A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I've just recently found out that I'm pregnant with our first child and its a wonderful time for both myself and my boyfriend but I have a few questions that hopefully you could help me with.1) I've always exercised a lot, walking, running etc. Is it alright to carry on? Can I still do sit-ups?2) Is it normal to have a constant (very mild) ache in the womb?3) Is it usual to get really into sex in the first few weeks of pregnancy? I could have it 4/5 times a day4) Is it normal for my boyfriend to be too scared to touch me at the moment? He's really excited about our child5) My breasts are sore and getting bigger, is it a good idea to wear a bra in bed?6) Is there such a thing as a maternity bra?I appreciate you taking the time to read this
View related questions:
bra , breasts Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, oldbag +, writes (20 November 2012):
 Hi and Congratulations.
The others have given great advice. I didnt run during pregnancy (except to the bathroom quite frequently) nor sit-ups. But I did swim and cycle right up to 8 n half months,also walked alot.I like the fresh air so enjoyed the excuse to get out too.I never 'waddled' so it had its uses.
If you feel a bra is more comfortable in bed,wear one, don't forget the cream to help with stretchmarks too.
When in any doubt about pains or anything else ask your GP or midwife,thats what they are there for. Enjoy and good luck!
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (20 November 2012): 1. You could still run, jog etc - though I'd stick to low intensity exercises such as walking. Do not cycle. and do not do sit ups- your abdominals are basically stretching and will part as you get bigger, and if you try to tighten them (ie by doing sit ups) they can end up permanently disfigured. I know this because I am a qualified personal trainer.
2. It's always good to check with your doctor, but I too had this and it disappeared as time went on.
3&4 yes
5 yes but I'd wear a maternity one
6 yes- you can find them in mothercare.
I'd also recommend baby sites for mums to chat such as babycentre.co.uk and netmums. I found these really helpful
...............................
A
male
reader, daletom  +, writes (20 November 2012):
Yeah, these are mostly medical-related questions that you really should take to a doctor. The other responses all gave good advice. The "ache in the womb" sounds unusual but may not be a cause for major concern. During the later stages of my wife's pregnancies she would get a sharp pain that started just below her ribs and ran down her side to her thigh - her doctors said it was a nerve getting pinched by the baby's position, and not to be concerned unless it lasted more than half an hour or so at a time.
I think doctors tell the vast majority of pregnant women they can do pretty much whatever they feel up to. Exercise is generally encouraged though some strenuous varieties, and things that put exceptional stress on your lower abdomen may be restricted.
I think it's something like a third to a half of all women get especially horny when they are pregnant. My wife is one - and I am quite pleased because I think pregnant women in general are attractive and sexually desirable, and especially loving and emotional toward her because she was carrying OUR kids. At first I wondered about significant restrictions on the bedroom activity but either a doctor, or a prenatal book, assured us that sex was generally OK and that's all we needed to know. HOWEVER - there ARE prenatal situations where intercourse should be avoided, so check with your doctor.
In the later stages you'll probably use a different pace and positions than you do now. "Spoons" is awesome for the last month or so - physically easy for her, and I could reach around to enjoy her breasts and belly and apply fingers where and how she wanted them. We made love, including orgasms, within 24 hours of her starting labor for each of our kids.
Breastfeeding is highly recommended for MANY reasons - and I DID enjoy helping my wife get ready for it.
If the U.K. is like the U.S., "maternity bras" are just the beginning of products that will be pushed toward you as an expectant mother. Prepare to be bombarded with ads and offers for all kinds of clothing, foods, diet supplements, furniture, books, etc, etc. Makes you wonder how the human race has survived, since pregnant women didn't have those "essential" products for thousands of years! (And once the kid arrives, the baby-related merchandising is even worse.)
Congratulations - having and raising children is perhaps the greatest statement of faith you can make.
...............................
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (20 November 2012): 1. Yes its good for you, but lay off on the sit ups.
