Too often are patients dismissed, and even gaslighted, about their symptoms, especially during pregnancy.

She added, “By the way, I’m not joking.

This dismissal of people’s concerns and complaints 100% contributes to maternal mortality.”

Pregnant woman sitting on a hospital bed, holding her belly, looking down

“Now, the third thing is optional.

What do you suggest?'”

Andmanywere thankful to hear Sterling’s advice.

Two user comments sharing personal medical experiences, one with "normal" high blood pressure that turned out to be preeclampsia, and the other shortness of breath that turned out to be a severe pulmonary embolism

She said that if it doesn’t, it might be a red flag.

She emphasized how crucial it is for your provider to follow up with questions and concerns about your symptoms.

She thinks this is also why symptoms, particularly during or after pregnancy, are frequently overlooked or ignored.

Woman with glasses raising a finger, wearing a turtleneck top with a ring on the finger, with caption about how to respond to "your OB provider"

As of today,46 states have implementedthe 12-month Medicaid extension.

  1. “What should I be looking for that might indicate this is a more serious symptom?”

What do you suggest?"

Woman in glasses with hand gesture, wearing a high-neck top, in an indoor setting

One last hat off to Sterling, whom you could keep up withon TikTokand atSterling Parents.

Two side-by-side selfies of Sterling speaking, with captions reflecting her advice

Article image

Woman with large glasses and turtleneck, with caption detailing her advice

Comments, including "My OB asked if anything was bothering me, I said my back has been killing me lately; 'Well hunny you are pregnant'" and "My ob told me 'try to enjoy your pregnancy' when i brought up that I might be leaking amniotic fluid"

Three comments, including "Me 'so who does my husband hold legally responsible if something happens to me or my child?' Immediately was taken more seriously"

Comments expressing appreciation and adding personal notes related to the original post's topic, including "I need this in my ear when I go to my next appointment"

Woman with short hair sits working on laptop atop a chest of drawers near a window, wearing patterned blouse and black pants

Pregnant person at a checkup with a doctor viewing an ultrasound

Person writing in a notebook beside a smartphone and coffee cup

Patient in conversation with a healthcare professional, seated in a clinic

Doctor with stethoscope clasped hands over a medical document on desk

Seated woman gently cradles and looks at her baby in a peaceful room

Healthcare professional in consultation with a pregnant woman, both wearing masks, sitting in medical office

Woman with glasses smiling, wearing a green top, with caption: "Pregnancy can be a time of increased anxieties and worries; that's why I'm here"

Healthcare professional in scrubs looking out the window with a thoughtful expression

Woman in a white dress smiling, holding a toddler, with a young child beside her, standing outdoors