Navigating pregnancy care can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure how to speak up for yourself in medical settings. While most providers have your best interests at heart, being informed and proactive is essential to ensuring you get the care you deserve.
The U.S. has some of the worst maternal health outcomes among developed nations, with rising rates of maternal mortality, unnecessary interventions, and racial disparities in care. The one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy and birth does not serve every person equally, making it even more critical that individuals take an active role in educating themselves and advocating for their care. Understanding your rights and choices can significantly reduce the risk of becoming another statistic.
This guide will walk you through how to advocate for yourself during pregnancy, questions to ask, and steps to take if you feel unheard.
Why Advocacy Matters in Pregnancy Care
Too often, people enter pregnancy trusting their provider to guide them—but many standard medical recommendations are based on hospital policies, not necessarily evidence-based care.
✅ Advocating for yourself means:
- Understanding common interventions and their risks/benefits.
- Asking questions before agreeing to a test or procedure.
- Speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
- Reducing your risk of unnecessary interventions that may lead to complications.
📖 Want to know what’s normal vs. concerning? Read: Warning Signs in Pregnancy You Should Never Ignore.
Key Questions to Ask Your Provider
At Each Prenatal Visit:
- What are my options for care?
- Are there any risks with the procedures or tests you recommend?
- What evidence supports this recommendation?
- Can we wait and reassess later?
- What happens if we do nothing?
📖 Worried about medical interventions? Read: The Ultimate Pregnancy Nutrition Guide to learn how diet can impact common pregnancy conditions.
About Labor & Birth:
- What’s your rate of induction, C-section, and episiotomy?
- Can I move around during labor?
- What pain relief options are available besides an epidural?
- What are your policies on delayed cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin?
📖 Want to be fully prepared for birth? Read: First Trimester Symptoms: What’s Normal & When to Call Your Doctor.
How to Handle Pushback from Your Provider
If you feel dismissed or pressured into something you’re not comfortable with, use these strategies:
✅ Ask for More Time
- “I’d like to take some time to research this and discuss it with my partner.”
✅ Request an Alternative
- “Are there any other options we can try first?”
✅ Bring a Birth Partner or Doula
- A support person can help advocate for your wishes in the moment.
📖 Need more support throughout pregnancy? Read: Pregnancy Fatigue: Why It Happens & How to Boost Your Energy.
Know Your Rights in Pregnancy & Birth
🏥 You Have the Right To:
✔ Decline any test, intervention, or medication.
✔ Seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right.
✔ Refuse induction unless medically necessary.
✔ Choose where and how you give birth.
✔ Ask for full explanations before making decisions.
📖 Experiencing medical pushback? Read: How to Advocate for Yourself in Postpartum Medical Care.
What to Do If You Feel Unheard
🚨 If you feel dismissed, rushed, or pressured:
- Repeat your concerns firmly. (“I hear you, but I need more information before deciding.”)
- Bring in another advocate (partner, doula, or another provider).
- Request a different provider if you’re not comfortable.
- Document everything (date, time, what was said, and your response).
📖 Want to prevent pregnancy complications? Read: The Ultimate Pregnancy Hydration Guide.
Final Thoughts
You deserve respect, informed choices, and evidence-based care during pregnancy. The current maternal health system often prioritizes convenience and liability over individualized care, meaning it’s up to you to educate yourself and advocate for your needs. By asking the right questions, pushing back when necessary, and choosing providers who respect your wishes, you can reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions and improve your pregnancy experience.
📌 Need expert pregnancy support? Birthify offers on-demand, evidence-based pregnancy coaching. Join today!