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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 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.

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