OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED PREGNANCY QUESTIONS ANSWERED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE BELOW:
What medication is safe for common complaints during pregnancy?
Bleeding in pregnancy
What is listeriosis?
What is Toxoplasmosis?
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Why are Vitamin D levels important?
When do I get the Whooping Cough & Influenza Vaccine?
What other type of immunisation do I need & what is safe?
Skin and Hair Care products during pregnancy
Caffeine dosage in pregnancy & breastfeeding
Is fish safe to eat whilst pregnant?
Find out how many weeks pregnant you are, when’s your due date or when is the best time to try to conceive!
What tests do I need to do pre-pregnancy & while I’m pregnant?
What happens in a Caesarean Section?
Maintaining Iron Levels in Pregnancy
What medication is safe for common complaints during pregnancy?
In general, it is best to avoid all medicines and herbal remedies. Dr. Suzana is happy to discuss this with you at your next appointment if you need any medications, or speak to your GP.
For minor aches and pains, headaches PANADOL is safe (at recommended dose)
For nausea and vomiting VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE) and GINGER are safe. These are common, and rarely cause any serious problems. Some women find that eating smaller, more frequent meals is helpful. Sometimes antiemetics may be given to you by your GP or your obstetrician to help. Rarely an admission to hospital and intravenous rehydration may be needed to overcome this problem.
For constipation; METAMUCIL, FYBOGEL. Constipation is a very frequent complaint for the majority of pregnant women. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, walk regularly and have adequate fibre intake.
For heartburn you can take MYLANTA, GAVISCON. Heartburn is also quite common especially as pregnancy advances. Smaller meals with snacks in between meals are better than large meals. Sitting up a little in bed on pillows may help. Gaviscon is safe and gives good relief.
For leg cramps; CALCIUM. Sometimes leg cramps are due to lack of Calcium. Eating more dairy products or taking Calcium supplements is helpful. Quinine may also help, as well as tonic water.
For haemorrhoids; ointment such as RECTINOL.
For asthma; VENTOLIN, BECOTIDE.
For thrush; CANESTEN cream.
For low iron (read point 15 for more info on maintaining iron levels); One of the better supplements is FERROGRAD C and you would need to take one tablet each morning on an empty stomach. This will ensure good absorption and will increase your iron storage so that you are not anaemic for delivery.
Other supplements:
- Iron Melts
- Floradix Syrup
- Spatone Sachets
2. Bleeding in pregnancy
Bleeding is never normal in pregnancy, however it may often occur without any implications to the pregnancy. It should always be reported. In the first trimester we have to exclude threatened miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy especially if associated with pain. Dr. Suzana always happy to see you.
If there is a light bleed without pain this may wait until normal office hours. Any bleeding associated with pain at the later stages of pregnancy e.g. more than 22 weeks needs further investigation, please phone the call service number on 9387 1000 or go straight to the hospital.
3. What is listeriosis?
Listeriosis is rare but can cause a devastating infection in pregnancy. It is transmitted by food such as poorly washed salad and vegetables, left overs from the fridge not reheated properly, soft cheeses (Camembert, brie, ricotta), soft serve ice- cream, smoked fish, smoked mussels, deli meats, shop bought salads and coleslaw. These are best avoided.
4. What is Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is an uncommon infection, carried by cats, and transmitted in their faeces. If you have a cat let someone else handle the cat litter if possible. Wash your hands after handling the cat.
5. What is Gestational Diabetes?
Some women develop gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. This is because there is added strain on the pancreas and if it’s not diagnosed and treated it can cause problems. The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) involves having a special glucose drink and one hour later your blood is taken.
If a woman develops diabetes in pregnancy, her blood sugar levels need to be monitored. This is done by involving a diabetic specialist to look after you as well throughout your pregnancy.
6. Why are Vitamin D levels important?
Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy is important for your health and the development of your baby. Here are some tips to help manage your vitamin D levels:
1. Sunlight Exposure
- Spend time outside in the sun, as your body produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Aim for about 10-30 minutes of midday sunlight several times a week, depending on your skin type and the season.
2. Dietary Sources
- Include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet. These include fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and sardines), fortified dairy products, fortified cereals, egg yolks, and liver.
3. Supplements
- Your healthcare provider might recommend a vitamin D supplement, especially if you have limited sun exposure or dietary intake. Follow the prescribed dosage.
4. Prenatal Vitamins
- Many prenatal vitamins contain vitamin D. Ensure your prenatal vitamin includes an adequate amount of vitamin D (typically around 600-800 IU).
5. Regular Check-Ups
- Have your vitamin D levels monitored through blood tests during pregnancy, especially if you are at risk of deficiency (e.g., limited sun exposure, darker skin, obesity, or certain medical conditions).
6. Fortified Foods
- Look for foods fortified with vitamin D, such as some orange juices, plant-based milk alternatives, and certain breakfast cereals.
7. Balance Calcium Intake
- Ensure you are also getting enough calcium, as vitamin D helps in calcium absorption, which is crucial for your baby’s bone development.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
Why do I need Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is essential for bone development in children and skeletal health in adults.
It regulates calcium and phosphate absorption and metabolism.
Vit D is generally obtained directly through the action of sunlight on the skin (90%) or through dietary nutrients (10%) such as dairy products, eggs & fish.
Vit D is essential during pregnancy and Dr. Suzana monitors this from your very first blood test and throughout your pregnancy to ensure your Vit D levels are adequate.
