Questions To Ask Doctor When Pregnant

Pregnancy is the most crucial time for each and every woman in the reproductive age group. The pattern of pregnancy is different for different women. Some may experience a certain amount of anxiety while others may be absolutely fine.

A common doubt therefore faced by each pregnant woman is what questions to ask the doctor when pregnant. These questions not only apply to pregnant women but also to those women who are planning their pregnancy. This article will help you understand how you can prepare for pregnancy and what questions to ask the doctor when pregnant.

Questions To Ask Doctor While Planning for A Pregnancy

You and Your Partner must Discuss The Following With Your Doctor

• History of previous pregnancies (if any).
• Menstrual history – onset of menses, regular cycle days and duration
• Having a medical condition like diabetes, epilepsy or high blood pressure.
• Having hereditary medical conditions like thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, hemoglobinopathies or muscular dystrophy.
• Having a history of gynecological problems like PCOS, endometriosis or a history of previous ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus)
• Having some physical or mental disability
• History of medications or using illicit/ recreational drugs
• Regarding sexual health like sexually transmitted illnesses.
• History of using oral contraceptives or intra-uterine devices.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Pregnancy

You may need to ask your doctor the following question at first visit or while planning a pregnancy:

• What is the most fertile time to get pregnant? Your doctor will explain to you about your menstrual cycle.
• What are my chances of becoming pregnant? Your doctor will analyze your complete past medical and gynecological history to evaluate your chances of getting pregnant.
• Will pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, and hypertension (if you have any) have any effect on pregnancy?
• Which medications should I continue, which ones should I discontinue during pregnancy till the time of delivery?
• Will my gynecological troubles (if any) have any effect on pregnancy?
• Will my history of physical or mental disability have any effect on my baby?
• What diet should I follow during pregnancy?
• What foods to avoid during pregnancy?
• Do I need to take any additional nutritional supplements during pregnancy?
• How much alcohol or smoking is permitted during pregnancy? Will it have any effect on my pregnancy?
• How long can I continue working during pregnancy? How much and what kind of work is permitted during pregnancy?
• Do I need to change my skin care routine? Do I need to stop using certain products or cosmetics?
• Are over-the counter-medications safe for me?
• What kind of exercises is allowed during pregnancy?
• Is it safe to travel during the first trimester of pregnancy?
• Can I indulge in sexual intercourse during pregnancy?

When planning a pregnancy or at first visit to the doctor when you suspect pregnancy, you are first required to undergo a set of tests to determine whether you are pregnant or not.

In the case of pregnancy, further blood and urine tests are done along with tests for serological markers for viruses.

An Ultrasound Examination is also Done At The First Visit

• To detect early pregnancy
• To get the accurate date of pregnancy
• To check for the number of fetuses
• To check for fetal abnormalities
• To detect uterine abnormalities

Questions To Ask The Doctor During First Trimester

• How many weeks pregnant am I?
• What will be my expected date of delivery? This is calculated from your date of amenorrhea (having no menses).
• How long does the first trimester last? The first trimester lasts for 12 weeks.
• Which tests do I need to take during the first trimester?
• How much weight will I put on during the first trimester?
• Is it normal to feel breast tenderness? Breast discomfort or fullness may be present at the 6-8th week of pregnancy.
• Is it normal to have increased urination? It is seen in an 8-12th week due to the pressure of the gravid uterus on the bladder.
• Is constipation during pregnancy?
• How long will I experience nausea and vomiting and what can I do to ease it? Nausea and vomiting usually subside by the end of the first trimester.
• Is it normal to have some cramping or slight bleeding? Spotting does not indicate something majorly abnormal.

Questions to Ask The Doctor During Second Trimester

• How long does the second trimester last? It lasts for 13-28 weeks.
• What tests do I need to take during the second trimester?
• When will I start feeling fetal movements? Fetal movements can be felt by 18 weeks of pregnancy.
• Is it normal to notice enlarged breasts and stretch marks on the breast and abdomen? How long does it take for stretch marks to fade?
• Can the heartbeats of my baby be heard? Fetal heart sounds (FHS) can be detected by 18-20 weeks of pregnancy.
• Is it normal to experience swelling around the ankles?
• Is it normal to experience back pain?

Questions to Ask The Doctor During Third Trimester

• How long does the third/ last trimester last?
• Is it normal to notice bluish discoloration of leg veins?
• Do I need to run some genetic tests on my baby?
• Am I supposed to get any vaccines before delivery?
• What should I prepare myself for delivery?
• Is it normal to feel fatigue?
• Is it normal to experience some pelvic pressure during the last trimester?
• What signs of labor should I look out for?
• How to recognize “show”?
• How long do I have to stay in the hospital after delivery?
• What are my chances of having a normal delivery or C-section delivery?

A C-Section Delivery is Advised in The Following Cases

• Maternal age (35 years or more)
• Maternal obesity
• Gestational diabetes
• Large baby
• Post-term pregnancy
• Previous c-section delivery

You Need to Contact Your Doctor Immediately If you Notice One or More of These Warning Signs and Symptoms

• Severe cramping pain in the pelvic region
• When your water breaks and you notice greenish or brownish fluid.
• If you have a sudden headache with visual disturbances.

For women who are pregnant and those planning pregnancy, it is necessary to understand what questions to ask the doctor when pregnant during each ante-natal visit. This helps you to know how your pregnancy is progressing

Dr. Himanshi Purohit

Dr. Himanshi is a Homoeopathic consultant and currently working as a lecturer in Post-graduate faculty of Homeopathy, Parul University, Vadodara. Completed BHMS and MD in Homeopathy in January 2018 and also has a clinical experience of about 6 years. Personal interests include reading, spending time with family and traveling.