The most common pregnancy questions and their solutions

During pregnancy there are many questions, and the Spanish Association of Midwives has produced a document with the most common ones and their answers, which we have gathered for you in the following post: the most common pregnancy questions and their answers.

Common questions during pregnancy and what to do

At pregnancy check-ups we are used to dealing with the same questions almost every time, which is why this post exists. It is important to know that every mum is unique and that you should adapt this post to your own circumstances. But let's get to what matters.

Can I dye my hair?

There is no problem at all, as long as the dye does not contain lead acetate, ammonia or certain petroleum derivatives.

Can I have laser hair removal?

There is no scientific evidence of any adverse effects that might appear in the baby or the pregnant woman. However, as a precaution and in case of doubt, the international scientific community advises against laser hair removal during pregnancy, on any part of the body and particularly on the abdomen. Both in the first weeks (embryonic period) and later on. Because there is a chance that the thermal effect of the waves could reach the baby, or that the predicted penetration could exceed 4 mm. Therefore, you should not have laser hair removal during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, can I have waxing? Can I remove the little hairs that appear on my abdomen and around the areola?

You can have waxing, avoiding hot wax. Especially if you have poor circulation in your lower limbs or are prone to varicose veins. Try not to remove the little hairs that appear on your abdomen and around the areola; they will disappear once pregnancy is over, but if you do remove them, they will grow back.

Would it be serious to catch toxoplasmosis or chickenpox during pregnancy?

Yes, toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a parasite called the protozoan Gondii. It can be caught by eating raw meat or through contamination of the hands when handling cat faeces. It can cause malformations, miscarriages or premature births.

As for chickenpox, it depends on the month of pregnancy in which it occurs. If it happens in the first weeks, it can cause miscarriages and serious malformations. If it occurs at the end of pregnancy, the complications affect the mother and the possible congenital chickenpox in the newborn.

If I don't put on weight, does the baby not put on weight either?

There is a relationship between maternal nutrition and the baby's, but in studies carried out after the Second World War, comparing well-nourished pregnant women with another group that was poorly fed, the results for the differences in the birth weight of their babies were barely significant (between 100 and 200 grams). What really matters is eating healthily and in the right amount.

Folic acid throughout pregnancy, yes or no?

The most effective thing would be to take it before pregnancy, but it can be taken at the start of pregnancy.

Is it true that a pregnant woman should eat for two?

Under no circumstances is it advisable to eat for two. You should keep to a healthy, balanced diet. A well-nourished pregnant woman covers all her nutritional requirements, as well as the requirements of her developing baby. Eating for two could lead to obesity in the pregnant woman.

Is it true that if a pregnant woman has a pointy bump she is carrying a boy, and if it is oval-shaped it is a girl?

The shape the bump takes has nothing to do with the sex of the baby that has been conceived. The shape the bump takes depends on muscle and uterine tone, on the position the baby takes in the maternal womb and on the shape of the pregnant woman's pelvic bones. The only way to determine the sex of your baby before birth is by an ultrasound scan.

Is it true that you should not have sex because it can harm the baby?

There is no problem with having penetrative sex, except on the express instruction of the doctor or midwife due to a threatened miscarriage, premature birth or suspected rupture of the membranes, in which case penetrative sex is contraindicated, but nothing prevents other activities such as kissing, caressing, etc.

When you get heartburn, does it mean the baby will have a lot of hair?

The cause of heartburn in many pregnant women is the displacement of the stomach, caused by the growth of the uterus pushing the digestive system. This, together with lying down after a meal, causes the heartburn. Hair has nothing to do with it.

Is it true that if a craving is not satisfied, the newborn can have a mark in the shape of what was wanted and not satisfied?

There is no truth at all in that claim. Cravings are more a sign of the body's need for a certain ingredient or food, usually sugars.

Is it necessary to prepare the nipples for breastfeeding before giving birth?

No, it is not necessary. Many scientific studies show that moisturising creams, rubbing, alcohol and other methods used to toughen the nipples are of no use at all. None of these measures prevents cracks from appearing on the nipples during breastfeeding. Good positioning of the baby when feeding and good advice are essential to keep the breasts healthy.

Should I eat salads during pregnancy? Is it not dangerous if you don't have anti-toxoplasma antibodies?

Not only is it not dangerous, it is also advisable to follow a varied diet that includes salads, among other things; the only precaution is to wash well any vegetables you eat raw. You can use one of the specific preparations sold in shops for better cleaning.

I have been told that going to the dentist during pregnancy is harmful, is that true? Can I be given an anaesthetic and have cavities filled?

Not only is it not harmful, it is advisable to go to the dentist at least once during pregnancy, so that they can give you a check-up, clean your mouth, etc. If during the examination they detect that you have cavities, they can quite easily fill them for you. Remember that pregnancy is a period in which you need to take more precautions and have better oral hygiene than at other times, because your saliva changes and protects you less.

Can I take antibiotics during pregnancy?

During pregnancy you can take all the medicines your doctor prescribes for you, including antibiotics. What you should never do is self-medicate.

What can I do to prevent nausea during pregnancy?

Nausea is a common symptom during the first half of pregnancy; it usually appears at 4-6 weeks and tends to disappear before 20 weeks. To prevent nausea, the first thing you should do is avoid prolonged fasting, eating around 5-6 light meals a day that are not too large, without fatty, seasoned or hard-to-digest foods.

Very hot foods tend to sit badly; it is better to eat cold or lukewarm foods. Before getting up, we recommend that you eat solid carbohydrates (toast, salted crackers...) which you can leave on your bedside table the night before. There are other habits you should avoid, such as getting out of bed abruptly, drinking water on an empty stomach, strong cooking smells, tobacco, stress and tiredness.

On the other hand, make sure you drink enough water (around 2 litres a day), because dehydration can also cause nausea. However, if it does occur, there are some tips that can relieve it, such as cutting a lemon and smelling it, getting some fresh air or eating a piece of fruit. If, despite all these recommendations, the nausea does not ease, you should consult your midwife or your reference gynaecologist.

Conclusion: the most common pregnancy questions and their answers

There are many more questions during pregnancy, and you may have some that do not appear in this post. The important thing is to know who to ask; your midwife will be happy to help you, and whenever you read anything on the internet, be careful about who is giving the information.