❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnancy lasts an average of 40 weeks (280 days) and is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). This is known as Naegele's rule.

Date of birth calculation (LMP + 280 days) is mostly confirmed by USG. Early first trimester USG (8-13 weeks) gives the most accurate results.

"Term" birth is considered between 37 0/7 and 41 6/7 weeks. Pregnancies exceeding 42 weeks are monitored as "postterm".

Source: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 700 (reaffirmed in 2024).

Ideally, schedule your first appointment within 1–2 weeks of learning you are pregnant, and no later than 8–10 weeks of gestation.

What to expect at your first visit:

• Detailed history and physical examination
• Complete blood count (CBC), blood group
• Urinalysis, urine culture
• Screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B-C
• Rubella, thyroid function tests
• Ultrasound (gestational sac and viability)

Source: ACOG Clinical Consensus No. 8 (2025).

Folic acid should be started at least 1 month before pregnancy planning and should be taken most critically until the 12th week.

Dosage recommendations:

• Standard risk: 400-800 mcg/day
• High risk (previous NTD baby, diabetes, antiepileptic use): 4 mg/day
• Folic acid prevents neural tube defects by up to 70%.

Source: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 762 (2024 update).

No, raw or undercooked fish should not be consumed. There is a risk of Listeria, salmonella and parasites.

Cooked sushi (with cooked ingredients such as tempura, California roll, etc.) is safe. You can consume 2-3 servings (340 g) per week of low-mercury fish: salmon, sardines, anchovies, sea bream, sea bass.

PROHIBITED: Swordfish, shark, king mackerel, jumbo tuna.

ACOG 2024 recommendation: upper limit of 200 mg caffeine per day.

• 1 cup of filter coffee (240 mL) ≈ 95 mg → 2 cups per day max
• 1 cup of Turkish coffee (60 mL) ≈ 50-80 mg
• 1 espresso shot ≈ 60-65 mg
• 1 cup of black tea ≈ 40-50 mg
• Energy drinks and products containing excessive caffeine are PROHIBITED

Excessive caffeine may increase the risk of low birth weight and pregnancy loss.

NO, this is a false myth. ACOG recommendations:

• 1st Trimester: NO additional calories required
• 2nd Trimester: +340 kcal/day (1 glass of milk + 1 egg + 1 slice of bread)
• 3rd Trimester: +450 kcal/day

The important thing is not calories, but quality: protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fat.

In uncomplicated pregnancies, flying is generally safe until the 36th week. Most airlines do not accept flights after 36 weeks (a 32-week limit is common for twin pregnancies).

• Keep hydration high
• Get up and walk every 1-2 hours (reduces the risk of VTE)
• Compression stockings may help
• Fasten the seat belt UNDER your abdomen, at the level of your hips
• If there is a high-risk pregnancy, doctor's approval is required

Source: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 746 (2024 update).

YES. ACOG recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week in uncomplicated pregnancies. This is about 20-30 minutes a day.

Benefits:

• Reduces the risk of gestational diabetes by 30%
• Reduces the risk of preeclampsia
• Reduces cesarean section rate
• Reduces the risk of postpartum depression
• May shorten labor time

The safest activities: walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, stationary cycling.

→ View detailed exercise guide

It is safe in all trimesters of uncomplicated pregnancies. A doctor should be consulted in the following cases:

• Placenta previa
• Incompetent cervix
• Vaginal bleeding
• Membrane rupture
• History of preterm birth
• Multiple pregnancy (especially in later weeks)

As the abdomen grows, it may be necessary to adjust the position. The side position is the most comfortable.

In the first pregnancy (nullipara), the 5-1-1 rule is generally expected:

• Contraction every 5 minutes
• Each contraction lasts 1 minute
• This pattern continues for at least 1 hour

Situations where you need to go to the hospital immediately:

• Water breaking (amniotic fluid leak)
• Vaginal bleeding (beyond bloody spot)
• Significant decrease in baby movements
• Severe headache, visual impairment (preeclampsia)
• Regular contractions before 37 weeks
• Start of contraction after previous cesarean section

→ Use contraction timer tool

ACOG recommends vaginal birth in the absence of a medical indication for cesarean delivery. Cesarean delivery is major surgery and carries additional risks.

