30 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MIDWIFE

Discovering that you are pregnant marks the beginning of an exciting journey. Along the way, you are likely to have many questions about the changes you are experiencing, how best to stay healthy as your pregnancy progresses, as well as lots of questions about your baby’s birth.

Your pregnancy appointments are the perfect time to ask these questions and to pick your midwife’s brains. Before your first appointment, it is helpful to think of some questions to ask midwife to get clued up during your pregnancy and feel prepared. However, sometimes it can be challenging to know what to ask and which important questions you should be raising.

Not sure what to ask your midwife? Take a look at these 30 questions to help you get started…

Questions to ask midwife at booking appointment

Knowing what to ask midwife at first appointment can be challenging as it can feel like there is already so much information to take in. But it is helpful to make a list of questions that relate to this early stage of your pregnancy to help you understand what happens next and how to stay healthy.

Questions you may want to ask will relate to your health and lifestyle in early pregnancy and how to protect your growing baby. It is also useful to ask questions relating to when you will see your midwife, and the checks you will receive along the way to ensure your baby is healthy.

1. What screening checks will I receive?
2. When will I attend midwife appointments?
3. What do I need to bring to my midwife appointments?
4. Will I see the same midwife for all my appointments?
5. Who should I contact if I have any concerns during the pregnancy?
6. What signs should I look out for that indicate something is wrong in early pregnancy?
7. How do I make my morning sickness better?
8. Should I take supplements during pregnancy?
9. Is my current prescription and over-the-counter medication safe to continue during pregnancy?
10. How many scans will I have during my pregnancy?
11. Will I be seen by a doctor?
12. Am I classed as a high-risk pregnancy?
13. Does the maternity unit offer antenatal classes?
14. Are there additional classes available, such as breastfeeding workshops?
15. Can I continue to exercise during pregnancy?
16. What foods should I avoid during pregnancy?
17. What lifestyle changes should I make to stay healthy during pregnancy?

Questions to ask midwife at 34 weeks:

During your third trimester, keeping yourself healthy and preparing for your baby’s impending arrival will be your main priorities. Your 34-week midwife appointment is an excellent opportunity to ask any questions you may have at this last stage of pregnancy relating to the birth of your baby and the options that are available to you.

Here are some of the questions to ask your midwife when you attend your antenatal check-up at 34 weeks:

1. What happens if I go past my due date?
2. At what stage would I be induced?
3. Can I give birth at home?
4. When should I come to the hospital during labour?
5. What should I pack in my hospital bag for myself and baby?
6. Will you be at the birth of my baby?
7. How many people can I have with me in the delivery room?
8. What equipment is offered in the delivery suite? E.g. birthing pool, birthing balls, etc.
9. What pain relief is available to me during labour?
10. Will I receive support with feeding my baby after the birth?
11. What checks will you carry out on my baby after they are born?
12. How long will I need to stay in hospital after the birth?
13. What do I need to bring to the hospital ready for when I take my baby home?

Top tip: If you are anything like us, your mind may go blank when you attend an appointment and are asked if you have any questions. So, you may find it helpful to write down your questions and to take a pen with you to jot down the answers and any other useful information that your midwife provides.