9 Essential Questions To Ask During Your First Prenatal Visit
Now that you have confirmed your pregnancy with a ridiculous number of pregnancy kits, you will have a lot on your mind. Make a call to your doctor once you get the pink line, and he/she will ask you to come in. This visit may be one of the longest and you will have an opportunity to have all your concerns addressed by the doctor about your pregnancy and labor. But remember that your next visit may not be until you are 8 to 9 weeks pregnant. The first visit will give you an idea on how to prepare for your pregnancy and what to expect. But, it could also happen that you’ll go completely blank once you reach the doctor’s office. So, keep a paper and pen handy to jot down all your questions:
9. Who Will Be Delivering My Baby?
The doctor you meet for your first prenatal visit may not necessarily be the one who will be delivering your baby. Some people feel better once they get to meet those doctors or nurses who’ll be in charge of the delivery. Though this may not be an essential question for everyone, you can give it a thought. You don’t want a doctor who hesitates to answer your questions and concerns, or worse, somebody who is rude. So getting to meet them will help you decide if they are a good fit.
8. How Much Weight Should I Put On And At What Rate?
Your doctor will check your BMI to see if you fall in the underweight, healthy or the overweight category. He/she can then guide you on how to gain or lose weight in a healthy manner and at what rate.
7. Can I Continue My Exercise Routine? Is There Any Kind Of Exercise To Avoid?
If you are a gym rat or a yoga junkie, you might have concerns about what kind of workouts to stay away from. The good news is that exercise is good for pregnancy but in moderation. Your doctor can advise you on what kind of exercise to do, and how long you can sweat it out in the gym.
6. Can I Continue My Medications?
If you are taking any medications currently, make a list of all the medications and supplements to take to your appointment. Since all medications are not safe during pregnancy, your doctor will decide if you need to stop or suggest a safe alternative.
5. Is There Anything That I Need To Avoid In My Diet?
Pregnancy has many dos and don’ts especially when it comes to diet. Your doctor will probably tell you that smoking and alcohol is a big NO. But we bet you already knew that. There may be certain other foods and drinks that you need to cut down on or avoid. Ask your doctor what kind of foods to include in your diet as well.
4. How Do I Take Care Of Certain Health Conditions?
If you have a history of health conditions, talk to your OB-GYN about it. Certain health conditions can affect your pregnancy which can only be dealt with by creating food and lifestyle changes and closely monitoring your condition. Also, let them know about any allergies to antibiotics or problems with anesthesia.
3. Are There Any Restrictions On Intercourse During Pregnancy?
Being pregnant doesn’t have to bring an end to your love life. But you may have to be a bit more cautious and keep certain things in mind. Don’t hesitate to clear all your concerns about making love while pregnant.
2. What Screenings Should I Get?
You may be screened for several diseases to rule out any risks or health conditions. You can also get a genetic screening later on in your pregnancy if you are living in a country where it’s legal.
1. Whom Should I Call In Case Of An Emergency Or Concern?
It’s important to have an after-hours contact number because your baby doesn’t care about business hours. You may have a concern anytime during your pregnancy which doesn’t require you to get an appointment. There are also going to be cases where you think you are going into labor, and you need someone to talk to just to be sure.
It’s okay if you miss a question or two during your first prenatal visit. Because we are sure there are going to be a lot of questions and concerns that’ll pop up in your head throughout your pregnancy. It’s best to make a note of it so that you don’t forget it on your next doctor visit. Don’t be naive that you are going to remember everything, because hello, pregnancy brain!
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