Questions Thread Week of 6/4

catwoman8731 · June 2018

All right, I know it’s practically Friday already, but I had a question and wanted to put it in the right place for organization’s sake. I moved back “home” “recently” (almost two years ago) and just about six months ago got re-established with an OBGYN since we knew we wanted to TFAS this spring. I did quite a bit of research and found a doctor I love. However, at that first checkup in January, I was informed it’s a group practice, and I would rotate through all the doctors during a (at-the-time potential) pregnancy. That didn’t bother me so much back in January, but now I’m not so sure I like that idea. For DD, I had the same doctor the whole way through. In the end, though, she didn’t end up being the one to deliver me. So with a group practice, I would have the benefit of knowing the doctor who delivers me, if only from one previous appointment.

I guess my long-winded question is what have you ladies done in the past? What did you like or not like? As it relates to a group practice as compared to a single doctor who may or may not actually deliver you.... thanks!

cmjenkies · June 2018

My doctor is in a group of 6-8. I love her. She sees all of her appts unless she is on vacation or in a delivery. She delivered both of my kids, but I had scheduled inductions, so I knew it would be her. When it gets down to it, I don’t particularly care who delivers me. They’re only there to catch in my experience. I had uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries with my take home kiddos though, so I might feel different if there were complications. The nurses do most of the hard work in L&D IMO.

mainemama_ · June 2018

With My first I had a OBGYN who had his own private practice so it was just him. I loved knowing that I was going to see him and he knew me and remembered my history, health issues etc. He retired shortly after so I established with another private practice that had two Drs and was just adding on another one. When I got my BFP with #2 I saw the new doctor and since his patient list was so short I saw him throughout my pregnancy, he also said he likes to see his patients from start- finish so it will be unlikely i’ll see someone else. Personally, I like having the same doctor because they get to know you and develop a relationship with you. Could you request to only see one doctor?

and_peggy · June 2018

My OB is in a group practice as well. I saw her for most of my appointments but was required to see 3 other doctors (in case). They just wanted me to feel comfortable with the possibility of another doctor delivering my baby. My first delivery I had a different OB and I was concerned the whole time that he wouldn’t be there and some rando doc would have to deliver. But honestly, the l/d nurses do most of it until the very end anyways. I love my OB but I saw her maybe 15 minutes total. That’s just the reality.

All that said, I would just not worry about it and stick with the practice if you love your OB.

jesslinnn · June 2018

I had the same OB for my first 3 babies for the whole pregnancy. But, he didn’t make it to my second delivery because DS2 came FAST!! I really didn’t care. All my deliveries were easy and, like cmjenkies said, the nurses really did most of the work.

I had to switch OB’s last year. This one is part of a practice of about 7(?) and I’m not concerned at all.

catwoman8731 · June 2018

Thanks for all your experiences and input!

I guess my concern lies in the fact that I won’t even see my regular OB for scheduled appointments. My first two are with other doctors. So I feel like it doesn’t matter how much I love her, because I won’t be seeing her anyways. Intentionally. So I wonder if I’d be more comfortable finding a doctor I also love but who I could actually see repeatedly so they know my history, etc.

Somewhat related- I am a runner and most of what made me like this OB so much is that she doesn’t object to my continuing to run through my pregnancy. Last time around, I was running 4-5 miles 3-4 times a week right up through my due date. I also gained less than the recommended minimum despite eating all I could. In your experiences, have either of these been a problem with OBs? I had friends who were told to cut back to walking not based on any risk, and also friends who were shamed for not gaining more weight than they did. Theee are both important issues to me in choosing a doctor. Maybe my doctor is more common and my friends’ doctors are rare and old-minded? Just things I’m thinking about as I make my decision. Thanks for listening!

cmjenkies · June 2018

@catwoman8731 I’m not a runner, but I work in healthcare in a field where I have to transfer heavy people daily and I was concerned because some OBs put lifting restrictions on women during pregnancy. My doctor told me last go around that since it’s an activity that I was already doing before pregnancy without problems then I was okay to continue and to just listen to my body. Also, I would only be concerned about weight loss/gain if the baby wasn’t also growing appropriately. Every person’s body is different.

squirttheturtle · June 2018

I saw my OB (or her RN) for all my appointments. In the end, she wasn't on the weekend that I went into labor and one of her partners ended up doing my CS. She did all the follow up and I was confident in my choice of practice because my OB had her partners deliver her 20+ years ago. If she trusts her partners that much, there was no reason I shouldn't.

