Doctors visits in 10 minutes flat
Your doctor will tell you all of your odds, and basic information about what to expect during the once a month visits you have with him or her. And that’s if you have a ‘normal’ pregnancy, you may have more frequent visits. But that’s for a later discussion. You get all of about 10 minutes 20 if you are lucky in the United States with your OBGYN once a month during those first few months of pregnancy.
Make a List
Let me tell you, it’s not long enough to get into all the things and emotions that are coursing through your veins. It’s just enough to scratch the surface. And if you aren’t prepared with a list of questions or concerns trust me, your doc will be out the door before you remember that obscure question you had. My biggest tip to you. Keep a running note or list on your phone of things you want to talk about. That way you won’t forget the day of your visit, because trust me, with all those baby hormones, it makes the most capable, smart, intelligent women oh so forgetful. [ Oh, and that doesn’t just magically go away once the baby is born, more on that in a later post. ]
My favorite app is Google Notes for this one. I would keep one pinned to the top that was titled OB questions. Anytime I had a random wake up at 3am with some weird wonderment, or concern I would add them to the Google Note. Now, this is only for those weird things that could wait. If I ever had a concern that was urgent, or something that could not wait until my next visit I always MyChart’ed my doctor. I will assume that not everyone has this option. Or you may not know what that is. It’s essentially your medical record accessible online or on app that allows you to view upcoming appointments, schedule visits, and ask your doctor questions. Often times it’s a nurse that responds. But I tell you, use this if you can. The piece of mind that this gives is not understated here. And trust me, there’s no dumb question. You are new to this, even if you are second, third, or nth to the power 100 time mom. Every pregnancy, every child is oh so different. Use the resources. So if you don’t have the app, I am sure there’s a phone number you can call or at the very least you know the hospital you are hoping to give birth at. They should have a 24hr call number you can use. Use them. There is no point in wasting energy worrying over something when you can get an answer that is coming from someone with experience, not just Google.
That got way off into left field.
Continuing on, I was shocked at the little amount of time that I actually got with my OBGYN. Not to mention the small amount of time she was actually around during the delivery. Oh and the one, I REPEAT for those in the back, ONE follow up visit you get after giving birth that’s dedicated to you. So try to make things easier on yourself, keep a note of questions. Ask questions frequently and often via other forms of communication. And ma’ma, remember to be kind to yourself. You are doing fantastic and your baby loves you unconditionally.
