Tell me about your doctor...

bluebird0521 · May 2013

Hi Ladies! I am not currently pregnant...I just gave birth to my son last month at 22 weeks (he was stillborn). I had a midwife for my prenatal care so I am searching for a doctor for my next pregnancy. I want to go in for a pre-conception appointment because I want the doctor to know me and my case before I become pregnant.

I was told by the doctors at the hospital that I would need a high-risk OB and I needed to have a cerclage placed at 13-14 weeks for a future pregnancy. Right now I am looking for a good doctor but I'm not really sure what I am looking for. Almost all doctors say they handle high-risk pregnancies on their websites.

What did you look for when trying to find a doctor, and what credentials does your doctor have? Are they just an OB or MFM?

On a side note....if you have a cerclage, did you ask your doctor any questions about their familiarity with the procedure or with patients who have previously gone into PTL?

I appreciate any help! Thank you!

CNYBride05 · May 2013

I'm really sorry about your loss. I have a couple thoughts. But 1st I'll answer your questions.

We chose a practice that we had heard good things about, was close to home, and delivered where we wanted to deliver. We began with a MW, she added MFM and high risk OB. Now we only see MFM as I've been hospitalized outside the hospital where my MW and OB have privileges. I do not have a cerclage, but know that any medical professional who feels that cerclage is necessary can make the appropriate referrals to make sure it is done by someone with experience with cerclages.

a) Did you like your MW? Could you see yourself returning to her? Our MW works very closely with high risk OBs and MFMs and referred us out when she felt she needed some back up...

b) I don't know of many MFMs who see patient prior to conception. Another reason to possibly stick with your MW since he/she knows you and knows your story

Best of luck!

bluebird0521 · May 2013

I could see myself returning to my MW but unfortunately she does not work in collaboration with MFM or other doctors when dealing with a high-risk patient. She prefers that those patients transfer their care to an OB. Their office only handles strictly healthy, normal pregnancies with no complications. They are an office/birth center and they do not deliver at hospitals.

MyPlus5 · May 2013

I see an MFM but the only way they see patients are by referrals from an OB. So I found an OB that I love (close to home, close to the hospital, 24 x 7 nurse line, multiple docs in the practice so I can always get in if my favorite OB is booked), and they instantly flagged me as high-risk and referred me to the MFM. I see both my OB and MFM, and they send updates and call each other frequently on my care. I feel like I could not be getting any better care.

Also, I don't have a cerclage but they are so common that I would be surprised if an OB and MFM didn't do them very much.

luvboston · May 2013

I will be blunt if you go back to a mw you are asking for trouble. You can interview an MFM before you become pg they prefer it with difficult cases. You need to call the office and speak to the secretary and make sure they have gone for the extra 2 years of training to be an MFM. Also ask how many cerclages they do each year. Also when you see the doctor ask which kind of cerclage they prefer. Also ask if they think you need the one that goes through the stomach that you get prior to conception.

CNYBride05 · May 2013

luvboston:
I will be blunt if you go back to a mw you are asking for trouble.

Really?! I feel like many of your responses are alarmist and uninformed. Where did you get this information and why on earth would you say that? MW are highly trained and able to refer out if needed. I'm not saying OP should return to her MW, but I am pretty sure your response is unnecessary.

Aurora317 · May 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss.

My own experience with finding OB/MFM care was honestly pure luck. I went to an OB who would accept my insurance, and they immediately referred me to a MFM to deal with my HR issues. I was never comfortable with my OB, but LOVED my MFM, and asked him for a referral to a new OB. He put me in touch with someone who would take my insurance and I am thrilled with the switch.

(Most Drs I called wouldn't take me initially, I've got my state's version of "insurance" for people who aren't able to be insured through work and who have been turned down for private insurance bc of preexisting conditions. The only reason this new Dr. took me was because of the referral from the MFM.)

I ended up in a fantastic situation Dr wise, but it took a while to find the right combination. I would start with asking friends/family for an OB referral, and once you find an OB you are comfortable with they will likely set you up with the next level of care that's necessary for your particular case. Best of luck.

NantucketSunset · May 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. One thing you could try is posting a "high risk OB/MFM in (location)?" here and on your local board. In the post mention your history etc as you did here.

takmjs · May 2013

I don't know much about MWs. I went to a local OB, and she referred me to a MFM, but I don't know if a referral was required; it just made things simple for me. I lucked out and got a fabulous MFM. Turns out I only see him during my pregnancies, not an OB. He told me he wants to see me again BEFORE my next pregnancy to do a pre-pregnancy consult about what to expect with the next pregnancy, now that I've had a 30 weeker. He also said I would get a cerclage at 13 weeks.

Good luck with any/all future pregnancies!

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