Real-Life Questions and Answers About IVF, Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum Issues

1. Q... My careprovider suggested that since this is a very precious pregnancy that I should consider having a cesarean. I'm concerned about the surgery although he says that a cesarean is a safe, easy way to have a baby.
   
   A... Every pregnancy is "precious" and having an unnecessary cesarean section poses many risks. Besides increasing pain and debility, the recovery takes much longer compared with a vaginal birth. Cesareans increase the risk of hemorrhage, surgical injury to other organs, anesthesia complications, infection, and more. In addition, babies are more likely to be born in poor conditions and to experience breathing difficulties and jaundice. Source: The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Goer
   
   
2. Q...I am eight weeks pregnant, should I restrict my diet so that I don't gain too much weight?
   
   A...Absolutely not! Weight gain is essential for a healthy pregnancy, but that means from healthy nutritious food sources only. Let your diet be your guide not the scales. Your baby only has you to make sure that he or she gets the proper nutrients for optimal development.
   
   
3. Q...Someone recommended using the midwife in my OB practice. What does the midwife do?
   
   A...A midwife provides the same quality of care as obstetricians for normal pregnancies and births. Midwifery focuses on wellness, personalized care, and consumer choice. Consequently, they have few cesarean sections, less episiotomies, and lower intervention rates.
   
   
4. Q...I was so excited to see my baby the first time with the ultrasound. Since it has taken years for me to have a successful pregnancy, is it safe to have an ultrasound every other week just to see how my baby is growing?
   
   A...An ultrasound is high-frequency sound waves beamed into your uterus to show the picture of the baby. Because we do not know enough about the possible side effects, ultrasound should be used ONLY when it provides useful information and will affect the kind of care you need during pregnancy or at the time of birth.
   
   
5. Q...My doctors say that I can now consider this pregnancy as a normal healthy pregnancy. What about exercise?
   
   A...Some good reasons to include exercise are: to improve circulation, for better digestion, to reduce stress, to feel more energized, and to be better prepared for the hard physical work of labor and birth.
   
   
6. Q...What do I really need to know about pregnancy and childbirth? It seems that there are childbirth classes ranging from weekend courses to 12 weeks, and tons of "professional advice" on what and what not to do.
   
   A...You need to be looking for "evidence-based" information and care practices. Pregnancy and childbirth is a normal physiological event. Consequently many routine tests and procedures could be unnecessary or possibly harmful. Go to www.motherfriendly.org and www.maternity.org for more information. For a compilation of the scientic research on obstetrical practices get the book The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Goer.
   
   
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