💡Questions to ask your OB/GYN 👩‍⚕️

With so much information out there in the universe (and often, conflicting), it can be hard to know what’s “normal” down there. And the fact that the average doctor’s visit is only 15 minutes, we may feel rushed or that we don’t have enough time to understand our bodies, options, or know what to ask! That’s why we put together this list of questions that you should be asking your OB/GYN or healthcare provider at any stage of your reproductive health journey.

General Reproductive and Sexual Health

If you’re worried about irregular periods… What should I do if my menstrual cycle is irregular?

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, with the first day being the first day of your period. Bleeding typically lasts about 5 days. If you notice your period falling outside of your regular range, including symptoms of spotting between periods, heavier flows than usual for you, menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than normal, or your periods are extremely painful, it’d be a good idea to chat with your doctor. 

If you’re sexually active… How often should I get tested for STIs?

If you’re sexually active, your gynecologist will likely recommend STI and STD testing at least once a year. Many STIs can be asymptomatic (meaning you could have no symptoms), so it’s a good idea to not skip out on these tests! If you’re experiencing any symptoms like unusual discharge, pain when urinating, genital lumps, itchiness down there, a rash, or unusual vaginal bleeding, call your doctor and get an STI test. 

What should I know about healthy vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is completely normal! A healthy vaginal discharge is typically clear or milky and may have a subtle scent. Your vaginal discharge can change if you’re menstruating, ovulating or pregnant. If you begin to notice any abnormal changes to the color of your vaginal discharge, an unpleasant or foul smell, itching, pain, or burning, your doctor will likely take a sample of the discharge or perform a Pap smear. 

Should I be self-examining my breasts? When should I get a Pap smear? How often?

It’s recommended that women do breast self-exams once a month. If you menstruate, self-exams should be performed after your period. Your doctor can show you how to do these at home. For Pap smears, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends Pap tests every 3 years for women between the ages of 21 to 29. Women between the ages of 30 to 65 have three options: a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years, a Pap test alone every 3 years, and an HPV test alone every 5 years.  

Family Planning

When should I stop using birth control?

Gynecologists often may recommend stopping hormonal birth control (like the pill, IUD) a few months before you plan to start trying to conceive. Keep in mind that there is a possibility that you can become pregnant within 1 month of stopping. You’ll want to discuss a plan with your doctor as things like your menstrual history, type of birth control used, and family history can matter. Did you know that it is recommended to start taking a prenatal vitamin before you start trying to become pregnant? Folic acid and other prenatal vitamins can give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to support a healthy pregnancy and even help reduce the risk of some birth defects.

How do I know when I’m ovulating?

In an average 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation typically happens about 14 days before your cycle starts. Tracking your menstrual cycle and ovulation will help you understand when you are ovulating.

What can I do to improve my fertility?

Tracking your fertility window and knowing when you are ovulating each month will give you a clear picture of when you should try to conceive. Understanding your hormones and other reproductive health biomarkers through testing can also help give you and your provider insights into your fertility. As always, a well-balanced, nutritious diet and exercise can help! 

When should I consider fertility treatment? What are my fertility treatment options?

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine says that on average, women (with no known fertility complications) between the ages of 25 and 30 have about a 20% chance of becoming pregnant each month. If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, it’s a good idea to talk to your gynecologist about your options, the pros and cons of these options, and make a plan together. Fertility treatment options can include IUI, IVF, surgery, or other assisted reproductive technology. Take a breath and remember: there are options and support for you!

If you know you eventually want to become pregnant someday… Should I consider freezing my eggs?

While there is not a “right” age to freeze your eggs, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) suggests that the most optimal time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s and early 30s while you have a higher ovarian reserve (the number of eggs in your ovaries). Egg freezing is not recommended for birthing people over the age of 38. Things to consider before egg freezing include:

• Cost. We aren’t going to sugar coat it – egg freezing is expensive, often costing between $15,000-20,000, not including the cost of storage. Insurance coverage is tricky.

• You’ll need to take hormone injections which come with side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, cramps, and mood changes. 

• Egg retrieval is a medical procedure.

• Egg freezing doesn’t guarantee you a successful pregnancy.

Pregnancy

How often will I see you?

