Prenatal Care What and Who to Bring to Your Prenatal Check-Up Appointments By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH twitter linkedin Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH is a professor, author, childbirth and postpartum educator, certified doula, and lactation counselor. Learn about our editorial process Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH Reviewed by Reviewed by Rachel Gurevich, RN on August 31, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin Rachel Gurevich, RN, is a registered nurse, fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association. Learn about our Review Board Rachel Gurevich, RN on August 31, 2020 Print Photo Blend Images/Getty Images You might be thinking that your entire responsibility during your prenatal care is to show up and be on time. While this is certainly important, there are some things that you can do to get more out of your prenatal care and to help build a strong relationship with your doctor or midwife. Things to Bring to Your Prenatal Check-Ups Here are a few suggestions of what to bring to your prenatal appointments: Your Medical History Be sure to bring your complete medical history information to your first prenatal appointment. Records from your previous pregnancies, surgeries, or anything you think your doctor or midwife might want. If this is not your first prenatal visit then be sure to let your practitioner know if anything has changed in your medical history since your last appointment. List of Medications and Supplements No matter what you're taking medications for, be sure to bring an updated list to your prenatal visits. Your list should include any medications prescribed by someone other than your doctor or midwife. You will also want to bring in a list of any vitamins or herbal supplements you're taking as well. Your list may be modified as your pregnancy progresses, so be sure to talk to your practitioner about these changes. How Pregnant Women Can Safely Use Pain Relievers Your Questions It never fails that as soon as the doctor has left the exam room, you remember all of the questions you had before your appointment. Keep a piece of paper handy and write the questions down as you think of them between appointments. Bringing someone with you can also be helpful. Having two people hearing the responses can often remember more than one person and remind you of things you wanted to say or learn. 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Midwife Your Spouse, Partner, or Friend Bringing another set of eyes and ears to appointments can be a big help. Your company may remember things you forget to write down as well as be a witness to your joyful moments. It's also a great way for your partner to participate in your pregnancy and to get involved from the get-go. Even if they can't come to every appointment, remember there are some important appointments that they shouldn't miss. Tests and Exams at Your Prenatal Care Appointments An Open Mind Remember, your doctor or midwife has a lot of knowledge on the subject of pregnancy, labor, birth, and babies. If you have questions or want things done a certain way, be sure to discuss these matters with an open mind. Be open and receptive to the professional's ideas and opinions. With ample information in hand, you can make the best decisions about your pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum care. Use these techniques and tips to help make the most of your prenatal care appointments. You've really only got a handful of appointments to get ready for your baby's upcoming birth, make the most of the time you have and enjoy the process. 7 Things to Consider for Your Birth Plan Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit