Shanti Thiagarajan

I had a C-section with my first and it took me a long time to recover, so my second pregnancy felt physically more exhausting because the abdominal muscles were already weak. Take it very easy on your body and don't rush into heavy chores.

Scientific studies show that many OTC antihistamines are not safe in the first trimester. My doctor explicitly told me that only specific nasal sprays or saline drops should be used. Please get a proper prescription from your gynac.

Usually, a scan around 6 to 7 weeks can clearly show the pregnancy and baby's heartbeat. Don't rush it too early!

I completely panicked when I saw bleeding in my early weeks, but it turned out to be a small hematoma that resolved on its own. Still, please contact your doctor immediately because only they can confirm if it's safe. It's better to get a quick scan done for peace of mind.

Actually, exact conception date can be tricky to find out on your own. It is usually calculated from the first day of your last period, but a dating ultrasound done by your doctor is the most accurate way. If you have any unusual pain or worry, check with your gynac.