June 2022

For Sound Pregnancy Advice, Turn to Your OB

Social media, online blogs, texts, emails, and even in person. People love to give advice, often whether you want it or not. It’s not just strangers trying to sell you something. Even well-meaning friends and family can pass on ineffective, outdated, or just plain unsafe suggestions.

For example, do not take Grandma up on the offer to get an extra keepsake ultrasound. (These images should be done for medical use only.) And despite anyone’s anecdotal stories, there isn’t a “safe” level of alcohol during pregnancy.

Turning to your obstetrician (OB) for information is the best way to help you—and your baby—stay healthy and keep your care private.

Rely on expertise

Throughout your pregnancy, prenatal visits are a great opportunity to talk face-to-face with your OB about more than your exam, test results, and the baby’s movement. Just as important, they can offer guidance that’s tailored to you and your situation. Key topics to discuss are:

• General health care, such as vaccinations and travel considerations

• Stopping unsafe habits, like smoking tobacco or marijuana and drinking alcohol

• Taking over-the-counter and prescription medicines

• Managing chronic conditions, like diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or HIV

• Health problems that can develop during pregnancy, including symptoms and prevention

• Nutrition, including prenatal vitamins and what foods to enjoy vs. avoid

• Physical activity, such as what type and how much

Write down your questions between appointments. For more urgent concerns, you may be able to connect with your OB or a nurse on the phone or a video call, instead of at their office. And if you haven’t already, ask your OB’s office how to get assistance outside of normal business hours. For example, if you call the main number, there may be an option to talk with a nurse.

Just can’t wait?

If curiosity gets the best of you, make sure to visit reliable sources of information. These include websites by the:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Office on Women’s Health

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Don’t stop there. Share what you’ve learned with your OB, ask questions, and see whether it applies to you. It’s imperative to talk about the information before taking action, including making any changes or additions to your pregnancy routine. The decisions you make can affect the health of you and your baby and impact your delivery.

Reviewed Date: 12-01-2021