Questions to ask your doctor about staying healthy during pregnancy

What to ask your doctor about staying healthy during pregnancy; Pregnancy - what to ask your doctor about staying healthy; Healthy pregnancy - what to ask your doctor

You are pregnant and want to know how to have a healthy pregnancy. Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider for a healthy pregnancy.

Questions

How often should I go for regular check-ups?

What should I expect from routine visits?
What types of tests may be done during these visits?
When should I see a provider apart from my regular visits?
Do I need any vaccines? Are they safe?
Is genetic counseling important?

What foods should I eat for a healthy pregnancy?

Are there foods I should avoid?
How much weight should I gain?
Why do I need prenatal vitamins? How would they help?
Will taking iron supplements cause any side effects? What can I do to reduce them?

What habits should I avoid while pregnant?

Is smoking unsafe for my child and pregnancy?
Can I drink alcohol? Is there a safe limit?
Can I have caffeine?

Can I exercise during pregnancy?

What types of exercise are safe?
What exercises should I avoid?

What over-the-counter medicines are safe to take during pregnancy?

What medicines should I avoid?
Do I need to consult a provider before taking any medicine during pregnancy?
Can I continue to take my regular medicines during pregnancy?

How long can I continue to work?

Are there certain tasks at work I should avoid?
Are there any precautions I should take at work while pregnant?

Open References

References

Berger DS, West EH. Nutrition during pregnancy. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 6.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. During pregnancy. www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/during/index.html. Updated May 15, 2024. Accessed May 28, 2024.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. What can I do to promote a healthy pregnancy? www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preconceptioncare/conditioninfo/healthy-pregnancy. Updated January 31, 2017. Accessed May 28, 2024.

Gregory KD, Ramos DE, Jauniaux ERM. Preconception and prenatal care. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5.

Pregnancy care
Animation

Pregnancy care
Animation

A Closer Look

Talking to your MD

Self Care

Prenatal care in your first trimester

Tests for Questions to ask your doctor about staying healthy during pregnancy

Review Date: 5/14/2024

Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Health Library