Pregnancy invites you into one of the most transformational seasons of your life. As your body expands, so does your awareness: your instincts sharpen, your intuition rises, and your desire to feel supported becomes non-negotiable.
One of the most powerful ways to care for yourself during this time is to choose a provider who honors you, respects your choices, and partners with you; not one who simply manages your pregnancy.
And the best way to build that relationship is through questions.
Not rapid-fire, checklist-style questions. More of an open, real conversation.
The kind that lets you hear your provider’s philosophy, not just their protocol.
The kind that reminds you that you are allowed to understand your care, not just go along with it.
Below are the top 20 questions every pregnant woman can ask throughout their low-risk pregnancy to stay informed, grounded, and aligned with their values.
1. “What should I expect at my next appointment?”
This keeps you informed, reduces anxiety, and gives you a sense of the rhythm of prenatal care. Plus, you'll have time to research anything you may not be fully aware of that are "standard care" protocols.
2. “How do you define a healthy, low-risk pregnancy?”
This reveals how they view your baseline and whether they truly trust the physiology of birth.
3. “What is your approach to shared decision-making?”
You deserve a provider who welcomes your voice. Not someone who expects unquestioned compliance.
4. “How do you support physiological (unmedicated) birth if that’s my intention?”
A supportive provider will have clear pathways and confidence for unmedicated labor - not fear of it.
5. “Can you walk me through your practice’s induction guidelines?”
Inductions are common; this helps you understand when and why they’re recommended.
6. “Under what circumstances would you recommend interventions, and how do you help families weigh the benefits and risks?”
A balanced provider will explain the full picture; not just the convenient one or worst-case-scenarios.
7. “How do you view my role in decision-making during pregnancy and birth?”
You want to hear words like collaboration, options, informed consent, and autonomy.
8. “What is your practice’s cesarean birth rate, and what contributes to those numbers?”
Context is just as important as the statistic itself.
9. “If a cesarean becomes necessary, what typically happens during that birth in this hospital?”
Demystifying the environment often reduces fear and builds trust.
10. “Who will actually be with me during labor - my primary provider, a rotating team, residents, nurses?”
Birth day surprises are best left for baby; not staffing. You have full right to decide who will be in the room with you.
11. “Do you support staying home during early labor? What signs tell you it’s time to come in?”
This reveals whether they trust your body’s timing and want to avoid unnecessary early admission.
12. “What is your approach to fetal monitoring in labor?”
Intermittent monitoring supports mobility and reduces interventions. Clarify ability to move while being monitored.
13. “How do you support an upright or movement-based labor?”
Evidence is clear: freedom to move positively influences labor progress and comfort.
14. “What is your philosophy around food and drink during labor?”
Policies vary. Many families are surprised by restrictions that aren’t actually evidence-based.
15. “How hands-on or hands-off are you during pushing?”
Do they coach pushing? Allow spontaneous pushing? Default to directed pushing?
This matters more than most people realize.
16. “What is your episiotomy rate, and when do you consider it medically necessary?”
Episiotomies are not benign. Asking about this shows that you value bodily autonomy.
17. “What newborn procedures are routinely done right after birth, and what options exist to delay or decline?”
Knowing ahead of time helps you create a newborn preferences plan without feeling rushed. Are they willing to do any procedures while baby is on your chest or being held?
18. “What is immediate postpartum care like for both me and baby?”
You deserve to know the flow of those sacred first hours after birth. Do you have to change rooms? Will they bring baby to your chest if you both are not in distress?
19. “How do you support breastfeeding in the first hour?”
This question ensures your provider prioritizes uninterrupted bonding and feeding. You can also find out if they have a lactation consultant on staff ready for you.
20. “How do you support mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy and postpartum?”
Pregnancy is not just physical. You want a provider who sees the whole woman, not just the charts.
BONUS: “What questions do YOU wish more families asked?”
This unexpected invitation often reveals a provider’s true values, concerns, and hopes for the families they serve.
Why these questions matter
Asking questions isn’t about being difficult or distrustful. It’s about staying connected to your body, your intuition, and your values.
Most importantly, these conversations help you understand if your provider is a good fit for you. A healthy birth experience begins long before labor. It begins with how you feel walking into every appointment.
Please know you can likely change providers anytime. Women give birth on vacations or even "happen" to be by the hospital of their choice when in labor.
Best practice advice - call the practice you'd like to switch to and make sure they can take you on. Then go for an appointment. See if they may be a better fit.
You deserve to feel:
Support
Informed
Respected
And deeply seen