The Top Questions to Ask Your Provider at Your First Prenatal Visit: Empowering You to Make Confident Decisions About Your Care

Your first prenatal visit is a big milestone. It’s the moment you officially kick off your pregnancy journey with your care provider and start building the foundation for the months ahead. But let’s be real—it can also feel a little overwhelming. What do you ask? How do you make sure your provider aligns with your goals and values?

Here’s the truth: this visit isn’t just about confirming your pregnancy or scheduling ultrasounds. It’s also your chance to start a partnership with your provider that feels supportive, respectful, and empowering. Asking the right questions can help you take charge of your care and ensure you feel confident about the path ahead.

Let’s dive into the top questions to ask during that first visit and why they matter.

1. What Is Your Philosophy on Pregnancy and Birth?

This question helps you understand your provider’s general approach. Are they more hands-off, allowing your body to do its thing naturally, or do they lean towards a more intervention-based approach?

For example, if you’re hoping for a natural birth, you’ll want to hear that they support minimal interventions and respect your preferences. If you’re open to pain management options or prefer a specific type of birth environment, this is the time to gauge their alignment with your vision.

2. What Are Your Standard Practices for Prenatal Care?

Understanding what to expect in your care plan is crucial. Ask about the frequency of visits, the types of tests they recommend, and any standard screenings.

Follow-up questions might include:

• Do you recommend routine ultrasounds, and if so, how many?

• What is your protocol for monitoring the baby’s growth and well-being?

• Are there any tests or procedures that are optional?

Knowing what’s standard helps you decide what feels right for you and gives you the chance to explore alternatives if needed.

3. How Do You Handle High-Risk Situations or Complications?

While most pregnancies are low-risk, it’s important to know how your provider handles complications, should they arise. Ask about their experience with high-risk pregnancies, when they would recommend consulting a specialist, and how they would communicate with you during these situations.

This question can give you peace of mind and show how transparent and collaborative they are in their approach to unexpected circumstances.

4. What Is Your Approach to Birth Plans/Preferences?

Your provider’s response to this question can reveal a lot about how open they are to individualized care. A great provider will respect your preferences while offering guidance and evidence-based recommendations.

Ask specifically:

• How do you handle patient requests that differ from your standard practices?

• What are your thoughts on unmedicated birth, doulas, delayed cord clamping, or other specific preferences you might have?

Their answers can give you a sense of how flexible and supportive they’ll be throughout your pregnancy and birth.

5. What Are Your Views on Labor and Delivery Options?

Every provider has their own approach to labor and delivery. It’s important to know how they handle things like:

• Induction: When do they typically recommend induction, and are they open to waiting if all is well?

• Positions: Are they supportive of movement and alternative birthing positions during labor?

• Pain management: Do they support a range of options, from epidurals to natural methods?

This conversation helps you see how their approach aligns with your vision of birth.

6. Who Will Attend My Birth?

Many practices have multiple providers, and it’s worth knowing if the person you see throughout your pregnancy will also be the one delivering your baby. If there’s a chance another provider or midwife might attend your birth, ask how you can meet the other members of the team beforehand.

Knowing who will be by your side on the big day can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.

7. How Do You Support Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum?

Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. Ask if they screen for mental health concerns like anxiety or depression and what resources they offer for support.

This is also a great time to share any mental health history you may have so your provider can help you plan for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period.

8. What Are My Options If I Have Questions or Concerns Between Visits?

Pregnancy is full of surprises, and it’s likely you’ll have questions outside of your scheduled appointments. Ask your provider how you can reach them or their team if something comes up.

Do they have a nurse line? Do they respond to emails or messages through an online portal? Knowing how accessible they are can help ease any anxiety about the unexpected.

9. Are You Supportive of Alternative Care Options?

If you’re considering complementary care, like chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, or prenatal massage, ask your provider for their thoughts. A supportive provider will be open to discussing these options and may even have recommendations for practitioners in your area.

10. What Resources Do You Recommend for Education and Support?

Ask if they offer or recommend any childbirth classes, books, or online resources to help you prepare. If you’re interested in hiring a doula or attending support groups, see if they have referrals.

This question shows your provider that you’re invested in your care and helps you find additional tools to feel empowered throughout your pregnancy journey.

Why These Questions Matter

Your first prenatal visit sets the tone for the relationship you’ll have with your provider. By asking these questions, you’re not only gathering important information—you’re also making it clear that you want to be an active participant in your care.

Remember, this is your pregnancy, your body, and your baby. You deserve a provider who respects your voice and supports your goals. If something doesn’t feel right during your first visit, trust your instincts—it’s never too late to explore other options.

Empowering yourself with knowledge and building a strong relationship with your provider is one of the best ways to set yourself up for a positive pregnancy and birth experience. You’ve got this, mama!

Need more help preparing for your prenatal visits or creating a plan for your care? Reach out—I’d love to support you on your journey!