Going for your monthly checkup can be something to look forward to. It is a moment where you and your partner get to see your baby, hear reassuring updates, and feel more confident that everything is progressing as it should.
It is easy to feel caught off guard by the familiar question, “Do you have any questions?” If that moment brings doubt or the feeling that you are not doing enough, know this: nothing has gone wrong.
You are navigating pregnancy while carrying a full life around you, and that in itself takes energy, focus, and care.
The guide below highlights the questions that tend to matter most at different stages of pregnancy. Not because you are anxious or overthinking, but because you are paying attention to your body, your baby, and yourself.
When Should You Go for Your First Gynae Visit
You should schedule your first visit around the 6th to 8th week of pregnancy, or after a positive pregnancy test. The first visit helps to set a steady foundation by confirming the pregnancy, estimating your due date, and establishing a baseline for your care moving forward.
It is also a gentle starting point for asking questions, sharing any symptoms or concerns, and beginning a relationship with your gynae that will support you throughout the months ahead.
Month 1 to Month 3 (Weeks 4 to 12)
Early in pregnancy, questions often centre on whether everything is progressing as it should. You may be adjusting to new symptoms while quietly wondering what is normal.
This is a good time to ask:
- Is my pregnancy progressing as expected for this stage?
- Are these symptoms typical, or should I be concerned?
- What warning signs should prompt a call between visits?
- Are my supplements, medications, or remedies safe?
You may also want to talk about fatigue, nausea, food aversions (can I still drink 5 cups of coffee a day?), and emotional changes. Early reassurance can make a significant difference, especially when pregnancy still feels fragile.
Month 4 to Month 5 (Weeks 13 to 20)
As your bump becomes more visible and movements begin, you can ask questions about understanding growth and physical changes.
You might ask:
- How is my baby growing right now?
- What changes should I expect before the next visit?
- Is my weight gain within a healthy range?
- Are these aches, cramps, or back pains typical at this stage?
This is also a good time to ask about upcoming scans or tests, and what information they are meant to provide. Understanding what is ahead helps pregnancy feel less uncertain and more manageable.
📖 Related read: 5 Prenatal Massage Benefits for a More Comfortable Pregnancy
Month 6 (Weeks 21 to 27)
You’re more than halfway there! You have (sort of) gotten used to your baby bump and the hormonal changes. As pregnancy becomes part of everyday life, ask questions about nutrition and daily activity.
Questions to ask:
- Am I eating enough of what my body and baby need right now?
- Are there nutrients I should focus on at this stage?
- Is it safe to continue my current exercise or work routine?
- How can I improve sleep and manage growing discomfort?
📖 Related read: Essential Supplements for Mothers: Before & During Pregnancy
Month 7 to Month 8 (Weeks 28 to 34)
With regular movements and a growing belly, many moms begin paying closer attention to patterns and changes as the due date gets closer.
You may want to ask:
- Is my baby’s movement pattern typical?
- How is my baby positioned, and does it matter yet?
- What symptoms require immediate attention?
- How often will my appointments be from now on?
This is also a good time to talk through birth preferences, hospital procedures, and what future visits will focus on.
Month 9 (Weeks 35 to birth)
You’re in the final stretch! Soon you will be holding a little bundle of joy in your arms that would have made the last 9 months all worth it. In the final weeks, questions often focus on knowing what is normal and what requires action.
You can ask:
- How will I know when labour begins?
- When should I go to the hospital or clinic?
- What happens if I go past my due date?
- What pain relief options are available?
What Vaccinations Do You Need When Pregnant
When you’re pregnant, your immune system naturally changes to support you and the little one growing inside of you.
Depending on your stage of pregnancy, your gynae may recommend certain vaccines to protect both you and your baby, especially in the months leading up to the birth.
Ask your gynae about:
- Which vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy?
- When is the best time to receive them?
- Are there side effects I should expect?
📖 Related read: Essential Vaccinations for Moms-to-Be: Protecting You and Your Baby
How to Read Your Sonogram at Monthly Checkups
A sonogram uses sound waves to create an image of your baby, which can look abstract at first glance.
(Image: Dr Sono)
| Colour on Sonogram | What They Represent |
| Black | Fluid |
| Grey | Soft tissue |
| Bright white | Bones |
During each scan, your doctor checks key markers like the heartbeat, growth measurements, and overall structure. You may see lines and numbers on the screen, which help track your baby’s development over time. What matters most is steady growth and a healthy heartbeat, rather than the exact figures shown.
The scan also allows your doctor to assess movement, amniotic fluid, and placenta position.
A Gentle Reminder for Expecting Moms
You do not need to ask every question at every visit. Some months you will arrive with a long list. Other months, reassurance is all you need.
Prenatal care is not a test of how much you know. It is a partnership that grows alongside you and your baby. Trust that your questions, whenever they come, are worth asking.
If keeping track of what to ask feels overwhelming, this is where a little support goes a long way. MomGenie can help you remember the right questions for your stage of pregnancy, so nothing important slips through the cracks during your gynae or OB-GYN visits. Think of it as a gentle nudge, right when you need it, so you can walk into each appointment feeling prepared and confident.
