What should you expect when you're expecting? Popular pregnancy questions answered

What should you expect when you're expecting? Popular pregnancy questions answered

This month celebrities including Jennifer Lopez and Cheryl Cole will star in a film ­of the bestselling book What To Expect When You’re ­Expecting, which takes a look at the burning questions asked by many a mum-to-be.

But if you can’t wait for the ­A-listers to fill you in, take a look at our very own selection of ­pregnancy ­questions, with answers from midwife and fertility expert Zita West.

Q My hubby doesn’t want to touch my baby bump and gets quite freaked out when he sees the baby kicking. Is this normal?

A Men have different reactions when it comes to a woman being ­pregnant.

Some feel the baby kicking is quite alien and they can’t connect with it, but it doesn’t mean to say that when the baby is born there won’t be a bond.

This is nothing to worry about.

Q My feet are hot all the time. How can I cool them down?

A There are often circulation issues for women during pregnancy and as it progresses, blood flow around the pelvic area can be affected, causing heat and swelling in the feet.

This is very common and doesn’t mean there is anything wrong unless there is pain, in which case you can speak to your GP or midwife.

Foot massage, reflexology, keeping your feet up or soaking them in cold water will all help.

Q My belly is constantly itchy. Why is this and what can I do to stop it?

A This is very common, ­especially in the third trimester. As your bump grows the skin can become very tight and this can cause a lot of discomfort.

Massage using creams and oils can help.

However, a lot of ­extreme itching can be the symptom of a much more serious ­underlying condition called obstetric ­cholestasis.

This is when there is increased bile acid in the bloodstream. If your itching is severe, you should see your midwife or GP.

They will do a blood test to check liver function.

Q I think I felt my baby move the other day but I wasn’t sure. What does it feel like?

A Most women start to feel the baby move at around 18 to 21 weeks, but it can be sooner or later.

It feels like tiny butterflies and at first you may not be sure if it is a real movement, but as your pregnancy progresses there are more definite kicks and movement.

If you are ­unsure, speak to your midwife.

Q I have a craving for soil â€" is it really so wrong to eat it?

A With pregnancy cravings, it’s hard not to have the thing that you desire, be it oranges, sweets or soil!

There is no real scientific evidence to back this up but it is thought that your body craves ­vitamins and ­minerals, which you may be lacking, for example, ­vitamin C if you crave fruit.

But I ­really cannot condone ­eating soil â€" you don’t know what’s in it!

Q I seem to have had continuous hiccups for the past five months of my pregnancy. Will this affect my baby?

A Again, this is very common. Don’t worry, it won’t affect it at all.

Q I’ve been having some very strange dreams. Is this an effect of pregnancy?

A A lot of women report strange dreams, especially in the first trimester when they might be ­panicking more about whether the baby will be OK.

Towards the later part of ­pregnancy many women also grow worried about the labour so this ­surfaces in dreams.

They can be quite disturbing but you shouldn’t worry.

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Q How should I wear a seat belt during pregnancy? Also, is it really necessary?

A Of course you have to wear a ­seat belt.

Put it wherever feels best and if you don’t find it ­comfy then try to limit the amount of time you have to be in the car.

Q It feels like my ribcage has got bigger now. Is that even a possibility?

A Yes! A hormone called relaxin is released in your body ­during the later ­stages of pregnancy, which prepares your body for labour.

As its name might suggest, it ­relaxes cartilage, especially around the pelvis and your ribcage so it can accommodate your growing baby. But it’s nothing to worry about!

Q Is there any chance of me falling asleep during labour?

A It would be great to fall asleep during labour, but generally ­speaking you won’t ­unless you nod off as an effect of medication or an epidural.

Your body is in ‘go mode’ to deliver a baby and the minute you get labour pains you will be much more alert.

Q Can I use a hot tub or a sauna while pregnant? And will it affect my baby? 

A It’s not a good idea, ­especially during the early stages.

Heat is not good for the foetus in the first 12 weeks when the organs are developing.

In fact, it’s not advisable at any point during the pregnancy.

Q Can I still carry on dyeing my hair while pregnant?

A Yes. Look for ­alternatives and ­natural products where possible, but the ­chemicals in the dye are unlikely to have an adverse effect.

Q Why are my gums bleeding and my teeth feeling so sensitive? Is this normal?

A Yes, this is a very common side effect in ­pregnancy and is another reason why good dental hygiene is paramount.

You get free ­dental treatment during pregnancy so make the most of it.

Bleeding gums increase the risk of infection and can even cause an inflammatory response.

By Katy Weitz.

● For more advice, Zita can be reached online at her website www.zitawest.com