Dr. Kulsoom Ahmed, a renowned gynecologist from one of the famous hospitals in Karachi, recalls a story about a patient, Sania (21 years old), who came to her when after Punjab’s largest a government hospital mishandled her case, drowning leaving the baby and to-be-mother mother-to-be in more profound complications.

The OB-GYN ward is no sanctuary, and no other moment captures this more than when a woman is admitted for childbirth. It is a play of power in those moments as hospitals are eager to admit patients by citing urgency, doctors’ preference for cesarean births, and attendants exerting their decisions over medical advice.

A similar situation happened with Sania, who already suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) characterized by belly pain, constipation, diarrhoea, and gas which caused her more digestive problems as compared to her healthier counterparts. — you’ll probably have more digestive troubles than any average mom-to-be.

Sania’s IBS symptoms got worse in her first trimester of pregnancy. She sometimes went as many as five days between bowel movements. Bloating was a problem, too. “At times, it was literally impossible to wear pants, bend over, or even walk for a bit, but unfortunately, her doctor thought it to be a regular case of gas and kept on sending her back home until she had diarrhoea leading to severe dehydration,” says Dr. Kulsoom.

“Not only this, she was even called immature and stubborn for risking her pregnancy by coming back and forth to the hospital. Are doctors really there for saving lives or blaming the patient?” added Dr. Ahmed.

Why doctor’s support is important

When having a baby, you can must see a lot of different healthcare professionals. You can choose between whether to see a general practitioner (GP), You can opt for a midwife, an obstetrician, or a combination of those. It depends on what you want and where you want to give birth.

What kind of doctor you choose may depend on how much risk you have in your pregnancy. If you are at low risk for complications, a family doctor or midwife might be right for you. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, you will probably need to see an OB/GYN or other specialists. Problems in high-risk pregnancies include high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of previous pregnancy complications, or being older than 35.

The biggest mistake young girls make these days is choosing the wrong doctor, explains Dr. Noreen, a very well-regarded gynecologist in Karachi.

“Don’t buy status talks; go for people who will actually care for you and the baby,” she added.

If you are having a baby for the first time, it is essential for doctors to warn you about the complications and the body changes that you might experience through out the nine-month journey. Always ask a lot of questions, never stay in doubt. It will only give increase your anxiety.

Red flags you need to switch your doctor Red flags suggesting you should switch your doctor

• When you can’t share anything with your doctor

Poor patient-doctor communication can come in many forms:

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• You feel like your doctor doesn’t listen to you
• They interrupt you while you’re explaining your situation
• They ask you not to overreact in situations that really bothers you
• They don’t contact provide you with important information
• They don’t give you the time or opportunity to ask questions
• You become anxious after meeting them
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Medical things can be confusing, especially when you are expecting. You likely don’t have the same degree your physician does, so you’re bound to need some clarification. If you’re unable to have a discussion with your physician where you both ultimately end up on the same page, they aren’t a good fit for you.

Switch before your case gets worse!

• You are rarely being seen by your doctor but are almost constantly seen by a nurse or other assistants

There isn’t anything wrong with physician’s assistants or nurses because they play a significant role in health care. But if you seek the care of a specific healthcare provider and are rarely ever getting to see that individual (and you are not getting the care you believe you need as a result), this is a good sign that it may be time to make a switch.

Pregnancy is not a normal condition; it requires a professional eye to understand your situation. What is the point of paying a massive amount of money when you only got to see a nurse on your regular visits?

• They are rude about ‘second opinions’

Getting a diagnosis can be alarming sometimes, and hearing the professional opinion of another doctor may be necessary to confirm things for you. A good doctor understands your right to be well informed and should support a second opinion.

If your gyno doctor is rude or discourages you from getting a second opinion, she/he doesn’t have your best interest at heart. There is no need to go for a cesarean if your doctor is forcing it; wait until you get a second opinion and then make well-informed decisions.

• Rushed Appointments

One of the most obvious signs that your OB/GYN isn’t up to par is if they rush you out without fully answering your questions. Yes, doctors are busy people with many patients to see each day—but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve personalised care. If they constantly cut you off, can’t take the time to clarify results, or preemptively ends the appointment when it’s obvious you have more questions, it’s probably time to search elsewhere.

If your obstetrician checks off one or more of the signs mentioned above, you may want to consider finding another doctor. You shouldn’t feel bad about wanting the best care for you and your baby. Pregnancy and labor can be stressful, and it’s essential to have someone you trust and are confident in to guide you through it.