Essential Questions: Preparing For Pregnancy With Your Provider

Picture this…

You are 39 weeks pregnant and your provider suddenly wants to induce you with every medication in the book, is pushing you to get an epidural and is running every test known to man… But… You wanted an unmedicated hands off birth… Even if it is a provider that you have seen for years. It is important to question your provider to make sure your goals for pregnancy and birth align with the way they practice. But guess what? It is also never too late to change providers. So even if this is you at 39 weeks it's okay to say “no thanks” and go elsewhere.

Questions

It is okay to ask questions regardless of where in pregnancy you are. It is also important to ask questions when it comes time for labor and delivery as there is a chance your usual OBGYN is not on shift. Here are some ideas for different questions you may want to ask!

Prenatal Appointment Questions:

How often will I have appointments?

Who should I contact for questions or concerns?

What red flags should I look for?

Who will deliver my baby?

Will all of my appointments be with you?

How much caffeine can I have?

What are your thoughts on genetic testing?

How often do you recommend ultrasounds?

What changes should I make to my lifestyle?

What foods should I avoid?

What can I expect at each appointment?

When will my first ultrasound be?

What is your cesarean section rate?

What is your induction rate?

How can I prepare my body for labor?

Is there a NICU at the hospital I will deliver at?

Do you have students working in the hospital?

How do you feel if I decline (vaccines or testing)?

How do you feel about breastfeeding?

What kind of breastfeeding support is available?

Do you allow patients to eat while in labor?

Do you have birthing tubs or allow water births?

Do you allow patients to push in other positions than on their back?

The list is truly endless with questions to ask, what you discuss with your provider will vary based on your situation. Remember, even if you already have your mind made up on a certain subject it is always a good idea to ask your provider theirs to see if your views align. 

For example: You already plan on declining a vaccine. However you can ask your provider opinion on said vaccine to see how they view it. (Not medical advice just an example)

Questions For Labor

These are questions you may ask when you arrive at your place of birth. These also are great questions for your birth partner to be aware of in case you are unable to speak for yourself at the time. 

Is this an emergency, or do we have time to talk?

If we agree to this intervention, what else might be needed?

What are the benefits?

What are the risks?

What if we wait an hour or two?

What if we did nothing?

Are there other options to consider?

Birth is unpredictable and rarely goes as planned so preparing for change and navigating different situations is very important. 

Navigating

If you find your provider's views do not align with yours at any point, it is always okay to find a new provider. Even if they are highly recommended, if you are not comfortable then that is the bottom line. Everyone is different and will have different perspectives.

*This is not medical advice, if you are seeking medical advice please contact a licensed and trusted healthcare professional*