Why all the pregnancy question?

Question

Being pregnant and carrying a child is a not a thing to take risks with, therefore why do so many pregnant woman ask serious question to a bunch of people who effectively have no medical knowledge?

If you have a question about you pregnancy, should you not ask a Doctor or a Midwife?

Answer 1

Yes taking a decision to have a child is probably one of the biggest decisions someone will ever take in their lives.

Yes it is important to seek medical advice but you know what sometimes it is good to know that there is someone out there somewhere who has experienced the same thing as you it makes you feel normal and you know you are not alone. You would go to a friend for advice so why not use this site to get advice?

Dr's will only really give you facts but real people can help you with your feelings and by remaining just a person on the internet you can feel comfortable asking whatever you want to without feeling you are being judged, surely it is better to get advice from someone then to sit and worry that you are alone!!!

Answer 2

Of course it makes sense to ask your doctor or midwife. I don't believe the women asking questions on this site about pregnancy (except the teenagers) have not already been seen by a medical professional. But with the way doctors run their businesses these days having the TIME to talk about everything that comes to mind about being pregnant is a rareity so the next best thing is to ask other women who have "been there". Most of us give relevant information, give a frazzled new mom some great advice and more importantly let them know they are NOT alone!

I never claim to have all the answers and I don't believe that most other women do, we know our own experiences and are willing to share them. There are many doctors who have never HAD a child of their own and have no concept except theoritically of the birthing experience.

So you are correct with something so important in life, why not get ALL the information you can and then make the best decision when it comes to bringing a precious life into this world!

By the way, I am also a medical professional. But my experience of having been pregnant 3 times, lost one pregnancy and the fact that I have 2 heathly children now. And given birth naturally once in the hospital and once at home. May mean more to someone than any degrees hanging up on my walls.

Answer 3

Well, I think that people ask these questions hoping for a voice of experience to give them an answer that may calm them down or make them feel more at ease.

I also believe that people that ask serious questions do not use yahoo answers in the place of the doctor. I've also read in some questions that they're waiting to go to an appointment or are waiting for a call back from they're doctor.

Sometimes typing a question in here can give them an indication of whether they are overreacting to a symptom too. Sometimes a little advice is nice.

Answer 4

A good amount of these questions are indeed posted by people looking for reassurance, but at the same time FEAR prevents many women from seeking face-to-face advisement from a medical professional. They may be afraid of the result itself, or they may be scared that they'll be treated as ignorant.

Not every woman even WANTS to ask her care provider everything about her pregnancy. Some less pressing issues that may be considered embarrassing, but not dangerous, can be addressed somewhat here first to gauge whether it's a normal occurrence (i.e. certain discharges, digestive changes...).

I think your question can relate to a lot of the topics in Yahoo! Answers and not just pregnancy specifically. Why not ALWAYS consult a professional? Sometimes it just isn't practical or affordable.

Answer 5

ARE U A MAN? (No offence men)
The relevance of my question? Only someone who can't possibly and will never experience or fathom something such as pregnancy and childbirth would spout that.....stuff with no grasp of how complex it is. Sometimes knowing that someone can relate to what your going through can bring comfort, especially at a time when emotions and insecurities are holding hands and running all over the place!
I'm quite sure these people do seek medical advice but whats wrong with support. For all you know forums like this might be the only support network some individuals have.

Answer 6

Ive asked some extremely serious questions on here. I was worried and thought others may have been through the same situation or could advise me on what to do. I wouldn't take anyone's advice right from here though. I have met a few doctors, a nurse and a few midwife's on here that have given me excellent adivce whom I am very grateful for. I have gone to the docotor and have asked him the same questions. I just worry lots and sometimes getting it out of my system helps. Everyone is so nice on here. :)

Answer 7

Probably because many people who use this either are or have been pregnant. I have had three kids, so three pregnancies....and I have read a TON of pregnancy books, so I definitely consider myself knowledgeable on the subject. And...when you are pregnant you see your dr/midwife so frequently that using this as an "answer" system is merely a bandaide...before you see your dr/midwife. I can guarentee any question asked is always asked at their next appointment.

Answer 8

I have felt reassured lots of times when something was happening with me and i asked on here and someone else had been through the same thing some people just want to know others have been through the same thing without weighing down the already struggling NHS, leave people alone!

Answer 9

Like me, I didn't want to be the paranoid mother that called about every little thing. So you get some feedback. Sometimes you get the answer you need and don't need to go to the doctor, or you may think that it's nothing but ask anyway just to make sure and find out that you need to see a doctor. It's a lot easier to ask questions about the things that no one talks about as women when no one can see you

Answer 10

There is loads of lasses on here who give advice of there own experiences & most always advise them to see there midwife or doctor.I agree pregnancy is not to take risks with so I would always advice to see midwife or doctor has no 2 pregnancies are the same.