Top 10 Questions to Ask Your OB/GYN

Feb 7, 2018 9:49:40 AM / by Voyage Healthcare Team posted in Health Tips, Women's Health

If you recently got pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions.  Are there changes you’ll want to make to your diet, or medications you should avoid? What about exercise, and work accommodations? What do you need to do to care for your growing baby? How can you make sure to care for yourself at the same time?

As prenatal care specialists, we get these types of questions all the time.

Here’s our roundup of the top 10 questions to ask your OB/GYN at your first prenatal appointment.

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Top 10 Questions to Ask Your OB/GYN

1. Are there changes I should make to my diet? Throughout your pregnancy, try to consume a wide variety of foods, including lean meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and unsaturated fats. Many women also take prenatal vitamins. Talk to your doctor about specific dietary recommendations.

2. What foods should I avoid during pregnancy? To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, consume only meat, fish, eggs, and poultry that are fully cooked. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products. Avoid soft cheeses (Brie, feta, Camembert) unless the label clearly states it's made from pasteurized milk. Thoroughly rinse fresh fruits and raw vegetables under running water (about 30 seconds) before eating. Avoid eating raw sprouts. Do not eat refrigerated smoked seafood, unless cooked in a casserole. Canned or shelf-stable smoked seafood may be eaten.

3. How much weight should I expect to gain during my pregnancy? Healthy weight gain ranges depend on your pre-pregnancy BMI. Your doctor will help you establish healthy weight gain goals. 

4. How much should I be exercising? Regular exercise can reduce or prevent back pain, prevent excessive weight gain, and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. However, pregnant women should avoid activities with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma, exercise at high altitudes, and scuba diving. 

Looking for ideas? Check out these 5 Safe Fitness Activities During Pregnancy. Ask your doctor if you have questions about specific activities.

5. Can I travel during my pregnancy? Many pregnant women drive throughout their pregnancies, and wearing a seatbelt is recommended. Many women also fly until late in their pregnancies, and most airlines allow travel up to 37 weeks gestation. Talk to your doctor about safety measures to take when travelling.

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6. Will I be able to work throughout my pregnancy? Although you may need certain adjustments to your work style, in general, women can plan to work throughout a pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about strategies to stay comfortable at work, and what to do if you need special accommodations.

7. Can I continue taking my current medications? Your medications may need to be stopped, adjusted, or switched. Very few drugs have been approved as absolutely safe during pregnancy. However, many medications have good safety records and do not increase risk for birth defects or adverse pregnancy outcomes when taken as directed. Some medications should be avoided in the first trimester, but may be okay to take later during pregnancy. It is important to weigh the severity of your symptoms against the possible risks to your baby. Ask your doctor for more information about specific drugs, whether they are prescription or over-the-counter.

8. When will my next appointment be? For an uncomplicated pregnancy, women should plan to see their provider every 4 weeks through 28 weeks, every 2 weeks between 28 and 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks to delivery. Your doctor may wish to see you more frequently if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about a plan for your prenatal care during this first appointment.

9. Do you recommend any type of prenatal screening or testing? Depending on factors like your age, family medical history and your ethnic background, your doctor may recommend prenatal screening or testing. The decision to pursue prenatal screening or testing is personal, and there is no one right path. Your doctor will help you make an informed decision that is right for you.

10. Do you recommend any prenatal classes? To prepare for delivery, you may also want to take a prenatal class. There are many different options for delivery, so you’ll want to choose a class that fits your needs. Ask your doctor about finding the right class for you.

Make the Most of Your First Prenatal Appointment 

What else can you expect at your first prenatal appointment? What documents do you need to bring?

This guide will help you make the most of your first prenatal visit, and get the care you and your baby need and deserve.

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Voyage Healthcare Team

Written by Voyage Healthcare Team

Voyage Healthcare is an independently owned, multi-specialty healthcare clinic — guided by the doctors who care for families in the northwest metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

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