Questions to ask your doctor about staying healthy during pregnancy

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

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

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?

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.

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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