Indications for Caesarean section:

• Labor dystocia (most common, 33%)
• Fetal heart rate abnormalities
• Breech presentation (especially in the first pregnancy)
• Placenta previa
• Previous classical (vertical) cesarean section
• Active genital herpes

Those who have had a previous single lower segment cesarean section may be candidates for VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). The success rate is 60-80%.

Source: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 205 (2024 update).

WHO and AAP recommend starting breastfeeding with skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (within 1 hour). This increases breastfeeding success and baby-mother bonding.

Duration recommendations:

• First 6 months: Breastfeeding ONLY (not even water)
• After 6 months: breast milk + complementary food
• Breastfeeding is recommended until age 2

Source: WHO/UNICEF Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding (2024 update).

The arrival of milk (lactogenesis II) usually occurs 2-5 days after birth. In the first days, thin, yellowish colostrum meets all the needs of the baby.

To increase milk:

• Breastfeed frequently (8-12 times in 24 hours)
• Position the baby correctly (a lactation consultant can help)
• Drink enough fluids (drink when thirsty)
• Take adequate calories (+500 kcal/day during breastfeeding)
• Reduce stress, relax
• Avoid supplementing with formula (disrupts the demand-production cycle)

If there are still serious problems after the first week, consult a lactation consultant or doctor.

Maternity support belt / belly band is not routinely required for every pregnant woman. Pregnant women who do not have back or pelvic area pain and who move freely do not need to use it.

Who can it help?

• Those who experience pelvic girdle pain or low back pain
• Pregnant women who stand for long periods of time or walk a lot
• Those with high abdominal burden due to multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets)
• Those who have difficulty walking/standing in the later weeks

Correct use: Should be worn with loose-medium support, without compressing the abdomen; It should not be used all day long, but for short periods of time when needed (walking, standing work). The belt is not a substitute for exercise; Exercise and physiotherapy that strengthen the abdominal and back muscles are the basic treatment.

Note: Evidence that support belts reduce pain is limited and mixed; It provides relief for some pregnant women, but it is not effective for everyone. In case of severe/persistent pelvic pain, consult a doctor or physiotherapist.

Source: ACOG patient information (back pain) + systematic review, Int J Womens Health (2019); Pelvic girdle pain management current recommendations (2024).

Brown spotting on the face (melasma / "pregnancy mask") is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and is triggered by sunlight. That's why broad spectrum (UVA+UVB) SPF 30+ sunscreen is recommended every day.

Which type should be preferred?

• Mineral (physical) sunscreens are preferred: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These substances remain on the skin surface, their passage into the blood has not been shown; It is the safest option during pregnancy.
• Caution is advised with some chemical filters (especially oxybenzone / oxybenzone); Skin absorption is higher than mineral filters. Mineral content is preferred during pregnancy, although harm has not been conclusively proven.
• Colored/tint mineral creams containing iron oxide against melasma provide additional protection against visible light.

Application: Apply generously, reapply every 2 hours if you are outside and after sweating/swimming. Hats and shade also reduce melasma.

Source: AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) sun protection recommendations + UpToDate "Melasma: Management" (2025) + Dermatology Times photoprotection guide during pregnancy (2024).

There is insufficient safety data during pregnancy for laser epilation and similar laser procedures for aesthetic (cosmetic) purposes. Although no definite harm has been shown, it is recommended to postpone until after birth because it has not been studied enough (AAD supports this approach).

Why does it make sense to postpone?

• No evidence of safety in pregnancy; A cautious approach is essential.
• Hormonal changes alter the hair cycle, which reduces the effectiveness of the laser — meaning the procedure is not fully effective.
• Increased blood flow and skin sensitivity may increase the risk of irritation/burn and hyperpigmentation.

Medical necessity situations (e.g. kidney stone, genital wart treatment) are different and can be applied during pregnancy with the doctor's decision. Postpone all laser and similar procedures for aesthetic purposes until birth and consult your doctor.

