What’s a ‘trimester’?

• The first 12 weeks of pregnancy are known as the first trimester. The second trimester is from 13-28 weeks and the third from 29 weeks to the birth. The greatest risk of miscarriage is in the first trimester - by the time you get to the second trimester, your growing baby is considered to be well established.

I’m only just pregnant, but I’m finding that I am always so dreadfully tired. Is this normal and can I expect to spend the rest of my pregnancy feeling like this?

• Tiredness is very common during the first weeks of pregnancy - along with mood swings caused by changing hormone levels. You’ll be glad to know that it usually wears off after the first 12 weeks or so. Just go with it and rest as much as possible.

I’ve tried the usual remedies for morning sickness such as dry biscuits and toast before I get up. Is there anything further I could try?

• Many women find HiPP Organic Fennel Drink soothing when they are nauseous (look for it in the baby section of your supermarket or chemists or order direct from the HiPP Shop). Ginger tablets or syrup can also help to relieve the symptoms, or you could try acupressure wristbands (find out more from your doctor, midwife or pharmacist).

I’ve had what is being called ‘spotting’ (although I’d say it was more dramatic than that), along with what seems to be period pains. I saw my doctor, who said it was nothing to be concerned about, but I am still worried.

• Some bleeding, or ‘spotting’, during the first trimester of pregnancy is not uncommon and it will not harm your baby. You did the right thing in consulting your doctor to ensure all was well.

I have been suffering with bleeding gums - is it a sign of vitamin deficiency?

• No, bleeding gums can happen - with changing hormone levels, a woman’s teeth are more at risk during pregnancy. That’s why it’s important to have regular dental check-ups. The good news is that dental check-ups and treatment are free during your pregnancy and for a year after the birth.

It’s a standing joke in my family that I sleep like the dead and nothing disturbs me. I will be a single mum and I know it sounds silly, but I am frightened of not waking up for my baby during the night.

• Don’t worry about it - Mother Nature has a way of sorting these things out and you’re likely to wake up at the slightest sound! Pregnancy is like a training ground for having a new baby. Pregnant women often don’t sleep as soundly as usual, needing to get up in the night to go to the loo, feeling uncomfortable lying in bed with a big bump or suffering from heartburn - all good practice for not getting a full night’s sleep once you have the baby.

I’m pregnant again with my second baby. I’ve been working as a self-employed fitness instructor - how do I find out whether I’m entitled to any maternity benefits?

• There’s a very useful government website: www.tiger.gov.uk/ - Tailored Interactive Guidance for Employment Rights (in Republic of Ireland: www.oasis.gov.ie - Oasis Public Service information). Or contact Maternity Alliance or your Citizens Advice Bureau (Equality Authority or Oasis in the Republic of Ireland).

Bags packed? - some helpful tips

• Make sure there’s always petrol in the car ready for the off.
• Make a list of the phone numbers that may be needed.
• Take some loose change or a phone card (you may not be able to use mobiles inside the hospital).

The usual items

• Pyjamas or nightdress (front opening), dressing gown, slippers, toilet bag, towel, make up, nursing bras, knickers, maternity pads/sanitary towels (for after the birth), breast pads
• Check whether you need to take clothes and nappies for the baby.

Little extras to take to help during labour

• Face wipes
• Mini fan
• Personal music player
• Books/magazines
• Bed socks to avoid chilly feet
• Lip salve
• Sandwiches/snacks/drinks for your partner
• Drinks and a snack for you after the birth
• Camera/video

And when you are ready to come home

• You’ll need some comfortable clothes to come home in (loose - since you won’t go back to your previous size straight away) - plus some clothes, shawl etc, for the baby.
• Don’t forget the baby car seat

 

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