5 questions ALL new and expectant parents have (but are too afraid to ask!)

How long does morning sickness last? How much should my baby weigh? And why is their poo THAT colour?! Life as a new parent or parent-to-be means there’s a lot to learn … and fast!

While there are some questions you might feel silly asking (including how long pregnancy actually lasts), you can guarantee plenty of other parents will be wondering exactly the same thing.

To help support you on your parenting journey, we’ve teamed up with the brilliant C&G baby club and C&G baby club’s Careline to answer the most commonly asked questions that parents to-be and new parents have. (A recent survey found that new parents Googled more than 2,000 questions during their baby’s first year).

C&G baby club and Careline are your go-to for friendly, judgement-free advice about absolutely anything pregnancy or baby-related. Their aim is simple: They want to give you the confidence to raise your little ones the BEST way…your way.

Sign up to the C&G baby club for free access to tips from real parents, emails tailored to your stage, and non-judgemental support for every stage of your pregnancy and beyond.

If you need one-to-one support at any stage of your parenting journey, you can also contact the C&G baby club's Careline. This free support service – which you can access from wherever you are via WhatsApp, Messenger and phone – has a dedicated team of baby advisors, midwives, nutritionists and child behavioural specialists. No question is too silly or small, the Careline offers down-to-earth, straightforward advice for parents-to-be and new parents. And they’re on hand to support you 7 days a week. 

1. How long does morning sickness last?

Bleugh. Morning sickness is very common in early pregnancy. And despite the name, it can affect you any time of day or night, as you might be quickly finding out.

While there’s no single cure for morning sickness, the NHS recommends an array of things you can try to soothe the symptoms. Eating small meals frequently, getting enough sleep and sipping lots of fluids could all help. 

The good news is the nausea and vomiting usually goes away by 16-20 weeks and there’s no increased risk to your baby. In some rare occasions, you can have an excessive form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. In these cases, the NHS recommends seeing a GP or midwife to avoid the risk of dehydration and weight loss.

C&G baby club has loads of information about early signs and symptoms and what you can expect in your pregnancy. They also have a  handy week-by-week pregnancy calendar featuring updates on your baby’s development.

If you’re struggling with morning sickness, or need help with anything else pregnancy or baby-related, you can contact the C&G baby club’s Careline. It's the place to go for friendly, judgement-free support no matter what stage of pregnancy or new parenthood you’re at.

2. How many weeks does pregnancy actually last?

As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, you’ll be obsessed with dates. But working out when you’re due, how many weeks pregnant you are and which trimester you’re in can all get a bit confusing. Especially since we talk about pregnancy lasting 9 months, but there are actually 40 weeks – 280 days – in a pregnancy. And that’s not even counting the extra 2 weeks if you go overdue!

So here’s the maths …

On paper, 40 weeks works out at 10 months. But that's only if you base each ‘month’ on four weeks totalling 28 days. In reality there are usually 30 or 31 days in a month. And this means each pregnancy ‘month’ is actually around 4.3 weeks long.

If we've totally confused you, C&G baby club has made things way easier with their due date calculator. Simply fill in your details to find out when your baby could arrive (although with only around 5% of women giving birth on time, be prepared for that date to move!)

Sign up free to the C&G baby club and you'll receive helpful emails for every stage of your pregnancy. Yay, no more Googling needed!

For any other questions about your pregnancy, including baby movements and the best positions for you to sleep in, contact the C&G baby club's Careline. On hand 7 days a week, the team of experts includes midwives who will answer your questions on WhatsApp, Messenger or call them on 0800 977 8880*. Nothing is off limits!

3. How will I know when labour starts?

You might think this is a silly question to ask, but it really isn’t! That’s because there are loads of different signs that you’re in early labour.

An upset tummy can be an indication your labour is starting, as can an aching lower back. And if you’re suddenly getting an urge to ‘nest’, your baby could be on their way!

Other signs you’re in the first stage of labour include a ‘show’ (your mucus plug coming away), contractions and your waters breaking. This ‘latent phase’ of labour, when irregular contractions gradually make your cervix open, can last hours or even days.

C&G baby club has all you need to know about the signs you’re in early labour, along with the different ways you can help bring on labour naturally.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Head to Messenger or WhatsApp, or dial 0800 977 8880* and speak to the expert team at C&G baby club's Careline. 

4. Why is my baby’s poo THAT colour?!

Sticky and dark green, mustard … just what is going on with the colour of your new baby’s poo? Don’t worry – you’re not the only parent to ask this!

And with each nappy change taking you by surprise, it’s no wonder ‘Why is my baby’s poo that colour’ is such a common question. Here are the different baby poos you can expect in the first days and weeks:

Greenish-black: This is called meconium and you’ll find it in your baby’s first few nappies. Sticky and tar-like, it’s made up of whatever your baby ingested in the womb. 

Yellowy-green: If your baby is having formula, their poo is likely to be pale brown or could turn yellowy-green in colour. 

Green: Some infant formulas could also turn your baby’s poo colour to dark green. If you have any concerns, talk to your GP or health visitor.

Mustard: If you’re breastfeeding, your baby’s poo is likely to become runnier and yellow in colour (think Dijon mustard and you’re there!). Although it might look alarming, it’s totally normal (and whiff-free!).

When you start weaning your baby, their poo will change again depending on what they’ve eaten. C&G baby club has a complete guide to baby poo if you want to learn more.

You can also reach out to the C&G baby club's Careline with all your baby-related (and pregnancy) questions. The free support service is on hand 7 days a week with expert parenting advice and zero judgement. 

5. How much should my baby weigh?

Your baby has arrived and one of the first questions from well-meaning family and friends is, ‘How much do they weigh?’ 

While you may be able to tell them a number, knowing how much your baby should weigh as they grow – and what the percentile charts in your baby’s red book actually mean – can be trickier to navigate.

But you don’t have to go through it alone. C&G baby club has everything you need to know about your baby’s weight, including how often you should weigh them.

For added reassurance, they’ve also got a guide to average baby weights for boys and girls. Sign up to the free C&G baby club for helpful tips from other parents and experts, including judgement-free advice to help you with all the parenting curveballs a new baby brings.

If you’re worried about your baby’s weight, the friendly team at C&G baby club's Careline are there for you. Pop your question on Messenger or WhatsApp or call them on 0800 977 8880* for 1-to-1 advice and support. 

*Available 8am-8pm Monday to Friday