Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by talking with your family doctor or pregnancy care provider. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Before your appointment:

• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including when they first started and how they've changed over time.
• Make a note of the date of your last menstrual period, if you remember it.
• Write down key personal information, including any other medical conditions for which you're being treated.
• Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements you're taking.
• Ask a friend or family member to accompany you, if possible, to your appointment. Having someone else there may help you remember something that you forgot or missed and may provide much-needed emotional support.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Preparing a list of questions in advance will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For molar pregnancy, some basic questions to ask include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
• What kind of tests do I need?
• What needs to be done now?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• Do I need to follow any restrictions?
• What emergency signs and symptoms should I watch for at home?
• What are my chances for a successful future pregnancy?
• How long should I wait before trying to become pregnant again?
• Does my condition increase my risk of developing cancer in the future?
• Do you have any brochures or printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend for more information?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and run some tests, including a blood test and ultrasound exam. He or she may also ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When was your last menstrual period?
• When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• Are you having any pain?
• Compared with your heaviest days of menstrual flow, is your bleeding more, less or about the same? Have you passed any grapelike cysts from your vagina?
• Are you experiencing any lightheadedness or dizziness?
• Have you had a past molar pregnancy?
• What chronic conditions, if any, do you have?
• Do you wish to become pregnant in the future?