Disappointing Doctors Appointments?

kitandcat · January 2016

I have been a bit surprised by the lack of information I get at my prenatal appointments. I feel like I go in, they check what they're supposed to check, and they don't really tell me anything or give me information. I've had some extra ultrasounds and have seen my doctor almost every time because I've had to follow up with placenta previa, but outside of that information I feel like I'm not getting anything!!

I feel like the only way I obtain any information during appointments is if I think of the questions and remember to ask them myself, versus them providing me with useful information. I have never done this before, I feel like there should be more guidance?

I had my anatomy scan at 19 weeks, 2 days (about a week and a half ago) and I assumed I would be given a lot of information... my doctor didn't even look at my ultrasound pictures before meeting us afterward, he just came in the room and said the ultrasound tech says everything looks good - what questions do you have? My husband thought to ask how the baby's growth was doing compared to averages, and we didn't really get an answer to that. We had to ask all of the follow up questions about our placenta update as well, which I thought was odd.

Is this just my doctor's office or are others having similar experiences? Everything I know I get from online - I do a lot of checking before I take any site's word for it, but I feel like my doctor should be giving me a lot of information too! Nothing about my weight and how I'm doing, nothing about things to keep an eye out for going forward, just a general lack of information/advice/guidance - is this the norm?

lionstigersbears · January 2016

It's pretty much the norm. I'd recommend getting a reputable book -- I've heard of others liking the Mayo Clinic one because it has weekly info. It might help you feel more informed and bring up questions to initiate more conversation. I understand feeling like its minimal but remember it's also a blessing to NOT have a need for lots of special information or discussions, because if there was something wrong, it would pile on.

AnastasiaBeaverhausen09 · January 2016

My appointments sound very much like your appointments. During the ultrasounds we got tons of information about the baby's development. During my appointments my doctor just asks what questions I have. Sometimes the nurse will give me bits of information. I assume my pregnancy is relatively uncomplicated at this point and there's no real information to give me. My doctor/nurses are very helpful when answering questions, but it's not like they just tell me stuff out of the blue.

I guess my question is, specifically, what are you hoping they will tell you?

dsmith211 · January 2016

I think that's pretty much the norm as mine have really been the same. All my my ultrasound/lab results end up being posted online on a secure login for me, so I'll usually look at them and do some research for myself before I come in and then if anything seems 'off' I'll ask. Unless I bring anything up though, my midwife doesn't really spend a lot of time with us unless it's needed.

PYLWhammy · January 2016

Most OB practices are really busy, and, unless they see something wrong, they want to get you in and out so they can see the next patient. You need to be proactive and bring questions. Any good doctor will take the time to talk through your concerns.

Merciel · January 2016

My experience has been the same as the consensus in this thread.

I prefer it that way. I do a lot of outside reading and research, so I have a general sense of what to expect already, and it would be a waste of everyone's time for the doctor to go over the basics. If I have specific questions, I can ask, and if there are specific concerns, the doctor mentions them, but otherwise it's pretty much in and out.

finnybooboo · January 2016

Agree with all of this. I thought the same as you with my first, which is why I was on the bump so much. If there were specific questions, you need to ask them and writing them down helps you remember. I know I'm guilty of having questions but when I'm there my mind goes blank.

vinerie · January 2016

I have been surprised, too. I don't know what the F I'm doing and I wish they were more proactive about things. But then I wonder how they can be. Every person is different and is making different choices. I sit in the waiting room and see women come in drinking 40-oz. Mountain Dews. They need different proactive "advice" than I do. And so I conclude that doctors simply can't cover everything and know what to cover for every person. Still, I think doctors could sit down, put their pen down, look you in the eye and say "what questions do you have for me?"

lalala2004 · January 2016

I'm not disappointed in any appointment that doesn't have bad news... When pregnant, boring is better. My doctor does always ask if I have questions. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own health and to be your own advocate. Do your own research, and if you have questions, be prepared to speak up and ask!

TunieBee · January 2016

Normal. If you prefer more time and personal attention, you could try a midwife practice. They will do more talking/education later on closer to birth.

bkjade · January 2016

Agree with @lalala2004. Boring is a good thing! As long as your doc seems to be able to help whe you *do* ask questions, I wouldn't be concerned.

Delitachan · January 2016

Yeah my regular OBG/yn appointments are like that now. They just listen to the heartbeat, look at my chart, update info and sometimes do a blood test. Less thorough than the first trimester. My Level II ultrasound, done out of town, was an amazing experience.

cortney626 · January 2016

Like pp's, sounds like the norm. My first pregnancy and this one have been easy, no complications, etc. My appointments have been pretty quick and boring. if I have questions, I ask and the Dr will elaborate. But usually there's not a lot for the Dr to go over on their own.

JoMunson · January 2016

I feel like they use that first appointment to gauge where they should focus their time. I'd had a previous missed miscarriage so they usually ask me how I'm feeling, if I can feel the baby. They know I'm a vegan so they don't ask me about my diet choices. My midwife usually gets on me to exercise (which I finally started when she pulled out some statistics for me) and then they check me and baby and we go.
I love it! It shows that they really trust me to lead the process. My body knows what it's doing and if I'm tuned into it I'm able to express any issues I think might be coming up.

boxheadkid · January 2016

Thought I was in the search box... Duhp!

KaKip · January 2016

I just switched to a new OB and I'm kind of surprised by all the things my other Ob didn't do already which they apparently should have---mostly blood and urine tests. I guess I'd say it is worth switching if you don't feel like the quality of care you are getting is good enough!!

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