Are you in the process of choosing and OB/GYN? Check out these 8 questions that will help you get it...
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Same Day Appointments Available
Same Day Appointments Available
Same Day Appointments Available
It’s finally time. The last few minutes have been the longest ones of your life. And you’ve finally gotten up the courage to check that little window on the pregnancy test. For some women, this can be an exciting and joyful moment. But some may feel shock and fear. In fact, just seeing the positive pregnancy test can cause some to be anxious or afraid of childbirth.
It’s normal to have an occasional worry or momentary fear about pregnancy or childbirth. But if the thoughts are overwhelming and making you feel extreme stress or anxiety, there are some things you should know.
First, you are not the only woman who is afraid of childbirth. We’ve all heard terrible childbirth stories, yet it’s helpful to remember that the majority of women are having healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries, daily. Thousands of them. Isn’t that reassuring?
Here are some suggestions to help you work through your concerns or fears about pregnancy and childbirth:
1. Speak to your doctor about it. Let your doctor know that you are afraid of childbirth. You might be experiencing a rare condition called tokophobia, a severe fear of pregnancy and childbirth.
2. Make sure your doctor is aware of any pre-existing medical or psychological conditions. According to Blue Cross Blue Shield, complications during pregnancy and childbirth often occurred because the mother had a medical condition, before getting pregnant, that was either not diagnosed or not properly treated.
Having an undiagnosed, untreated, or poorly treated health condition may increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
3. Tell your doctor about any supplements, vitamins, herbs, recreational drugs or prescription medications you are taking. Also, don’t forget to mention prescription medications that you were prescribed but have not been taking.
4. Start prenatal care as soon as possible and go to your appointments on a regular basis. Plan ahead to make sure you have transportation and childcare, if needed. If your health care cost is covered by Medicaid, you may be eligible for free transportation to medical appointments. Click here to find out about Medicaid transportation services.
A survey conducted by Blue Cross Blue Shield showed that “not having transportation to get to appointments was listed as one of the top reasons women did not go to prenatal care appointments.”
5. Say no to negativity! Lamaze.com recommends: “Don’t watch scary TV shows about childbirth, read horror stories or listen to friends recount the gory details of their labors.” If you are already afraid of childbirth, these will heighten those fears!
6. Educate and empower yourself to participate in making decisions about your childbirth experience. Take a birthing class or write out a birth plan. You can also work with a midwife or doula who can provide additional support during your pregnancy and delivery. Just having a plan can help make you less afraid of childbirth.
These are just a few ways you can have a great start on your path to a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. Here at Alcove Health Women’s Clinic, we would love to help you get started on that path.
The first thing you need to do is make an appointment with us to have your pregnancy confirmed. While you’re here, you’ll have a safe space to process your feelings and speak with a trained Advocate about your options. You’ll also meet with a Registered Nurse who can provide medically accurate answers to your questions and evaluate you for an ultrasound.
If you’re afraid of childbirth, we’re your best stop. All of our services are free and confidential. Our nurses can help you make a plan about your next steps. Don’t let your fear keep you from getting the help you need and the care you deserve. Call or click here to request your medical appointment today.
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