Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do for heartburn?

Preventing it is the best way to deal with it.

Eat small meals rather than three large meals
Wait an hour after eating before you lie down
Avoid spicy, greasy or fatty foods, and caffeine

If you still have heartburn, there are a few other things you can try:

Eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk
Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk
Take TUMS (not Rolaids)

When will I feel my baby move?

First time moms may not feel their baby move untill 16-20 weeks or even later. It's not because they are not moving, it is simply because new mothers don't recognize the earlier, gentler movements. Experienced mothers will often feel baby move at 14-15 weeks. If you feel your baby move earlier or later than the "norm", don't worry; your ability to feel movement will depend on a number of things, including your weight, the position of your placenta and how active both you and your baby are.

How do I know if I am having false labour?

Signs of false labour:

Contractions are not regular (for example: 6 minutes, then 10 minutes, 2 minutes, 8 minutes apart)
Your contractions are just in your tummy area
If you change what you are doing your contractions slow down or stop
There is no bloody show or mucus
Membranes will not rupture (your water doesn't break)

What can I do for morning sickness?

Eat foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates. These discourage stomach upset and are good for both mom and baby.
Stay hydrated. Pregnant women should drink plenty of fluids.
Keep your mouth fresh. Mints or brushing your teeth can decrease excess saliva.
Stay well rested. Fatique and stress can make morning sickness worse.
For more ideas on how to deal with morning sickness, call Anna's House. If you have a remedy you would like to share with us, please contact us!

Back pain: what causes it and what can I do for it?

Back pain is common during pregnancy. Some of the causes of back pain in pregnancy are:

Increase of hormones that soften the joints and loosen the ligaments.
Your center of gravity moves forward as your uterus and baby grow; this causes a posture change.
additional weight that your back needs to support.

Prevent back pain by doing the following:

Exercise to help strengthen your back.
Squat to pick something up rather than bending at the waist.
Wear shoes that provide adequate support.
Do not sleep on your back.
Visit a chiropractor regularly.
Get plenty of rest.

If you already have back pain, try:

Ice or heat at regular intervals
Sleeping on your left side with a pillow under your knees
Visiting a licensed chiropractor or massage therepist

I'm constipated. Now what?

Eat a high fiber diet that includes whole grain products and lots of fruits and vegetables.
Drink plenty of fluids!
Exercise regularly.

For more info on coping with constipation, call or visit our dietition. Use the "contact us" page to send her an e-mail.

When should I go to the hospital once labor has started?

Remember: 5-1-1

Contractions 5 minutes apart
Lasting 1 minute each
This is happening for 1 hour

If at anytime you are worried, have not felt the baby move even after lying down, or if you are bleeding bright red blood. Be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife about when they feel you should go to the hospital in case they have other medical reasons for you to go in sooner.

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