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Annoyed with OB office
So I'm thinking of switching my OB office, after talking with a friend who is also pregnant. The midwife I have been seeing (supposedly I have 3 visits with midwife before I meet with DR) has been less than informative. My first visit she spoke to me for about 5 minutes, asked if I had any questions and that was it. Not a lot of information about what the process was for future appointments, screenings, things to avoid while pregnant, etc. When I left the room I had another nurse come in to take me away for blood work. Didn't even know I was getting blood work as the midwife never mentioned it. They didn't tell me what they were testing for until the next visit when I asked.
Second visit, I had an OB exam scheduled but when I got there the midwife said I didn't need one...um ok. Glad I took a day off work to come here for nothing. They did do the doppler though (after I asked) and we heard the heartbeat again so that was cool. I also expressed concern about testing for Downs, birth defects, etc at this visit, as I really didn't know the procedure for those sorts of tests. She told me they would do a scan at 20 weeks, but if I wanted to know sooner, I would have to go to Portland. OK fine. Kind of weird she didn't bring this up to me herself though.
I guess I'm just feeling a little lost. I feel like I have received more info from books, friends and online than I have my DR's office. My friend who I was just talking to said her DR explained all of the tests that were available to her and the entire process of what will be happening at upcoming visits. She also received a huge packet of info on meds that are OK to take, week by week pregnancy guide, testing info, info for registration to the hospital, etc etc. I did not receive anything like that. when I ask my midwife questions she seems annoyed and I feel rushed. I just received more info in the email from my friend than I have in all my DR's office visits so far.
Really wondering if I should switch at this point. I just feel like a number. Not very personal at all and just feel like they want to get me in and out of the office as soon as possible!
Re: Annoyed with OB office
My appointments have been very much like your friends. I have a midwife and will not have an OB unless medically needed.
If you are not happy with the quality of care it makes sense to switch.
It sounds like you friend's office is one extreme and your office is the other extreme.
Most of my OB appointments were a few minutes long. Listen for the heartbeat, measure the belly (after 20 weeks), check blood pressure and urine, ask if I have any questions. I got a couple of handouts at the beginning on things to avoid.
If I had questions, my OBs (I saw each in the practice) were willing to answer them but each appointment wasn't a mini-lesson on fetal growth and development or anything like that. These are things that can be read in a book.
(Sorry...my DD is calling...I have to go...)
yes, this exactly!
SWITCH. You are going through one of the most important, amazing experiences of your life, and you need to trust and rely on the person who is giving you care. It's odd that they aren't giving you information now (my first appt. both times was very long and with my first included an extensive family health history for both me and MH, as well as an exam, we too received a large packet of info -- even for the second kid, and they were always able to answer my questions)...but as your pregnancy goes on, as Kimberly mentioned, most of your appointments will be pee, BP, weight, measure, HB, done -- 5-10 minutes max. However, in the delivery room you want to have someone from a practice that makes you feel comfortable and confident. The midwives from my practice made all the difference in the world, comforted me when I had to have a c-section the first time, and championed me through a natural birth the second time. They gave me advice but also respected my input and decisions. They helped. I love them.
I think every pregnant woman should have that kind of support, and if you aren't finding it in your current practice, you should find a new one.
My midwives group always has you see the OB once during your pregnancy. Not sure why they did it the first time, the second time it was for a VBAC consent conversation.
I've felt very confused at my appts but at this point, I'm still just letting it be... I know they have my best interests at hand and if there were a concern, they would act on it. I'm sorry you are frustrated!
For example-- I never knew I was referred to the high-risk clinic so at my 12 wk scan (NT scan I guess), I met with a doctor and couldn't understand why she kept asking me questions... I thought it was normal. At my 18 wk anatomy scan, the u/s tech asked me why I was there. I said for my ultrasound, duh? And she explained that it was the level II scan location and I must have something wrong with me.. supposedly, they are just monitoring me more closely due to my asthma and amount of medications I'm still on. It's good to be proactive but seriously, I was taken aback by that.
Do you have other options around you to see if you can compare experiences? I went into my experience with no expectations (which is unusual for me) so I keep thinking everything is normal...