Pregnancy is one of the most exciting, confusing, and downright transformative experiences of your life. Between the ultrasounds, body changes, and endless advice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information. 

But here’s something most OB-GYNs agree on: the best prenatal care is a collaborative effort. Share your concerns, note symptoms and changes, and above all, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Knowing what to ask at each prenatal doctor appointment can help you feel empowered, informed, and more connected to your care. 

Below are 10 questions OB-GYNs wish pregnant patients asked more often—plus what their answers can tell you. Whether you’re preparing for your first prenatal visit or entering your third trimester, these questions will help you take charge of your pregnancy journey. 

Before Your First Prenatal Doctor Appointment 

Prenatal care is the most important thing you can do to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby. You should have your first prenatal appointment at around the eighth week of pregnancy, or shortly after you find out you’re pregnant. 

 A quick prep checklist to bring this to your first visit: 

• A list of your medications and supplements 
• The start date of your last menstrual period 
• Family medical history (yours and your partner’s) 
• Questions or concerns about early pregnancy symptoms 
   

Writing things down helps you get the most out of your prenatal care visit. You don’t have to remember everything—and your provider will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Now let’s get to the questions. 

1. What’s my personalized prenatal visit schedule, and how do I reach you between visits? 

Every pregnancy is unique. While most people have monthly visits until 28 weeks, then biweekly and weekly appointments later on, your OB-GYN might tailor your schedule based on your health and risk factors. 

 Why it matters: Knowing the plan in advance helps you anticipate upcoming tests, travel, and maternity leave timelines. It also clarifies what to do if something feels off between appointments—whether that’s calling the nurse line or messaging your provider through the portal. 

 Ask this, too: “Who should I contact if I notice spotting, swelling, or pain between visits?” 

2. Which prenatal tests and scans do I need—and when? 

Genetic screenings, ultrasounds, and bloodwork can sound overwhelming. Your OB-GYN can explain which ones are routine and which are optional based on your age, medical history, and family background. 

 Why it matters: Understanding your testing timeline helps you make informed decisions rather than feeling rushed. It’s also a good time to ask early pregnancy questions like, “When will I first hear my baby’s heartbeat?” or “When can I find out the sex?” 

Bonus tip: Use your phone’s calendar to log your next scan and any fasting instructions your doctor gives you. 

3. How much weight should I gain? 

Healthy weight gain looks different for everyone. Your provider will consider your pre-pregnancy weight, activity level, and whether you’re carrying multiples. 

Why it matters: Gaining too little or too much can affect your energy, blood pressure, and baby’s growth. Ask your doctor for personalized ranges and for guidance on healthy habits that support them. 

Follow-up question: “Can I exercise while pregnant, and what’s safe for me right now?” 

That leads to our next one… 

4. Can I keep exercising during my pregnancy? 

One of the most common pregnancy questions is whether exercise is still safe. In most cases, yes! “We know that exercise in pregnancy is not only safe, but it's incredibly beneficial, both for the mom and for the baby,” counsels Dr. Annelise Swigert, a board-certified OB/GYN at Premier Women’s Health of Minnesota.  

Regular movement can ease back pain, improve mood, and support smoother labor. 

Ask your OB-GYN: 

• What types of workouts are safest for me? 
• How should I modify my exercise routine each trimester? 
• Are there warning signs to stop mid-workout (like dizziness, spotting, or pain)? 
   

Why it matters: Not all exercises are created equal during pregnancy. “We know, for example, that yoga is a fantastic exercise to do during pregnancy,” Dr. Swigert explains. “But I also tell women they need to be really careful about doing heated yoga because that could actually be a risk to the baby,” she continues. Most doctors recommend low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga—but it’s smart to confirm what’s right for you. 

5. Which medications, supplements, and vaccines are safe for me?

Many women stop their usual medications as soon as they see a positive test—but not all meds are unsafe. Your doctor can guide you through what’s safe, what to avoid, and what you can take for common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, headaches, or allergies. 

Why it matters: Some over-the-counter products and herbal remedies aren’t pregnancy-safe, and your OB-GYN can suggest safer alternatives. 

Don’t forget to ask about prenatal vitamins, DHA, and vaccine timing (like flu and Tdap shots). 

6. What’s normal—and what’s a red flag I should call about? 

Every pregnant person has moments of “Is this normal?” And far too often, they dismiss these concerns out of embarrassment or fear: “A lot of times patients want to minimize their problems,” OB/GYN Leigh Koidahl, MD, notes. Knowing what’s worth a call can save you stress—and sometimes even prevent complications. 

 Ask your OB-GYN about: 

• Normal vs. concerning cramps or spotting/bleeding, or pain 
• Headaches or vision changes 
• Sudden swelling in hands, feet, or face 
• Decreased baby movement 
• Persistent vomiting or dehydration 
   

Why it matters: Understanding warning signs early helps you respond quickly if something’s wrong. This question also opens the door for honest, ongoing communication—something every provider wants. 