Source: AAD recommendation to postpone cosmetic procedures during pregnancy (2024) — safety data are insufficient for elective laser procedures.

The chemicals in hair dyes have very little passage from the skin into the system; That's why hair dyeing is generally considered low risk — especially after the first trimester (after week 12).

Recommendations for safer use:

• Since the first 12 weeks are the most critical period of organ development, it may be preferable to postpone this period if possible.
• Absorption is less in techniques such as highlighting/balayage (highlights) instead of dye that directly contacts the scalp.
• Ammonia-free or natural/herbal (e.g. pure henna) products may be preferred.
• Have the procedure done in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, and do not leave the hair dye on longer than the recommended time.

Source: ACOG (hair dye generally safe during pregnancy) + dermatology expert opinions (2024).

Botox (botulinum toxin) and dermal fillers are elective (non-essential) cosmetic procedures and there is insufficient safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For this reason, it is not recommended and it is recommended to postpone it until after birth/breastfeeding.

• There are no safety studies on botox and fillers during pregnancy; Expert organizations recommend caution and postponement.
• An FDA panel opined that pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid these injections due to unknowns.
• Data during breastfeeding are relatively less concerning, but still insufficient; most experts prefer to wait until breastfeeding is over.

For aesthetic concerns, leave these procedures until after pregnancy and breastfeeding; Consult your doctor before making a decision.

Source: Dermatology and teratology expert opinions + LactMed (Drugs and Lactation Database) botulinum toxin registry (2024).

While some skin care ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy, others should be avoided.

TO AVOID:

• Oral isotretinoin (oral) — STRICTLY PROHIBITED: strong teratogen, causing serious congenital anomalies.
• Topical retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, etc.): not recommended during pregnancy, should be avoided.
• Highly concentrated salicylic acid peels/peels (BHA chemical peels): avoid high doses.
• Hydroquinone (generally not recommended), high-dose chemical peels.

Alternatives considered SAFE:

• Azelaic acid (for blemishes and mild acne)
• Niacinamide (niacinamide)
• Vitamin C (vitamin C)
• Hyaluronic acid, low dose glycolic/lactic acid
• Mineral (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) sunscreen

Before using a product you are in doubt about, consult its ingredients with your doctor or dermatologist.

Source: AAD safe skin care recommendations during pregnancy (2024) + UpToDate “Dermatoses of pregnancy” (September 2025) — teratogenicity of oral isotretinoin.

Pregnancy-related nausea, commonly called morning sickness, can occur at any time of day. It usually starts at 6–8 weeks, peaks around 9 weeks, and improves by 14–16 weeks in most pregnancies. It is a benign condition and usually does not harm the baby.

Lifestyle recommendations (first line):

• Do not leave the stomach empty; Eat before you feel hungry. Eat crackers/biscuits at the bedside before going to bed and getting up in the morning.
• Eat small portions little and often (every 1-2 hours). Choose protein-based, plain, low-fat, dry/salty snacks (crackers, nuts, toast).
• Drink liquid in small sips, 30 minutes before/after a solid meal; cold, carbonated or sour drinks (ginger drink, lemon water) are better tolerated.
• Stay away from triggers (intense odors, perfume, cigarettes, hot-stuffy environment, fatty food).
• Iron-containing supplements may increase nausea; Iron can be temporarily stopped until the nausea subsides (folic acid intake should be continued).

When medication is required: Ginger (1-1.5 g per day) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 10-25 mg 3-4 times a day are the first choice; If it is not sufficient, doxylamine + B6 combination is added. All medications should be used with a doctor's recommendation. If you have severe vomiting, weight loss, decreased urine flow or inability to drink fluids (hyperemesis gravidarum), be sure to consult a physician.

Source: UpToDate "Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: Treatment and outcome" (April 2026); ACOG NVP management.

In late pregnancy (from approximately the 28th week onwards), it is recommended to sleep on your side. It doesn't matter left or right side; Both are safe — the important thing is not to fall asleep on your back (supine).

