Feel Confident and Be Empowered: How to Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider During Pregnancy

One thing you want to get right when pregnant is communication with your healthcare provider. A lot of us have had a hard time speaking up for ourselves!  Not today! Not anymore! Here’s what you need to know to say something and feel good about it.

Twenty percent of women surveyed reported experiences of mistreatment during pregnancy and delivery care, according to a 2023 CDC Vital Signs report. Mistreatment during maternity care was higher among Black (30%), Hispanic (29%), and multiracial (27%) women.

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Speak Up

In your prenatal care, you need to use your voice. The goal is to express your feelings, concerns, and preferences openly and to feel heard. Remember, there's no such thing as a silly question or an over-expressed concern when it comes to your and your baby’s health. 

You can be assertive. That doesn’t mean bitchy or rude. Find the right tone to confidently express your needs while respecting the expertise of your provider. 

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Be Prepared and Ask Questions

Unfortunately, pregnant women have to be proactive. Come prepared to each appointment with a list. What should you have ready?

• Any updates to how you feel. Anything new? Anything not feel right?
• If you want to talk about a new ache or symptom, share how often it happens, when it happens and if anything helps.
• Any questions you have about bloodwork, ultrasounds or other tests you’ve completed or have coming up.
• Any other questions that are on your mind. 

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Use the BRAIN Framework

BRAIN, is an acronym for Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and (do) Nothing. It is a really good tool for making informed decisions. Use it for your prenatal visits and also during labor and delivery.

• Benefits: What are the positive outcomes of this option?
• Risks: Are there any potential side effects or complications?
• Alternatives: Is there another path we could consider?
• Intuition: Trust your gut. How do you feel about this option?
• Nothing: What if we wait or choose not to proceed with this option?

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Bring Your Partner or Friend

Some of us just don’t like to speak up! And that is OK! If you know you need some help advocating for yourself, bring a friend, your partner or a family member. 

Teach them the BRAIN framework.

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Know When to Move On

We all have bad days. When you reflect about your appointment, do you feel good about it? Do you feel seen? If no, ask to see a different provider or move to a different practice. 

You don’t need to be besties with your healthcare provider, but you do need to feel that they listen to you. 

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