Usha Pai

Minimum 3 to 4 scans are absolutely mandatory to track growth and anomalies. Do not skip them, they are crucial for safety.

With my twins, I realized how important it is to just slow down. Don't carry heavy buckets or do sudden bends, and ignore all the random advice from aunties.

I had severe bleeding during my pregnancy due to a hematoma, and it was very scary. Please do not wait or ask around on forums—contact your doctor or head to the hospital immediately to get checked.

When I was trying to conceive, I also read about these things out of curiosity. But once you hold your baby, boy or girl doesn't matter at all, the feeling is out of this world.

The first month is filled with so many mixed emotions and worries. It's usually fine to do normal travel, but please take it very easy, don't carry heavy bags, and check with your doctor to be safe.