• When you lie on your back in advanced pregnancy, the growing uterus can put pressure on the main vein (inferior vena cava), reducing the blood returning to the heart and the flow to the placenta.
• A large data analysis in 2019 showed that sleeping on your back after 28 weeks was associated with the risk of late-term stillbirth, while sleeping on your side reduced this risk.
• The effect of sleep position on pregnancy outcome before the 28th week has not been shown; During this period, you can sleep as you are comfortable.
• If you woke up on your back at night, don't panic; just turn sideways again. Placing a pillow between your legs/back makes it easier to stay in the side position.

Source: Cronin et al. IPD meta-analysis, EClinicalMedicine (2019); UpToDate "Acid reflux and GERD during pregnancy" (left side sleeping recommendation).

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally the first choice analgesic for pain and fever during pregnancy and is used when necessary, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration. However, like any drug, unnecessary and long-term use should be avoided and use should be done in consultation with a physician.

Be careful with NSAID group painkillers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, dexketoprofen, aspirin (high dose):

• Not recommended from approximately the 20th week of pregnancy (FDA warning): may cause kidney problems and decreased amniotic fluid in the fetus.
• Contraindicated after the 30th week (3rd trimester): it may lead to premature closure of the "ductus arteriosus" in the baby and pulmonary hypertension.
• Low dose aspirin (preeclampsia prophylaxis, etc.) is a separate situation with the recommendation of a physician.

Be sure to consult your doctor for medication selection in cases such as migraine, toothache, musculoskeletal pain.

Source: US FDA Drug Safety Statement (2020) — NSAID use at and after the 20th week of pregnancy; TJOD Opinion "Use and Safety of Paracetamol During Pregnancy".

Yes. Regular dental care and routine dental treatments are safe during pregnancy; It is unnecessary to postpone it. Pregnancy hormones can increase gingivitis and bleeding gums, so oral care is even more important.

Considered safe during pregnancy:

• Local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) used in filling and similar procedures
• Dental x-ray (with a gown protecting the abdomen; radiation dose is very low)
• Fluoride applications, dental cleaning (scaling)

Be sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant. Nausea/vomiting can erode tooth enamel; Instead of brushing immediately after vomiting, rinse the mouth with water, brush with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes twice a day, and floss every day.

Source: UpToDate "Patient education: Dental care during pregnancy" (The Basics); ADA/ACOG oral health recommendations during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, hormones (progesterone) slow down bowel movements, the growing uterus puts pressure on the intestines, and iron supplements can worsen the situation; Therefore, constipation is very common. Hemorrhoids (piles) are also common as a result of strain and pressure.

First-line (lifestyle):

• Increase fiber intake (~25-30 g per day): vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts.
• Drink plenty of water and exercise/walk regularly, every day if possible.
• Do not postpone the feeling of going to the toilet; Placing steps under the feet and elevating the knees makes defecation easier.

If not sufficient (with physician's recommendation): Fiber supplements (psyllium), lactulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based laxatives and stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. In iron-related constipation, your doctor may regulate supplementation.

For hemorrhoids: Fiber diet + liquid, warm sitz bath, keeping the area clean and dry and doctor-approved topical creams provide relief. Bright red bleeding from the anus should always be evaluated by a physician.

Source: ACOG "What can help with constipation during pregnancy?"; AGA Clinical Practice Update—Pregnancy-Related GI Disease (2024); UpToDate hemorrhoid treatment.

Heartburn (reflux) is very common during pregnancy, usually increases in the following weeks and goes away after birth. Hormones relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus, and the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach.

Lifestyle recommendations:

• Eat little, often and slowly; Do not lie down within 3 hours after eating, stop eating 3 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid triggers: coffee, cola, tea, chocolate, acidic/citrus and fatty foods, spicy foods.
• Do not wear tight clothing; Raise the head of the bed by 15-20 cm and lie on your left side.

When medication is required: Antacids containing calcium/magnesium are tried first. If it is not sufficient, H2 receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors can be used with the doctor's recommendation — discuss the drug selection with your doctor.

Source: UpToDate "Patient education: Acid reflux and GERD during pregnancy" (The Basics).

Sudden, painful contractions (cramps) in the calf/foot muscle at night are common, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is associated with low magnesium levels in the blood in some pregnant women.

