Is our OB WAY too busy?!

Kittens22 · April 2016

Hi everyone! Sorry if this is long.... FTM here, hoping for advice!

I am 12.5 weeks along now, found out we were pregnant at 4.5 weeks. My doctor confirmed it and referred me to a local ob, who called a week later with a pre-booked appt over 4 weeks from then (at 9 weeks).
When that day finally came, we showed up early and ready with our list of questions etc. In the waiting room, they let everyone know that our OB was running late due to something at the hospital. So our appt was one hour behind, but we got in. No urine test, but he assigned an ultrasound and blood work for me to do and checked my weight & blood pressure. He said that the ultrasound techs wouldn't allowed to tell or show us anything, but that he'd give us the dating results etc himself at an appt we made for the next week.

We had the ultrasound that same week (9.5). It was amazing- the tech was SO nice, invited my husband in at the end and showed us both our baby, and the flickering heartbeat! We didn't expect that based on what OB had said, so we were overjoyed. Even took a photo home! He did not give us the dating results, which was fine, as we had our OB appt for the following Monday.

Morning of appt, OB office called us cancelling our appt due to something that came up with the OB. We rescheduled for 2 days later. That was ALSO cancelled by them the morning of, something about the computer being down. They couldn't even reschedule us until mid may (!!!), so I asked if our doctor could at least give us our dating results over the phone. He still hasn't called and it's been over one week.

Is this all weird? Or impression/fear is that this might happen all throughout the pregnancy. Our due date was given by my doctor from my LMP. I know these can differ w/US so really still don't know officially where were at. Should we find a new OB? Or is this kind standard? I don't want them to push us around since we're first timers and wouldn't know difference. Thanks for your help.

maggmagoo21 · April 2016

You need to go with your gut. If you're not happy, find a new OB. It could all be coincidence that each of your appointments had a snag but you don't want to be kicking yourself down the line.
There are a lot of websites where patients can review doctors. You could probably check those out to see if this doctor habitually has delays/cancellations.
But my biggest piece of advice is to go with your gut. You want the best care for you and your little one so you need to be happy and comfortable with who you are seeing.

chloe97 · April 2016

From what I've read on this board, there is no real standard, women on this board have had all kinds of different experiences what it comes to their appointments-, when they can first get in, which provider they see, when they get ultrasounds, how easy it is to get an appt, etc.

All that being said, I think your experience is going to vary greatly based on your geographic location. There is a primary care physician shortage in many places in the US, so yes- it is possible that you may find the same type of experience with another Dr, particularly if you live in a more rural area or an area with a higher percentage of people living poverty. Also, if you have an insurance that doesn't reimburse physicians well, you could find this experience other places that the your insurance since Drs have to take more patients to pay their bills.

If if I were you, I'd ask around locally and see if what you're experiencing is normal. I agree with PP, it doesn't sound like things will change based on what your describing.

Good luck!

Greencows4812 · April 2016

In my experience, there isn't a huge standard for prenatal care. I do think that OBs are doctors that are typically behind. They schedule patients for a
certain amount of time based on what they're being seen for and it only takes one anxious mom asking a lot of questions to put him behind. And my OB works out of a hospital so I know he's constantly running from his office to L&D. With that being said, if you're unhappy, check out another OB. When I was pregnant with my first, I met with a couple OBs and and picked the one I liked best.

tatertat313 · April 2016

I think if you're not completely happy, now might be a good time to look around and interview other OBs before you're further along. One of the reasons I loved (love) my OB is the ease and convenience of making appointments and how comfortable I feel with him. Do emergencies happen? Absolutely...there was one appointment last pregnancy where I was waiting in the room for over an hour because an emergency happened with another patient, but that was the exception rather than the rule. Like other PPs have said, go with your gut!

talkthewholetime · April 2016

I used to get annoyed when I waited at the OB- until I was pregnant and terrified and was squeezed in for an appointment that didn't exist and became the reason people were waiting. My office used to have a sign- "be patient, the next emergency may be you"

obviously if you're not happy, switch, but with the nature of obstetrics, a little compassion for why you're waiting might change your mind.

hollowway · April 2016

I think it's normal for first appt and ultrasound to be around 9 weeks. And then have an appt every 4 weeks after that. Rememeber, an OB doesn't just do office visits, they do surgery (D&C, csection, etc) and surgery can take longer than expected or start later than expected.

Thewizardofrhythm · April 2016

If it were me, I'd switch. But that is because what is important to me is personal attention, patient centric model, and low c-section rate (which speaks to a lot of larger issues like intervetion necessity, etc.) My personal opinion are that these large practices are unable to provide the things I value and are unfortunately geared toward obtaining as many patients as possible. They are definitely not going to harm you or are bad in anyway. If anything, because they are so large, they probably have a very high standard of care to avoid any potential med mal suit. I think it just comes down to what is important to you and to me, it sounds like this is not comfortable for you. Maybe look for a smaller, less busy practice?

hollowway · April 2016

Or perhaps looks for a practice that has more than one provider you're able to see? My OB office actually has 3 OB's and 3 Midwives, and patients see all 6 throughout their pregnancy, because any one of them could be on call when you give birth, and you want to be comfortable with all of them, not just your OB.

serenaxo84 · April 2016

I would ask around and possibly switch. I couldn't deal with all the canceling especially as a person that works full time.