7. Am I considered high-risk—and how does that change my care plan? 

High-risk pregnancies aren’t always scary. Sometimes they simply mean closer monitoring. You might be considered higher risk if you’re over 35, carrying multiples, or have medical conditions like hypertension, thyroid issues, or diabetes. 

 Why it matters: Asking this early helps set expectations for visit frequency, testing, and referrals to specialists (such as maternal-fetal medicine doctors). 

Follow-up: “If I am high-risk, how can I best support my health between appointments?” 

8. What should I know about sex, travel, and work during pregnancy? 

Let’s talk real life. Many women wonder whether they can still travel, maintain intimacy, or continue certain work tasks while pregnant. 

 Ask your OB-GYN: 

• Are there any restrictions on sex or pelvic rest recommendations? 
• Up to what point in pregnancy is it safe to fly or take long trips? 
• Do I need adjustments at work—especially if I stand a lot or lift heavy objects? 
   

Why it matters: Pregnant women often skip these lifestyle questions, but they make a big difference in their comfort and peace of mind. 

9. What’s your approach to labor and delivery? 

Your doctor’s philosophy on labor and birth can shape your experience, and you’d be surprised by what the standard of care is these days. Brian C. Brimmage, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN from Raleigh OB/GYN, advises, “I feel like lots of the things that we do now and that are evidence-based are things that people used to feel like they needed to request of their doctors.” 

 Ask about: 

• When to head to the hospital or call if contractions start 
• How they handle inductions and C-sections 
• Pain relief options (epidurals, nitrous oxide, natural techniques) 
• Who can be in the delivery room 
• Immediate postpartum care—like skin-to-skin and breastfeeding support 
   

Why it matters: Every provider and hospital has different policies. The earlier you ask, the easier it is to make a birth plan that aligns with your values.  

10. What newborn care decisions should I make in advance? 

Another crucial part of your birth plan will include newborn care decisions. For example, delayed cord clamping has become standard practice. Dr. Brimmage shares, “Around the country, delayed cord clamping for healthy babies is standard of care.” 

Many parents don’t realize how many baby-related choices happen right after delivery. And making them in advance can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety of the big day.  

 Ask about: 

• Vitamin K and Hepatitis B shots 
• Delayed cord clamping 
• Circumcision (if applicable) 
• Rooming-in policies 
• Postpartum mental health check-ins 
   

Why it matters: Discussing these decisions early gives you time to research, ask follow-up questions, and feel confident about your newborn’s first hours of life. 

Early Pregnancy Questions (Bonus) 

In those first few weeks after you find out you’re pregnant, everything feels new—and maybe a little uncertain. Here are a few extra questions to add to your list: 

• What foods should I avoid during early pregnancy? 
• How much caffeine is safe each day? 
• What’s normal when it comes to morning sickness or fatigue? 
• When should I expect my first ultrasound? 
• What are early warning signs that something might be wrong? 
   

These early pregnancy questions help you navigate those delicate first-trimester changes with clarity and reassurance. 

Questions to Ask Doctor When Pregnant: Printable Checklist 

Bring this list to your next visit and check them off as you go: 

First Trimester: 

• What’s my due date and visit schedule? 
• Which prenatal vitamins should I take? 
• What’s safe to eat or avoid? 
• How much weight gain is healthy for me? 

Second Trimester: 

• Which prenatal tests and ultrasounds do I have coming up? 
• Can I travel or exercise normally? 
  What symptoms are normal vs. warning signs? 

Third Trimester: 

• What’s my labor and delivery plan? 
• What hospital policies should I know? 
• What newborn procedures can I prepare for now? 

When to Call Your Doctor 

Pregnancy involves many physical and mental changes, most of which are healthy and normal. However, don’t wait for your next appointment if you experience: 

• Heavy bleeding or severe cramping 
• Sudden swelling or severe headaches 
• Vision changes 
• Fluid leaking from the vagina 
• A noticeable decrease in baby movement 
   

Your provider wants to hear from you—it’s always better to over-communicate than to wait and worry. 

The Bottom Line 

Asking questions isn’t “bothering” your OB-GYN—it’s building trust. Dr. Koidahl agrees, “That's what we're here for. We're professionals and we're to answer any of their questions.” When you approach each prenatal doctor appointment as a conversation, you create a partnership that supports your health, your baby’s development, and your confidence every step of the way. 

 So grab your notebook, jot down these pregnancy questions, and bring them along to your next visit. You’re not just a patient, you’re your own best advocate for a healthy, empowered pregnancy. 

 Use the form below to tap into our nationwide network of midwives, pregnancy doctors and other providers for prenatal care that’s thorough, patient-centered, and 100% tailored to you and your needs.