Regarding your OBGYN choice

ChavayJakov

I'm becoming a mom again at the age of 41 (my last pregnancy was in 1992).  I'm a bit freaked out about it honestly.

My first pregnancy (back in 1989) was very traumatic and I had a OB that I absolutely began to hate - so much so that I switched roughly in my 7th month after much work.  The new OB was very calming rather than an alarmist like the first.  My additional two pregnancies were handled by him and went absolutely wonderful.

So, nearly 20 years later I find myself pregnant again and living roughly 45 minutes away from his *only* office (which is connected to the same hospital my others were born in) and the catch is, it is just over the city line and he *only* works out of that office/hospital.  Everything is fine insurance wise...but literally, there are at least four other hospitals between his office and where we live.  I've never been to another OBGYN, so obviously I feel the most comfortable with the thought of continuing on as his patient.  I'm already sick-nervous because of my age in pregnancy as well as all the life-changes about to happen.  

If you were in my position, would you begin interviewing doc's who are closest or whom you are confident in already?  

Temp103605875001677

If you are comfortable with him, then I would stay there. If you are unsure, interview another doctor or two and then make a decision. IMO, the only time it is to late to switch OB's is after that baby has been born

Congratulations!

adarlingzta

if you like your OB, stay put. Unless you are talking over an hour drive, I say no worries. I drove past 2 hospitals to give birth at the birth center. Mom's comfort is hugely important. 

 I also agree that it is only too late to switch once the baby is born. If you don't get good feelings, move on

Congratulations! 

ChavayJakov

Well, today was my first appointment during this pregnancy...I'm so disappointed.

Months ago when visiting him specifically on what were my risks due to age with regards to affecting the child he gave me a 1:1000 for a specific outcome.  Today, he repeated that same statistic, but this time he sounded more cautionary than the encouraging way he first approached it.  And then, of all things, he informed me that the hospital's new policy is to not allow vaginal births after a c-section.  My first of three pregnancies (I'm now on #4) was a C-section...the other two were delivered naturally with no complications/problems and were all delivered by this same doctor and at this same hospital.  He said there is nothing to be done.  

To top that off...I go and look on line for those statistics...they are for women a good 10 years younger than myself.  My age's statistics are 1:100.  BIG difference. 

Now I'm freaked due to the change in outlook and where I have to go...basically he'll do the sonogram in another week and a half, and do one other appointment so that I can have a little time to find another doctor...he gave me four names at two different hospitals...but said he didn't know the hospital's policy on vag after c's.  I tried to do my homework so diligently before I made the choice to conceive at my age (41) based on interviews, etc. with the doctor.  I was already nervous about wanting to try, but seemed so assure I was in good (and familiar) hands. 

jcallahan526

i'm not sure what side of town you're on...but i absolutly loooooved my OB...he was also very relaxed which i needed...if you want to send me a message we can talk more about it

i am a big believer that a doctor/nurse in an office can really make or break the whole pregnancy experience

Mrs_W_Pookie

I am sorry your experience with the doctor did not go as comfortably and positively as you'd hoped.  I think it is nice that your doctor provided you with recommendations for another doctor so you can potentially go to a closer hospital/one that allows VBACs. 

The only way to truly determine the risk for abnormalities is with proper tests, and even those can be wrong/inconclusive.  Would the tests yielding negative results influence your decision as to whether or not you would carry to term or terminate your pregnancy?  If not, don't get the tests done.  If there would be a problem and you would still carry to term, would you want to know what the problem was in order to educate yourself and be prepared?  If so, get the tests done.

I have a couple friends who delivered their healthy and beautiful first babies in their early 40s, so it can definitely be done

Good luck!

Temp103605875001677

I'm sorry that the visit did not go as planned. Women have babies in their 40s on a regular basis. What side of town are you hoping to deliver on? You have a proven pelvis, I would challenge anyone who says you need a Csection because you had one BEFORE your two vaginal births.

ChavayJakov

jcallahan526:

i'm not sure what side of town you're on...but i absolutly loooooved my OB...he was also very relaxed which i needed...if you want to send me a message we can talk more about it

i am a big believer that a doctor/nurse in an office can really make or break the whole pregnancy experience

Yea, if you could, I would love a recommendation.