Collections with pregnant people

“Thank you for the amazing care received…while having [my] glucose tolerance test [the] staff member was gentle and explained all processes”

Consumer

People’s experiences of pregnancy vary and we can’t assume that everyone is happy to be pregnant or wants to make small talk about their pregnancy. Remember, it is not only cisgender woman who become pregnant, men (transmen), nonbinary and people with intersex variations also become pregnant and deserve respectful care.

Here are several things we must do:

• Provide an area for them to sit as they may often have young children with them • Be mindful that not all pregnant people are having a positive pregnancy so limit discussion or inappropriate questions regarding their pregnancy experience

What helps

Be mindful of their physical limitations, if any. As the story describes below, noticing, assisting or modifying procedures for pregnant people with any limitations can help to make a positive collection experience.

“I am 38+2 weeks pregnant and one of the pathology ladies found me struggling to walk around to find pathology on the public holiday and helped me where I was and then got me a wheelchair to get back to my vehicle without too much pain. I am so grateful for [them].” Consumer

Be positive as some women may have risky pregnancies and are extremely worried about their baby and themselves.

Be cognisant of their demeanour. Give a smile and act in a calm and caring manner.

Don’t assume anyone is pregnant. What hinders

Inappropriate curiosity or sharing personal experience.

Don’t ask questions about their pregnancy experience to satisfy your curiosity and don’t share personal experiences of pregnancy or birth.

For more information on inappropriate curiosity, refer to Shared needs and customer service commitments above.

Don’t assume their temperament (if any) is intentional.

Be patient and understanding that there could be varying and external factors causing this.

Don’t assume they are having a ‘normal’ pregnancy or

that they are feeling well as many people’s pregnancy experience varies.

“I went in for a GTT and the staff offered me a biscuit and a drink afterwards as I wasn’t feeling well. I was so grateful, and it made the experience better”

Consumer