From caffeine intake and exercise to scans and midwife visits
We understand that pregnancy is a time of big changes and even bigger questions. That’s why we’re here to support you, not just when your baby arrives, but throughout every step of your parenthood journey.
From the early days of wondering what’s normal, to navigating appointments and lifestyle changes, we know how important it is to feel informed and reassured as you grow and nurture your little one.
And so, in this article, we’re sharing 10 of the most frequently asked pregnancy questions, covering everything from caffeine intake and exercise to what to expect from scans and midwife visits.
1. What helps with nausea during early pregnancy?
The good news is that nausea usually improves by the time you reach your second trimester (from 13 weeks), but in the early stages, it can feel relentless. Fortunately, there are some foods you can eat to help reduce feelings of sickness.
- Bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice and toast are great, while spicy/fatty foods can make symptoms feel worse.
- Fresh ginger, or foods and drinks that use real ginger, like ginger biscuits or ginger ale, have also been used as a remedy.
- Fruits and vegetables that are high in water content, such as cucumbers, help with hydration.
- Peppermint, in moderation, has also been used as a morning sickness cure for hundreds of years.
It’s also a good idea to stay well-hydrated and avoid foods or smells that trigger your nausea. Eating several smaller meals a day, rather than three large meals, can also help!
2. Can I drink caffeine during pregnancy?
Yes, you can still drink caffeine while pregnant, but it is recommended you limit your intake to 200 mg per day. As a guide, there’s around 100mg in a mug of instant coffee, 75mg in a cup of tea, and 10mg in a 50g bar of plain milk chocolate.
3. Can I exercise while pregnant?
Yes, exercising during pregnancy offers great benefits, and it is safe to maintain your usual level of physical activity for as long as you feel comfortable doing so.
As a general rule, you should be able to hold a conversation while exercising when pregnant. If you become breathless while talking, you’re probably exercising too strenuously. Similarly, if you were not active before you got pregnant, you shouldn’t suddenly take up strenuous exercise – it’s worth consulting a doctor for advice.
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, and if you go to an exercise class, tell the instructor that you’re pregnant.
It’s best to avoid exercises that involve lying on your back for long periods (especially after 16 weeks) and contact sports.
4. Can I fly during pregnancy?
Yes, it's generally safe to fly before 36 weeks for single pregnancies and 32 weeks for twins or multiples, provided you haven't experienced any complications; however, it’s always best to confirm with your chosen airline. Many women find that travelling between 4 and 6 months is the ideal period, when many of their first-trimester symptoms have eased. If you’re travelling after week 28 of your pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date and that you are not at risk of complications.
Always remember to get adequate travel insurance, check the local medical facilities where you’ll be staying, and stay hydrated and move about regularly on the flight.
5. When will I be able to hear baby’s heartbeat?
The first time you hear your baby’s heartbeat is a truly special moment. A baby’s heartbeat begins around the 6-week mark, and the first time you’ll usually hear it will be at your dating scan (around the 12th week of pregnancy).
Some scanning equipment doesn’t produce sound, so you might see your baby’s heartbeat on the screen before hearing it, especially at earlier scans.
Try not to be too disheartened if you can’t hear the heartbeat at an early stage. Even in the second trimester, successfully locating the heartbeat can depend on your baby’s position and how active they are.
6. When will my baby be able to hear my voice?
Your baby will start to hear sounds from inside your body, like your heartbeat, between 16 and 22 weeks. After 23 weeks, your little one will be able to make out voices and other sounds from outside the womb. As their little ears are developing, they can only hear lower-pitched sounds to begin with, so male voices are easier to distinguish, but as your baby’s ears mature, they’ll pick up more sounds. By the third trimester, they’ll be eavesdropping on all your conversations and enjoying the music you play.
7. When will I feel my baby move?
This is another hugely exciting milestone, but one that can vary from person to person. You should start to feel your baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, but this can differ depending on the position of your placenta and your baby. If this is your first pregnancy, you might not feel movements until after 20 weeks.
Initially, movements will feel like a gentle swirling or fluttering. As your baby grows, this will develop into stronger kicks and jerky motions, and this is when your partner, friends, and family may also start to place their hands on your tummy to feel the movements.
You’ll become familiar with your baby’s usual pattern of movements day-to-day and should always contact your midwife or maternity unit if you’re worried your baby is moving less than usual, to seek reassurance.
8. When can I find out my baby’s gender
Most parents find out their baby’s gender during the mid-pregnancy ultrasound, usually between 18 and 22 weeks. This scan gives a detailed look at your baby’s development, and if your little one is in a good position, the sonographer might be able to determine the gender. Just keep in mind that visibility can vary depending on factors like your baby’s position and the clarity of the scan, so it’s not always guaranteed or definitive.
9. Can I sleep on my back while pregnant?
It is generally considered safe to sleep on your back during your first trimester. As your pregnancy progresses, it’s best to sleep on your side, preferably the left side, to improve blood flow to the baby.
10. How often will I see my midwife?
If it’s your first pregnancy, you’ll have a few more check-ins with your midwife for added reassurance. Your first appointment will be a Booking Appointment between 8 and 12 weeks. You’ll then have your first scan at 11 to 14 weeks pregnant (known as your dating scan) and a follow-up appointment at 16 weeks. You’ll also have your 20-week scan, when most people tend to find out the gender of their baby, followed by appointments at 25 weeks, 28 weeks, and 31 weeks. After this point, you’ll see your midwife every two weeks, progressing to weekly appointments if your baby hasn’t arrived by the 40-week mark.
You may see your midwife or have extra scans if your pregnancy is considered high-risk, or if they want to monitor certain aspects, such as the baby's size. Your midwife will always be on hand if you have any concerns.
Hopefully, these answers have provided gentle guidance and reassurance to help you navigate your pregnancy. Looking after yourself and your little one is a big part of this journey, and understanding what to expect can make it feel a bit more manageable as you prepare for the joy of parenthood and the excitement of welcoming your baby into the world.