3 Reasons Not To Listen To Pregnancy Advice (Unless It's From Your Doctor)
As soon as you announce your pregnancy, you are likely to be flooded with well-meaning advice from loved ones, professionals, and even strangers. Women may want to share what worked for them during pregnancy or what they wish they had done differently.
While the majority of this advice will be given with good intentions, you may want to follow a policy of only accepting advice from your obstetrician, midwife, or nurse for several reasons.
The Amount of Contradictory Advice Can Be Overwhelming
One person will tell you to stop exercising. Another will extol the benefits of exercise throughout pregnancy. Someone will tell you to avoid alcohol while another person will swear that a glass of wine on occasion is fine, and this is just in your parenting class or at work. Once you begin looking for advice online, you will likely find support for and against every decision you have to make throughout your pregnancy.
Because there are so many different opinions about what a woman should and shouldn't do during pregnancy, many of them based in old wive's tales as opposed to science, it can be overwhelming to try to appease everyone giving you advice. You may start to experience feelings of guilt, stress, and anxiety from listening to everyone's opinions. If something sounds interesting, take note of it and ask your caregiver at your next appointment. Otherwise, try not to give it too much thought.
The Field of Obstetrics Is Constantly Changing
Just as any other field of medicine, obstetrics is constantly undergoing changes. Changes in the American healthcare system, technological advances, research, and current social trends all affect the way women experience pregnancy and birth. Because of this, information that a woman received even a few years ago may be considered dated and invalid. It is most likely that your professional caregiver will be the most up-to-date on important changes to the field of obstetrics.
You Are an Individual and Your Pregnancy Needs Are Unique
Each woman experiences pregnancy differently. You may be at high-risk for certain problems and at low-risk for others, which may affect what you can and should do during your pregnancy as well as what tests you should undergo and how often you should see your doctor or midwife. Deciding on the proper care for you is part of an ongoing relationship with your medical team and most people do not have enough information about your specific situation to give proper advice to you.
In some cases, advice can be helpful and comforting. However, you should always consult your obstetrician or midwife like OB-GYN Associates about concerns you are having during your pregnancy before you make any major changes.