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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 doctor for a healthy pregnancy.

Patient Education Video: Pregnancy care

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 doctor 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 health care 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.html. Updated December 14, 2021. Accessed August 23, 2022.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. What can I do to promote a health pregnancy? www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preconceptioncare/conditioninfo/healthy-pregnancy. Updated January 31, 2017. Accessed August 23, 2022.

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.

Last reviewed April 19, 2022 by John D. Jacobson, MD, 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..