First trimester: Questions to ask during prenatal appointments

Now that you’re pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions. Your first prenatal appointment usually takes place between week 6 and week 8 of pregnancy, which is the perfect time to get them answered. And don’t worry if you miss one – you’ll have a prenatal appointment each month up until week 28. Some questions that can be asked are:

• How much weight should I gain?

• Are my prescription medications safe for pregnancy?

• Am I at risk for any complications or conditions?

• Which over-the-counter medications are safe?

• Which prenatal vitamin do you recommend?

• Which prenatal screenings do I need?

• Is it safe to exercise?

• What can I do, what should I avoid?

• Can I have sex?

• What should I eat and drink? What should I avoid?

• Which symptoms are normal, which aren’t? When should I call you?

• How can I relieve my pregnancy symptoms (fatigue, morning sickness)?

• Can I call you if I have any questions or concerns?

• Who will deliver my baby?

• What are my delivery options?

Second trimester: Questions to ask during prenatal appointments 

During the second trimester, the baby will start to develop! Now that your body is changing even more, you’re likely to have some additional questions for your doctor. Throughout the second trimester prenatal appointments some questions to ask include:

• How is my child’s development? 

• What tests should I get done this trimester? 

• What is my projected delivery date?

• How much weight should I be gaining? 

• What symptoms are normal? What symptoms are abnormal?

• What complications can arise this trimester? 

• What kind of exercising can I do? 

• Is sex still safe? 

• When will I feel my baby move and kick? When will my partner feel it?

• Is spotting normal in the second trimester? 

• Can I color my hair during the second trimester?

• What should I be eating, and shouldn’t I be eating more? 

• What types of pain management will I have access to during labor?

• When should I start sleeping on my side? 

• Are my prescription medications safe to continue taking? 

Third trimester: Questions to ask during prenatal appointments

During the last 12 weeks of pregnancy, these will be the last changes that will happen. Any questions that are lingering can be answered by an OBGYN, midwife or healthcare provider. Possible questions include:

• Will you be there during my whole labor?

• What happens if my water breaks in the middle of the night?

• Will there be a nurse with me throughout my whole labor?

• What support is available if I want to breastfeed?

• What’s the difference between “baby blues” and post-partum depression (PPD?)

• Every time I feel the baby move, it hurts. Is this normal?

• Can we talk about my birth plan?

• How likely is it that I’ll need a C-section?

• How can I tell if I’m going into labor vs. false labor?

• Is it normal that my hands and feet are swollen?

Questions To Ask At Your Prenatal Appointments | Geisinger

“Pregnancy Care – Questions to Ask at Your Prenatal Appointments.” Geisinger, www.geisinger.org/patient-care/conditions-treatments-specialty/questions-to-ask-during-prenatal-appointments.