10 questions to ask at your first prenatal visit

Finding out you’re pregnant can be an exciting time. It might bring up a lot of emotions — and just as many questions. You’ll have your first prenatal appointment about eight weeks into your pregnancy, and it’s a great opportunity to get answers.

Your ob-gyn will be your ally for the next nine months. “Pregnancy is a journey we’re taking as a team,” says ob-gyn Rachel Adams, M.D. “It’s always better to ask us something than to make an assumption and be wrong.”

Here’s what to expect and what to ask to help put your mind at ease.

What might happen during this visit?

Your doctor will examine you through a series of tests:

Physical exam. Your doctor will check your height and weight to figure out your body mass index (BMI). This will help them determine how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. If you are underweight, you should gain more than someone who has a normal weight, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). And if you are overweight, you should gain less. Talk to your doctor about the right plan for you.

Blood test. This screening test can show if you have anemia (low levels of healthy red blood cells). It can also check your blood type and Rh factor, and show if you have any infections — including sexually transmitted infections that can affect your pregnancy.

Urine test. Too much protein in your urine could be a sign of preeclampsia, according to the March of Dimes. This is a serious form of high blood pressure during pregnancy. A urine test can also identify signs of a urinary tract infection.

Pelvic exam. This gives your doctor information about the size and shape of your uterus.

Pap smear. Your ob-gyn will collect cells from your cervix to check for cancer and infections.

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When is my due date?

The due date is not necessarily the exact day your baby will be born. It’s when you’ll be 40 weeks pregnant.

“Babies rarely come on their due date,” Dr. Adams says. But knowing your due date helps your provider make sure your baby’s growth is on track. Your due date is calculated by counting 280 days from the first day of your last menstrual period.

Am I at risk for any complications?

During your visit you should talk with your ob-gyn about any chronic health conditions you have, such as:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Obesity

You should also let your doctor know of any diseases that run in your family. “Certain conditions can affect your pregnancy, but we can take steps to make sure they are under control,” Dr. Adams says. Tell your doctor if you had complications in a previous pregnancy too. Your doctor will come up with a plan to help you have a healthy pregnancy.

And if you smoke cigarettes, now is the time to ask your doctor for help in how to quit. Smoking raises your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can also harm your growing fetus.

Do I need to take a prenatal vitamin?

The short answer: yes. It’s best to start taking one before you even get pregnant, Dr. Adams says. One important element in these vitamins is folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects. Ask your doctor which vitamin is best for you.

Make sure your vitamin contains iron, DHA, and choline too. “Gummy vitamins don’t always have iron in them,” Dr. Adams says. If yours doesn’t, talk to your doctor about taking an iron supplement. Iron helps your body make the extra blood your fetus needs.

What can I eat now?

Fill up on nutritious foods that will help you have a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women need an extra 300 calories a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Reach for:

• Whole grains, such as brown rice and oatmeal
• Fruits and vegetables
• Lean protein (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, tofu)
• Low-fat or nonfat dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese)
• Healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil

Are there things I shouldn’t eat or drink?

Stay away from foods and drinks that may harm your health or the health of your fetus. The big ones to avoid:

• Alcohol 
• Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs
• Deli meats
• Unpasteurized soft cheese 
• Fish that are high in mercury, such as shark and swordfish
• Raw sprouts

Can I drink coffee?

Pregnant women can drink coffee, but in moderation. You should limit caffeine consumption to 200 milligrams per day, according to ACOG. That’s the amount in 12 ounces of coffee, or about 1.5 cups.

Can I keep exercising?

Yes, and you should. Regular exercise can help keep you healthy. Each week, pregnant women should aim to get at 150 minutes of moderate cardio activity that gets their heart rate and breathing rate up, according to the CDC. Moderate intensity means you can still talk normally, but you can’t sing.

“Walking is great,” Dr. Adams says. “Water aerobics are lovely because they take pressure off the pelvis.” Other good options: riding a stationary bike, yoga, and Pilates.

Can I travel while I’m pregnant?

It’s safe to travel on an airplane up to 36 weeks into pregnancy. But air travel does have some risks.

“If there is air turbulence, there can be a risk of trauma from the seatbelt,” Dr. Adams says. “And be sure to wear compression stockings, because you do have a higher risk of blood clots in pregnancy.”

If you plan to travel internationally, let your doctor know. Pregnant travelers should avoid some destinations, including those with a risk of Zika or malaria, according to the CDC.

And whether you’re flying or driving, it’s safer to stick close to home toward the end of your pregnancy. That’s because there’s a risk of going into labor once you hit the 36-week mark. When that happens, you’ll want the option of being cared for by your own doctor.

When will I start to feel my baby move?

You might start to feel your baby’s first movements between 16 and 20 weeks. Some women describe them as “flutters.” Most women feel their baby’s first real kicks somewhere between week 24 and 28. Your doctor can tell you what to expect for these early movements.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.