Pregnancy, TTC and Infertility

Questions to Ask your Obstetrician or Midwife

You probably have a ton of questions running through your mind about what to expect and what to do. Unfortunately, all of those questions tend to go out the window once you step into the doctor's office. A great tip is to write down your questions whenever you think of one, and bring your list to every appointment for answers. Below are some popular new-parent questions to get you started!

Preconception/Trying to Conceive
• Are my immunizations up to date?
• What medications should I avoid?
• Do I have any health problems that should be treated prior to conception?
• Should I have my iron levels checked?
• What kind of prenatal vitamin should I take?

Pregnancy
• Are there any limitations on exercise, type of exercise, intensity, duration or frequency?
• How long can I continue jogging?
• Should I limit or avoid certain foods?
• Should I limit or avoid any recreational activities?
• What foods are especially healthy during pregnancy?
• Should I be concerned about mercury levels in fish?
• What is a healthy amount of weight for me to gain?
• Should I get a flu shot?
• Are there any hazards in my work environment (computers, chemicals) to be concerned about?
• Do any of my hobbies pose any hazards that might harm the baby?
• What prenatal tests are recommended for me?
• Are there any beauty/spa treatments that I should avoid?
• Is sex safe throughout my entire pregnancy?
• How long can I sleep on my back?
• When is it no longer safe to fly?
• How should I position my seat belt around my belly?
• What symptoms of problems should I watch out for?
• How will I know I’m in labor, and how soon should I call the office?
• Are my nipples suitable for breastfeeding? (Inverted, retracting, or flat nipples can be problematic, but are easily “fixed” prior to delivery)
• Is it safe to take hot baths during pregnancy?
• When do we get an ultrasound?
• How often should I schedule appointments?

Labor and Delivery
• Are there any exercises I can do now to help make labor go easier or faster?
• How long should I wait before going to the hospital/birthing center?
• Who will deliver my baby?
• Who can I invite to the birth (limits on number or age of invitees)?
• Can I drink/snack during labor?
• Can I wear my own clothing during labor?
• Can we videotape the birth?
• Besides medication, what alternative pain management techniques do you recommend?
• What can we do to help labor along before going to the hospital or birthing center?

Postpartum
• Should I continue to take prenatal vitamins?
• How soon can I resume exercise?
• How long should I wait before having sex?
• Who should I call if I encounter problems breastfeeding?
• How much depression/moodiness is normal?
• How long should I wait to take a hot bath or sit in a hot tub?
• How soon can I start to try to lose my pregnancy weight?