Intro and Question on Doctors

kesselt

Hi Everyone,

I am 38 years old and am pregnant again via IVF after 2 back to back early miscarriages.  I had a miscarriage in January at 5 weeks and another chemical pregnancy (still consider it a miscarriage) in March.  I am currently 6 weeks along due Jan 14th and yesterday I got to see the little nugget's heartbeat.  It was the first time I have made it far enough to see a heartbeat which was so indescribably exciting for me!

Since this whole process is so new to me I was wondering about finding an OBGYN.  I am currently getting treatment by my Fertility Dr. and was wondering when you make the switch to a regular OBGYN and if I need to look for one specializing in high risk pregnancies.  Also, if there are any PGALS in AZ that have any recommendations on Drs. anywhere in the Phoenix area, that would be great.

kesselt

meagpt22, Yes I agree about the miscarriages but I thought that my age (38) automatically put me in the high risk category?

taberbtb

No advice as I haven't been in your situation, but congrats on seeing a heartbeat and welcome!

tinyangel12

Usually the RE/fertility Dr will release you to see an OB/GYN...maybe ask your fertility Dr if he has any recommendations for an OB/GYN. I am no DR but at your age (being over 35) Drs usually want you to go through more testing. Good Luck to you

luciddreamer106

First off, congrats! I think you should ask your RE when they will be "graduating" you to a OB/GYN. Mine has already told me that they will transition my care at 10 weeks. I have no advice regarding seeing a specialist or not.

jess123456

Congrats!! I was released from my RE at 9 weeks. My OB happens to be in the same office so I didn't have to look very far. However, I'm sure your RE would have good recommendations. I would make that appointment as soon as possible as I know they can fill up quickly. I'm not sure if being AMA puts you in the high risk category or not but definitely something to ask your doctor. I know that my OB recommends the NT scan and genetic blood tests (they are usual covered by insurance for those over 35) for her AMA patients.

Mom2anAngel2

Congrats! I see my fertility specialist until around 10 weeks, and then he clears me to see my regular OB. I am 35 (technically AMA) but am still not considered high risk. If my IB felt that there was a reason that my pregnancy was high risk, he would refer me to a MFM.

slensic

I am high risk due to my thyroid condition, I see both my OB and an Perinatologist. My OB is still my main monitor during pg. 

jenkellen

Congrats and welcome!

My prenatal book from my hospital system recommends seeing a high risk doc if you are over 35 and and/or have had multiple losses.

I don't think you have to, but you could if you prefer.

You may also want to call your insurance provider on what they consider high risk so you can make sure any extra care is covered.

MrsTuna08

I don't have any advice for your situation, but congrats and welcome!

JustinsGirl2011

The other ladies have some grey advice so I just want to say congrats!!!

springbeduk2

-lurking-

Congrats!

Consider what kind of office visit and birth experience you want and how big a deal you want made of you being AMA. Different docs handle it really differently - some it's no big deal just some extra testing offered; others will view it as a big risk factor (which you might find reassuring or might fnd stressful) and are also likely to push for induction at or even before your due date. If you don't have other risk factors or only small ones midwives are also an option.

I just had my rainbow (and first baby) at the ripe old age of 39 in the care of midwives (in a hospital but one where midwives outnumber OBs) and loved that experience. They were understanding/sensitive to me being PGAL, encouraging throughout, did not stress me out about AMA(though did sneak that code onto the billing sheet each visit...), and did offer extra testing which made me confident they were being vigilant for my LO's wellnes, but would have allowed us to decline tests if we wanted. Office visits were never rushed. And birth was great even with an induction. Perineal support -- no tearing no epesiotomy -- and very helpful with getting started breastfeeding.

Good luck and best wishes for a healthy pregnancy!