All the Things I Wish the OB Had Time to Discuss — Part 2

The Conversations That Actually Make a Difference

Hi friends — Dr. Daniella here again! In my last post, I shared a peek into my own pregnancy journey and what a typical timeline of OB visits looks like. This time, I want to talk about everything that doesn’t get discussed enough in those quick check-ins — the things that make such a difference in how we feel throughout pregnancy, but that don’t always make it onto the medical checklist.

I’m currently 33 weeks along, and while I feel incredibly grateful to have a healthy pregnancy, I’ve learned so much firsthand about the real-life side of being pregnant — the things that don’t necessarily show up on your chart but totally affect your comfort, mood, and confidence in your body. Some are things I’ve heard from patients over the years, and others have been those “wait, is this normal?” moments that I now find myself asking my patients about (and the answer is almost always yes!).

1. Pelvic Floor + Body Changes

You’d think being a pelvic floor PT would mean I’d know exactly what to expect — and for the most part, I did. But knowing something in theory and feeling it in your own body are two completely different things.

Lately, I’ve been feeling more pelvic pressure and discomfort. Rolling in bed literally feels like an Olympic sport. Some nights I wake up halfway through a roll with this deep ache near my sit bones — it’s like my pelvis is politely reminding me that it’s carrying a whole human now.

What I wish was covered: Most OB visits focus on the big markers — baby’s heartbeat, fundal height, blood pressure — but there’s rarely time to talk about what that pelvic heaviness or pressure actually means, or what you can do about it.

Here’s what I want every pregnant person to know:

• A feeling of pressure or heaviness can be normal, but it doesn’t mean you just have to live with it.

• Gentle movement, breathing strategies, and positioning can make a huge difference. Even something as simple as timing your breath during a roll in bed can make the movement smoother and less painful.

• And yes, pelvic floor PT is absolutely safe and beneficial during pregnancy — not just after birth!

Even just understanding why these sensations happen (hello, hormonal laxity and shifting posture) can take away so much fear. I actually had a birth prep session with my lovely colleague Melissa last week that included both external and internal treatment — plus some belly taping that gave me a ton of relief!

2. The Struggle of Drinking Enough Water

No one talks about this enough. I know hydration is important — I literally tell my patients this every day — but somehow, drinking enough water feels like a full-time job during pregnancy. My 40 oz Stanley never leaves my side, yet I still struggle to actually get the water down!

Lately, I’ve been experiencing a ton of Braxton Hicks contractions — those “practice” contractions where your belly suddenly tightens up and feels hard or uncomfortable. Dehydration can make these more frequent by increasing uterine irritability, so staying hydrated is key (easier said than done, I know).

What I wish was covered:

• How hydration impacts uterine irritability (aka those early Braxton Hicks contractions)

• Tips to make drinking water easier — flavoring it, using a straw, or even tracking your intake

• That dehydration can also contribute to other things like constipation, pelvic floor dysfunction, and leg cramps

It sounds so simple, but water can truly make a difference in how your body feels day to day.

3. Sleep, Movement, and Everyday Comfort

Rolling in bed has become a full production — pillows everywhere, one leg up, a deep breath, and a slow-motion roll. I joke that it feels like an obstacle course in the dark while half-asleep. Add in congestion, hip discomfort, and Braxton Hicks, and “sleeping comfortably” starts to feel like a distant memory.

What I wish was covered:

• How to support your belly and hips with pillows (and yes, it’s okay if your bed looks like a pillow fort)

• Why side-lying positions can help with circulation and reduce swelling

• That movement doesn’t have to mean exercise — even gentle stretching or pelvic tilts can ease nighttime discomfort

For me, focusing on alignment and breathwork before bed has made a noticeable difference. A gentle 10-minute stretch routine and some diaphragmatic breathing to help relax my pelvic floor have been game-changers the last few weeks. Small things like that are rarely discussed in OB visits, but they matter so much in how you feel.

4. Emotional and Mental Load

Even as someone who works with pregnant and postpartum women every day, I’ve had those moments of doubt — wondering if I’m doing enough, if baby’s okay, or if every random twinge means something. Between the physical changes, hormone shifts, and anticipation of birth, the mental load can get heavy.

What I wish was covered:

• A simple emotional check-in during appointments

• Normalizing the highs and lows that come with pregnancy

• Resources for postpartum mental health before baby arrives

Sometimes all it takes is someone saying, “You’re doing great — this is all normal.” I try to remind my patients (and myself!) of that often.

Closing Thoughts

Pregnancy is such a wild mix of wonder, discomfort, and constant learning. Even with all my professional knowledge, I’ve been humbled by just how much there is to feel and figure out along the way