Talk to to your docs!

I just would like to send out a little PSA here. I write about medical errors in hospitals and stuff, and I want to emphasize how important communication with your healthcare provider is. I see a lot of questions on here from nervous women who seem too shy to contact their doctor. First, make sure you have a doctor! If you aren’t sure who yet, chose one now. You can switch later if they don’t work out. In the meantime you’ll have someone to go to if you’re unsure about something. You need to be ok calling the ob’s office and asking questions. I think for many of us, it’s the first time we really have to talk with a doctor or so often but get used to it! You are pregnant and you need information to make best choices. Ask questions! Make sure they know your history! Make sure they get back to you same day! Make sure you know what to do on the weekends (I highly suggest urgent care if there is one near you). Make sure when you go to urgent care, you also let your OB know you’ve gone and why - that info isn’t necessarily shared. Know your insurance well. Healthcare in the states is awful in many ways, so you must be your own advocate. If you get attitude that is making you feel stupid for asking, find another doc. The desk staff should be used to hearing everything under the sun and won’t even blink. Most errors happen because of a breakdown in commmunication. Healthcare is a busy, complex arena and nobody cares about you and your baby more than you. Make sure you are informed so you can catch mistakes. Mistakes are make so often, but a lot of times are caught before any damage is done. You okay a role in that. Also, stop stressing yourself out if you have a concern. Talk to your doctor instead of fretting for a week.