Thinking about finding a new doctor? Weird info..

Middlesnpoddles · November 2011

I need advice bumpies..

So my doctor says absolutely NO caffeine. When I asked why, she said it affects the baby's heart. She then told me about some study about how they can tell JUST by looking at an organ doner's heart, whether or not the mother had drank caffeine while pregnant. I'm not sure if I believe it and it really bothered me- especially after reading other posts on the bump where doctors o.k. Some caffeine.. I'm starting to think my doctor is wrong..

Should I just assume she is overly cautious and drink caffeine anyways? Should I ask her for the research behind that at my next appointment or does that seem rude? Should I go so far as to switch docs? This is my first pregnancy so I'm feeling very overwhelmed and confused about conflicting info. What would you do?

FWIW I love love my coffee. Also this freaked DH out and I want to reassure him..

Deltadawn8 · November 2011

This is my 3rd pregnany and my 3rd OB. They have all said caffeine up to 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day is ok. This is the amount of caffeine in about one 12-ounce cup of coffee. I switched OB's when I was pregnant with DS after my 1st appt. I just didn't connect with the OB I had I am so glad I found a new one. She was fantastic, easy to talk to and I always felt like she cared and took time with me at my appts. IMO I would go with your gut and find a new OB.

livinreality · November 2011

I would see no problem asking a dr to defend there stand, now if it is wishy washy I would probably change doctors.

(PS- I find it hard to believe that they can accurately trace a donor heart back that far but I could be wrong.)

cera.rn · November 2011

I would look around for a new practice. This is a long process and you should be 100% comfortable with your doctor(s). It sounds like they are using scare tactics, which is unnecessary and odd. If you stay, I would ask to see some research (and link it here!).

Middlesnpoddles · November 2011

livinreality:
I would see no problem asking a dr to defend there stand, now if it is wishy washy I would probably change doctors.
(PS- I find it hard to believe that they can accurately trace a donor heart back that far but I could be wrong.)

I am definitely going to ask her about it next appt. She said when a child passes away in an accident, they can just look at the heart and tell whether the mother drank caffeine during pregnancy. I assumed she meant a doner heart. I really need to ask her, it's bugging me to death..

mrsbecky07 · November 2011

My concern would be her scare tactic, not the no caffeine decree itself, bc figure different doctors have different recommendations (and I'm assuming she has some basis for the total restriction, but that could be wrong.). But saying how much damage it does etc in such an extreme way would put me off.

redheadinlove · November 2011

The info itself isn't what should make you choose a different doctor. I agree with pp's. You need to feel comfortable and happy with your doctor. If you're just uneasy and for whatever reason feel you can't trust her, then you won't be happy with her helping bring your baby into this world. So choose someone else.

I also agree with pp saying that her using a scare tactic is disturbing. I hate when people try to scare people into behaving a certain way, rather than providing them with information and allowing them to make an educated choice.

And coffee is fine in small amounts!

xnbride · November 2011

Maybe this is just her soapbox issue and is a bit clouded by passion. If she is that extreeme on everything then I would find a new doc but I personally would give her this one thing and just do my own thing based on the prevailing research out there. I would ask for more info though.

Middlesnpoddles · November 2011

Thanks ladies for the advice. I think I am just going to ask her about it again- in detail. Honestly I LOVE her and she is an amazing doctor.. Took wonderful care of my sister even after the loss of my nephew. I really feel great with her.. It was just that one thing that really put me off.. Just really didn't know what to think about it

Middlesnpoddles · November 2011

theresat858:
I would ask for the research that she is getting this information from. (But I'm a scientist, so I always want to see the paper).
Perhaps there is new data that shows that even small amounts of caffeine have an effect, and it just isn't highly publicized yet.
The 200-300mg number (depending on where you look) is the amount that is not linked to an increased risk of miscarriage; higher amounts are.

Glad to get an opinion from a scientist- there very well may be new data that I'm just not aware of. I'm going to ask her amount details (although she said ANY amount) but I think it would really help me to see the the actual research for myself.

13pickle · November 2011

This is your pregnancy, and your child! you need to feel comfortable, that will help you feel relaxed, and let you send good dopamine to the forming brain in your belly!

This is one of those early parenting decisions, talk with your DH, let him know your reservations, and talk about the type of support you want in this pregnancy, then decide.

good luck!

Mrs.Deputy · November 2011

If that's true, then oops. Too late. I have to have a little, because these headaches are killer for me. I wouldn't let it worry me too much and if you're uncomfortable with your doc go ahead and start looking into getting a new one. We have a lot of pregnancy left, so you need to be comfortable with the person providing your care.

LadyTyler · November 2011

This does seem odd to me; I really can't imagine that if they can tell just by looking at a heart that this would be suddenly new information...

And there is no way I could follow this. No chocolate at all? I could possibly deal with no tea, but the chocolate would do me in.

fyziksgirl · November 2011

AutLuke:
I need advice bumpies..
So my doctor says absolutely NO caffeine. When I asked why, she said it affects the baby's heart. She then told me about some study about how they can tell JUST by looking at an organ doner's heart, whether or not the mother had drank caffeine while pregnant. I'm not sure if I believe it and it really bothered me- especially after reading other posts on the bump where doctors o.k. Some caffeine.. I'm starting to think my doctor is wrong..
Should I just assume she is overly cautious and drink caffeine anyways? Should I ask her for the research behind that at my next appointment or does that seem rude? Should I go so far as to switch docs? This is my first pregnancy so I'm feeling very overwhelmed and confused about conflicting info. What would you do?
FWIW I love love my coffee. Also this freaked DH out and I want to reassure him..

I agree with PPs that if you feel uncomfortable with a doc, you should absolutely switch. Birth will be one of the most vulnerable times in your life, and you want someone you are comfortable with and confident in attending you!

I would also say it is never wrong to ask for research to back something up. Every decision during your pregnancy is about *your* body and *your* baby and thus is *YOUR* decision to make. You have the right to informed consent (or refusal!), and part of that is being informed. Your doctor is not a god nor an absolute authority, he is not all-knowing and much of what he presents as fact is likely opinion, since very little is absolutely known in science! Many patients want a straight yes or no, and so doctors get used to speaking that way, but if you want more they should be able to give it to you (and I feel should really try to make clear the difference between opinion and fact all the time). A good doctor will welcome patients who want to be an active participant in their care. If you feel uncomfortable asking your doctor questions or asking them to clarify or explain something, it's time to get a new doctor.

Good luck!