When you’re pregnant, you can expect to see your medical provider every 4 weeks when you are 0-28 weeks, every 2 weeks at 28-36 weeks, and weekly at 36+ weeks. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it’s very likely that you’ll visit your care provider more frequently. 

Your prenatal visits are very important to the health of you and your baby – don’t skip them!

What should I do to keep myself and my baby healthy?

When you take care of your body, you’re taking care of your baby! It’s recommended that you take your daily prenatal vitamins, maintain a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly (with your doctor’s approval), and avoid alcohol and recreational drug use. Managing your mental health and stress is also important. If you’re taking any medications, discuss them with your doctor. 

Can I exercise?

Moderate exercise for 30 minutes per day is usually recommended for pregnant people. Frequent exercise during pregnancy has a ton of benefits and can even help shorten labor. Get the OK from your medical provider first, especially if you haven’t exercised in a while. In your first trimester and sometimes in your third, you may have less energy to exercise compared to your normal routine – and that’s perfectly ok! 

Do I need to change my eating habits?

Studies show that nutrition is incredibly important for not just your health throughout your pregnancy, but for healthy growth and development of your baby. A well-balanced diet will allow you and baby to get the proper nutrition to support a healthy pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association suggests that most pregnant people typically need an additional 300 to 350 calories per day in your second trimester and 450 to 500 calories in your third trimester. While you’ll be eating more, you aren’t “eating for two”. 

I’d like to discuss what’s important to me and my options when I give birth. Can we make a plan together?

Writing a birth plan can be a good way to communicate your wishes around labor and delivery. If you decide to write one, having a conversation about your plan with your care provider can be beneficial and help you both work together to support your preferences. 

Will you be the one delivering my baby?

Many OB/GYN practices follow a rotation or “on-call” system for deliveries. While you may see one doctor throughout your prenatal care, there is a possibility that a different doctor may attend your delivery. If you’re concerned about having a different doctor at delivery, you can ask your OB/GYN if you can meet some of their colleagues during your prenatal care visits. Some OB/GYN practices already do this as a standard of care to ensure you feel at ease.

Postpartum

Is my bleeding normal?

After you give birth, it’s normal to experience some vaginal bleeding. The blood you see after giving birth is called lochia, a discharge that’s similar to your menstrual period that usually lasts for four to six weeks postdelivery. If you notice heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad in less than an hour, bleeding that doesn’t lessen after a few days, fever, foul scent, large or high number of clots, call your doctor immediately.  

Is my mood normal?

As you transcend into this new state of motherhood, it’s natural for you to experience many emotions. Postpartum depression affects up to 20% of new birthing parents postdelivery. If you begin to feel intense feelings of sadness, anxiety or despair, thoughts of hurting yourself or others, call your doctor right away. 

What should I expect with my first poop postpartum?

The scoop on poop: most birthing people go number two around three to five days after delivery. It can be daunting to think about your first bowel movement postpartum. Luckily, you have support. Your hospital or birthing center will likely give you a stool softener to help. Hydration and fibrous foods are your best friends. 

What can I do to help with constipation?

Believe it or not, constipation is very common following delivery. Some things that can help relieve constipation in postpartum include plenty of water (breastfeeding parents should aim to drink 80 to 100 ounces per day), a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber (try oatmeal, apples, nuts, leafy greens, peas), stool softeners (your physician may recommend Miralax, for example), moving your body (with your physician’s approval and if you are not restricted due to a C-section), and perineal massage. 

When is it ok for me to have sex again?

Your care provider will likely give you the green light to start having sex again at your six-week postpartum visit. Remember to be kind to yourself. With the shifts in your hormones, lack of sleep and recovering body, your libido might be lower than usual. 

What are my birth control options?

If you are considering birth control, you have plenty of options that you can discuss with your provider. For the first six weeks after delivery, abstinence or progesterone-only methods are best and won’t affect your milk supply.

Can I have a drink if I’m breastfeeding?

There can be a lot of stigma around breastfeeding and alcohol but the good news is that you can safely enjoy a drink if you know how to time it. According to the CDC, you can safely drink up to one drink. It takes your body about two hours to metabolize one drink, which means it will be out of your breast milk too. So, you can safely breastfeed about two hours after you’ve finished one drink. Cheers!

You deserve to be empowered in your reproductive health. We’re here to be your advocate with you!