As a newly pregnant woman, it’s only natural to have a lot of questions. At least I did. I didn’t know much about the do’s and don’t for a healthy pregnancy or how I would know when it was time to go to the hospital. And that freaked me out a little. You will have so many more questions as you progress through pregnancy but I’ve learned there are certain questions that are a must and it’s best to ask them early on. Here are the top 6 questions to ask your doctor during the first trimester.
1. Food: What should I eat and what should I avoid?
As a new mom, you might be surprised at some of the foods that you’re advised to avoid like deli meats, high mercury fish like swordfish and soft cheeses. It’s also recommended that pregnant women keep their caffeine consumption under 200mg per day and avoid alcohol.
2. Medications: What over the counter medicines are safe?
It’s important to make sure your doctor is aware and ok with all medicines and supplements you’re taking. Even the products you use in your beauty routine. On the flip side, you will want to know what medicines you CAN take if you have a headache, heartburn or a cold.
3. Prenatal Vitamins: What should I look for in a prenatal vitamin?
Your doctor can recommend the amount of each nutrient you should be looking for such as folate, iron and calcium. If you have a special condition, your doctor may even recommend additional supplements.
4. Exercise: Is it ok to exercise? What kind and amount is safe?
Regular exercise is good for both mom AND baby. It has been shown to increase your mood and energy, promotes muscle strength and endurance, and can even help you sleep better. Certain precautions (like keeping your heart rate within a certain range) may need to be taken to protect your growing little baby so I recommend checking with your doctor.
5. Appointments: What will appointments and ultrasounds look like? How frequently will they be scheduled?
I hope you’re ready to become best friends with your doctor. (Kidding… kind of). But in all seriousness, it’s good to have an idea of what to expect and how frequently you will see your doctor over the next nine months. And certain things like ultrasounds can differ: some doctors offer ultrasounds in the office and others will have you go offsite.
6. Delivery: Where will I deliver? Who will deliver my baby?
Your doctor will be affiliated with a certain hospital, which is where you will deliver. Some doctors can say definitively that they will be the one delivering your baby but others may have a rotating schedule with other doctors in the practice. I recommend scheduling an appointment with all of the doctors so you have the opportunity to meet them before you’re in labor.
You may also want to ask your doctor what classes you should take (childbirth, hospital tour, etc) and at what point do you start talking about induction?
It isn’t fun to feel anxious and overwhelmed about pregnancy, but remember that your doctor is a great resource. Every pregnancy is different and inevitably more questions will pop up as you progress each week. My hope is that asking your doctor the 6 questions I shared above will be a good starting point in the first trimester and will help you feel more comfortable and at ease.
Related: Scheduled C Section: How I Prepared for It | 12 Things To Do In Your First Trimester of Pregnancy | Newborn Necessities: My Top 10 Products