Is Your Doctor Ignoring Your Pregnancy Concerns? Here’s How to Get the Care You Deserve

Pregnancy should be a time of care, support, and trust in the medical system. But for many women—especially Black women—it can be a battle just to be heard.

Fact: Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Research shows that this isn’t due to genetics or socioeconomic status—it’s medical bias and systemic neglect.

Women of color are too often dismissed when they report pain, discomfort, or symptoms of serious complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or infections. Instead of being taken seriously, they hear:

❌ “That’s just normal pregnancy discomfort.”
❌ “You’re overreacting.”
❌ “Let’s wait and see.”

But "waiting and seeing" can be dangerous when you're dealing with life-threatening pregnancy conditions. Delayed diagnosis and ignored symptoms cost lives.

You shouldn’t have to fight for basic medical care, but advocacy can save your life.

Why Doctors Ignore Women—And How It Puts You at Risk

It’s no secret that medical bias exists. A 2016 study found that half of medical students and residents believed Black people have a higher pain tolerance than white people—a false and dangerous assumption that leads to undertreatment and medical neglect.

When it comes to pregnancy, the risks are even higher. Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, postpartum hemorrhage, and blood clots require urgent intervention. But too often, doctors dismiss or delay care for women of color.

💡 Example: Serena Williams, one of the most famous athletes in the world, almost died after childbirth because doctors ignored her when she said she was experiencing a pulmonary embolism (a life-threatening blood clot in her lungs). If it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone.

If something feels wrong, you have to push for answers.

5 Steps to Make Sure Your Doctor Listens to You

📢 If you feel dismissed, do not let it go. Here’s how to make sure your concerns are taken seriously:

1️⃣ Bring Someone With You to Appointments

Having a support person—partner, friend, doula, or family member—makes a huge difference. They can:
✔ Help ask the right questions
✔ Take notes on what the doctor says
✔ Back you up if your concerns are dismissed

🚨 If you can’t bring someone in person, put them on speakerphone.

2️⃣ Call a Medical-Savvy Friend Before Your Appointment

If you’re unsure whether a symptom is serious, call someone with medical knowledge. They can help you decide whether to push harder for care and give you the right language to use.

Example: If you’re experiencing swelling, vision changes, or headaches, a medically knowledgeable friend might say:
“That sounds like preeclampsia—make sure they check your blood pressure and test for protein in your urine.”

3️⃣ Request a Patient Advocate Immediately

Hospitals have patient advocates whose job is to ensure patients receive proper care and aren’t ignored.

📢 What to say:
“I feel like my concerns aren’t being taken seriously. I would like to speak with a patient advocate now.”

Advocates can:
✔ Escalate your concerns
✔ Help you file a formal complaint
✔ Ensure your symptoms are addressed

4️⃣ Ask for Another Doctor or a Second Opinion

If your provider is dismissing your symptoms, you have the right to switch doctors.

📢 What to say:
“I would like to consult another physician about this. Please help me arrange a second opinion.”

🚨 If your hospital refuses, go to another hospital or urgent care. Do NOT wait if you’re experiencing serious symptoms.

5️⃣ Be Specific and Persistent—Don’t Accept Dismissal

Instead of saying, “I don’t feel right,” be very specific and demand action.

✅ Examples of What to Say:

➡️ Severe headaches, blurry vision, swelling?
“I need my blood pressure checked immediately and a urine test for preeclampsia.”

➡️ Baby’s movements have slowed down?
“I need an ultrasound and a non-stress test today.”

➡️ Severe back pain and cramping?
“I’ve been in pain for six hours. I want to be evaluated for preterm labor right now.”

🚨 Pro Tip: If a doctor brushes you off, say:
“I need you to document in my chart that I reported these symptoms and you chose not to order further tests or treatment.”

Doctors know that written documentation can hold them accountable, and this phrase often makes them reconsider.

Know the Warning Signs—And Don’t Let Them Be Ignored

🚨 NEVER ignore these symptoms:

⚠️ Severe swelling, vision changes, or headaches → Possible preeclampsia
⚠️ Shortness of breath or chest pain → Could be a blood clot
⚠️ Decreased baby movement → Could indicate fetal distress
⚠️ Sudden, intense pain → Possible placental abruption or another emergency

📢 If your doctor won’t take these symptoms seriously, go to another hospital IMMEDIATELY.

Advocating for Yourself Could Save Your Life

You shouldn’t have to fight to be taken seriously—but until the system changes, you must be your own best advocate.

Remember:
✔ Trust your gut.
✔ Push for tests and second opinions.
✔ Demand documentation if you’re ignored.
✔ Escalate your concerns—patient advocates, second opinions, and hospital transfers exist for a reason.

💬 Have you ever had to fight to be heard during pregnancy? Drop your experience in the comments—your story could help someone else! ⬇️