So the BIG day is fast approaching, bags are packed, you’ve nested and passed the time and you just have those few last OB appointments. Here are some questions to consider asking at your next appointment in case you draw a blank or never thought to ask.
It will amaze you the amount of information collected about you before and during your pregnancy that is not relayed to you unless you ask. This is especially the case for Doctors/Healthcare providers with multiple patients and busy schedules in a day.
So in the spirit of taking ownership of your own maternal health: Here are 15 questions to consider asking in those final appointments leading up to delivery and especially if you want to demonstrate that you take your own health seriously.
1. Do you need to be vaccinated or tested for COVID before being admitted? Do you need to wear a mask and or visor or other personal protective device (PPD) while labouring? What if you are struggling while breathing under a PPD?
2. Your Blood Type, Weight & Height (in case you don’t already know)?You will especially need to know your height and current weight in order to get the right amount of epidural - in case you need it.
3. Where is your placenta located? (because the location of the placenta can impact delivery and worst case scenario could impede a vaginal delivery) There’s not much you can do in terms of moving it but at least that’s one less thing to be surprised about in case an issue pops up.
4. If you are Strep B Positive or Negative?(because if positive and delivering vaginally you may require an injection so as not to pass on the infection to your baby).
5. What position is your baby facing? Is the baby in proper birthing position?
6. What exercises if any can you do if your baby is in a breech position?
7. What is the likelihood of you needing a C- section?
8.What things are safe for you to do to naturally induce labour?
9. Do you have a healthy amount of amniotic fluid to support your baby for the duration of your pregnancy?A final stage ultrasound can provide a good heads up in case you need to increase your water intake. a.
10. If you need to be induced what method of inductions are available and do you have an option? b. Will you be kept in the hospital for the entire induction period or will you be sent home? (COVID question) You’d be surprised how much this varies from hospital to hospital even within the same country.
11. What steps should you take if your water breaks naturally at home? Some hospitals of birthing centres may require you to put on a pad, note the time and call in immediately even if you are not required to go in immediately. Always call because contractions and timing your contractions makes all the difference.
12. What pain relief medication or tools are available to you while labouring?Because did you know that there is a cut-off point? If you ask for pain relief medication too late like when the baby is already crowning you may have to just sing or scream your way through it. (Ok really and truly now is the time to practice your deep breathing exercises for the BIG push)
13. What interventions do they typically use if baby is in the birth canal but just won’t come out?Vacuum? Forceps? Episiotomy?
14. What type of sutures will be used in case I have a perineum tear and do I have an option?Removable stitches/Dissolvable stitches or Staples?
15. What happens to your placenta after delivery? Is cord blood storage an option for you where you live and if you are interested? What are the fees attached? Or if you wanted to keep your placenta for other reasons would you be able to?
There are a ton of other questions that you may have as an expecting mom, trying to conceive mom or a future expecting mom. If you think your questions may benefit another expecting mom; please share them in the comments below to help another Mami be better prepared. 💜
