Q: What are the dos and don'ts that I need to know on during the first trimester?

A: The usual symptoms of pregnancy are nausea, vomiting, bloatedness, indigestion, constipation etc. Keeping yourself hydrated and having small regular meals may help reduce some of these symptoms.

Besides coping with these, you should look out for any bleeding and lower abdominal pain.

Q: Do I need to go for ultrasound check-ups during the first trimester?

A: Many obstetricians will perform an ultrasound scan at the first check up during the first trimester. This is usually to establish the state of the pregnancy and also to confirm the size of the fetus (that it corresponds with the estimated dates).

However this is not absolutely necessary and will vary according to the doctor's practice.

Otherwise, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound scan if you experience bleeding, lower abdominal pain, excessive nausea and vomiting etc.

It is important to make an appointment for an assessment with your doctor who will then be able to decide if a scan is necessary.

Q: I always feel very sleepy, especially during the afternoons. During the weekends, I sleep for long hours and I even take naps. Is this normal?

A: Your experience is not uncommon.

That said, different women have different experiences during pregnancy, and even from one pregnancy to the next.

Got a question on your reproductive health? Email it to us at Just Woman and we will get it answered by Dr Fong Yoke Fai, a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the National University Hospital.