Empowering Your Pregnancy Journey: Choosing the Right Health Care Provider
By Lauren Kozlowski, MSW, MPH, MotherToBaby Georgia
“I didn’t even know I should ask my OB about that!” is a reaction I hear almost daily in my role as a teratogen information specialist. This caller’s reaction is similar to many women going into their first appointment after discovering they are pregnant. Many don’t know how to advocate for themselves effectively, and that’s understandable. How can women be expected to know what questions to ask or why they should be asking them?
The Importance of the HCP Match
Finding the right health care provider (HCP) is crucial as doctors, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, and midwives each have different personalities and care styles. To ensure the best care for you and your baby, it is vital to choose a provider who matches your needs, listens, and respects your concerns.
Getting the Most Out of Your Appointments
To empower yourself during your pregnancy appointments, consider these strategies:
- Prepare a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your provider.
- Take notes during your appointments for future reference.
- If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
- Trust your instincts and seek a second opinion if you’re not comfortable with the advice given.
Pregnancy is an excellent time to practice self-advocacy. Remember, if you’re not satisfied with your current provider, it’s okay to look for another one that better suits your needs.
Additional Resources
For more information on advocating for yourself during your pregnancy, check out these resources:
- Making the Most of Your Health Care Visit
- Your Best Birth: Providers, Plans, and Being Proactive
- A Doctor’s Guide: How To Be A Patient Advocacy Rockstar
- Health Care Self-Advocacy: Be the Squeaky Wheel
- The Complete Guide to Becoming Your Own Medical Advocate
About MotherToBaby
MotherToBaby, a service of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), is recommended by many agencies, including the CDC. If you have questions about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, call MotherToBaby toll-free at 866-626-6847 or text your questions to (855) 999-3525. Visit MotherToBaby.org to access fact sheets and download our free app, available on Android and iOS.
