Questions to Ask Your Doctor During Pregnancy in Bethesda, MD

Your first appointment will fall somewhere between weeks 8 and 10. Be sure to ask:

• What pregnancy symptoms should I expect?
• How much weight should I gain during pregnancy and at what trimester?
• What should I add to my diet or try to avoid? And what prenatal vitamins or supplements do you recommend?
• Which over-the-counter or prescription medications are safe for me to take?
• What exercise is okay for me during pregnancy?
• Is it okay to feel cramping or have some spotting? What’s considered normal and when should I call you?

This month’s appointment falls toward the end of the first trimester. Your baby will be getting bigger and your body will be feeling some changes.

• I’m still feeling morning sickness, is this normal?
• Why am I having heartburn?
• How can I help limit stretch marks, and what lotions are safe for my baby?
• What are Kegels, and how can they help my recovery after childbirth?
• Is my vaginal discharge normal?

By this time, your doctor might recommend some tests, including an ultrasound.

• How do I find a pediatrician?
• My gums are bleeding and they haven’t before — should I be worried?
• What’s the best way to deal with constipation?
• Is my weight on target and what kind of safe exercise can I still do?

You’re roughly halfway through your pregnancy. Your ultrasound might tell if you’re having a boy or a girl if you wish to find out. Other questions to think about:

• What’s the best diet plan for me, three meals a day or several small meals and snacks?
• Why am I getting leg cramps at night, and how can I make them better?
• My ankles and feet are swelling — is that normal?
• Why does my back hurt?
• What treatments are safe for my new discomforts?

Your body’s still changing, the baby’s still growing, and you’ll still have some questions.

• How long can I keep working and should I be changing how I do my job?
• What’s the best yeast infection treatment during pregnancy?
• I feel like I’m having contractions — they don’t hurt, but should I worry about them?
• What is this discoloration in my face — will it go away?
• Why are my hands and wrists hurting?

As you reach the end of the second trimester, your appointments will likely become more frequent.

• My feet, ankles and hands are even more swollen — when do I have to worry about preeclampsia?
• I’ve been feeling a bit dizzy — is this normal?
•  What is this shooting pain down the back of my legs? How can I treat my sciatica?
• Would a pelvic-support belt help with the pain I’m feeling in my pelvis?
• Do I need to worry about Rh factor incompatibility for my child?

The next several appointments, until week 36, will probably be set for every two weeks. There are a lot of questions to ask your OBGYN before delivery, including:

• What are the benefits of breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding, and which is better for me?
• What is cord blood, and should we consider banking it?
• What should I expect during labor and delivery?
• What kind of pain plan will be best for my delivery?
• What should I pack in my baby bag?
• What are the signs of early labor?

• When will my baby be ready to deliver?
• Am I likely to need a C-section or episiotomy?
• What help might I need for breastfeeding?