2. Def see a dr. I dont remember that w either pregnancy, but everyones diff.
3. Sex is fine and again, everyones diff as far as how much/often.
4. That not uncommon,lol, men often think they will somehow hurt us.
5.What ever makes u comfy
6. Yes but expensive, I stuck to sports bras.
Just a tip the drs didnt tell me, drink cranberry juice a glass a day 8 oz. Prevents against utis, kidney infections, ect. Helps to prevent, I mean. I had a kidney infection at 6 mos and 3wks, it was awful, everyone kept sayin it was back pain, and then went to the dr and was admitted for 3 days! It hurt so bad worse than labor! I remeber I was so worried and I had to do kick counts for an hr per day, apparently its supposed to be 30/hr. I counted 46 in a half hr and they said wow, you can stop. They could see him moving when they took the monitor off. It was funny. Congratulations and good luck.
...............................
A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (20 November 2012):
 Congrats on the baby…
hopefully you could help me with.
1) I've always exercised a lot, walking, running etc. Is it alright to carry on? Can I still do sit-ups?
Yes you can continue to exercise and you should. I would suggest Prenatal Yoga as it’s a great way to prep for birth. Also discuss it with your doctor. In the beginning there are no restrictions… as you get to your 3rd trimester you need to reduce your effort to 80% according to my yoga instructor (I take a pre-natal and therapeutic yoga class and most of the women are pregnant so we address those issues in class)
2) Is it normal to have a constant (very mild) ache in the womb?
Umm that I can’t speak to… CONSTANT… did you have it before you KNEW you were pregnant? I don’t remember a constant ache.. twinges yes… discuss with your health care professional
3) Is it usual to get really into sex in the first few weeks of pregnancy? I could have it 4/5 times a day
Yep! Very normal. Old Jewish saying: In pregnancy, sex is good for the baby the first three months, good for the mother the second three months and good for everybody the last three months….
4) Is it normal for my boyfriend to be too scared to touch me at the moment? He's really excited about our child
Yep. Very normal. He needs to also talk to the medical provider to find out that he cant’t hurt the baby, the baby won’t see his penis during sex… he won’t hit the baby in the head…
5) My breasts are sore and getting bigger, is it a good idea to wear a bra in bed?
I never did but if you are uncomfortable then yes you can… they will continue to swell and may ache… your nipples will be sore… if you plan to breastfeed then you need to get your boyfriend to help toughen them up in the last trimester… (lots of nipple play… GREAT FUN to be honest)
6) Is there such a thing as a maternity bra?
Yep just google maternity bra
If you plan to breast feed you may want to buy some inexpensive regular bras now that are larger… and wait till the last trimester to purchase NURSING bras instead.
...............................
A
reader, anonymous, writes (20 November 2012): 1) No, you can't do sit ups. And you can run but I wouldn't advise it, it's a high impact activity and the weight on your knees and ankles will increase. Walking is fine but you're really best off taking up swimming OP, it's a full body, no impact, gentle exercise. It has to be very carefully balanced with a diet OP. Don't be some idiot who tries to exercise to keep the weight down, you're eating for two now. Go speak to your doctor about this first though.
2) I can't answer that but again a doctor is your best bet.
3) Yes, severe changes in libido are very normal.
4) Yes, that too is normal, just read up on things and reassure him things are fine and you need to be touched.
5) Not sure but I'd say there are specialist maternity bras for it.
OP remember every single thing that happens in your pregnancy is normal and there are solutions to all of it.
The only things that may be not are acute pains or other physical abnormalities and you should start taking in extra vitamin b12.
Go see your doctor as soon as you can to find out everything you need to know. Especially the part about exercise and diet OP.
Oh and while it's a long way off OP look up post natal wraps. If you want your stomach to return to its prenatal size and shape they're your best bet. Basically use one of those for a month after giving birth and you won't get that post belly, soft belly that stick out.
...............................
|
