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Privacy Law question
Hi...
I'm currently 20wks pregnant with my first child. The pregnancy was unexpected but nonetheless, I'm excited and anxiously waiting the baby's arrival. I'm nervous and scared as well. About 5 yrs ago, I had a scare with possibly being infected with HSV1, genital type. Never had an outbreak and tested negative. I consider myself blessed and would like to think I don't have it but now that I'm pregnant I'm concerned about it. I've read that it's possible to have the virus without an outbreak occurring, even if I tested negative. I've talked with my drs about this before and they didn't have any concern. They're thoughts were that I don't have it as far as they're concerned and unless I ever have an outbreak, I shouldn't worry about it either. So, I haven't worried about it or mentioned that experience to anyone for that matter, until now. I talked with my OB about it. She says not to worry, and that it sounds like I'm in the clear. She also said that if I do have it and an outbreak happens, we'll worry about it at 36 weeks and then possibly do a C-section at delivery. Ok so here is my issue... My boyfriend knows nothing about this and quite frankly, I'd like to keep it that way for a few reasons. One being that I may not have it and do not want to open that can of worms, and second reason being that this would not be taken lightly and may put me in a situation where we break up over it. I get the whole being open and honest value, and that if he cares enough for me and this child then he'll be understanding about it but the reality is that chances are it will go bad and I'm not in a position to battle this right now, not until after the baby is born. So, I'm choosing to stay quiet. My fear is that when I go into labor, the doctor or nurses will ask about it while he is there. So here is my question: what are my rights under HIPAA Law and can I ask my OB to keep this confidential when I go into labor? Do I have that right, for the sake of it causing problems? Thank you in advance for a response...
I'm currently 20wks pregnant with my first child. The pregnancy was unexpected but nonetheless, I'm excited and anxiously waiting the baby's arrival. I'm nervous and scared as well. About 5 yrs ago, I had a scare with possibly being infected with HSV1, genital type. Never had an outbreak and tested negative. I consider myself blessed and would like to think I don't have it but now that I'm pregnant I'm concerned about it. I've read that it's possible to have the virus without an outbreak occurring, even if I tested negative. I've talked with my drs about this before and they didn't have any concern. They're thoughts were that I don't have it as far as they're concerned and unless I ever have an outbreak, I shouldn't worry about it either. So, I haven't worried about it or mentioned that experience to anyone for that matter, until now. I talked with my OB about it. She says not to worry, and that it sounds like I'm in the clear. She also said that if I do have it and an outbreak happens, we'll worry about it at 36 weeks and then possibly do a C-section at delivery. Ok so here is my issue... My boyfriend knows nothing about this and quite frankly, I'd like to keep it that way for a few reasons. One being that I may not have it and do not want to open that can of worms, and second reason being that this would not be taken lightly and may put me in a situation where we break up over it. I get the whole being open and honest value, and that if he cares enough for me and this child then he'll be understanding about it but the reality is that chances are it will go bad and I'm not in a position to battle this right now, not until after the baby is born. So, I'm choosing to stay quiet. My fear is that when I go into labor, the doctor or nurses will ask about it while he is there. So here is my question: what are my rights under HIPAA Law and can I ask my OB to keep this confidential when I go into labor? Do I have that right, for the sake of it causing problems? Thank you in advance for a response...
Thank you "LosingMyMindInGA", you too make me feel at peace. I think I can let it go for now and continue to rely on my faith about it, keep praying all goes well.
Unless you have an outbreak at the time you are delivering I highly doubt it would be brought up. You CAN request from your physician and the hospital staff that ANYTHING To do with your medical history be discussed with you PRIVATELY. The nurses/doctors can ALWAYS ask him to leave the room. They do this all the time for many different reasons.
Being as you tested negative and have not had an outbreak I would try to stop stressing over it so much, It sounds to me like you do not have anythign to worry about. The only way it would pose a problem for your baby is if you had an outbreak at the time of delivery. HSV is typically one of the tests they check for (atleast in my experience) during pregnancy. If not you can always REQUEST to be tested so you know for sure.
Being as you tested negative and have not had an outbreak I would try to stop stressing over it so much, It sounds to me like you do not have anythign to worry about. The only way it would pose a problem for your baby is if you had an outbreak at the time of delivery. HSV is typically one of the tests they check for (atleast in my experience) during pregnancy. If not you can always REQUEST to be tested so you know for sure.
Thank you very much for the responses. The advice is appreciated from all of you.
they ask lots of history quetions (family or your) . i think you should talk to ur gyn keep this private.
Speak to the doctor before you have the baby and let your wishes be heard. You have the right to keep it to yourself but if it potentially harms him or someone else then you lose that right. If you have something and you are not forthcoming about the condition (STDs/STI)then medical professional are suppose to report you. Unfortunately although that is your issue presently not confirming the negative test if you doubted them is negligent. If it turns out that you do have it then he may have been infected and not even aware that it was a possibility.
My friend does have it and she is very upfront with everyone she is with and it has not had any serious effects on her life at all.
I would suggest you get tested again to confirm, it seems that you should be fine.
My friend does have it and she is very upfront with everyone she is with and it has not had any serious effects on her life at all.
I would suggest you get tested again to confirm, it seems that you should be fine.
I doubt they will even mention it if you get as far as labor and delivery without an outbreak. As far as your doctors are concerned you DONT have it. They'll ask you a million questions during labor but I can almost guarantee that wont be one of them. But if it makes you feel better speak to your doctor about your concerns I'm sure they'll put you at ease and understand not to bring it up.
You always have the right to keep your info to yourself. You and you alone have the right to share your info even if you were married. My husband is sort of the same way, so I understand you not wanting to bring it up when it is most likely a non-issue.
Good luck and congratulations.
Good luck and congratulations.
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