Anyone else experience something like this?

dib

Also posted/lamented in 2nd Tri:

We just had our 20-week u/s and it was wonderful to see baby again. He/she kept covering his face - but we got some cute pics anyway. All vitals are good and accounted for. Overall, fabulous (and both grandmas were there with DH and I and it was the first u/s either had ever seen, so it was special).

Then the doc appt. with new (to me) doc. Basically, she scared the b-jesus out of me. Told me how because of my age, baby could just DIE, for no reason. And most women who have doulas or are over 35 have c-sections, cuz women who are 35+, their bodies aren't meant for having babies. And her reason to get the H1N1 shot? Because pregnant women DIE from H1N1. I can't help but feel a little depressed/upset after getting this news. My OB is not like this; the one other doc in the practice I have met so far, is not like this. There are 3 more docs in the practice to meet and I hope they are not like this one. She was a nice enough doc, but she was not very reassuring in any way and I don't know how I'd feel if she were the one on duty when I went into labor.

 

carladillon

Wow....just wow.....

No, I have never encountered anyone like this.  I am 38 and I go to a practice of 4 docs and 1 midwife and rotate as well....no one has ever made reference to my age, other than to review the additional screenings/testing available.  Is there anyway to ask not to see this particular doc again?  That is just really poor bedside manner....I mean, who says stuff like that????   

Peppernut

Oh my gosh, what an alarmist doctor!

Dude!

Maybe if you have to see her again at some point, mention to her that she really freaked you out... or mention it to one of the other doctors, or a nurse.  If you would rather not be confrontational (I know I'm not) just mention all the things she brought up, and ask for reassurance.  She should probably be told that she really needs to improve her bedside manner.

From what I understand, health is more important than straight age, as far as babymaking goes.  Lots of women are bearing children when they're older.  Try not to worry!

lilacfritz

Um...yikes. 

OK, first of all, totally inappropriate.  Women who are 35+ have a slightly increased risk for some of the reasons that can lead to fetal death - unmonitoried gestational diabetes, hypertension, etc. but in the VAST majority of cases this is not an issue because women are getting prenatal care and are diagnosed/monitored.  And babies don't just die for no reason - cord accident, placental abruption, there is always a reason and these are extremely rare situations regardless of age. 

In terms of H1N1, again, if you happened to be in that tiny percentage that gets a severe form and you were pregnant that would slightly increase your risk.  Women are immuno suppressed during pregnancy (more likely to catch stuff) so that's part of why they are considered a higher risk group. 

So sorry you had to deal w/Ms. Gloom and Doom.  Sounds like she was being overly dramatic and taking things out of context.  I don't blame you for feeling uncertain about her being the one at your delivery.  I hope your future visits w/the other docs go much better! 

lilacfritz

sorry for the typos - sound be "unmonitored" not unmonitoried. Time for bed for me.

Laura Cochran

You need to make it clear that you do not want to be cared for by this doctor. She sounds horrible and quite frankly uninformed. I have seen 3 OBs and 2 perinatologists during my pregnancy and not one of them has ever said anything close to that. Yes, over 35 you may have a SLIGHTLY increased risk of chromosomal issues but the risk is still low. Just lurk a bit on the parenting over 35 board and you will see how common healthy 35+ pregnancies and births are.

 

ETA: Pregnant women are in fact at a much higher rick of developing serious complications from H1N1. They don't necessarily die from it but some have and others have lost their babies because of it. 

leffe1

This really ticks me off. I am so sorry you had to ensure that! Please DO not feel depressed. This lady just went off the deep end.

I have personally never been treated this way due to my age (38). The only mention of it was when they offered me additional testing. My u/s lady actually had her 1st baby at 37. My dr. treats me no different then someone in their twenties.

ShannonLK

So far I've met 2 doctor's in my practice and I've liked them both.  I would seriously freak out if one of the others told me something like that.

I'm so sorry you had to go through that.  Do you have to see her again?

Mrs.Reaux

well she just sounds like a bucket full of super fun sunshine doesn't she?

women who are over the age of 35 - their bodies are not meant to be having babies?  what a load of crap....my grandmother was having babies when she was over 40 and they and she were all just fine thank you very much

I would refuse to see her again - she sounds like a witch...sorry she ruined what started out as a fun day