Q. What is the right age to have a baby?

Ans: The right age to have a baby is in your twenties, although more women are deciding to start a family at a later date, when they feel emotionally and financially ready for a baby. Risks of a difficult pregnancy do increase when the mother is over 35, as you are more likely to have a Down's Syndrome Baby. But they are reduced if you are fit and healthy. Women under 18 run a greater risk of having a still-birth or low-birth weight baby, but regular visits to the clinic and keeping healthy minimize this.

Q. Is there any method which can influence the sex of my baby?

Ans: The sex of the baby is determined from the sperm of the father, which can be either male or female. Research suggests that male sperm swim faster but survive less long than female sperm, so you may increase your chances of having a boy if you make love when you are most fertile (about 14 days before your period is due); and for having a girl, you should have intercourse up to three days before you next expect to be fertile.

Q. How can I be sure the baby will be all right in the initial weeks?

Ans:The chances of the baby being abnormal are very rare. Most abnormalities occur in the first weeks, and end in an early miscarriage. By the 13th week, the baby is fully formed and nothing can go wrong. If you take care and alter your lifestyle accordingly, you can reduce the risk still further.

Q. Is a long journey advisable during pregnancy?

Ans: There's usually no reason why you shouldn't travel during pregnancy, but preferably not on your own and especially on a long car journey. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, and break the journey up by walking around for a few minutes at least every two hours, to help your circulation. 

Q. I am worried about harming the baby during intercourse. How can I avoid any harm to the baby?

Ans: This is a common worry, but an unnecessary one if your pregnancy is normal. The baby is protected and cushioned by the bag of fluid surrounding him, so he cannot be harmed when you make love. The doctor or mid-wife will say if there are any dangers, such as a low-lying placenta.

Q. Should I take my partner with me during labour?

Ans: Most hospitals actively encourage this. Labour can be a long process, and a rather lonely one unless you have someone close to share it with, and a natural choice is your partner. But if he really doesn't want to be there, it's unfair to put too much pressure on him. It's quite acceptable to have a relative or a good friend as a labour companion instead.

Q. I am worried about damaging myself during childbirth. Is there really any danger during childbirth?

Ans: No need to worry as you would not damage yourself as you push. The vaginal walls are stretchable, and made of folds, so they can stretch to allow the baby through without causing any damage.

Q. Should I breast-feed my baby immediately after birth?

Ans: Try offering your baby the breast and leave it up to her. There will not be any milk, but a newborn baby's urge to suck is often quite strong, and sucking is comfortable.

Q. When can we resume our sex life after pregnancy?

Ans: The best time to start making love again is when you are both ready. You may feel too sore and tender to resume sex until after the post natal check-up, or you may want to try sooner, it's up to you. Relax as much as you can, and use extra lubrication, as your vagina may be slightly drier than normal.

Q. I am breast-feeding my baby ; do we still have to use contraception?

Ans: Even if you are breast-feeding or haven't started your periods again, you need to use contraception. The doctor or midwife will discuss this with you soon after the birth. If you want to start taking pills, make sure the doctor knows you are breast-feeding; if you previously used a cap, you must have a new one fitted as your cervix will have changed shape.