5 Questions You Should Always Ask at Your Antenatal Checkup

Antenatal checkups are a critical part of pregnancy care, giving you the opportunity to monitor your baby’s development, discuss any concerns, and get personalised advice to keep you healthy and informed. These appointments are your chance to connect with your midwife or doctor, ask important questions, and gain clarity on the next steps in your journey to parenthood.

To make the most of these visits, it’s essential to come prepared with questions that address your health, your baby’s development, and your care plan. In this article, we outline five essential questions you should always ask at your antenatal checkup, along with tips for staying informed and confident throughout your pregnancy.

1. Is My Baby Developing Normally?

Why It’s Important:

Understanding your baby’s growth and development at every stage is one of the main purposes of antenatal checkups. Asking about your baby’s progress can help reassure you that everything is on track or prompt timely interventions if needed.

What to Expect:

Your midwife or doctor will measure your baby’s development using various methods, including:

Fundal Height Measurements: This involves measuring the size of your bump to track your baby’s growth.

Foetal Heartbeat Checks: Starting around 16 weeks, your baby’s heartbeat is often monitored during antenatal appointments.

Antenatal Scans: Key ultrasounds, such as the dating scan (10–14 weeks) and anomaly scan (18–20 weeks), provide detailed information about your baby’s size and organ development.

Follow-Up Questions:

Are my baby’s measurements within the normal range?

Are there any concerns about my baby’s development that I should be aware of?

Source: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines highlight the importance of regular growth monitoring to identify any issues early.

2. Are There Any Risks I Should Be Aware Of?

Why It’s Important:

Pregnancy risks can vary widely depending on your medical history, lifestyle, and other factors. Asking about potential risks ensures you stay informed and can take proactive steps to address them.

What to Expect:

During your antenatal care, your provider will assess risk factors such as:

Gestational diabetes.

Preeclampsia.

Preterm labour.

High-risk pregnancies may involve additional tests or monitoring, such as frequent growth scans or specialist consultations.

Follow-Up Questions:

Based on my medical history, is there anything specific I should watch out for?

What symptoms should prompt me to call the antenatal clinic or seek immediate care?

Source: According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), early identification and management of pregnancy risks significantly improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

3. What Can I Do to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy?

Why It’s Important:

Maintaining your physical and mental health during pregnancy is essential for both you and your baby. Your antenatal appointments are the perfect time to seek advice on nutrition, exercise, and relaxation techniques.

What to Expect:

Your midwife or doctor may recommend:

A Balanced Diet: Including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein, along with antenatal vitamins like folic acid and vitamin D.

Exercise: Light activities such as antenatal yoga, walking, or swimming are often encouraged.

Stress Management: Relaxation practices like antenatal massage or mindfulness exercises can reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

Follow-Up Questions:

Are there any specific foods or activities I should avoid?

Can you recommend pregnancy-safe exercises or antenatal fitness classes?

What are the benefits of yoga during pregnancy or other relaxation techniques?

Source: A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2019) found that yoga for pregnancy significantly reduced stress and improved maternal well-being.

4. What Tests or Scans Are Coming Up?

Why It’s Important:

Staying informed about upcoming tests and scans helps you prepare for each stage of your pregnancy and understand their purpose. Regular testing is essential for monitoring both your health and your baby’s development.

What to Expect:

During your antenatal checkups, your midwife will outline a schedule of upcoming tests, which may include:

Routine Blood Tests: To check for anaemia, infections, and blood type.

Glucose Tolerance Tests: Screening for gestational diabetes, typically around 24–28 weeks.

Growth Scans: Additional scans for high-risk pregnancies to ensure the baby is growing as expected.

Follow-Up Questions:

What information will these tests provide?

Are there any additional tests I might need based on my risk factors?

How do I prepare for the next antenatal scan?

Source: The NHS Antenatal Care Guide highlights the importance of regular scans and blood tests for tracking maternal and foetal health.

5. What Should I Expect as My Pregnancy Progresses?

Why It’s Important:

As your pregnancy advances, understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you feel more prepared and less anxious. This question allows your healthcare provider to guide you through upcoming changes and provide reassurance.

What to Expect:

Your midwife or doctor will discuss:

Labour and Delivery: Signs of labour, pain management options, and when to call the hospital.

Postpartum Care: Tips for recovery and mental health support after delivery.

Antenatal Classes: Recommendations for antenatal education to help you prepare for labour and parenting.

Follow-Up Questions:

What are the signs that I should seek immediate care in the third trimester?

Are there any antenatal classes near me that you recommend?

What pain relief options will be available during labour?

Source: The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) reports that antenatal education significantly increases confidence and reduces anxiety in expectant parents.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Antenatal Appointments

1. Come Prepared

Write down your questions and concerns ahead of time to ensure you don’t forget anything important.

2. Take Notes

Keep a notebook or use your phone to jot down key information during the appointment.

3. Bring a Support Person

Having your partner or a trusted friend with you can help you remember details and provide emotional support.

UK Resources for Antenatal Support

NHS Antenatal Services: Comprehensive prenatal care, including routine scans and mental health support.

Visit NHS Pregnancy Care

Tommy’s PregnancyHub: Expert advice on managing pregnancy health and preparing for labour.

Visit Tommy’s

National Childbirth Trust (NCT): Offers antenatal classes, support groups, and pregnancy fitness advice.

Visit NCT

Your antenatal checkups are a vital opportunity to ensure a healthy pregnancy and stay informed about your baby’s development. By asking these five key questions, you can make the most of your appointments and feel confident in your journey to parenthood.

Remember, no question is too small or unimportant. Your healthcare team is there to support you, so don’t hesitate to raise any concerns or ask for clarification. With the right information and guidance, you’re setting the foundation for a healthy, happy pregnancy.