OB/Peri/MFM Questions

SSFaith · December 2009

This might be a dumb question, but I'm still new to all of this and slightly confused. So, if my OB doesn't offer up a referral for a peri/MFM, I should ask for one, right? This is my plan anyway. But I'm wondering this: since I understand that they work as a team (both taking my appts, doing u/s, one being a specialist over the other) who does the actual delivery?

I have a wonderful relationship with my OB who has been my GYN for over a decade and would like her to do the delivery. However, is it a better idea to get a MFM who will deliver instead, in the event that my pregnancy has issues that require more from my specialist and less from my OB?

Is this something I'm best off establishing now, or shall I play it by ear and see how the pregnancy progresses?

TIA

SoldiersGreenBean · December 2009

Everyone will have different answers.

I just received a referral to a MFM, specifically for a Level II u/s. I'm comfortable with my OBs, so I intend to play it by ear with some guidance based on their recommendations.

robinsokj · December 2009

My peri does all the growth scans, cervical length checks, anatomy scan, etc. Hes basically there for my ultrasounds. My ob will deliver

atlbride23 · December 2009

This might be a dumb question, but I'm still new to all of this and slightly confused. So, if my OB doesn't offer up a referral for a peri/MFM, I should ask for one, right? YES.

This is my plan anyway. But I'm wondering this: since I understand that they work as a team (both taking my appts, doing u/s, one being a specialist over the other) who does the actual delivery? This varies, but my OB did the C-Section. My peri did surgeries on high risk patients and those w/ higher order multiples, though.

I have a wonderful relationship with my OB who has been my GYN for over a decade and would like her to do the delivery. However, is it a better idea to get a MFM who will deliver instead, in the event that my pregnancy has issues that require more from my specialist and less from my OB? I would wait and see if any issues develop and discuss with your doctors, perhaps find a peri who does do deliveries, just in case.

Is this something I'm best off establishing now, or shall I play it by ear and see how the pregnancy progresses? now.

clarku2000 · December 2009

I'm glad you asked this--I was wondering the same thing. I have an appt with my OB on 1/6, so I'm going to ask him at that point for a referral. This twin business has made me come up with a whole lotta more questions.

fallbride110406 · December 2009

I'm one of the few that only sees an OB. I was sent to a MFM and OB initially after being released from my RE and then the MFM sent a report detailing what they would suggest as far as additional care to my OB. My OB can still consult with them on my care if I have problems (like my subchorionic hematoma at 12w) but she handles everything for me. I see her every other week (have from 10w), she checks my cervix at every appointment, and sends me to the hospital for a level II ultrasound at their fetal imaging center every month.

My hospital is rather advanced in their fetal/NICU areas (they're the highest level NICU - regional with no gestation req. and building a children's hospital on their campus) and the fetal imaging center is staffed with MFM's all day. So every ultrasound I have is looked over by an MFM before I leave and they also write the report and have it to my OB within an hour or two.

I feel completely comfortable with only seeing my OB.

nygrl79 · December 2009

I have an OB that I LOVE and have been going to for years (and hope she gets to deliver me) and I also have an MFM who delivers. I don't have to have the MFM deliver me (right now the plan is if all goes well, my OB will deliver), but I do have the option to switch to seeing the MFM exclusively should major problems arise. He will be able to take over all care because he can deliver (that is why I went with him as my MFM).

GL with the decision.