If you suspect that your Vit D levels may be low, the best way to find out is to get a blood test!
Most importantly if you have been told that they are low you need to ensure that you take a daily recommend supplement.
Dr. Suzana will check your blood results as soon as they come in, and if you happen to be Vit D deficient
you will be notified by our receptionists.
7. When do I get the Whooping Cough & Influenza Vaccine?
Whooping Cough is a serious disease for babies, and can be deadly. Vaccinating pregnant women is the best way to protect young babies against whooping cough. When you are vaccinated, your antibodies transfer from you to your developing baby. They receive protection from you when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
The Whooping Cough Vaccine is administered by your GP (general practitioner) between 20-32 weeks (Dr. Suzana will remind you of this). Even if you have had one the year before (whether it was because you were pregnant or you were in close contact with a new born baby) you will still need to have a new vaccine administered for your current pregnancy.
The Influenza Vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy and at any stage of your pregnancy and is also administered by your GP.
Influenza can be a serious disease, especially when you are pregnant. If you have influenza during pregnancy, you are at much higher risk than other adults of complications and possible hospitalisation. Immunisation not only protects you but also your baby. Babies under 6 months are too young to be vaccinated themselves but are at high risk of serious complications if they catch the virus. The best way to protect your newborn baby against influenza is to get vaccinated during pregnancy.
8. What type of immunisation do I need & what is safe?
Pregnancy is a time when you need to take extra care of yourself to ensure you and your baby remain healthy. This includes checking that your vaccinations are up to date to ensure you have the best protection against common infectious diseases.
CLICK HERE for more information about types of vaccines for women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
9. Skin & Hair care products during pregnancy
Are you constantly confused about what is safe and what isn’t during pregnancy?
Well click hear to learn all about it in our latest blog from Dr. Suzana!
Learn more about:
Vitamin A
Botox & fillers
Oils (essential oil, bio oil etc.)
Fake tan
Waxing & other hair removal products
Hair dye & Nail products/manicures
Protein Powders
10. Caffeine dosage in pregnancy & breastfeeding
Coffee is liquid gold for most of us in the mornings, and guess what!? You can still enjoy your daily dose (maybe even twice)!
The recommended daily dose of caffeine is 200mg per day, with a single coffee shot containing around 80-90mg.
Once your baby arrives & even if you are breastfeeding you can return to your pre-pregnancy coffee indulgent ways, as it has many proven benefits!
Yes there are other foods & drinks that contain caffeine such as:
50g bar of dark chocolate: less than 25mg
50g bar of milk chocolate: less than 10mg
200ml black tea: 30-55mg
330ml regular cola: 32mg
330ml diet cola: 46mg
250ml energy drink: 80mg
Don't forget that you need to add each caffeinated item that you consume to ensure that you don't consume over 200mg per day whilst pregnant.
The values above are an estimate only, please check the label before consuming & calculating your total.
11. Is fish safe to eat whilst pregnant?
Fish is a source of essential fatty acids, which are important for a baby’s growth and development. DHA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) is an important unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid found in oily fish like salmon and tuna that helps with a baby’s eye and brain development. However fish can also be a source of mercury which can cause neurologic (brain, spine, nervous system) damage.
Pregnant women should try to consume 2–3 servings per week of fish with high DHA and low mercury content. Generally speaking, the larger the type of fish such as a shark (ie flake), the larger the mercury content.
Fish such as salmon or canned tuna contain lower levels of mercury.
Keep in mind if you have eaten flake or another fish high in mercury that week then it is recommended that you do not consume anymore fish for the week, that will cover your 2-3 serves.
For those who do not consume two to three servings of fish per week, taking fish oil has shown no improvement in outcomes in children.
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12. Due date calculator - Use our due date calculator to help work out your most fertile period to try to conceive (potential ovulating timeframe) and if you have already conceived find out how far along you currently are and when to expect your bundle of joy!
13. What tests do I need to do pre-pregnancy & while I’m pregnant?
**IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please click here to read more about some important tests that Dr. Suzana may organise for you at your initial appointment (pregnancy & pre-pregnancy tests).
14. What happens in a Caesarean Section?
Click here to watch a animated educational video to learn all about Caesarean Sections.
If you prefer to read more about it then click here.
15. Maintaining Iron Levels in Pregnancy
Managing iron levels during pregnancy is important for both the mother and the baby.
Here are some key steps:
1. Dietary Intake:
Include iron-rich foods in your diet.
These include:
- Lean meats (beef, chicken, turkey)
- Fish
- Beans and lentils
- Tofu
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Iron-fortified cereals and grains
2. Iron Supplements:
Your obstetrician may recommend an iron supplement, especially if you are at risk of iron deficiency anaemia. Follow their guidance on the type and dosage.
3. Vitamin C Intake:
Vitamin C can help increase the absorption of iron from plant-based sources. Include foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and tomatoes in your meals.
4. Avoiding Inhibitors:
Certain foods and drinks can inhibit iron absorption.
These include:
- Coffee and tea
- Dairy products
- Foods high in calcium
Try to consume these at different times than your iron-rich meals.
5. Regular Check-Ups:
Have regular prenatal check-ups to monitor your iron levels. Your healthcare provider may perform blood tests to ensure your iron levels are adequate.
6. Manage Side Effects:
Iron supplements can sometimes cause side effects like constipation. If this happens, talk to your obstetrician about ways to manage these, such as increasing fibre intake or using stool softeners.
Always consult with your obstetrician before making any significant changes to your diet or starting new supplements.