Get up in the morning, jump into a pair of jeans and by afternoon it's two sizes too small! During the "in between weeks" of pregnancy many women notice that by the end of the day their belly has expanded outward. What's the mom-to-be to do?

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am a swimming instructor teaching multiples preschoolers. I am very concerned because the doctor told me today to make my own decision to continue teaching small kids. He said: "Small kids carry lots of infections, you will need to make that decision yourself."

I do not want to risk anything. The money is good, but not worth it if I can get any diseases.

Should I be worry? I'm not sure what to do? I also teach adults.. Should adults/teen/older kids be ok?

Thanks a lot for listing,

Cyn

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
Recently found out I am pregnant. I am probably about 5-6 wks. I work as a veterinary technician. I haven't been to my first appointment yet but was wondering about my job risks.

I work mostly with dogs and cats. Daily job duties can include: cleaning cages and litter boxes, walking dogs, using strong cleaning agents and disinfectants such as bleach pine sol and roccal, sweeping & mopping, restraining animals (including dogs big and small as well as aggressive animals), taking x-rays, assisting in surgeries, dealing with bodily fluids of all types.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I'm working as a club singer, and had recently found out that I'm 3 weeks pregnant. I'm excited about it, so is my boyfriend.

As happy as I am with my job, I know that it's not the best condition for my baby. You see, every time I think I moved too much, or force my voice too much while singing, I feel uncomfortable where the baby is.

Is this really harmful for my baby or is it just me being paranoid? And if it is harmful, how does it affect my baby?

Worried sick,
Amy

QUESTION

Dear Ms. Ultrasound,
Hi, I had bleeding and strong BH contractions after intercourse with my partner which lasted for 2 days. I'm 18 weeks pregnant.

My scan says this..

The placenta lies mainly on the left lateral wall, however it covers the internal os. No obvious hemorrhage seen.

As my placenta covers the os, what are the chances of it moving by the time I am 38 weeks? I know that 90% of LLP move enough for a normal birth, however as mine covers the internal os are the chances still as high?

You have a job. You're pregnant. Is your job dangerous for your baby? The workplace may pose certain risks, depending upon the occupation. Knowing what these risks are and minimizing them will help increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

Thinking about getting pregnant, or already pregnant? It's never too early think about what you will do when baby gets here. When planning your maternity leave, the more you can plan or arrange ahead of time the less stress you will feel.

Years ago, women were expected to resign from their jobs the moment the pregnancy test came back positive, but today, pregnant working women are as much a part of the modern office as the computer and the fax machine. While most women are able to work through their entire pregnancy, There are some situations in which you may want to consider leaving work early or requesting some modifications to your working environment.