Pregnancy can be an incredibly overwhelming experience, filled with emotional highs and lows as your body undergoes numerous changes. You navigate a world where even a simple trip to the gas station can lead to unsolicited judgments, such as when the attendant offers you a slice of guilt along with your morning coffee—because you’re clearly not supposed to indulge. And then, of course, you leave your coffee in the car, adding to the chaos.
At work, you endure a barrage of unrequested advice, belly rubs, and second-hand guilt related to your choices, all while struggling through the day with little to no sleep. It’s hard to maintain composure, especially when someone suggests that your discomfort is simply a side effect of being “hormonal.”
Finally, you arrive at your doctor’s appointment, hoping for compassion and understanding from the person meant to support you during this journey. But when you mention the unusual pain in your abdomen, the response is dismissive. The OB scoffs, reminding you that pregnancy comes with discomfort. You leave feeling belittled, as if voicing your worries makes you lesser somehow.
At your subsequent appointment, you’re hesitant to mention the pain again, but the fear of something being wrong with your baby weighs heavily on you. You still express that your discomfort has intensified, only to be told that it’s not labor and that you’ll know when it is. You leave feeling isolated, convincing yourself that maybe you’re just being overly sensitive.
When the pain escalates right before your next appointment, it’s unbearable. Tears stream down your face as you describe the agony to your OB. He begrudgingly sends you to labor and delivery for monitoring, but once again you are told it’s just part of being pregnant. You are sent home, further deepening your doubts and fears.
The cycle continues, with each visit to labor and delivery yielding similar results: you’re told you’re being ridiculous. Eventually, at 40 weeks pregnant, you find yourself with an OB who refuses to check for dilation and offers you guilt instead of care. The realization hits that perhaps it’s not your perception that’s flawed—maybe the doctor is the one failing to provide the empathy and attention you deserve.
Deciding to switch providers isn’t just a right; it’s a necessity. If your healthcare professional fails to address your concerns or treats you with disdain, it’s time to seek a provider who will prioritize your well-being. After attempting to transfer within your health network and being told you were too far along, reaching out to another practice can be a game-changer.
Within days, you find yourself back in labor and delivery at a new hospital, and this time, the approach is completely different. The new doctor acknowledges your pain and vows to support you through it. The compassion you receive is palpable, and ultimately, you welcome your baby into the world with a sense of relief and care that was missing before.
Later, as a new mother, you face a health crisis that leads to the discovery of severe medical issues—issues that your previous OB had overlooked, attributing your symptoms to mere pregnancy discomfort. The experience solidifies your belief that advocating for your health is paramount.
Ending your relationship with your OB at 40 weeks was a pivotal decision. It’s never too late to demand the care you deserve, regardless of how far along you are in your pregnancy.
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In summary, never underestimate the importance of your healthcare provider’s support during pregnancy. You deserve to feel valued and cared for throughout your journey into motherhood.