Pregnancy FAQ: The Most Common Questions Answered

Pregnancy is surrounded by tons of myths and half truths. Knowing what’s normal during pregnancy can help you be prepared for situations, cravings, or body changes, and help you know when to call your doctor and when to just go with the flow.

At Southern Crescent Women’s HealthCare, in Fayetteville, Newnan, and Stockbridge, Georgia, our team of expert obstetricians and midwives are here for you every step of the way, from the first signs of pregnancy until you deliver.

Common pregnancy questions

Once you suspect you’re pregnant, you’ll probably have a lot of questions, and we’re always happy to answer them. Here are some of the most common questions our first-time expectant moms ask:

How can I know for certain that I’m pregnant?

While false positives on a urine stick pregnancy test are rare, a blood test in our office is the best way to confirm pregnancy. If it’s too early for an at-home pregnancy test, a blood test can detect changing hormone levels to confirm pregnancy as soon as a week after ovulation. 

How much weight will I gain?

Every pregnant woman’s body is different. Your starting weight, metabolism, degree of morning sickness, and diet during pregnancy can all affect your weight gain. It’s better to focus on your overall health and keeping your regular appointments with your obstetrician or midwife during pregnancy than to obsess about weight. 

How long will morning sickness last?

More than 50% of pregnancies are accompanied by a slightly nauseous feeling -- often in the morning, although it can be any time of day. It typically goes away after the first three months or so of pregnancy. Some women are lucky to have no morning sickness at all. Others will feel queasy throughout their entire pregnancy.

I had some light spotting. Should I worry?

When the fertilized egg implants into the uterus -- usually 6-12 days after fertilization -- it can cause you to see a few spots of blood in your underwear or when you go to the bathroom. This isn’t unusual, and shouldn't be a cause for worry. That said, if you’re concerned about spotting, make an appointment, and we’ll check to make sure everything is OK.

When it’s time to see one of our providers

If either of the following happens, you should call our office to make an appointment.  

Constant vomiting and nausea

If your morning sickness turns into severe nausea and vomiting that goes on for a long time, you could have what is called hyperemesis gravidarum. If you keep throwing up and can’t keep food down, call our office. This type of severe morning sickness can lead to dehydration and dangerous health issues. 

Bleeding and cramping

While a light spotting and even a mild twinge-like cramp can simply be your fertilized egg implanting in your uterus, steady bleeding or cramps could be a sign that something is wrong, and you should call our office to speak to a triage nurse. If the bleeding and pain are severe, you may need to go straight to an ER.  

Think you may be pregnant? Contact our practice at 770-991-2200 or make your first prenatal appointment using our online booking tool.