10 Most Searched Pregnancy Questions
When one becomes pregnant, there are soooooooooo many questions. Often, new parents turn to the internet to ask these questions. The experts at Your Baby Club have compiled a list of the ten most commonly "Googled" questions about pregnancy.
When does morning sickness start? - 50,000
Our data revealed that this particular question was on the minds of most parents-to-be, garnering a search volume result of 50,000 searches.
Morning sickness can be extremely traumatic, with over 70% of pregnant adults experiencing it. It can even develop into a more serious condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which can often lead to pregnant people being hospitalized.
While this appearing on your computer screen could be initially shocking, it is important to remember that morning sickness is totally normal and usually begins within the first three months of pregnancy.
How many weeks pregnant am I? - 23,000
Another extremely hot topic was that of how far along into pregnancy people were. Some websites offer due date calendars, which allow you to enter the date of your last menstrual cycle to find an estimated due date. However, period lengths can depend on a number of factors, such as medication, stress, and general health.
While these calculators could prove to be somewhat accurate, going to a doctor or eventually getting a scan would be far more reliable, allowing you to avoid any guesswork.
When do pregnancy symptoms start? - 22,000
It is unsurprising to see that this question also scored very highly when it came to Google search results.
Most people, especially after skipping a period or feeling unwell, would begin to wonder whether they were pregnant or not and would naturally want to know whether any of their symptoms aligned with pregnancy.
While it differs from person to person, symptoms tend to start when someone is 4-6 weeks pregnant - but can even start as early as two weeks into pregnancy. They can include things such as breast tenderness, morning sickness, fatigue, and even cravings.
What is a chemical pregnancy? - 21,000
A chemical pregnancy is a miscarriage that happens in the very early stages, usually within around five weeks.
This kind of miscarriage can occur without somebody even knowing they are pregnant, as it can be mistaken for a large blood clot - something a lot of people who menstruate will regularly experience.
However, as well as this, other symptoms of a chemical pregnancy are extreme stomach cramps, nausea, or signs of pregnancy stopping very abruptly after a positive test.
What not to eat when pregnant? - 7,900
Sadly, the list of food and drink to avoid while pregnant is long, so it is no wonder many people are taking to Google to check.
Dairy products made from unpasteurized milk, such as Camembert and soft goats’ cheese, can sometimes contain a bacteria called listeria, which can lead to listeriosis. This infection can lead to birth complications or even a stillbirth.
Uncooked or cured meats can sometimes cause toxoplasmosis, while raw or undercooked eggs carry the risk of salmonella.
As well as this, shellfish and raw fish can also potentially cause food poisoning, while caffeine can only be consumed in small amounts.
How long does morning sickness last? - 7,400
This depends entirely on the person, as sometimes, morning sickness goes away very early on - often at around 14 weeks.
However, some more unfortunate people will experience sickness throughout their entire pregnancy, and it doesn’t just have to be limited to the morning.
Sickness can last throughout the day, sometimes causing people to become extremely fatigued and dehydrated. Should this happen, you should visit and seek medical attention.
When do pregnancy cravings start? - 6,200
Cravings are most likely to start in your first trimester, and they can make you become tempted by all kinds of weird and wonderful things.
Some people crave the smell of disinfectant, while others feel the need to consume pickled goods - again, it depends entirely on the person.
Cravings tend to start out as subtle in your first trimester, growing stronger by your second and usually stopping by your third - which is fortunate, especially if you are craving something that is difficult to buy.
When to stop sex during pregnancy? - 5,600
Contrary to popular belief, it is completely safe to have sex throughout your entire pregnancy - as long as you are comfortable, of course.
The only instances where it would not be safe to have intercourse would be if you had some kind of vaginal infection, if your placenta is obstructing your cervical opening, or if you are leaking amniotic fluid.
Another aspect to be aware of would be if you have a history of premature births in the past, as late trimester sex can sometimes induce labor. It is always best to discuss this with a trusted doctor who knows your medical background, though.
When do ectopic pregnancy symptoms start? - 5,200
An ectopic pregnancy is when an egg implants itself outside of the womb, typically within a fallopian tube. This condition is unsurvivable for the fetus and can be extremely harmful and even deadly for the gestational parent, which is why it is important to know the signs to look out for. Symptoms can include severe upper body pain, cramping, and lightheadedness.
People will also most likely experience normal pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and breast tenderness, making it even more crucial to rule this out.
Symptoms, according to WebMD, usually occur between 4 and 12 weeks but can sometimes not present themselves at all. Due to this, if you have had this kind of issue in the past, you should visit a doctor to have a scan as soon as possible.
Can I dye my hair while pregnant? - 5,000
Finally, we are ending our top ten most "Googled" questions on a lighter note: Can you dye your hair while pregnant?
Most semi-permanent dyes are non-toxic, but only if they do not contain chemicals such as ammonia or bleach. Research is limited around this subject, but most online sources suggest waiting until your first trimester is over before coloring your hair - even with non-toxic dyes.
The first trimester is essential for a baby's growth and development, so it is always safer to avoid anything that could possibly hinder that.
Content provided by Your Baby Club
Photo by Ekaterina Bolovtsova