Test Your Pregnancy Knowledge

  • You should see your doctor before you get pregnant.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. To help ensure a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby, see your health care provider for a prepregnancy visit. This is care you receive before you get pregnant. Your health care provider will check for any problems that might affect you and your baby. You'll also learn what you can do to have a healthy baby. 

  • You should take a prenatal vitamin with at least ____ of folic acid every day.

     

    A. 200 micrograms

     

    B. 40 grams

     

    C. 400 micrograms

     

    D. You don't need folic acid.

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is 400 micrograms. Folic acid helps reduce the risk of birth defects in a baby's brain and spine. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Pregnant women may need even higher levels of folic acid. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

  • The goals of prenatal care include:

     

    A. Check your health and your baby's health

     

    B. Look for changes that may lead to a high-risk pregnancy

     

    C. Talk with you about diet and exercise while you're pregnant

     

    D. Explain how to manage pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness

     

    E. A and B

     

    F. All of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Regular prenatal visits help your health care provider check your health and your baby's health. Prenatal care can help you manage any problems that may come up during your pregnancy. Talk with your health care provider about how many prenatal visits you'll need during your pregnancy.

  • Pregnant women should avoid:

     

    A. Alcohol

     

    B. Drug use

     

    C. Smoking

     

    D. Caffeine

     

    E. A, B, and C

     

    F. All of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is A, B, and C. Pregnant women should avoid all alcohol and drug use and not smoke. These habits can harm both you and your baby. Talk with your health care provider if you need help stopping. It's fine to have caffeine as long as you don't have more than 200 mg per day, which is equal to one 12-ounce (340 ml) cup of coffee.

  • Some medicines and herbal remedies can harm your baby.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. Some medicines and herbal remedies may interfere with your baby's development. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Ask which medicines are safe during pregnancy. Don't stop taking any medicine before talking with your health care provider.

  • Pregnant women should not exercise.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. It's true that some women with high-risk pregnancies may need to limit their activities. But as long as your doctor gives the go-ahead, it's safe to exercise while you are pregnant. Walking, cycling, and swimming are good choices. Avoid contact sports and activities that put you at risk for falling.

  • Which of the following is NOT a common pregnancy symptom?

     

    A. Morning sickness

     

    B. Having to urinate often

     

    C. Constipation

     

    D. Bleeding from the vagina

     

    E. Vaginal discharge

     

    F. Heartburn

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is bleeding from the vagina. This may be a sign that you are going into labor early (preterm labor), so tell your health care provider right away if you notice bleeding. Other common pregnancy symptoms include swelling in your legs, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and shortness of breath.

  • You should call your doctor for which of the following symptoms:

     

    A. Fever, chills, or pain when you urinate

     

    B. Belly pain that is new or becomes worse

     

    C. Bleeding from the vagina

     

    D. Any of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is any of the above. You should also call your doctor if you are in the last half of your pregnancy and notice the baby is moving less or not at all.

  • Which of the following can lead to a high-risk pregnancy?

     

    A. Mother’s age

     

    B. Health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure

     

    C. Unhealthy lifestyle, such as using tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs

     

    D. Not getting regular prenatal care

     

    E. Any of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is any of the above. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your health care provider will monitor you closely throughout your pregnancy. Doing so can help make sure you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

  • A woman can always tell when she goes into labor.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is false. It isn’t always easy to know when you’re going into labor. The steps leading up to labor can last for days. You may have false labor a month or even a day before true labor starts. Call your health care provider if you think you may be going into labor. He or she can tell you whether to come in for an exam.