This time, it's a non issue because I'll likely end up with a RCS. (If I can convince her to let me try for a VBAC, I will, but chances are slim/none)

Ktrue85 · June 2018

Ive only done group practices (different one for each of my two kids; i left the first one for reasons other than the doctors,) and I didnt mind. I was glad knowing I got to meet each person who may deliver my baby. To me, that is more calming than only having one to count on and the chance pf them not being able to be there for your delivery. I also appreciate second (and third) opinions when it comes to my treatment, so that was an added bonus.

ginger1228 · June 2018

I like to run too and dr told me that as long as I wasn’t struggling to breathe or overheating then it was fine to keep doing what I was doing before. Listen to your body and stop if you have cramps or pains. I had too much pain and couldn’t run but was at least able to walk last pregnancy.

catwoman8731 · June 2018

Sorry, I just want to clarify. My concern isn’t the running or the weight gain, but rather the reactions that different doctors have to each. I know all doctors have different opinions on different topics, and those are two important gauges I have for choosing a doctor. Similar to the “rules” being discussed in FFFC, I won’t follow many of the guidelines some doctors would advise, and I want a doctor who won’t make me feel bad about that. That’s my main concern with a group practice. But I do appreciate your insight, @Ktrue85

I know ultimately it’s a personal decision, and it’s just one I’m not sure which way I want to go. Thanks for your insights, ladies. I’m glad to have a group with such great experience to learn from.

conchispita · June 2018

Question:
I’ve been battling a cold the past couple days, and want to kick it before the MS really starts to kick in. Anyone have any safe and proven remedies?

ChloandCoco · June 2018

@conchispitita I had a cold last week. The pharmacist told me anything with honey and lemon, but make sure it doesn’t have any echinacea, apparently that is very bad. As for pain meds, Tylenol is the only safe thing.

mimzgoy · June 2018

Question: is anyone taking DHA aside from prenatal? If so, what brand do you recommend?

catwoman8731 · June 2018

My prenatal comes with a second pill that is DHA. It’s just the target brand, and it’s worked fine for me last pregnancy and so far for this one.

squirttheturtle · June 2018

@mimzgoy last pg I took Enfamil with DHA. It was a 2 pills. There is a generic from target that I took while breastfeeding.

This time, I am looking to take either Thorne Prenatal or Smarty Pants gummies because they have Folate vs. Folic acid.

katieann0219 · June 2018

Any tips for acid reflux? I had pretty bad acid reflex before from sinus related issues so was taking prescription medication but stopped when found out I was expecting. I'm planning to ask doctor at appointment this week but this is my first pregnancy so just seeing if any of you more experienced moms have any advice. Thanks!

ginger1228 · June 2018

@katieann0219 - I didn’t have reflux until I got pregnant and I took Prevacid all through pregnancy. It’s safe during pregnancy. She recommended Prilosec but the internet told me Prevacid was a little safer.

cmjenkies · June 2018

mimzgoy said:

Question: is anyone taking DHA aside from prenatal? If so, what brand do you recommend?

I took one like this with my first pregnancy and it gave me awful fishy burps so I never went back. I hope they’ve gotten better since then. I just do the NatureMade prenatal + DHA combo pill now.

katieann0219 · June 2018

@ginger1228 thank you so much for the suggestion I'll get some for sure!

jesslinnn · June 2018

Where do notifications show up on the Bump app.. like when someone tags you? I have my settings on.

kayjay44 · June 2018

katieann0219 said:

Any tips for acid reflux? I had pretty bad acid reflex before from sinus related issues so was taking prescription medication but stopped when found out I was expecting. I'm planning to ask doctor at appointment this week but this is my first pregnancy so just seeing if any of you more experienced moms have any advice. Thanks!

I have severe reflux due to a hiatal hernia and Barrett's esophagus. I dealt with it both of my pregnancies and finally got scoped. What are you taking? I'm still taking omeprazole because I took it during previous pregnancies and know it's safe. You can also take tums and zantac.

kayjay44 · June 2018

@conchispitita - Neti pot works wonders. You can take some medications, but it depends on your symptoms.

As for group care, I had group OB care the first time and group MW care the second time (going with the MW again - it's hospital based and is everything I could ever want.

I loved my OB, but actually hated most of the other OBs in the practice - I got lucky and my OB was on call when I delivered 1.0. My OB left practice to become a laborist at a different hospital after I delivered, so I didn't want to go back. A friend had gone with the hospital MWs, so I tried that and loved it. I only met one (of like 10) MWs that I didn't like.

