It is important to see your obstetrician regularly. Before you go, make a list of questions you'd like to ask during your visit. Your doctor will also get a complete family history, so be prepared to answer those questions and make a list of all the medications that you take. Some medications can be harmful during pregnancy, so your doctor will want to discuss these with you. You can also ask your doctor for written information and check to see if the practice has a Web site to which you can refer. Some questions you may want to ask are:

First Trimester

• What screening tests should I expect?
• What medications, if any, can I take?
• What can be done for morning sickness?
• How much weight do I need to gain?
• What type of symptoms should I immediately report?
• Can I exercise during pregnancy?
• What kind of vitamins do I need to take?

Second Trimester

• What type of screening tests should I expect?
• What symptoms should I report immediately?
• When should I expect the baby to move?
• What will happen during an ultrasound?

Third Trimester

• What type of screening tests should I expect?
• What symptoms should I report immediately?
• Will I have to have an episiotomy?
• What about inducing labor?
• What do I need to do when I go into labor?
• If I choose to, when can I have my "tubes tied" (tubal ligation)?
• Will you be the doctor who delivers my baby?

For information on having your baby at Methodist and services available, please visit our Maternity Services section. If you need help finding an obstetrician, please click here.