Maybe you interviewed a dozen midwives before finding the right one, or maybe your maternity care will continue with the same family doctor you’ve trusted for years. Regardless of your circumstances, the first prenatal appointment is a big one.
Not only will your prenatal care provider check to make sure you and your baby are both on track, but this is also your first chance to ask those burning questions you’ve been wondering since you first saw this the positive pregnancy test. But, as many of us know, it’s not uncommon for your mind to go completely blank when a provider inevitably asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” at the end of an appointment.
To make sure you get all the answers you need, spend some time in the days leading up to your first appointment thinking about whether you have any other questions. “Make sure you note down … any specific questions that concern you and ask to address them,” she suggests Diane Hlavacek, MD, a retired OB-GYN in Scottsdale, Arizona. “This will not only assuage your personal concerns, but also begin to build a meaningful and trusting bond with your health care provider.”
Not sure what questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment? We’re calling you with some of the most common (and helpful) questions you can ask your provider.
Do I need to make any changes to my diet?
You should never feel like you have to restrict your diet—pregnant or not—but this is definitely not the time to try to cut calories. Having said that, it is necessary to eat a balanced, nutritious diet for your bean sprout. If you are worried, discussing your normal diet with your provider and their advice will help put your mind at ease. It is especially important to discuss your eating habits if you have dietary restrictions, are at risk for gestational diabetes, or have trouble keeping food down due to morning sickness.
Is that glass of wine I drank before I found out I was pregnant a big deal?
This is a common concern because it is known that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) can have devastating effects on the fetus. However, Dr. Hlavacek offers some reassurance: “Alcohol in the system at or around the time of conception [shouldn’t] I’m causing problems.” Regardless, go ahead and tell your provider about it, and heed Dr. Hlavacek’s advice to stop drinking alcohol once you find out you’re expecting.
How much weight should I gain?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that expectant parents average between 25 and 35 kg of weight gain during pregnancy. However, your provider can help you improve this number. If you’re under or overweight, expect multiples, or are subject to a handful of other factors, you may need to earn less or more than average.
If you are currently being treated for or in recovery from an eating disorder, it is important bring it to your appointment. You can expect to be weighed at each prenatal visit, and your provider will want to know if this will trigger you. Additionally, by disclosing your condition to your OB-GYN, you are providing them with an essential medical history that will influence how they treat you and your pregnancy.
Can I continue working out?
The answer to this question is probably “yes”, with a few exceptions. If you participate in any type of high-intensity exercise—think horseback riding or contact sports—you’ll need to abstain during your 40-week term, and a high-risk pregnancy could also lead to some exercise restrictions. However, staying active while you’re expecting has a myriad of benefits, so most parents-to-be are encouraged to keep up their exercise routines. If, before pregnancy, you weren’t very active but suddenly feel compelled to move, ask your provider about the best way to safely implement a new routine.
When should I start sleeping on my side?
“The reason patients are encouraged to sleep on their sides is to take the weight of the pregnant uterus off the large vessels that return blood to the heart,” explains Dr. Hlavacek. Usually, your uterus won’t get heavy enough to make this necessary until somewhere around or after the 20-week mark. But as with everything, we recommend that you get your provider’s opinion on when to make the move—as well as some tips for transitioning if side-lying isn’t your preferred position.
Is sex still okay?
In the majority of cases, there is no reason to limit sex during pregnancy, but the best practice is always to ask. If you’re not quite ready for sex these days, that’s normal, too—and your care provider can ease your worries if you’re feeling frustrated or anxious. (Good to know: Labidos tend to rev up—often more intense than before you conceived—after the first trimester. Because of the increased blood flow, orgasms also tend to increase in intensity.)
Are my beauty products safe?
Some of the most popular beauty products are considered dangerous during pregnancy, such as retinol or botox, and even all-natural products may contain ingredients that are off-limits during pregnancy (for more information, see Complete guide to a safe beauty routine during pregnancy). The easiest way to get the a-OK on all your beauty products is to bring them to your appointment and let your provider read the labels. They can make alternative recommendations for products that are no longer safe.
What prenatal vitamin do you recommend?
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a prenatal vitamin with folic acid or may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) variety. While all prenatal supplements offer a dose of critical vitamins and nutrients, your individual needs may prompt a specific recommendation from your midwife or doctor. If you’ve already started taking prenatal vitamins or supplements but are having trouble sticking to them, your doctor may suggest helpful solutions like a smaller pill, a gum or liquid version, or even changing the time of day you take it . .
Can I continue to take my prescription drugs?
Bring the bottles with you because it’s easier for your provider to give a definitive yes or no if they can see exactly what you’re working with. Some drugs will be approved, but many others will not. However, the provider should be able to help you find some viable alternatives to address your needs.
Are over-the-counter medications safe? At What Dosages?
It seems unfair that pregnancy, a time of abundant illness, is also a time when many of your treatments are off the table. When non-drug methods (saline drops and a humidifier for a stuffy nose, rest and ice for a headache) don’t work, rest assured that you don’t have to suffer. Some approved OTC options can provide relief and your healthcare team can tell you about them.
Are there any pregnancy symptoms I should watch out for?
Covering this topic ahead of time lets you know when to worry and when not to worry (which can free you up to scramble for more exciting things like prenatal classes, birth plans, and baby names!). Some discomforts, such as mild cramping and spotting, may cause you to panic, but generally it’s not a big deal. However, not all pregnancies are equal, so you need to know if there are any specifics to your situation that you should be aware of.
Does my family medical history show red flags for complications?
You should discuss medical concerns, family history, and mental health diagnoses with your OB-GYN. If you have any risk factors that may increase your chances of developing postpartum depression or anxiety, for example, it’s wise to mention them well in advance of your due date so your provider can more closely monitor your postpartum well-being.
What vaccines do you recommend?
Many professionals recommend getting the influenza (flu) and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, also known as whooping cough) vaccine during pregnancy. When necessary, it is also offered to pregnant women Vaccination against COVID-19 and one RSV vaccine. First-time parents may have lots of questions about vaccines, so it’s a good idea to discuss why and when they’re recommended and how they might benefit you and your baby before the needle comes out.
What is the best way to contact you after hours?
Healthcare providers understand that your questions will not always come up during normal business hours, so please feel free to contact them if you have a genuine concern. Once you’ve decided on the right way to contact you, save the number in your phone (it’s likely to be the same number you use during office hours) so it’s ready to use if needed.
If possible, it’s best to go to your first prenatal appointment with a list of questions tailored to you and your needs (again, if you’re not sure where to start, go ahead and use the questions we’ve provided here). Your provider is there to put you at ease and keep you and your baby safe throughout your pregnancy, so they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. If, for some reason, your OB-GYN isn’t giving your questions the time and attention they deserve, it’s best to find out at your initial appointment so you have plenty of time to find a new doctor that’s right for you. better. .
