Those two little lines showed up on your home pregnancy test, and now you’re headed to your first prenatal visit. Maybe you’re a little excited. Maybe a little nervous. Either way, you probably have a lot of thoughts running through your head as you make your way to the clinic.

Over the course of the next nine months, you’ll get to see a lot of your doctor or midwife. Prenatal visits are important to ensure that you and your baby are healthy and to catch any issues early on. But they’re also a great time to ask questions, share concerns, and get more information on what you should or shouldn’t be doing (or eating!) while you’re pregnant. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are five important questions to ask your doctor or midwife at your first prenatal visit.

HOW MUCH WEIGHT SHOULD I GAIN, AND AT WHAT RATE?

Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy increases your chances of having a healthy baby. That’s why you’ll be weighed at each and every prenatal visit. Your doctor wants to make sure you’re not gaining too much — or too little — weight, and that you’re not gaining it too quickly or not fast enough. How much you gain and how fast you gain will be different for everyone. It’s important to ask your doctor or midwife what a healthy weight gain would look like for you. If you’re ever worried that you’re off track, talk to your doctor about it at your next visit.

WHAT FOODS SHOULD I EAT DURING PREGNANCY? WHAT FOODS SHOULD I AVOID?

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you want or you can eat for two (sorry!). Not all foods are safe to eat during pregnancy. You’re more susceptible to getting food poisoning. If you do get sick, it could be seriously dangerous for both you and baby. So it is important that you discuss your diet with your doctor. They will provide information on what foods are safe to eat during your pregnancy and what foods to avoid.

Your doctor might also recommend taking prenatal vitamins — that is, vitamins designed just for pregnant women. Supplements don’t give you license to eat unhealthy foods. They can help if your diet isn’t rich enough in certain nutrients, including key vitamins or minerals. You should always talk with your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements — including herbal remedies.

If you’re low income and having trouble accessing healthy foods or would like more information about what kinds of foods are good to eat during pregnancy, the Florida Health Department’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has resources to help you.

WHAT MEDICATIONS AND VITAMINS ARE SAFE TO TAKE DURING PREGNANCY?

Not all medications or supplements are safe for pregnant women — that includes some medicines prescribed by your primary care doctor. If you’re currently taking any medications for health conditions you had pre-pregnancy, be sure to mention it at your first prenatal visit and ask if it’s safe to continue. Even over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or cold medicine can be dangerous during pregnancy. If you experience any illness or issues while pregnant, always check in with your doctor or midwife before taking anything. This includes “all-natural” or “herbal” remedies, as these products aren’t regulated for safety. Some have been linked to harm in pregnant women and should be avoided.

Using harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs (including prescription painkillers) while you’re pregnant can be extremely dangerous for both you and baby. If you’re struggling to quit, talk to your doctor or check out local health department programs like Tobacco Free Florida Orange County.

IS EXERCISING SAFE DURING PREGNANCY? IF SO, WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE SHOULD I DO AND HOW OFTEN?

Exercising during pregnancy is good for you. It can decrease your risk of experiencing complications and help with pregnancy discomfort like backaches. Being physically active can also help you avoid gaining too much weight during your pregnancy. That’s why health officials recommend pregnant women get in at least 2.5 hours of exercise a week.

But while light to moderate exercise during pregnancy is great for most pregnant women, some women should avoid it because of pregnancy complications or other health risks. If you aren’t sure what exercises are safe for you or how much, ask your doctor during your first prenatal visit and check in about it throughout your pregnancy.

WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I EXPECT DURING PREGNANCY? HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?

There are some discomforts during pregnancy that — while annoying — are completely normal. These include backaches, feeling really tired, having sore breasts, and bloating. But some pains or feelings (like cramping or bleeding) could actually be signs of serious complications. At your first prenatal visit, talk to your doctor about what you should expect to experience during pregnancy. Talk about what things are red flags and what you should do (or who to call) if you spot them.

You should also ask if there’s a nurse line you can call to ask questions or get advice about symptoms you experience between prenatal visits. These nurse lines can help you figure out whether what’s going on is normal or if you should get checked out.