Doctors recommend that men accompany their wives to gynecologist visits during pregnancy. However, some men only accompany their wives to the clinic door and then leave due to social norms, despite the law allowing them to stay.
Health regulations stipulate that pregnant women should see a specialist at least 13 times during pregnancy. Doctors advise husbands to accompany their wives during these visits.
Sirwa Jawhar, 31, a resident of the Chamchamal district of Sulaimaniya Northern Provinceand a mother of two, shared that she always went by herself to see the gynecologist during pregnancy because the doctor was a female specialist.
Men's hesitancy to accompany their wives to gynecology visits is likely influenced by societal norms and restrictions.
"I feel it's important for my husband to be with me in the clinic. Some doctors don't allow it," Sirwa said. "Having your husband with you is comforting and supportive, as he is the closest person to you."
It is normal for husbands to accompany their wives to doctor visits, and there is no barrier preventing them from doing so. This allows doctors to provide guidance and information to both parties.
Having your husband with you is comforting and supportive
Pregnant women receive instructions that are relevant to their husbands, so it is beneficial for husbands to hear these from the doctor for a greater impact.
While the law permits husbands to accompany their wives to doctor visits during pregnancy, many men believe that women should go to the gynecologist alone.
Gynecologist Sara Shaker explained to KirkukNow, "I prefer to see a pregnant woman alone initially. If necessary, I involve her husband in the conversation. This way, she feels more comfortable expressing her condition."
Mohammed Hussein, 38, a teacher and father of two from Sulaymaniyah, is one of the few men who accompanies his wife to doctor appointments.
"Marriage is a partnership. Men should feel responsible in these situations, especially during pregnancy."
Mohammed believes that this support benefits pregnant women psychologically and physically, ultimately affecting the health of the fetus.
Pregnant women seek specialists for their own health and that of their fetus, requiring at least 13 doctor visits during pregnancy. If there are health issues, they may need to see a doctor at least 20 times.
Obstetrician and gynecologist Khanda Abdulrahman emphasized that it is normal and encouraged husbands to accompany their wives to doctor visits, as doctors can provide guidance that benefits both parties.
Some men may struggle with long waits at medical clinics
Khanda also noted that some men may struggle with long waits at medical clinics, prompting them to leave their wives alone.
However, she acknowledged that some doctors may not allow men to accompany their wives into the examination room, which she believes is incorrect.
Lawyer Ashwaq Najib clarified that there is no law prohibiting men from accompanying their wives to doctor visits during pregnancy.
“This is a societal norm, not a legal requirement. The law grants husbands’ equal rights to the wife regarding the fetus.”
Ashwaq urged doctors to issue instructions requiring both spouses to be present when providing guidance to pregnant women.
Dr. Sarah Shaker mentioned, "There are certain topics that pregnant women prefer to discuss with the doctor privately... We handle each case with care."
She emphasized the importance of discussing childbirth options, such as natural birth or cesarean sections, with both partners present.
