1. Is it okay to paint my baby's nursery while I'm pregnant?

One of the most exciting times in pregnancy is preparing the baby’s nursery! If you do plan on painting your own nursery, follow these simple guidelines to decrease likelihood of paint exposure:

• Protect your skin from paint droppings on the skin by wearing long pants, long sleeved shirts, gloves, etc.
• Make sure the room is well ventilated. This is easily accomplished by opening windows and turning on fans to increase air circulation. Also, wearing a mask will help to decrease fume inhalation.
• Keep food and drinks away from your painting area so that chemical solvents in the paint will not be accidentally consumed.

2. What are the most important things to get for my new baby?

Every woman will have a different opinion on this, however, remember – babies don’t really need a lot their first few weeks at home so do your best to avoid the temptation of buying every new gadget in sight!

Below are a few “must have” items:

• Onesies
• Disposable or cloth diapers/disposable wipes
• Baby bath tub
• Crib/bassinet
• Baby blankets
• Baby bottles/burp cloths
• Nursing bras/pads/breast pump (if breastfeeding)
• Diaper bag
• Car seat
• Stroller

3. How will I know if I'm having a miscarriage?

Most women will experience intense lower abdominal cramping accompanied with heavy vaginal bleeding. This is definitely a situation in which to call your doctor ASAP.

4. How can I cope after a miscarriage?

Every woman who experiences a miscarriage will have different coping mechanisms. Remember, regardless of how early the miscarriage occurs it is okay to feel sad and even sometimes angry.

During this time after a miscarriage it is important to surround yourself with close friends and family members who you feel comfortable telling about what is going on. Try not to distance yourself with your partner, and most importantly, take time to grieve.

5. How soon after a miscarriage can I try again?

Most practitioners recommend a 2-3 month waiting period after a miscarriage before attempting to conceive again. However, each person’s situation is different and you should definitely consult your doctor if you are unsure.

6. When will I feel the baby move?

Most women will begin to feel fetal movement around 20 weeks gestation. However, if you are one of those moms that don’t feel fetal movement at that time, it’s okay.

You may have an anterior placenta that is preventing you from feeling movement this early. In this case, you will likely start feeling fetal movement a few weeks later.

7. When will I start to show?

First-time mothers usually begin developing a baby bump between 14 and 16 weeks. Moms who have already been pregnant start showing a bit sooner as their uterine and abdominal muscles have already been stretched from a previous pregnancy.

8. What are some cute ways I can tell my partner the news?

Check out this link below for some “cute and clever” ways for telling your partner he’s going to be a dad! ​

9. When should I share the news that I'm pregnant?

Keeping your pregnancy under wraps is no easy feat, especially when you are bursting with excitement. However, most women wait to share their news until the late first trimester (usually around week 12-13) when the rate of miscarriage greatly decreases.

Just remember, regardless of the statistics and what other moms do it’s up to YOU to decide when the time is right.

10. When should I tell my employer that I'm pregnant?

Unfortunately there is no perfect time to inform your employer of your pregnancy and your decision may be based on different factors, such as how you feel (are you running to the bathroom every 5 minutes to throw up??) and how pregnant you look (if this is not your first rodeo you may begin showing a little sooner).

Many women will wait until after the first trimester to let their boss in on the secret, however, some may need to inform them sooner due to potential work place hazards (i.e. strenuous job, exposure to hazardous chemicals). Regardless of when you decide, make sure your boss is the FIRST person in the office to know.