Questions to Ask my Midwife

During your pregnancy, you may find that your midwife is your most common point of contact. A professional midwife is knowledgeable about the pregnancy process, as well as experienced in handling any issues that might arise. Companion, confidant and guide, midwives fill a significant role in helping a pregnant mother, both physically and mentally. 

As such, you may have many questions you want to ask them, whether to assess their knowledge, experience or stance on pregnancy, to ensure that your concerns will be addressed, boundaries will be respected and wishes will be carried out before your due date. Here are some questions you can ask mid-pregnancy: 

1. How does your practice work? 

Does your midwife focus on continuity of care or a shared care model (midwives team)? What happens if your midwife is unavailable? 

2. What can I expect from your prenatal care?

How many appointments will the mother have? What tests or screenings are offered? 

3. What is your C-section rate? What are my chances of requiring intervention? 

Learn if your midwife has a particular preference they tend to go for if their rate is higher than 10-15% (World Health Organisation’s maximum acceptable rate), it may mean that they are in the habit of intervening invasively and regularly. 

4. When do you consider to be “overdue” and what happens then? What are your induction rate and method? 

It is generally better to find midwives that are flexible to monitor babies regularly after 40 weeks instead of inducing. 

5. What if a complication arises in my pregnancy? 

There is always a risk of complication- better to know in advance how it will be handled. 

6. Can I choose to deliver at home, hospital or at a birth centre? 

Some midwives might insist on certain specifications during delivery- be sure to check instead of assuming to avoid arguing about it when you are due. 

7. What will labour be like and how will you support me? 

Check if your midwife’s practice aligns with your expectations, to avoid later disappointments. 

8. What pain management solutions do you normally use? 

Midwives usually offer a variety of natural solutions to manage pain, such as massage, water, positional changes or even nitrous oxide. 

9. Are you familiar with self-directed pushing or non-supine pushing positions? 

Not all doctors or midwives are familiar or experienced with every delivery position, so you may want to opt for one with extensive experience and flexibility.

10. What is your practice regarding cord clamping? 

Make sure to check whether your midwife is aware of the benefits of delayed cord clamping, familiar with it and is planning to do it, as some healthcare providers may still not be aware or have wrong assumptions about it. 

Once a mother decides to have a midwife for support and guidance during pregnancy, it is better to be careful and select someone whose practices and experiences align with the mother’s expectations, as well as a midwife whom the mother can trust and be comfortable with. 

Your health & happiness is our greatest priority.Stay healthy, stay comfortable, and stay happy, with Mama Net, your trusted Parenthood companion. Download the Mama Net App today!