Your Past and Why It's Important to Your Prenatal Care Provider

When you first become pregnant, you will most likely be questioned in detail about your gynecological history. How much you will reveal is ultimately your decision, but it is almost always a good idea to be up front about your past with your medical provider.

So, what can you expect to be questioned about? Some of the most personal questions asked of you are likely to include the following:

Have you had any previous pregnancies or miscarriages?
Have you had any previous abortions?
Do you, or have you ever had, an STD?
Do you have HIV or AIDS?

The questions above are helpful to your health care provider in assuring that you are receiving all of the appropriate care, tests, and precautions.

Are you being abused?
Have you ever been abused?
Is the father of your child involved? If so, is he supportive of the pregnancy?

Questions about abuse or a support system are meant to make sure that you and your baby are safe, and it is important that you answer them honestly.

Some women hold back from revealing important medical history because of embarrassment or shame. For example, many women conceal previous unplanned pregnancies or abortions from their health care provider. Discussing this kind of history can be potentially embarrassing, but revealing it will only allow your health care provider to provide you with the best care possible.

It is very important to be very honest and open about your medical history with your health care provider, because the more he or she knows about you, the better care you'll get. Your health care provider can share important information with you based on your past, as well as tailor his or her care for you to your specific situation.

First, don't be embarrassed. Your health care provider is asking these questions because he or she wants to help you and provide the best care possible, not because he or she is hoping to hear some juicy gossip.

Next, remember that your health care provider is not allowed to disclose the information you share with him or her to third parties, under the doctor-patient privilege and federal law. Anything you share with your health care provider is required to be kept in strict confidence.

Finally, remember that your health care provider's job is to provide you with medical care, not to judge you or make comments about your past. The vast majority of medical professionals are just that, professionals, and they understand their role and will not make any comments or judgments about your medical history. Although there is no guarantee that your health care provider will respond to your past medical history professionally, almost all medical providers will do so. And, in the unfortunate event that your health care provider does not respond in a professional manner, you have the right to choose a new health care provider who does.