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One person a pregnant woman should completely trust, apart from her mother, is her Obstetrician/Gynecologist. Your OB/GYN is probably one who knows you better than your mother during pregnancy, from a medical standpoint, of course. Yet, you may find yourself struggling to communicate effectively with her; sometimes to an extent of becoming self-conscious every time she examines your lady bits! However, you are not alone in this. There are a large number of women out there who can identify with your situation.
Having said this, you need to remember that your doctor is an inseparable part of your entire pregnancy and having a healthy baby largely depends on your relationship with her. Therefore, it is imperative for you to let your guard down and trust her completely. Especially with these 10 secrets, which you should never hide from your OB/GYN:
1. You Are Scared Of Being Pregnant
This is a normal feeling. Once it sinks in that a delicate being is growing inside you, it’s bound to give you the jitters. This, sometimes, stems either from a hidden illness or the self-doubt of whether you are capable of handling this fragile being with care. Whatever might be the reason; your OB/GYN will help you address your emotions appropriately.
2. You Are Consuming Alcohol
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If, for some reason, you are unable to completely give up alcohol, do not hide this fact from your Gynec. Be it that drinking binge you’ve been to with your gal pals or that glass of red wine at a formal gathering, make sure your gynecologist knows. She may be better positioned to deal with any situation that might arise as a result of your drinking.
3. You Are Addicted To Smoking
Unlike alcohol, where a small amount occasionally may not have fatal results, smoking, even passively, has grave consequences. It may affect the blood vessels of the placenta, resulting in delayed or degenerated growth of the fetus. Your OB/GYN can help you by increasing the number of sonograms to monitor the baby’s growth. She can also help you kick the stick by enlisting the help of support groups, nicotine patches, etc.
4. You Are Stressed Due To Pregnancy
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Stress, in any form, is harmful to your health as well as your baby’s. Again, it is natural to experience stress during pregnancy. Just make sure you inform your doctor about the same. She can, in turn, suggest you best ways to combat stress like yoga classes, warm showers, etc. Sometimes just a no-holds-barred conversation with your doctor can work wonders for you.
5. You Have More Than One Lover
If you have been intimate with more than one lover, this is something you should definitely tell your doctor. Before you think she’ll judge you, remember she’d have met millions of moms in her lifetime and knows exactly why not to judge. On the contrary, she may take your intimate interactions into consideration and perform tests to keep a check on sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and safeguard your little one against any infection.
6. You Have An Abusive Partner
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If your partner has been abusive of late, then your doctor is the best confidante you can get. You may have put up with an abusive partner earlier, but, now your little one’s life may be at risk too. Your doctor can get into the picture to help you heal physically and emotionally to ensure your safety, and, if need be, even counsel your partner.
7. You Have Plans To Travel
With a slew of new viruses spreading in different parts of the world, it is prudent to let your doctor know where you intend to travel, especially in your third trimester. She can educate you on how to deal with possible complications you may encounter during your travel. And if need be, may even ask you to cancel your plans. Which, by the way, you must adhere to for the sake of your baby!
8. Your Libido Is On A Roller-Coaster Ride
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Just like everything else, hormones, emotions, mood, etc., even your libido will go on a high-low ride during your pregnancy. However, if the increase in your physical intimacy, or the lack of it, is causing you trouble for more than six months, you may be at a risk of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Discussing these issues at the right time with your OB/GYN will help her. She can also suggest appropriate therapy for your condition; or a thorough treatment after you have delivered.
Remember, your OB/GYN is not only a person with a sound professional background but also brings in years of experience with her. Therefore, when in trouble, never doubt her wisdom. She’s probably the best person to help you bring your newborn safely into this world!
