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← Trauma-Informed Care: introduction

Trauma-Informed Care for Patients

For patientsI am a patientLearn what to expect and make your care plan For cliniciansI am a clinicianObGyns, midwives, nurses and staff

What to expect: your visits, your choices

The introduction page explains what trauma-informed care is. This page explains what it means for you at a gynecologic visit, during pregnancy and at birth.

You do not have to tell anyone what happened to you. ACOG recommends that clinicians ask all patients about difficult experiences, and that patients share only if they feel comfortable. Your clinician should respect it if you do not want to talk about it.1

Why it matters at an ObGyn visit

People who have been through trauma may feel anxious about certain exams and procedures, or about being in a medical setting at all. Personal questions, being touched, undressing, pelvic exams and lying in a position that feels exposed can bring back painful memories.1

What trauma-informed care looks like

Asking first

Your clinician asks your permission before touching you.

Explaining

Each step is explained before and during the exam.

Staying covered

When possible, clothing is moved aside instead of taken off.

Stopping

The exam stops if you ask it to stop.

Your input

Your clinician asks what would help you feel more comfortable.

Choices

You are offered choices in decisions about your care.

1

During pregnancy and birth

ACOG describes "obstetric violence" as disrespect, indignity or abuse during childbirth that can take away a woman's control over her own care. Examples it gives include repeated unnecessary vaginal exams and a cesarean delivery that is forced on a woman. You can ask why an exam or procedure is needed and what your choices are.1

How to use your care plan

On the next tab, check the things that would help you. The tool turns them into one page. You can print it, save it as a PDF, or show it on your phone at the start of your visit. You only share what you choose to share.

If you are not safe right now

In an emergency, call 911. National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 (thehotline.org). National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): call 1-800-656-4673 (rainn.org). Both are free, confidential and open 24 hours a day.

Make my care plan

Check anything that would help you. Skip anything you do not want to share. Nothing is saved.

This plan is for

Before the exam or procedure

During the exam or procedure

Talking about my history

In my own words (optional)

My care plan

Your plan will appear here after you make it on the previous tab.

Tip. Hand the plan to the nurse or clinician before you change, or ask to talk with your clinician before the exam starts.