Questions to ask your doctor about getting pregnant

Definition

If you are trying to get pregnant, you may want to know what you can do to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. Here are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider about getting pregnant.

Alternative Names

What to ask your doctor - pregnancy; What to ask your doctor - conception; Questions - infertility

Questions

At what age is it easiest to get pregnant?

  • When during my menstrual cycle will I be able to get pregnant?
  • If I am on birth control pills, how soon after I stop taking them should I begin trying to get pregnant?
  • How long do I need to be off the pill before I can conceive (get pregnant)? What about other forms of birth control?
  • How long does it take to get pregnant naturally?
  • Will I get pregnant on my first attempt?
  • How frequently do we need to have sex to conceive successfully?
  • At what age am I less likely to get pregnant naturally?
  • How can I improve my chances of getting pregnant if I have irregular cycles?
  • Does vaginal lubrication for intercourse affect my chances of getting pregnant?
  • When is the best time in my menstrual cycle to have sex if I wish to get pregnant?

Will my health affect my chances of getting pregnant?

  • Will the medicines I am taking affect my chances of getting pregnant?
  • Are there any medicines I should stop taking?
  • Should I wait if I had surgery or radiation treatment recently?
  • Do STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) interfere with pregnancy?
  • Do I need to get treatment for STDs before pregnancy?
  • Do I need any medical tests or vaccines before trying to conceive?
  • Will mental stress or other mental health conditions affect my chances of pregnancy?
  • Will a previous miscarriage affect my chances of conception?
  • What are my risks with conception if I have had a prior ectopic pregnancy?
  • How will an existing medical condition affect my chances of pregnancy?

Do we need genetic counseling?

  • What are the chances of our baby inheriting a condition that runs in the family?
  • Do we need to get any tests done?

Are there any lifestyle changes I should make?

  • Can I continue consuming alcohol or smoking while trying to conceive?
  • Do smoking or consuming alcohol affect my chances of getting pregnant or my baby?
  • Do I need to stop exercising?
  • Will making any changes to my diet help me get pregnant?
  • What are prenatal vitamins? Why do I need them?
  • When should I start taking them? How long do I need to take them?

Will my weight affect my chances of getting pregnant? If so, how?

  • If I am overweight, do I need to reduce my weight?
  • If I am underweight, do I need to gain weight before trying to conceive?

Does my partner's health affect my chances of getting pregnant or the health of the baby?

  • Do we need to wait if he had a surgery or a radiation treatment recently?
  • Are there any lifestyle changes he should make to help us become pregnant?
  • I have been trying to get pregnant for some time without success. Should we get examined for infertility?

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. About planning for pregnancy. www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/about/index.html. Updated May 15, 2024. 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.

Mackilop L, Neuberger FEM. Maternal medicine. In: Penman ID, Ralston SH, Strachan MWJ, Hobson RP, eds. Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 32.

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.

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