First Prenatal Appointment--Questions?

[Lemoncello]

Okay, so I'm very new to this whole pregnancy thing, and I am also a major information gatherer. So, I have my first appointment with a CNM this coming Monday, and I want to be sure I know what kind of questions to take with me to ask her. Although I really want a homebirth, I'm going to be seeing CNMs who work with my local hospital at least through my first trimester. (Illinois is not too homebirth friendly, and I'm still working on finding homebirth midwives to interview.)

So, I know there's no point in asking her any questions about homebirth, because this CNM won't do them. But what kind of questions should I ask her about the pregnancy, baby's progress, my overall physical health...that sort of thing. I'm clueless! I'd also like to know how natural birth-friendly our hospital really is, in the event that I end up going there after all. What kind of questions could I ask to help me discern this?

Like I said, I'm very new to all this, so no question you suggest could be too basic at this point. I plan to type up a whole list of things and make myself a nuisance if I must, all because I must have information!

[ciga]

Oh man, I can't seem to find it anywhere now but I had a super long list of questions I asked my midwife. She runs a freestanding birth center so it is a little different than what you might ask for the hospital but here is what I remember.

-How often and under what circumstances do you find the need to transfer to the hospital? (This could be changed to what percentage of your mothers end up with medical intervention of any sort and c-sections in particular)

-what are some of your pain relief strategies for mothers during labor?

-What kind of childbirth education does she recommend?

-What is the likely-hood that you would be out of town or otherwise unable to attend my birth (does she schedule vacations around patients)?

- How many other mothers does she have due around you (so on average how many mothers due per month)?

- Who would attend my birth if you were not able to? Will I meet them during my pregnancy?

-How long is each appointment? Will I have plenty of time to ask questions?

-How often do you perform internal exams?

-What is your protocol when I reach 42wks?

-Will I be free to move around, eat, drink during labor?

-What is your protocol for gestational diabetes tests? (My midwife gave me a few choices of normal breakfasts instead of having to chug glucose)

-If I am transferred to the hospital will you stay with me through the birth?


Also, just flat out ask how natural birth friendly the hospital is.

If I remember any of my others I'll post them too.

[hotharmony]

As far as how natural friendly the hospital/her practice is in addition to the question above I would review this list from the from the coalition for improving maternal services.

Most importantly she should know and be able to give you stats on how many inductions are done, how many c-sections, how many epesiotomites (sp?) are routine in her practice and in the hospital they practice in.

Not all hospitals are bad and sometimes you can find a birth center in hospital that is much better than the actual hospital.

Good Luck.

[Lemoncello]

Thanks for the replies so far! I will definitely write these down.

Aside from the actual birth, what kind of things should I ask about my general health and the progress of the pregnancy? I'm so bad at thinking of questions on the spot, so I know I'm going to need to have some written down, at least at first.