Concerns between antenatal appointments

You’ll be able to contact your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife between your checkups if anything is concerning you – don’t suffer in silence until your next checkup, as you can find yourself becoming stressed and worrying needlessly about things. Seek advice and have your mind put to rest as soon as you can.

Remember that it's common to have concerns when you're pregnant, especially if it's your first pregnancy. Here we've provided a list of the top concerns of an expectant mom, to reassure you that you're not alone in your worries!

1. Are you providing your baby with the correct nutrients? It's important to consume a healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy – see our feature for more information.

2. Are these twinges normal? Many women experience pregnancy twinges – if these are of an intense nature or accompanied by bleeding you should consult your caregiver immediately.

3. Could the medication I took or the alcohol I consumed before I found out I was pregnant have harmed my unborn baby? Many women worry about this, but the likelihood is that your baby will be fine. The important thing is to give up, or cut down to a minimum, your consumption of alcohol and caffeine once you realize you're pregnant. It's also advised that you give up smoking completely.

4. Which childhood infections could harm my unborn baby? As long as you're vigilant you shouldn't have cause to worry, but you should try to avoid coming into contact with children who have chicken pox or rubella.

5. Concerns about labor are normal, so it's important to do your research so you feel as prepared as possible.

6. Is my baby OK? Many first-time moms-to-be worry about potential illnesses that might befall their baby once born. Visit our baby health section to keep yourself well-informed.

7. Changes to your body – it’s likely to change dramatically during pregnancy. Read our features on stretch marks and skin pigmentation to learn more.

8. Many moms-to-be feel concerned about how they’ll cope once their baby actually arrives. Read our feature on bonding after birth and watch our video on playing with your newborn to put your mind at ease.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.