switching doctors at 32 weeks?

heidilyn22

I am considering changing doctors. (If that is even possible right now.) My doctor does not remember me from appt to appt. For example, a month and a half ago, she was all worried about my BP, and had me do the 24 hour urine test, and said she had to keep an "eagle eye" on me. The next 2 times I went in, I told her I was happy to see my BP went down a bit, and her response both times was "Oh, was that a problem for you before?" Now, I don't expect a doctor to remember every detail about me when I know she sees many patients, but when she said that to me, she was looking right at my chart.

 At my last appointment, I was asking her a few questions about birth, and she barely answered them. While I was still asking questions, she was ushering me up to the table for measurements/HB and there the conversation basically ended. I think she was in the room with me for a total of about 5 minutes.

 So.....my question. Is it totally crazy to consider changing doctors at 32 weeks? Anyone have experience with this? OR...if I don't change, what's a good way for me to handle this so I get better care but still have a decent relationship with my doctor?

 Thanks!

hotrocker2011

I say go for it...I switched at 27 weeks and I love my midwife. My last doc (was a group of 7 or 8) always rushed threw every appointment, never took the time to explain anything and made me feel horrible when ever I called in (I'm a FTM). My midwife took the time to explain every test that was done since it was confirmed that I was pregnant, she is 100% on board with my natural (No pain meds) birth, and I just feel 100% more happy seeing her, before i was always worried...I say go with your instinct its telling you to leave for a reason.....      

vanillacourage

At 32w you should probably start seeing other doctors in the practice anyway, as if someone else is on-call when you actually go into labor it will be that doctor that delivers your baby, not the one you've been seeing through your pregnancy.  I'd just ask to be scheduled with a different doctor in the practice the next time you book an appointment.

Truthfully, the doctor really only comes in during the last part of your labor - sometimes just in time to "catch" the baby.  The nurses are the ones who do most of the work when you're in labor, so I wouldn't worry too much about the relationship you have with your OB (who, like I said above, may not even be there at all the day you have your baby).

MotherMonster

I don't think it is, but before you switch, just double check with the practice you wanna go with and your insurance. Sometimes they won't let you switch.

I have switched all my doctors (Endo, OBGYN, & MFM). I specifically switched to a new Endocrinologist because he was trying to pull the same stuff and he was double booking me as well as everyone else. When I switched to a different OBGYN, it was due to her nurse being unprofessional and blowing me off all the time, even though I'm high risk. She wasn't telling my doctor important information even my other doctors wanted her to know, she was losing labs, losing my paper work, wasn't faxing papers to other doctors, etc.

My mom's a doctor, so I don't put up with any of that BS. I know better. I switched to a doctor that is awesome! I love my new doctors! We're all on the same page and have the same goal!

I would talk to your insurance and then ask around and see if you can get some good info about a doctor who might be a good fit for you. I would call and talk to them and see if they would take you on! You have to have an OBGYN that is on the same page as you, or it can really effect your pregnancy and how your birth goes. For me, it would be a trust issue and I would doubt my doctor the whole time. 

I hope you find someone awesome and they're able to take you on as a patient!

Good luck! 

fyrefairie

vanillacourage:

At 32w you should probably start seeing other doctors in the practice anyway, as if someone else is on-call when you actually go into labor it will be that doctor that delivers your baby, not the one you've been seeing through your pregnancy.  I'd just ask to be scheduled with a different doctor in the practice the next time you book an appointment.

Truthfully, the doctor really only comes in during the last part of your labor - sometimes just in time to "catch" the baby.  The nurses are the ones who do most of the work when you're in labor, so I wouldn't worry too much about the relationship you have with your OB (who, like I said above, may not even be there at all the day you have your baby).

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MotherMonster

vanillacourage:

At 32w you should probably start seeing other doctors in the practice anyway, as if someone else is on-call when you actually go into labor it will be that doctor that delivers your baby, not the one you've been seeing through your pregnancy.  I'd just ask to be scheduled with a different doctor in the practice the next time you book an appointment.

Truthfully, the doctor really only comes in during the last part of your labor - sometimes just in time to "catch" the baby.  The nurses are the ones who do most of the work when you're in labor, so I wouldn't worry too much about the relationship you have with your OB (who, like I said above, may not even be there at all the day you have your baby).

That's not 100% true. It varies from doctor to doctor and practice to practice as well as hospital to hospital. I'm not seeing any other doctor except mine, even when I get past 32 weeks. My doctors will be there, unless there is a family emergency. My high risk doctor might not, but they only consult anyways.

greengirl0909

My sister felt like her doctor was pressuring her for an induction and started having really stressful appointments.  Her doc sent her for some testing at the hospital and while she was expressing her frustrations the nurses suggested she switch. She was 39 weeks pregnant. 

She called another practice and explained the situation, they saw her the next day and delivered 2 weeks later with the new doc. She has no regrets. Call around until you find someone you feel better with.  I've been lucky, both times I've loved my OB and feel great each time I see him.  They always remember specifics about my pregnancy.  

jmccall79

If you aren't comfortable and don't feel as though you're being cared for, absolutely switch!  A friend of mine switched at 32 weeks and said it was the best decision she ever made.  I ended up switching but was only at 16 weeks.  My doctor remembers me every visit, and so does her nurse.  They remember things that have gone on and ask me about it at the next visit.  I don't know if it's because it's well documented in my file or what, but I don't care, I feel as though they know me.  Again, if you don't feel you're being cared for now, during "crunch" time, how is it going to be?

frasey

Maybe you could talk to her about it. This may or may not have any effect on the situation, but you never know. Also, her response to it might tell you a lot too. If she becomes defensive then you should probably try to switch. But if she listens to your concerns and tries to make an effort, then it might be worth staying.

But in the end, its totally up to you and what you feel most comfortable with.

Newport617

Switch! If that's an option for you I say go for it... Your doctor is involved in important decisions during your labor and birth! Even if you don't see them while you are in labor they have a lot to do with it.... I wouldn't feel comfortable going into labor with a doctor who was rushed that would make me feel like everything was on her time limit and for her convenience. This is not something you need to worry about while you are in labor!  

skibunny59

I would definitely switch doctors if you are not happy with the care you are receiving.

heidilyn22

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement! I think I am going to look into the switch, even if it's to a different doc at the same practice. It's good to know that others have done the same thing and it has worked out well!

jlynne

I would probably switch. But here is my situation - I go to an OB office with about 8 midwives and 6 OBs. I also see a specialist office with 5 OBs, 2 nurse practitioners and lots of nurses. They all read the chart before they come in. Some of them upon first meeting even ask detailed questions about a hospitalization I had in June. So, even though I might not have ever met them before, I feel like we're on the same page when they walk in and we can discuss business as opposed to me having to provide background. 

ryry1977

If you aren't happy I would change.  It is never too late:)