Google is often where you turn to for answers, tips and tricks – especially as an expecting parent. With so many unanswered questions, we teamed up with baby and nursery retailer Kiddies Kingdom to reveal the ten most googled pregnancy questions of the year so far, with each question being answered by the retailer’s team of experts, cross-referenced with NHS advice.
Through an analysis of close to 500 pregnancy questions including those about STD testing in Portland, we have ranked the top ten most frequently asked, based on average monthly Google searches from January 2021 to date.
The most-asked pregnancy questions are:
- In Pregnancy What Are The Symptoms? (90,500 Monthly Searches)
If you have a regular monthly period, the most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Prior to that, during the first three weeks it is unlikely that you will notice any symptoms of pregnancy. You may have a bleed similar to a very light period, with some spotting, called implantation bleeding which is sometimes accompanied by implantation cramping which is similar to menstrual cramps so it’s easy to confuse the two.
From 4 weeks, other early pregnancy symptoms can include:
- Sore breasts
- Nausea (morning sickness)
- A metallic taste in your mouth
- New likes and dislikes for food and drink
- A heightened sense of smell
- Needing to wee more often
- Bloating
- Thicker and shinier hair
It’s also common to feel tired during pregnancy, especially during the first twelve weeks. Hormonal changes during this time can make you feel sick, emotional and upset. Every pregnancy is different and not everyone will have all these symptoms.
- How Is Due Date Calculated? (90,500 Monthly Searches)
The most common method to calculate your due date is to count 280 days or 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. This is based on a regular 28-day cycle, so if your cycle is irregular, it might not be as accurate. If you’ve been tracking your ovulation, and you know the date of conception, you can just add 266 days to get your estimated due date instead.
As part of your antenatal care, your midwife will offer you a 12-week scan that may give you a more accurate due date.
- When Does Morning Sickness Start? (18,100 Monthly Searches)
Morning sickness is very common in early pregnancy and for those who experience it, it usually begins around 6 weeks into pregnancy, or two weeks after the missed period. Although some women have reported having morning sickness as early as 4 weeks pregnant.
- What Are (the) Signs Of Preeclampsia? (9,900 Monthly Searches)
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure, usually during the second half of pregnancy or after labour. According to the NHS, early signs of pre-eclampsia include having high blood pressure and protein in your urine. It’s unlikely that you’ll notice these signs on your own, but they are usually picked up during routine antenatal appointments.
In some cases, further symptoms can develop, including:
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, face and hands caused by fluid retention
- Severe headache
- Vision problems
- Pain just below the ribs
- Why (do you get) Heartburn In Pregnancy? (9,900 Monthly Searches)
Heartburn and indigestion are common during pregnancy and can be caused by hormonal changes and the growing baby pressing against your stomach. Unfortunately, if you were prone to getting heartburn before becoming pregnant, you’re more likely to have symptoms during your pregnancy.
- When To Scan For Pregnancy? (8,100 Monthly Searches)
The NHS offers all pregnant women at least two ultrasound scans during their pregnancy. The first will be the 12-week scan, also known as the dating scan, offered between 10 and 14 weeks. The scan will give a more accurate due date, as well as checking the baby’s development and that they’re growing in the right place.
The second scan will be the 20-week screening scan, also known as the anomaly scan, offered between 18 and 21 weeks. This scan checks the physical development of the baby, although it cannot pick up every condition. It is also when you can find out the sex of the baby. You may be offered more than two scans, depending on your health and the pregnancy. If you want a better picture of your baby’s facial features before birth, you may visit your local clinic that offers 4D Ultrasound Packages.
- What Are The Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes? (6,600 Monthly Searches)
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. According to the NHS, it does not usually cause any symptoms, with most cases discovered when blood sugar levels are tested during screening. Some women may develop symptoms if their blood sugar levels get too high such as increased thirst, needing to we more often, a dry mouth and tiredness. These are also common symptoms during pregnancy and are not necessarily a sign of gestational diabetes.
If you’re worried about any symptoms you experience during your pregnancy, always speak to your midwife or doctor.
- How To Bring On Labour? (5,400 Monthly Searches)
There are many theories on how to bring on labour, but there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that any of them work. Popular theories include exercise, sex, nipple stimulation, eating dates, and eating spicy curries. It’s very important to get advice from your midwife before trying anything to try bring on your labour.
- When Does Third Trimester Start? (4,400 Monthly Searches)
The third and final trimester starts at week 28 and lasts until the end of your pregnancy.
- Can You Eat Prawns When Pregnant? (4,400 Monthly Searches)
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to eat prawns when pregnant, however, they need to be cooked and not raw as they can carry harmful bacteria which can give you food poisoning and make you unwell. This is the same for other shellfish.
