Addressing pregnant patients respectfully and effectively is foundational to quality obstetric care. The way clinicians speak to expectant mothers influences trust, adherence to recommendations, and health outcomes. A 2025 AJOG perspective titled “How should we address pregnant patients in clinical practice?” argues for shifting from paternalistic language to patient-centered communication that recognizes pregnancy as a partnership between clinician and patient.
This blog explores evidence-based strategies for communicating with pregnant patients, drawing from the AJOG article and broader obstetric communication research. With over 130 million pregnancies annually worldwide and maternal satisfaction directly linked to better prenatal care attendance (up to 25% higher adherence rates with empathetic communication), optimizing how we address pregnant patients is both a clinical and ethical imperative.
Key Highlights from Clinical Guidelines
Pregnancy is not a disease; it's a life stage. Our language should reflect partnership, not pathology."
Effective Communication Strategies
Person-centered language: Replace medical jargon with plain language. Instead of “Your fundal height is 32 cm,” say “Your baby’s growth is measuring perfectly at 32 weeks.” This reduces cognitive load and builds rapport.
Inclusive addressing: Use the patient’s name frequently and preferred pronouns. For partners: “How can we support both of you today?” Studies show named addressing increases trust by 40%.
Empowerment phrases: “What questions do you have?” outperforms “Do you have questions?” by encouraging 2x more dialogue. Frame options as collaborations: “Here are three approaches—let’s discuss which feels right for your family.”
Cultural sensitivity: 25% of U.S. pregnancies are among immigrant populations; tailor language to literacy levels and cultural norms around pregnancy.
Digital integration: Text confirmations using “your baby” language improve appointment show rates by 18%.
"Clinicians should lead with empathy: 'Congratulations on your pregnancy!' rather than jumping to medical metrics."
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Directive language: Phrases like “You must bedrest” trigger resistance. Better: “Research shows rest helps—how can we make that work for you?”
Fetus vs. baby debate: The AJOG authors recommend “baby” for patient-facing communication, reserving “fetus” for documentation. This aligns with 78% patient preference surveys.
Dismissive responses: “That’s normal” without validation erodes trust. Try: “Many women feel this way—let’s explore management options.”
Time pressure pitfalls: Rushed visits (under 15 minutes) correlate with 22% higher dissatisfaction. Prioritize listening: 70% of concerns resolve through validation alone.
Avoiding these builds lasting partnerships, reducing litigation risks by up to 30%.
Conclusion
How should we address pregnant patients in clinical practice? Through respectful, patient-centered language that honors their expertise and builds trust. Evidence shows this approach improves adherence, satisfaction, and outcomes while reducing anxiety and litigation.
As obstetric care evolves, communication remains our most powerful tool. Implement one change today: replace jargon with partnership phrases. Your patients—and their babies—will thank you.
