Now that you are pregnant, you may have so many questions that you want to ask your doctor on your first visit. It is easy to forget to ask these important questions during your first visit because of all the excitement and confusion. Prepare a list of questions so that you leave the office with enough information to help you deal with your pregnancy even before the baby bump shows.
When Is My Due Date?
Finding out your due date helps you prepare yourself and the baby’s things prior to childbirth. It also lets you know if your pregnancy is progressing normally as you experience the signs and symptoms in each week, month and trimester.
What Symptoms Should I Have?
You may experience several symptoms during your pregnancy. Put your mind at ease by finding out which ones are normal signs of pregnancy and which ones aren’t. Some symptoms your doctor may discuss with you include morning sickness, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, food cravings, swollen feet, weight gain, back pains and more. Ask your doctor what you can do to alleviate these symptoms.
What Habits Do I Change?
Common sense should dictate that smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs are bad habits that you must avoid during pregnancy; however, some habits may not be bad for you, but you may need to change the ways you do them. Ask your doctor about the changes you should make regarding your sex, exercise and sleep habits.
What Foods or Drinks Should I Avoid?
During pregnancy, you may develop gestational diabetes, which is an increase in blood sugar. You may later develop type 2 diabetes after childbirth if your blood sugar level does not go down. To maintain your blood sugar level, you must avoid certain foods or drinks. Ask your doctor if you have concerns about or are suffering from diabetes or other health conditions. She may give you a list or refer you to a dietitian so you can have a balanced nutrition to benefit you and your baby.
What Supplements or Medications Should I Take?
Whether you take prescriptions or dietary supplements prior to pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe or suggest that you stop or continue them. Some prescription drugs may be dangerous for your baby. Your doctor may prescribe alternatives that do not have side effects. Ask what prenatal vitamins and other supplements to take. Iron, vitamin C or folic acid will benefit you and your baby during pregnancy.
What Constitutes An Emergency?
Throughout your pregnancy, you may experience some conditions that may make you nervous and deem as emergencies. Knowing what those are will decrease your worries and those unnecessary trips to the emergency room. For example, blood spotting or abdominal cramping may arise and may or may not be normal during certain stages of your pregnancy.
What Number Do I Call for Questions?
Ask your doctor for his number or the advice nurse’s number. It always helps to know where to call to get answers to questions that you may have concerning your pregnancy.
When Is My Next Visit?
Before leaving the doctor’s office, find out when your next visit will be. During your pregnancy, you will have several prenatal check-ups. Schedule them with your doctor during your first visit so that you and your spouse/partner can make necessary arrangements in advance.
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