MFM Question

JackieMac824

Hi ladies,

I was just wondering if any of you saw a MFM during your pregnancy.

I have a blood clotting disorder and I am on Lovenox and I am trying to decide if I should see a MFM in addition to my OB.

My RE and Hemo Doctor said it is not necessary but I can if I want to.

Just wanted to hear your experiences and get your opinions.

beebe929

I had some pregnancy complications, so any of my monitoring u/s (which were many) were done at the MFM office.  So with every complication there was always a "second opinion", so to speak. 

If your OB is going to monitor you via u/s often enough for your peace of mind, just stick with the 2 doctors.  If you feel like you will be more at ease with another part of the team, do so.

Good luck!

I am so happy for you!

 

schmoodle

I don't have experience with this specific issue but I would say that it doesn't hurt to have a consult with one and see if THEY think you should continue to see them. That's what I did following my loss. I was definitely high risk, but the MFM said that there was no reason for me to see them for the duration of my pregnancy unless a specific issue arose, as they felt that my OB had sufficient experience with my issues (risk of preterm labor, placental abruption) and would know when to refer me to them. May depend on your OB's experience, geography, etc. I'm in a major metropolitan area where many regular OBs have a lot of experience with high risk pregnancies and it seems very few people see MFMs for their pregnancies in situations where I often see on the Bump that others would (for example, twin pregnancy, history of PTL, etc.). Good luck!

Soon2beMrs.Sivert

I think it is a great idea to meet with one to get their opinion. I saw one with my pregnancy. I rotated OB and MFM. It was the way they worked it so that after 20 weeks I never went a week without seeing one of them.

TxJen1972

I had a couple clotting disorders and a huge SCH that kept growing for a while.  My RE referred me to a MFM for a consult and the MFM told me she would deliver me if I wanted so I just stayed with her the entire time.  I loved her and I loved getting all the extra u/s! 

pinkcallalily

It doesn't hurt to have a consult and see what they say.  I don't know much about clotting disorders, so I can't help there.  At our anatomy scan we learned our son had a kidney condition that needed to be monitored so we saw an MFM every 4 weeks. 

In my latest pregnancy, we had a consult with our MFM and did our NT scan with them.  If we had made it further we would have done a genetic scan at 16 weeks to determine if we needed to continue to see them.  If I do get pregnant again, we will have another consult & genetic scan to determine if we need to see them or if I can just see my OB.

sescms2004

I would say it depends on the experience of your OB with clotting disorders and how much you trust him/her.  I had twins, so that was my reasoning for being with an MFM, but I was also on Lovenox.  My MFM and OB sometimes differed on their approach to my blood thinner management, but it was nice to have a second opinion.  If you can handle/manage the extra appts, I think it is worth it.  I saw my OB once a month and MFM once a month, and spaced out the visits so I saw one of them every two weeks.  I loved getting all the extra ultrasounds, and it helped me not to worry so much.  Your dose may need to be altered as you progress in your pregnancy, so I would just make sure you are seeing someone knowledgeable in the care of that, whoever it may be.

If it were me - I'd see both. It can't hurt, and may help.  You could always drop the MFM after the critical first tri is over, as well, if you needed/wanted to.

fallbride110406

I had a consult with the MFM group at the hospital I would deliver at. They sent my OB a full report and she managed my care and consulted with them when I had issues. I had a slightly different experience though since my hospital had an entire fetal ultrasound unit that is completely staffed with MFMs with a certain level of experience. All my ultrasounds were done there and they sent reports within a few hours to my OB. I would do a consult just to see what they say and make sure a report/summary is sent to your OB of any suggestions they have for your pregnancy.

jenn2929

You know my opinion.  It can't hurt to go.  And if it's going to give you peace of mind, I would ask for the referral.  So excited about your u/s!