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14 Questions to Ask Your First Prenatal Visit
Maybe you spoke with dozens of midwives before you found the right one. Or maybe you will continue your maternity care with the same family doctor that you have known for many years. The first prenatal appointment, no matter what your situation, is important. Your prenatal care provider will be checking for you and your baby to ensure that everything is in order. You'll also have an opportunity to ask any burning questions you have since you first saw the positive pregnancy test. These are some questions that you should bring up during your first visit.
1. Do I need to make changes in my diet?
Although you don't have to increase your calorie intake in the second trimester of pregnancy, it is important to ensure your baby's health, even early on. Talking to your provider about your current diet and asking for her advice will help you assess what you are doing well and what you could be doing wrong. Talking about your eating habits is especially important if you have any dietary restrictions or are at high risk of developing gestational diabetes.
2. Is it a big deal that I drank a glass of wine before I found out I was pregnant?
This is a common concern because it is well-known that fetal alcohol syndromes (FASDs), can have severe consequences for a fetus. Diane Hlavacek MD, an OB/GYN Scottsdale, Arizona offers some reassurance. "Alcohol in or around the time that conception occurs [shouldn’t] cause problems." Hlavacek advises to stop drinking alcohol as soon you find out you are pregnant. FASDs can be prevented, unlike many other conditions and birth defects.
3. What weight should I gain?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynologists (ACOG), women of normal weight should gain between 25 and 36 pounds during pregnancy. Your provider will help you adjust that number. You might need to gain more or less if you are overweight or underweight, have multiple children, or are affected by a few other factors.
4. Can I continue working out?
With a few exceptions, the answer is likely to be "yes" to this question. You will need to avoid high-impact exercise, such as horseback riding and contact sports. A high-risk pregnancy may also mean that you might have to restrict your exercise. There are many benefits to staying active while pregnant. Most moms encourage their daughters to continue with their exercise routines. Ask your provider for guidance if you are a former couch potato and feel the need to move.
5. When is it time to start sleeping on my back?
Hlavacek explained that patients should sleep on their side to help displace the pregnancy uterus' weight from the large blood vessels. Your uterus will not become too heavy to be required until around 20 weeks. As with all things, it is important to consult your provider about when you should make the move. You can also get tips and tricks for the transition if you are not comfortable side-lying.
6. Is it still okay to have sex?
Although it is not necessary to ban sex during pregnancy in most cases, it is a good idea to ask. You may not be interested in sex as much as you used to. Your care provider can help you if you feel anxious or out of control. It's important to know that sex drives usually rev up after the first trimester.
7. Are the products that I use safe?
Even natural products may contain ingredients that are not allowed during pregnancy. It is best to bring your items with you to your appointment so your provider can read them. She may be able to recommend alternative products for those products currently on the no-no lists.
8. Which prenatal vitamin would you recommend?
Prenatal vitamins with Folic acid may be prescribed by your care provider. Or, she may recommend an over-the counter (OTC). All prenatals provide a certain amount of vitamins and nutrients. However, your OB or midwife might recommend a particular product for you. Your practitioner may recommend solutions if you have tried prenatals and supplements before but are having difficulty keeping them down. This could include a smaller pill, a gummy, liquid or time-shifting.
9. Can I continue taking my prescription medication?
Bring the bottles along. It's easier for your provider (or anyone else) to say "yes" or not if they can see what you are working with. While some medications may be approved, others will not. Your provider should be able help you find viable options to meet your needs.
10. Are prescription medications safe? What dosages are safe?
It seems strange that pregnancy, which is a time when there are many ailments, also means that many of your favorite remedies may not be available. If non-medicated options (saline drops, a humidifier, and rest and ice for headaches) don't work, you don't need to suffer. Your health care team will be able to tell you about approved OTC remedies that may provide relief.
11. Is there anything I should be aware of during pregnancy?
This will help you to know when and how to avoid worrying. It can also allow you to be more excited about other things like prenatal classes, birth plans, and baby names. Some minor inconveniences like mild cramping or spotting can cause panic, but they are usually not major problems. You should know that not all pregnancies will be the same.
12. Are there any concerns in my family's medical history?
Talking about medical issues, family history, and mental health concerns is important. It's a good idea to discuss any health concerns, family history, and mental health factors with your provider before you are due. This will allow your provider to monitor your well-being more closely after your delivery.
13. Which vaccinations would you recommend?
Many doctors will recommend that you get the flu vaccine (influenza), and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (aka whooping cough) vaccines during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant now have the option to get COVID 19, if they don't already have it. Many first-time moms have questions about vaccines. It's a good idea to have a conversation about what they are and how they can benefit you and your baby.
14. If I have any questions beyond office hours, what is the best way to get in touch with you?
Caregivers know that caregivers don't always have the time to answer your questions between 9 and 5. If you do have a concern, don’t hesitate to contact us. Once you have figured out the best way to contact you, you can save it in your phone. It may be the same number that you use during office hours.
In the days before your appointment, spend some time thinking about any additional questions. Hlavacek suggests that you write down any concerns and get them answered. This will help you to not only alleviate your personal worries but also establish a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider.
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