My OB schedules all my appointments with her unless she is out of the office on vacation and then will schedule with one of the other OBs. I haven't been cancelled on or had a late appointment more than 20 minutes. I would completely understand a cancelled appointment every once and a while- but that's too constant for me. and I'm not a fan of no call back- you're date isn't medically vital but it's important to you.

DunkinDecaf · April 2016

It's totally your call. Some people would prefer a smaller practice, but there are benefits to many big, busy facilities as well. My OB is at a busy hospital too so I've had experiences like yours occasionally. In fact, I'd probably say unless I book the first appointment of the day, I can usually count on my dr to be running 10-30 minutes late. For me, it's worth it because that hospital has the best resources, best facilities, and best staff. I remember when it was me who was having a medical emergency, and I had everything and everyone ready to help me immediately. Even when it's not an emergency and I just have a bunch of extra questions my dr always makes time for me to answer them fully, and never says she tries to rush me or say she has to get to another appointment. I love that about her. For me, the benefits of the situation outweigh the drawbacks. I'm always happy not to be a priority when I'm at the doctor.

beforeyou · April 2016

MaMaBear1323 said:

Or perhaps looks for a practice that has more than one provider you're able to see? My OB office actually has 3 OB's and 3 Midwives, and patients see all 6 throughout their pregnancy, because any one of them could be on call when you give birth, and you want to be comfortable with all of them, not just your OB.

I agree with this^ maybe find a practice with more than one provider if its available in your area.
My practice has 14 midwives on staff and 4 doctors available for emergencies. The upside is that my appointments never get cancelled... the downside is that I may have someone I've never met deliver my baby. I think you need to figure out whats more important to you and go from there. And like PPs said, go with your gut. You want to be comfortable with your care during this scary/exciting/important time.

TheBorg7of9 · April 2016

I'd switch. My first OB was like that and it was so annoying. My second OB and my midwife are so much better. Since I switched, they have only been late to one appointment. And that's over three pregnancies. If you're in Chicago I can recommend them.
My first OB took a week to call me to schedule my d&c after my first pregnancy was found to be a miscarriage. My second OB had a plan for me the same day.

Kittens22 · April 2016

Thank you for all of your help guys!! You're all soo lovely. I think I'll look and see what else is out there before we make a decision. Maybe I'll ask the receptionist/nurses if this situation is common.
I also really like the PP who mentioned meeting the other doctors in the hospital unit- I agree, that would be weird having someone deliver it baby who I have never met.

Roxell · April 2016

Kittens22 said:

Thank you for all of your help guys!! You're all soo lovely. I think I'll look and see what else is out there before we make a decision. Maybe I'll ask the receptionist/nurses if this situation is common.
I also really like the PP who mentioned meeting the other doctors in the hospital unit- I agree, that would be weird having someone deliver it baby who I have never met.

This happened to me. Because my DD was so impatient to be born (we had only been at the hospital an hour and she was 2 pushes) my midwife didn't make it in time to delivery her. I had the OB Dr delivery her instead. I had never met him and never really did after. From what I remember I couldn't have cared less who was down there catching our baby. My point is, you never really know how your delivery will go, so if it puts you at ease now meeting all the people who could potentially deliver your LO you should do it!

DunkinDecaf · April 2016

I don't mind not knowing ahead of time who will deliver my baby. All the OBs at the hospital I'll be at are supremely qualified, and last time around the OB was only in the room for 2 minutes to check on me twice, and then 10 minutes as she was literally being born. The other 36 hours I was in the care of some truly wonderful nurses and a medical resident. The resident actually delivered my daughter, under the OB's supervision. To each her own though. You just have to make sure you're comfortable with the situation you choose.

MrsBigTime · April 2016

Roxell said:

Kittens22 said:

Thank you for all of your help guys!! You're all soo lovely. I think I'll look and see what else is out there before we make a decision. Maybe I'll ask the receptionist/nurses if this situation is common.
I also really like the PP who mentioned meeting the other doctors in the hospital unit- I agree, that would be weird having someone deliver it baby who I have never met.

This happened to me. Because my DD was so impatient to be born (we had only been at the hospital an hour and she was 2 pushes) my midwife didn't make it in time to delivery her. I had the OB Dr delivery her instead. I had never met him and never really did after. From what I remember I couldn't have cared less who was down there catching our baby. My point is, you never really know how your delivery will go, so if it puts you at ease now meeting all the people who could potentially deliver your LO you should do it!

