Frequently Asked Questions, Part One

Here are some frequently asked questions about pregnancy from expecting mothers.

How do pregnancy tests work?

All pregnancy tests work by detecting a certain hormone in the urine or blood that is only there when a woman is pregnant. This hormone is called human chorionic gonadotropin (kohr-ee-ON-ihk goh-NAD-uh-TROH-puhn), or hCG. It is also called the pregnancy hormone.

hCG is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This usually happens about six days after the egg and sperm merge. But studies show that in up to 10 percent of women, implantation does not occur until much later, after the first day of the missed period. The amount of hCG rapidly builds up in your body with each passing day you are pregnant.

To find more information about pregnancy tests, go here.

Why do I need prenatal care?

Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care.

Doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly. This allows doctors to treat them early. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others. Doctors also can talk to pregnant women about things they can do to give their unborn babies a healthy start to life.

For more information about prenatal care, go here

Is exercise during pregnancy safe?

In general, exercise is safe for women with normal pregnancies who have no pre-existing health problems, but you should always get approval from your doctor before starting any fitness program.

Why should I exercise during pregnancy?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)*, pregnancy exercise:

• Helps reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling
• Gives you energy
• Improves your mood
• Improves your posture
• Promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance and
• Helps you sleep better

For more information about exercise during pregnancy, go here

Why should I breastfeed?

Breastfeeding is normal and healthy for infants and moms. Breast milk has disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs, illness, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of various health problems for babies, including:

• Ear infections
• Stomach viruses
• Respiratory infections
• Atopic dermatis
• Asthma
• Obesity
• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• Childhood leukemia
• Necrotizing entercolitis, a gastrointestinal disease in preterm infants

In moms, breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression. Infant formula cannot match the exact chemical makeup of human milk, especially the cells, hormones, and antibodies that fight disease. For most babies, breast milk is easier to digest than formula. It takes time for their stomachs to adjust to digesting proteins in formula because they are made from cow's milk.

For more information about breastfeeding, go here.