Want someone with you at a pregnancy appointment? Ask these questions first.

If you would feel more comfortable having someone nearby, tell the clinic when you arrange your visit. Ask what is allowed for that appointment. Do not assume that a waiting room, consultation and examination have the same guest rules.

Decide what help you want

You might want a friend to drive, a partner to help remember questions, or a relative to wait outside. Those are different roles. Tell the person which one you have in mind before you leave home.

You can also ask for part of the visit to be private. Agreeing to a ride does not mean you have agreed to discuss everything in front of the driver. Tell the care team what you are comfortable sharing. Providers have rules for communicating with family and friends, and the details can depend on the situation. ^[1]

Ask the clinic before the day of the visit

Useful questions include:

• Can someone accompany me to this type of appointment?
• Will I have time to speak with the team alone?
• Where can my guest wait if they cannot join part of the visit?
• Should I arrange child care, or can I bring a child?
• If I need language assistance, how should I request it?

These are questions to ask, not a statement that a particular clinic offers each option. A friend who speaks another language may not be an appropriate substitute for the language assistance needed in a medical discussion.

Give your support person a simple job

Ask them to listen, help with the practical arrangements, or remind you of a question you wanted to ask. They should not answer for you unless you ask them to help. They should also avoid photographing, recording or sharing details of the visit without the permissions the setting requires.

If you feel pressured to bring someone, contact the clinic privately and explain what would help you feel safe. You do not need to put sensitive medical details into a public contact form.

Planning a Care Net visit

Ask Care Net about the current guest arrangements when you request an appointment. Staff will follow up to confirm details. You can see the actual team and location on the first-visit page before you come. ^[2]

Care Net is a pro-life nonprofit. We believe every life has value and offer support for continuing a pregnancy, parenting and adoption. We do not perform or refer for abortions. Support should leave room for your questions and your own decisions.