Your first pregnancy!

First time mums shouldn't be afraid to ask questions.

If you're going to be a mom for the very first time, there's always much to learn about parenting and the changes a baby will make to your life. Here are some answers to common questions to help you with your preparations.

Q Should I take a childbirth class?
A If you can, absolutely! A childbirth class will enhance your pregnancy experience, involve your partner and let you know what to expect during labor and delivery. If you're like many women, you're probably concerned about what is going to be happening during labor. Understanding the stages of labor, and learning skills for dealing with them, will help you feel more confident and in control. Lamaze is a well-known technique, but if you've found another good teacher or technique, use what works for you.

Q I'm in my ninth month. Why can't I feel the baby kicking as often as I used to?
A Because he or she doesn't have much room to move! Your baby's environment gets a bit cramped in the last month or two, and he or she may do more squirming and wiggling and less overt kicking. This is completely normal.

Q Labor: How bad is it?
A Each woman's labor is unique. The amount of pain a woman feels during labor may differ from that felt by another woman. Pain depends on many factors, such as the size and position of the baby and the strength of the contractions. Learning about the process will help prepare you. Encourage your partner to be involved or find another labor coach. Research has shown that having a support person will do a lot to help you get through labor faster and easier.

Q What if something goes wrong?
A In most cases, pregnancy goes the way it should: you are healthy, the baby grows normally and the birth is a trouble-free event. Worrying about what might happen is not good for you or your baby. If you have concerns, discuss them with your physician. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions!

Q How will having a baby change my relationship with my partner?
A Switching from being a couple to being a family can be tough at times. Communication is key. If you don't communicate well with your spouse, now is the time to start. Take time to talk about your emotional and physical relationships, along with your excitements and fears for the future.

Q Can I have sex throughout my pregnancy?
A If you're having a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, sex is considered safe during all stages. If there's anything at all complicated about your pregnancy, talk to your doctor. He or she may suggest you curtail lovemaking if you have a history or threat of miscarriage or preterm labor, unexplained vaginal bleeding or cramping, or leaking amniotic fluid–or if you're carrying multiple fetuses (see also sex during pregnancy).

Q How can I expect to feel after childbirth?
A Joyous, exhausted, flustered, excited, a bit confused and–yes–perhaps depressed. Many women find the time period immediately after birth harder than pregnancy. Your hormones are still going strong–only now, you also have a baby to take care of and lots of sleep disruptions. The "baby blues" are common and often go away soon after the birth (see postpartum depression).

Q How do I know I'll be a good parent?
A Some people find parenting instinctive. But if you feel lost and inexperienced at handling a newborn, ask advice from your doctor or a trusted friend. You also may find it helpful to read one of the many books available on parenting and child development.

Q What should I buy in preparation for bringing home the baby?
A Some people like to bring their babies home from the hospital to a fully equipped nursery. If that's within your budget, then go ahead. In reality, though, you don't need much at the beginning: baby clothing (some hospitals expect you to provide it for the trip home), an infant car seat and a safe place for the baby to sleep. Grab a pack of newborn-size diapers, a stroller (that allows baby to lie down flat or almost flat), and baby bath and soap–and you're set. Almost everything else can wait until after you get settled at home.

Q How do I ensure my home is safe for a baby?
A A baby usually can't get into too much trouble until he or she becomes more mobile. You'll probably need to lock some cabinets and set up baby gates at some point, but you needn't make those preparations before giving birth. However, make sure everything your baby plays with is age-appropriate and safe. Airway obstruction accounts for more than half of deaths in children under the age of 1 year.

Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back, and don't put stuffed toys in the crib where they can block your baby's nose or mouth.