by Sarah Grau

Created on: February 07, 2008

"You're pregnant? That's great! You know, you shouldn't be eating that. And try to get some exercise everyday or else those pregnancy pounds will take forever to come off." How many expectant mothers have heard something similar to this when they first announce their pregnancy? More often than not, sharing our good news with friends, family, coworkers and even strangers seems to invite their unwanted comments and advice. It's amazing that even people who have never experienced pregnancy or been around a pregnant woman think they know more about your physical state than you do.

Regardless of how you handle all the old wives' tales, anecdotes and rehashed scientific research that will, no doubt, be presented to you ad nauseaum, many of these people will expect you to follow their advice as though it came from your doctor. Letting them know up front that you have done your own research and have your own plans for your pregnancy is important.

DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
By being informed, you can effectively tell people, "Thanks, but no thanks." If someone has the gall to argue with your information, inform them that you are updated on the latest and most advanced research. The latest research is constantly changing what we "know" about the human body and health. This is especially important to remember when talking to older women who have grown children. Your mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and aunts all think they can tell you what to do and how to feel because they have been there and because you are younger. Be polite but firm, particularly with these women you will have to continue to deal with after the pregnancy.
As for your doctor, make sure you have done your research before deciding who will care for you and deliver your baby, because not all doctors have the same attitudes about pregnancy and labor. Some doctors won't let you try to have a vaginal delivery if you've previously had a c-section. Some doctors are part of a large practice, and so you may not get to have your doctor deliver your baby if they don't happen to be on call that night. Make sure that you are comfortable with the way your doctor handles each of these situations. I argued with my OB/GYN because she wanted me to get a flu shot. I have never had a flu shot before, hardly ever get the flu, and I was not comfortable with the ingredients of the shot, so I refused. Because I was informed, I didn't simply accept this as the only way to proceed with a pregnancy.

MAKE YOUR

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