Peri or OB?

futuremom2b

Do we need a peri since we're having multiples or is an OB ok?  I'm being released from my RE next week after our next u/s and he said for me to schedule an appt with my OB for our next u/s after that.  He didn't mention anything about a peri?

Melin086

I saw an OB for my entire pregnancy.  I had ultrasounds done once a month and a peri looked at those, but I never actually saw the peri.  I know my OB consulted with one when I was put on bedrest.

mb72105

I have been with my OB thru the whole baby making process.  However she has credentials in hight risk obstetrics...so no need for me to see a Peri on top visits with her.  Her office and my delivery hospital is a level 3 NICU Hospital connected to Children's Hospital as well, so we have no concerns here.  I think it may depend on your OB...ask when you see him/her or check with your RE before leaving.

debisheldon

I have both. I started seeing my OB and you referred me to a Peri after my 12 weeks. I saw my Peri once a month and my OB once a month, sometimes longer. My Peri doesn't deliver so that is why I have both.

If I was you I would ask your OB how they handle things. And ask about a Peri. Its an extra set of eyes making sure your babies and you are healthy and growing. 

OneLady

I see both. I am scheduled to see my peri every 3 weeks right now and I see the OB every 4 weeks, Don't really get that schedule, but we'll see. I've been to the peri once so far and that was for the anatomy scan.

cdg23

I never saw a peri, but my Ob was a high risk OB...I wasnt aloud to just see a regular OB.

lstaylor73

By having multiples you are automatically considered high risk.  Add to that that you want the best for your pregnancy and a Peri is more trained and has a specialization that an OB doesn't.  Additionally a Peri can see problems that an OB will not be able to see. 

I credit my Peri with saving my boys lives.  I would never have known there was a problem, nor would I have felt anything until it was too late, except that I had a Peri who was awesome and understood what needed to be done well before problems became problems. 

Your OB is really there for the general and typical parts of your pregnancy.  It's not to say they aren't very experienced and can't help you, but an OB takes direction from the Peri's advice, so why go through a middle man if you have the option to have a Peri involved.

heathb21

You should have both.  My OB was the one that told me to start seeing my MFM/peri.  My first appt with my MRM/peri was at 12 wks, and I've gone every 4 wks since.  I've seen my OB eveyr 2-3 wks since 9 wks, and then weekly starting at 28 wks.

Mrs. Destructo

lstaylor73:

I credit my Peri with saving my boys lives.  I would never have known there was a problem, nor would I have felt anything until it was too late, except that I had a Peri who was awesome and understood what needed to be done well before problems became problems. 

I agree with this 100%. I was seeing a peri/OB combo, and at my 20w ultrasound the peri's response through my OB just didn't sit right with me. I switched doctors, and had I not switched doctors, my boys would have been born at 26 weeks, and their story would be quite a bit different, and most likely very tragic. My new peri saved my boys' lives.

It would be best for you to go with the best peri (or MFM - they're pretty much the same thing) who delivers at the hospital that has the best NICU near you. If you don't know how to find these hospitals and doctors, ask your local multiples club, which you can find here

CMW

I saw an OB exclusively my entire pregnancy.  We live in a small town and the closest Peri is 3 hours away.  My OB would have referred me to a Peri if I had issues though.

Temp159135562506975

you should see both. Peris do not deliver babies (generally) - but they will do higher level US's and other monitoring if necessary.

I see both.

MandieSueM

I was having triplets and went back to the OB that I had for my first.  I never had an MFM or a peri, but I did have a midwife too.  Most people will tell you that you are nuts to not have a peri, but IMO that's just another opinion.  I don't think it's necessary.  I carried my trio to 34.4 weeks, had no issues, and got the highest care.  I had the same tests and frequency of appopintments that anyone with a peri had.  But that's just MY opinion and you should do whatever you feel will be best for you and your babies.  I am not the type to try to find things to worry about; I already have enough!  LOL

GL to you in whatever you decide!

april062604

i saw a peri weekly but i was high risk (prior LEEP) and then went into PTL at 18w4d....so it was a different scenario. ?