There are so many ways to go about providing help for pregnant mothers. From being supportive during the pregnancy stages to serving as an extra set of hands once the baby is born, pregnant mothers and new mothers can use all the help they can get.
But for many, especially first time moms, it can feel impossible to know what type of help is needed. This post is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions the moms on our Flourish Care team had when we were going through our pregnancy and new parent journeys.
These are questions you may have that you can bring up to your doctors, midwives or doulas. An important reminder: doulas act as your personal guide during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. They are covered by insurance in Rhode Island and Massachusetts’ medicaid program.
Doulas are not your medical providers; they are trained individuals who collaborate and work alongside your OBGYNs, nurses and midwives to help you, the birthing parent, navigate the healthcare system. That means, you can bring any of these questions to your doula and they will either be able to answer them or direct you to the right person who can answer the questions. With doulas, you no longer have to go through the journey wondering if your questions are too big or too small. Because when it comes to getting help for pregnant mothers, there are so many questions!
While we aren’t giving you the answers since this isn’t being written by a medical provider or doula, we wanted to provide you with a list of common questions so you can ask either your doctor or doula if you need.
Frequently asking questions about pregnancy
Here are some of the questions the moms on our team had when they first found out they were pregnant. *Note, when you first find out you’re pregnant, you are going to want to make an appointment with an OBGYN (that’s the doctor and medical team you will turn to during your pregnancy). If you don’t have an OBGYN, call your primary care physician or a community health clinic and they can direct you to the right place.*
Questions asked during the first trimester:
- There is a little blood when I go to the bathroom. It looks like I’m spotting. What should I do?
- Is it normal to cramp during early pregnancy?
- What foods should I avoid during pregnancy?
- Is it safe to exercise while pregnant?
- What prenatal vitamins should I take?
- What tests will I have?
- How can I manage morning sickness?
- Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
- What medications are safe to take while pregnant?
Questions asked during the second trimester:
- When will I start feeling the baby kick?
- What appointments will I have in my second trimester?
- How long can I keep working?
- How can I manage constipation?
- How can I treat symptoms like foot swelling or back pain? Is foot swelling and back pain normal in the 2nd trimester?
- Can I still exercise?
- Am I at risk for gestational diabetes?
- When should I start thinking about getting a pediatrician?
- How do I go about getting a pediatrician?
Questions asked during the third trimester:
- What happens if I go into labor before 37 weeks?
- How do I know if I’m in labor?
- What should I do if my water breaks?
- What does it feel like to have my water break?
- What are braxton hicks contractions?
- When do I go to the hospital?
- What appointments will I have during my third trimester?
- What is a c-section?
- What is a vaginal birth?
- How do you know if you are going to have a c-section or vaginal delivery?
- Who is at the hospital with me during labor and delivery?
Frequently asking questions about postpartum
Once the baby is born, there are additional questions you may have. A postpartum doula, which is also covered by insurance, can help answer these questions.
A postpartum doula is a trained professional who gives the new parents support after the baby is born. This support usually comes within the first few weeks or months that the baby is born, although you are eligible for postpartum doula coverage until your baby is 12 months. You can check your eligibility here.
Questions asked after giving birth:
- How often should I feed my newborn?
- Is my baby getting enough milk/formula?
- How do I know if my baby is latching correctly during breastfeeding?
- What’s the best way to burp my baby?
- How much should my newborn sleep?
- Is it normal for my baby to wake up so often at night?
- When can I give my newborn a bath?
- How soon can I start exercising after giving birth?
- How long will postpartum bleeding last?
- When can I resume sexual activity after childbirth?
- How do I deal with postpartum mood changes or depression?
- When should I schedule the first pediatrician visit?
Our goal is for you to feel as prepared as possible during your pregnancy and postpartum journey. You can use this as a checklist during your doctor’s appointments or with your doula so you have the answers upfront. That will help you feel prepared and empowered. Knowing you aren’t alone in having these questions is a great help for pregnant mothers.