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

Navigating pregnancy is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when it comes to communicating with your healthcare provider. For many of us, speaking up can feel intimidating, but not today! This journey is yours, and it’s time to feel confident and empowered to advocate for yourself and your baby. 💜

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Why Speaking Up Matters 🗣️

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A 2023 CDC Vital Signs report found that 20% of women surveyed experienced mistreatment during pregnancy and delivery care. The numbers are even higher among Black women (30%), Hispanic women (29%), and multiracial women (27%).

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These statistics remind us why effective communication with healthcare providers is essential. You deserve to feel heard, respected, and supported throughout your pregnancy.

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Speak Up with Confidence ✨

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Your voice matters. Express your feelings, concerns, and preferences openly. Remember, there’s no such thing as a “silly” question when it comes to your health or your baby’s.

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Tips for Speaking Up

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• Find Your Tone: Assertiveness doesn’t mean being rude. Practice speaking confidently while respecting your provider’s expertise.
• Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand something, it’s okay to say, “Can you explain that differently?” or “What does that mean for my baby and me?”
• Repeat Back What You Hear: Summarize what your provider says to ensure you’re on the same page.
• Be Polite: Health care providers are people too, treat them how you want to be treated!

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Be Prepared and Ask Questions 📝

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Unfortunately, pregnant women often need to be proactive to ensure their concerns are addressed. Coming prepared to each appointment helps you make the most of your time.

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What to Prepare for Appointments

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• Updates on How You Feel: Any new symptoms, aches, or changes?
• Details About Symptoms: Note how often something happens, when it occurs, and what helps (if anything).
• Follow-Up on Tests: Have questions about bloodwork, ultrasounds, or upcoming procedures? Write them down.
• Anything on Your Mind: No question is too small or too big.

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Use the BRAIN Framework 🧠

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The BRAIN acronym is a fantastic tool for making informed decisions during prenatal visits and labor.

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• B – Benefits: What are the positive outcomes of this option?
• R – Risks: Are there potential side effects or complications?
• A – Alternatives: Is there another option to consider?
• I – Intuition: Trust your gut—how does this feel to you?
• N – (Do) Nothing: What happens if we wait or skip this option?

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Bring this framework to your next appointment to guide conversations and decisions confidently. 💡

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Bring a Supportive Partner or Friend 💜

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Sometimes, speaking up can feel overwhelming. If that’s the case, bring someone you trust—a friend, partner, or family member—who can help advocate for you.

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How They Can Help

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• Take Notes: They can jot down key points during the appointment.
• Use BRAIN Together: Teach them the framework so they can ask follow-up questions if needed.
• Offer Moral Support: Having someone by your side can make you feel more at ease.

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Know When It’s Time to Move On 🚪

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Everyone has bad days, even providers. But if you consistently leave appointments feeling unheard or dismissed, it might be time for a change.

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How to Evaluate Your Care

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• Do you feel respected?
• Does your provider listen to your concerns?
• Are your questions answered clearly?

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You don’t need to be best friends with your provider, but you do need to feel seen, valued, and supported. If that’s not happening, consider switching providers or practices. Your care matters! 💜

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Build Your Support Network with a Villie Baby Page 💜

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Communication doesn’t end at the doctor’s office! A free Villie Baby Page helps you connect with your village during pregnancy:

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• Ask for Referrals: Need help finding the right provider? Get recommendations from your trusted circle.
• Share Your Journey: Keep your loved ones updated on milestones and appointments.
• Raise Funds: Set up a cash fund to cover prenatal care or other pregnancy-related needs.

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With Villie, you can focus on what matters most—feeling supported and prepared for your baby’s arrival.

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References for This Article 📚

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• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Vital Signs Report on Maternal Care
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): FAQs on Pregnancy
• Mayo Clinic: Prenatal Care: What to Expect

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Final Thoughts

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Your pregnancy journey is uniquely yours, and feeling empowered in your communication with healthcare providers is a vital part of it. By preparing for appointments, speaking up, and building a strong support system, you’re setting yourself up for a positive and confident experience.

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You’ve got this—and Villie is here to cheer you on every step of the way. 💜

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