I got super lucky when I delivered by daughter because my MW who I've been seeing for years was actually there when I delivered (not as primary though, she was training a new MW, but she was present) and although I was o happy for that coincidence, the janitor was welcome to have been primary so long as he helped get that kid out of me. I really just needed my husband and everyone else in the room was more to help things get done, he and I were doing the hard work and they were our support team and I could have cared less who was on it.

NatashaSprout · April 2016

This is my 3rd child and I have learned to book the very first appointment of the day. Even if it means waiting an extra week. That way I get in and get out. Don't ever book close to lunch either. My OB's first appointment is at 0915 hrs and that's the only appointment I will take.

Roxell · April 2016

@NatashaSprout That's a good idea! I always try to book the last appt of the day because it just seems easier to leave work early than come in late. But I don't think my boss would care either way.

LikeICantEven · April 2016

Yeah, I'd be pissed too. I understand medical emergencies come up, especially in an OB practice and I have absolute sympathy for that but to know multiple times there are no back up plans in place for other patients - that is what would piss me off.

I do think a certain amount of this falls on your shoulders though. If it's been a week and you haven't heard anything? I would have waited 2 days max and then called back for more information. You aren't at their mercy, you are about to pay them a ridiculous amount of money to handle the birth and care of your child. There is a certain amount of accountability that needs to be clear to them.

TheBorg7of9 · April 2016

I honestly don't think it is weird to have a doctor or midwife you don't know delivering your baby. You're in labor all day with some nurse you've never met, the doctor just shows up for the pushing part. And by that time I did not give a flick who was catching my baby.

Kittens22 said:

Thank you for all of your help guys!! You're all soo lovely. I think I'll look and see what else is out there before we make a decision. Maybe I'll ask the receptionist/nurses if this situation is common.
I also really like the PP who mentioned meeting the other doctors in the hospital unit- I agree, that would be weird having someone deliver it baby who I have never met.

w

shevaCC · April 2016

As PP said, it's important to be comfortable with your care and that different doctors/practices are best for different couples. With my first, my PCP told me who I was going to be referred to and I went along with it because I'm used to listening to doctors. It took me to 25 weeks to realize that I preferred a different care model (in my case, midwives). And it was still plenty early to switch.

All that to say listen to your gut, ask around or visit different practices, and figure out where you feel most comfortable. You have plenty of time to switch before November.

ficbot · April 2016

When I had my first appointment, I had to wait half an hour, then she had to leave partway through Forman emergency. There were a few things left to do and she offered to call me and do it over the phone so I didn't have to come back. It has been a week and I am still waiting :-)

But her assistant is very nice and when I went back for the ultrasound later that week, she weighed me and ordered some of the extra bloodwork. I think I just accept that this is one of those kinds of doctors where things come up. And if she were in too big a hurry to call me back it would be because something is wrong, so I am glad I am too boring to be her big emergency :-)

MollySm · May 2016

I feel a little differently than others. With my first my normal midwife couldn't delivery me, so I had a random OB and it was terrible. Granted, the labor itself was a difficult one, but I didn't feel supported by her at all.

With my second delivery I had my family doctor, she came to the hospital after I was admitted, spent the night, and delivered my baby. I know I was lucky to have this experience, because it's not all that common these days, but I loved it. She was so supportive and because I was comfortable with her, it all just seemed perfect. It did help that I had an easier labor. But I definitely cared who was delivering me and having someone I was comfortable with made a difference. I could have cared less who was in the room at the time, but the actual doctor made a difference.

My H's job switched insurance, so I unfortunately cannot use her again. This is my first time using an OB as my doctor the whole time. The doc I am going to has great recommendations, but I have learned that she won't necessarily deliver, and also that I am not supposed to have appts with the other doctors who might. I am going to talk with her about all of that before I decide to stick with her. It's important you feel comfortable. Looking into options in your area sounds like a great idea.

mamabear0813 · May 2016

I can second ( or third or whatever) the idea of a practice with more than one care provider. My office has 5 OB/GYNs and 2 or three MWs. Plus a couple of nurse practitioners, an US tech and a phlebotomist in the in house lab. I have been at this practice since before I conceived my first, so I've met everyone more than once, but they typically make sure you have an appointment with each provider so you have a chance to meet everyone who could be delivering the baby.

The great part of this set up is that not every provider will be scheduled in the hospital all the time. So some doctors are just in the office some days, no matter what. You can't be bumped because they had to go to the hospital, because one of the other doctors will be there instead.

I don't LOVE all the doctors, but I TRUST them all to handle my pregnancy, delivery, and any complications that might arise with all the professionalism and experience I need to be safe. And to me, that is the most important thing!

lovebugcait · May 2016

Do what you feel is right. I'm 13 weeks and still haven't been in to see my doc because they can't get me on. I actually ended up switching hospitals at the encouragement of a clinic I had been going to. They got me in tomorrow (not even a week later). I switched because I felt alone, like they didn't care about my baby's health.

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