In case of cramp: Extend the leg straight and pull the toes towards the knee (up), gently rub/stretch the calf, heat application or walking relieves it.

To prevent:

• Do calf stretching exercises before going to bed.
• Drink plenty of water during the day, do not stay in the same position for a long time.
• Evidence for the benefit of magnesium (or calcium) supplementation is limited and mixed; Consult your doctor before starting supplementation.

Caution: Unilateral, continuous pain in one leg accompanied by redness/swelling/heat increase should not be confused with cramp — a physician should be consulted immediately in case of clot (DVT).

Source: UpToDate "Patient education: Nocturnal (nighttime) leg cramps" (The Basics).

The recommended weight to gain depends on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Most of the weight is gained at a steady pace in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Recommended total weight gain in singleton pregnancy (IOM/NAM):

• BMI < 18.5 (underweight): 12.5 - 18 kg
• BMI 18.5 - 24.9 (normal): 11.5 - 16 kg
• BMI 25 - 29.9 (overweight): 7 - 11.5 kg
• BMI ≥ 30 (obese): 5 - 9 kg
• Twin pregnancy: more than these values (determined by your doctor)

Gaining too much weight can increase the risk of a large baby, cesarean section, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure, whereas gaining too little can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. What matters is nutritional quality, not calories. You are weighed at every check-up; if there is a deviation, your physician will discuss it with you.

Source: UpToDate "Patient education: Healthy weight gain during pregnancy" (The Basics) — IOM (Institute of Medicine / NAM) BMI-based recommendations.

There are two main methods:

• Ultrasound (USG): Fetal sex is most accurately identified during the detailed anomaly scan at 18–20 weeks (accuracy ~95–98%). Although it can be estimated from 14–16 weeks onward, the margin of error is high in the early weeks and if the baby's position is not appropriate.
• Maternal blood test (NIPT / cffDNA): Starting from the 10th week of pregnancy, gender can be determined from the baby's DNA in the mother's blood with ~99% accuracy. NIPT is primarily a test for chromosomal anomaly screening; Gender information is an additional consequence.

Note: Gender disclosure practices may vary by country and institution; Consult your physician for information.

Source: Detailed (18-20 weeks) anatomical USG scan current obstetric practice; NIPT gender accuracy—meta-analysis data (sensitivity ~96.6%, specificity ~98.9%).

Toxoplasma (Toxoplasma gondii) is a parasite that can be transmitted to the baby if it is contracted for the first time during pregnancy. You do not need to take your healthy pet cat away from home; Protection is provided by simple hygiene rules. In fact, the most common way of transmission is not cats, but consumption of raw/undercooked meat.

Prevention recommendations:

• Eat meat thoroughly cooked; Avoid raw/undercooked meat, raw cured meat (sucuk, salami, raw meatballs) and delicatessen products.
• Wash hands, knife and counter thoroughly after handling raw meat; Wash vegetables and fruits well.
• If possible, have someone else clean the cat litter; If you have to, wear gloves and then wash your hands. If the litter is changed every day, the oocysts will not yet become infectious.
• Use gloves when gardening/earthwork; Avoid unpasteurized milk and raw shellfish.
• Do not feed your cat raw meat, keep it indoors.

Many countries, including Türkiye, do not recommend routine universal toxoplasma screening; The screening and testing decision belongs to your physician.

Source: UpToDate "Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy".

Excessive elevation of body core temperature (hyperthermia) may increase risks such as neural tube defects, especially in the first trimester. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid hot tubs (jacuzzis), saunas and very hot/long baths.

• It is essential not to increase your core body temperature above 39 °C; A jacuzzi/sauna can quickly raise internal temperatures.
• If you are going to take a bath, keep the water warm (not exceeding approximately 37-38 °C) and the duration short (≈10 minutes); If dizziness/weakness occurs, exit immediately.
• Warm showers and warm (not hot) tub baths are usually OK.

Source: ACOG and CDC recommendations to avoid extreme heat/hyperthermia during pregnancy; maternal heat exposure and neural tube defect studies.