Many groups have "interview nights" where you can meet and talk with most of the OBs in the practice - If you're nervous, I would call around and see if you can find one that offers this. Switching mid-pregnancy can be a pain and stressful, so it's good to start off somewhere you know you'll be comfortable.

etnyah · June 2018

Question for @Kayjay44 since we’re in the same city and you’ve been through this before:

Is it normal to not get an appointment before you’re 13 weeks? I called immediately after getting my positive, and they said they didn’t want to see me before mid August. That’s ways away! **TW** They also just stuck me with the same random OB who I saw when I had my CP. **end TW** I didn’t get the option to choose anyone else, they’ve just decided he’s my doctor now since I saw him once. Is this normal?

kayjay44 · June 2018

@grebretso I think that's becoming the standard unfortunately for non-high risk women. It was 8 weeks with my DD and 10 with DS. The MW groups at Swedish tend to see you sooner (I'm seeing the group at Swedish Ballard, where DS was born. DD was born at Swedish Edmonds). They tend to see you at more like 8-10 weeks.

My first appointment (a group appointment to confirm pregnancy and go over questions - of which I will have none) is actually tomorrow and my first 1:1 appointment is the second week of July.

etnyah · June 2018

@Kayjay44 I’m at Swedish in Ballard too! Odd how they’re giving me so long of a wait then, I might call and ask to reschedule. What’s an MW group appointment (I’m new to being pregnant and also new to the country, don’t have all the lingo down yet)?

I’m signed up for a group OB class in week 8, but from the sound of it that’s more of a general “you’re pregnant, eat this and don’t eat that” thing. Seems kind of useless, that’s why the internet exists.

kayjay44 · June 2018

@grebretso - You're probably seeing the OB's not the MW's (midwives). At the Ballard location, you have a choice to go with OBs or MWs. Both deliver in the hospital. In the event of complications that MWs can't deal with during pregnancy or delivery, you can always be switched to an OB - a friend of mine saw the MWs until it was clear that her frank breach son wasn't going to turn and she scheduled a c-section with an OB. The MWs are much more laid back and tend not to mansplain, which is the best.

The MW group appointment is the same - I'm not even sure why I have to go since I have done this twice (5 pregnancies: 2 babies, 2 MC, and this pregnancy). Last time, they messed up and didn't schedule it for me, so I've never been. I think you take a test when you go in and maybe some blood work, but that's it. After the group appointment, you can either do 1:1 appointments or you can do "centering". Centering is essentially group appointments with people due around the same time - you get private time with the MWs to check HB and ask questions and the rest is a group appointment. Won't work for us since we have two kids and they are typically in the evening. I think it's great for a first pregnancy (my friend did it and LOVED IT - she's still in touch with most of her group), but for subsequent pregnancies, I don't think it's important.

FWIW, Swedish Ballard is a great place to deliver - both Ballard and Edmonds are small and intimate. First Hill is a baby factory and is great for super high risk births, but otherwise it's super hospital-y and not personal at all.

etnyah · June 2018

@kayjay44 thank you so much, that is super helpful!! None of this was explained to me when I called, they just stuck me with an OB. I’d much rather go the MW route! I’ll definitely call and ask to switch, centering sounds ideal!

kayjay44 · June 2018

@grebretso - I only knew about it because my friend did it. You won't regret it - I found all of them amazing (except one who was coming off a night shift and was a little snippy and rough).

Sparkylove · June 2018

My question is... do you all go by LMP for due date even if you know your cycle is long? My cycle has been very long ever since I got it back after my DD was born. I have only had about 6-7 periods since I had her and they are far apart (average 35 days but some longer)... So I feel like Going by my last period is not accurate... anyone have any advice on this? Thanks!!

ginger1228 · June 2018

@Sparkylove - If you know when you O’ed and it’s more than just a couple days off, I would go by that date. But if you don’t know, I would go by LMP.
Does your dr do a dating u/s? If not, you can always tell them you’re not positive about the date of LMP and maybe they’ll do one.

kayjay44 · June 2018

Sparkylove said:

My question is... do you all go by LMP for due date even if you know your cycle is long? My cycle has been very long ever since I got it back after my DD was born. I have only had about 6-7 periods since I had her and they are far apart (average 35 days but some longer)... So I feel like Going by my last period is not accurate... anyone have any advice on this? Thanks!!

The doctors usually will - I know I ovulated late (i didn't get a positive until CD 43 and don't know when I O'd). I think I'm about 5 weeks, but I have orders to schedule a dating US in two weeks to confirm how far along I am. I'd ask for a dating US if you are unsure.

elliecele17 · June 2018

My GP told me that in Ontario (Canada) most if not all practises (OB or MW) are in teams. This is why I’m opting to hire a doula. She will 100% be with me in labour no matter who the midwife is.

Sparkylove · June 2018

Thank y’all for your answers. Yes I should get a scan around 7-8 weeks (going by LMP) so I will find out then, just anxious to know how far I even am because I’m not sure when I O’ed...

cmjenkies · June 2018

@Sparkylove I have no idea how to figure my EDD either. I didn’t have a period between my early loss in April and my BFP so I’m just waiting for us on 28th.

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