Supporting your partner when she fears going to the doctor

2 min read September 3, 2024Week 23

Key takeaways

2 min

Accept and validate your partner's fears about medical appointments without dismissing her concerns, as pregnancy hormones can intensify anxiety.
Gather evidence-based information about common pregnancy issues to help reduce fear of the unknown and create realistic expectations.
Create positive pre-appointment rituals like playing music and sharing breakfast to establish pleasant associations with doctor visits.
Accompany her to appointments to provide emotional support and help her remember important questions to ask the healthcare provider.
Plan enjoyable activities after appointments to give both of you something positive to anticipate following medical visits.

Support your partner's doctor visit fears by validating her concerns, gathering evidence-based pregnancy information, creating positive pre-appointment rituals, accompanying her to visits, and planning enjoyable post-appointment activities to maintain a healthy pregnancy experience.

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Accept her fears

You may find it hard to understand your partner’s fear of feeling pain or of having a bad experience with the doctor, but they can be overwhelming for her. An expectant mother can feel especially vulnerable, and hormonal fluctuations and the physical stress of pregnancy on the body may be to blame. Don't dismiss her worries; be the one to embrace her and hold her hand. You don’t always have to come up with a solution that will calm her nerves, listening to her is often the best thing you can do [1].

Find evidence-based information

If your partner gets overly anxious before every appointment for fear of having complications, make a list of the most common pregnancy-related health issues and talk to the doctor about them. Have them explain what happens in each case, what procedures are available, and which tests are needed. Knowledge can help your brain keep things in perspective and make them less scary[2].

Create a pleasant, calm environment before the appointment

Make some breakfast, play her favorite music, and try to have a pleasant conversation. Don’t forget about being affectionate and holding hands!

Caring for your partner is always a good idea, but it is also scientifically proven to help overcome negative associations. Researchers have found that the psyche unconsciously transfers emotions from one event to another [3], so having an enjoyable pre-doctor’s appointment ritual can help her feel less anxious about the appointment.

Accompany her to the appointment

Being there at crucial moments can be the most important thing you do for your partner [4]. Many women feel uncomfortable in the doctor's office. They can be sensitive to what may sound like cold medical terminology or forget what they want to ask because they feel nervous. Your support will be very helpful.

Arrange to have a date after the doctor’s appointment

Take a walk in the park, go to a restaurant or the movies. Who said that going to the doctor can't be followed by a date? Doing something you both enjoy after the doctor’s appointment will give you something to look forward to and quite possibly make your partner feel less nervous about her prenatal visit [5].

Frequently asked questions

Support her by validating her fears, gathering factual information about pregnancy, and creating positive experiences around appointments. Accompany her to visits and plan enjoyable activities afterward to reduce anxiety.

Pregnancy hormones and physical stress can intensify fears about pain or complications. Many expectant mothers feel vulnerable during medical visits, making emotional support crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

Yes, accompanying your partner provides emotional support and helps her feel more comfortable. You can help her remember questions and provide reassurance during what can be stressful medical visits.

Create a calm, pleasant environment by making breakfast, playing her favorite music, and having positive conversations. These rituals help establish good associations with medical appointments.

Learning about common pregnancy issues and procedures helps put concerns in perspective. Knowledge reduces fear of the unknown and helps both partners feel more prepared for appointments.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Meet our medical experts

Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated September 3, 2024

This article is based on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources.

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