated first. This is because of the risk of listeria, a foodborne bacterium that can be harmful to your baby. The same applies to deli/lunch meats – they should be heated to steaming before consuming. 

During pregnancy, you should make sure any red meat or chicken you consume is well cooked.  You should avoid meat that’s cooked rare.

 

9. Can I take medications for heartburn?

Heart burn is due to the relaxation of your stomach muscles and reflux of acid. You can take over the counter antacid medication and take them frequently. They are safe and will make your pregnancy journey more comfortable

 

10. Can I travel by plane while I’m pregnant?

With the proper precautions and travel insurance, most women can travel by plane safely well into their pregnancy. The best time to travel or take a holiday is in the middle of your pregnancy, between 4 and 6 months.

The chance of going into labour is naturally higher after 36 weeks and some airlines won't let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this, they may require a letter from your obstetrician. Always book seats in the centre of plane, so that there is less turbulence and choose an aisle seat to allow easy movement.

Flights longer than 4 hours carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Drink plenty of water and move about regularly.

On long car journeys, make sure you stop regularly to stretch and move around. You can also do some exercises in the car, flexing and extending the legs.

 

Find out more

To find out more about the benefits of birthing at Northpark Private Hospital enter your details above to receive our Maternity Welcome Guide.