How do you explain your needs during pregnancy to a S.O. who just does not get it?

He is my biggest stressor who insists that he is trying to help, but in reality, he does what HE believes to be helpful and makes things worse.

I was a nervous wreck going into my nurse intake appointment today. I panic every time I am in a medical setting. I knew going into this pregnancy that I would have an extremely challenging time facing my fear of doctors/needles/pain.

I need to be supported through this, not be told to calm down. Obviously I know I need to calm down, it's a lot easier said than done. I just want to be able to discuss what happens at my appointment with my S.O. and just be validated that it is okay for me to be nervous and upset. I need someone to hold my hand or rub my back while I am about to faint during bloodwork and not just tell me I am overreacting. I KNOW I AM OVERREACTING. That's my exact point.

Why is this so difficult to understand? Please tell me I'm not the only one dealing with this.