{"id":2186351,"date":"2023-08-10T10:00:37","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T17:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tinybeans.com\/?p=2186351"},"modified":"2024-05-31T09:13:36","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T16:13:36","slug":"questions-to-ask-your-ob-gyn-during-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tinybeans.com\/questions-to-ask-your-ob-gyn-during-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"(Almost) Everything I Asked My OB-GYN While Pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"

I was lucky to be pregnant alongside one of my best friends. She was two weeks ahead of me and we shared a philosophy: we talk about everything. On any given day, the ping-pong match that became our text thread looked a little something like this:<\/p>\n

Her: Where did you buy your compression socks? Your OB suggested them for flights, right?<\/em><\/p>\n

Me: Do you think it\u2019s bad I woke up on my back?<\/em><\/p>\n

Her: New adds for our research list: delaying the first bath, and cord blood banking. Have you looked into either?<\/em><\/p>\n

Me: How did you know it was baby hiccups when you felt them?<\/em><\/p>\n

You better believe I hung on every word of her OB-GYN appointment recaps too, as I waited for my own. I wanted to know how did it go, what did you learn<\/em>, and most importantly\u2026 what happens next?<\/em><\/p>\n

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(Photo: Me and my pregnancy partner-in-questioning)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

As her 40-week mark moved closer and closer, I couldn\u2019t shake the visual that she and I were standing at the top of a giant slide. Her, ready to push off and shout to me what the ride was like, as she soared towards the bottom.<\/p>\n

I found having her as a guide for what was ahead to be calming, and made me feel like I was in \u201ccontrol\u201d (cue the laughter, I know). I\u2019m all about sharing what worked for me in the hopes it helps someone else, so here we go!<\/p>\n

You may already be experiencing this, but the reality is, that as your pregnancy progresses, your OB-GYN appointments begin to feel more like drive-thrus than sit-downs. And that\u2019s exactly around the time you\u2019ll hear phrases like posterior placenta, newborn stem cell preservation<\/a>, mucus plug,<\/em> and foley bulb induction<\/em>.<\/p>\n

While these are new terms for the majority of us (and they sound intimidating), they\u2019re not to be feared or rushed through. Your appointments are your appointments after all. So, from one new mom to the next, take your time. Command the room. If you need it, bring your partner, family member or friend as reinforcement. Most of all, ask every question.<\/p>\n

To get you started, here\u2019s a glimpse into the notes section of my phone organized by trimester. You\u2019ll find topics to anticipate and questions to consider before your next OB-GYN appointment, no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey. Of course, pick and choose what feels appropriate for your situation.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re all on this ride together, friends\u2014and I\u2019ll be here waiting for you at the bottom of the slide.<\/p>\n

First Trimester (0-13 Weeks)<\/h3>\n

The newness and fragility is palpable. This is a great time to gather questions as you wait for your first appointment and ultrasound.<\/p>\n