Questions to Ask Your Provider: From Your First Appointment to Your Last Trimester

Choosing the right healthcare provider during pregnancy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re seeing an OB-GYN, a midwife, or another specialist, it’s essential that you feel comfortable, heard, and supported throughout your pregnancy. Here’s a guide to ensure you and your provider are on the same page—from the very first appointment to your last trimester.

Why Picking the Right Provider Matters

Your provider plays a critical role in shaping your birth experience. They are your guide, advocate, and partner in pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Picking a physician, midwife, or OB who aligns with your values, birth preferences, and communication style can make a huge difference in your overall experience.

• Midwives often focus on a holistic approach, supporting natural births and spending more time on education and birth planning.

• OBs may be more medicalized, but are essential for high-risk pregnancies or if interventions may be needed.

• Some people choose a shared-care approach, combining both a midwife and OB for the best of both worlds.

  
  

Ultimately, the right provider is someone who listens to your concerns, respects your choices, and provides clear, evidence-based guidance.

Questions to Ask From Your First Appointment

Your very first appointment is your chance to set expectations and learn about your provider’s approach. Some key questions include:

• What is your approach to prenatal care and birth?

• How do you handle high-risk situations or complications?

• What is your philosophy on interventions (like induction, episiotomy, or C-section)?

• How often will I see you throughout my pregnancy?

• What hospital or birthing center do you work with?

• Are you comfortable supporting my birth plan preferences?

• How quickly can I reach you or your team if I have concerns?

• For midwives: What is your transfer rate to an OB or hospital? How often do your clients require interventions?

• For OBs: What is your C-section rate? What percentage of births require episiotomy?

Questions to Ask as Your Pregnancy Progresses

As you move into your second trimester, your questions might focus more on monitoring your health and preparing for labor:

• How is my baby growing and developing?

• Are there any tests or screenings you recommend?

• What signs should I watch for that might require immediate attention?

• How can I manage common pregnancy discomforts?

• Can we review my birth plan preferences and how they fit with your protocols?

• For OBs: How do you handle inductions? What methods do you typically use, and what are your success rates?

• For midwives: At what point would you recommend a transfer to a hospital? What is your approach to pain management during labor?

Questions for Your Third Trimester

As your due date approaches, it’s time to get very specific about labor and delivery:

• What is your induction policy?

• How do you support pain management during labor?

• Can I eat, drink, or move freely during labor?

• What is your policy on support people in the room?

• How do you handle unexpected emergencies or C-sections?

• How do you support postpartum recovery?

• Do you perform routine episiotomies? If so, under what circumstances?

• How frequently do your patients require interventions like vacuum, forceps, or other assisted deliveries?

• Can you walk me through your hospital or birth center protocols for unexpected complications?

You CAN Fire Your Provider

Here’s a fact many people don’t realize: You can change your provider at any point—even during labor. Your birth is your experience, and you have the right to feel safe and respected.

If you feel unheard, dismissed, or pressured into decisions you aren’t comfortable with, you are empowered to request a change. Whether that means switching providers before your birth or even during labor, your voice matters—and your comfort and safety come first.

How a Doula Can Help

A doula can be your secret weapon in ensuring your questions are answered and your preferences are respected:

• Attend appointments with you and ask the questions you might forget.

• Help interpret medical advice so you can make informed decisions.

• Provide emotional support and advocacy during labor.

• Ensure your birth plan is communicated clearly to the team.

Having a doula doesn’t replace your provider—it enhances your support system, giving you confidence that your wishes are being heard and your questions are answered.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is a journey, and having the right provider and support system can make all the difference. By asking thoughtful questions, knowing your rights, and bringing in support like a doula, you ensure that your pregnancy and birth experience aligns with your needs and values.

Remember: You have the power in this relationship. Your questions matt

er. Your preferences matter. Your voice matters.