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Discover essential questions for your midwife during antenatal visits. Ensure you're prepared and informed throughout your pregnancy journey.
Reviewed by Christine Lane, Midwife and Consultant, on the 24.09.2025
Throughout pregnancy you will be seen by a midwife or doctor numerous times to check on the health and wellbeing of you and your baby. These appointments provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions so be sure to write them down before you attend so that you don’t forget. This article will explore the antenatal appointment schedule and suggests some questions that you may want to ask.
Your first midwife appointment, also known as the antenatal appointment, will be scheduled withing the first 10 weeks of your pregnancy. During your pregnancy you will be offered two routine scans, one at around 12 weeks and the second at 20 weeks.
During each appointment, your midwife or doctor will carry out a number of checks depending on your pregnancy stage. This can include checking your blood pressure, urine testing, listening to the baby’s heartbeat, measuring your fundus (size of your uterus from the pubic bone to the top), and blood tests.
There will also be opportunity to discuss any concerns and when you are closer to your due date, your birth plan. Some women may also have an obstetrics appointment. This usually happens if the pregnancy isn’t straightforward, perhaps there are pre-existing conditions such as epilepsy, or there may have been issues with a previous birth. You may be thinking to yourself “ can my partner come to my appointment”, and the answer is yes. Most maternity units have no problem with partners attending antenatal appointments.
Your initial appointment is usually called your booking appointment which will last around an hour.
You will be asked lots of questions about your health and wellbeing to ascertain the best care for your individual circumstances. It may be worth asking your partner to ensure that they know about any significant family history that may be relevant. You will also be asked for permission to take some blood and this will determine lots of things such as your blood type and starting iron levels.
Here are some other key questions you might want to ask during your first midwife/GP visit:
In the UK you will only be offered appointments at 25 and 31 weeks if it is your first baby. These visits are routine and will always consist of a urine check so be sure to have a drink before you go. You don’t have to ask the following questions at every visit but you may want to ask a few each time.
During this appointment, a blood test may be carried out to check iron levels. This doesn’t always happen so do check with your midwife.
Your final appointment may be anywhere between 40-42 weeks depending on whether or not you go into labour. If you haven’t given birth by 40 weeks, you’ll be seen again the following week.
During pregnancy, it's essential to maintain open communication with your midwife, ensuring any concerns or changes are promptly addressed to safeguard both maternal and foetal health. While some discomforts are common during pregnancy, certain symptoms warrant immediate attention. If you experience severe abdominal pain, especially accompanied by bleeding or persistent headaches, contacting your midwife is crucial. These symptoms could indicate conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or preeclampsia, which require swift medical intervention to prevent complications.
Additionally, any noticeable decrease in foetal movement should prompt a call to your maternity unit. While fluctuations in activity are normal, a significant decrease may signify potential issues with the baby's well-being. Likewise, if you develop symptoms such as sudden swelling of the hands, face, or feet, coupled with high blood pressure, it could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition requiring monitoring and possible intervention.
By reaching out to your midwife promptly when experiencing concerning symptoms, you ensure timely assessment and appropriate management, promoting a safer and healthier pregnancy journey for both you and your baby.
Midwives are there to ensure you and your baby are well throughout pregnancy, and to support you in having a positive birth experience.
