Should I Change my OB Doctor if I Don't Feel Comfortable With Her?

by Christy W
(Dinwiddie, Va)

I am currently about 23 weeks pregnant. My current OB and I do not see eye to eye on this pregnancy/delivery.

My last delivery was an emergency C-Section due to Breech presentation and I was 35 weeks and in labor.

This pregnancy will result in my 5th child, and although I don't expect to have anymore, she insists that I do the C-section to get my tubes tied.

This is not what I want. Also, we actually got into an argument over some billing issue that was between me and billing, not between myself and her. She was very rude to me and I was crying when I left. I just don't know if another OB would take me being 23 weeks along. Is it possible that a midwife or OB would take me at 23 weeks pregnant?

Thank You,
Christy

Answer:

Christy, you need to find a new OB now! You will certainly be able to find a midwife or OB to take you on at 23 weeks, that's actually earlier than a lot of women decide to switch.

If you have insurance, you can check those listings to see what practices are covered and call those to see if they're accepting patients. I would say look for a practice with midwives or certified nurse midwives.

Your OB has absolutely no right to tell you you need a c-section so you can have your tubes tied! That's basically forced sterilization and it's a violation of your human rights.

Now, if she thinks another pregnancy could be a health danger, she can advise you of that - but she certainly can't tell you what to do!

I also think if she was rude to you and brought you to tears, you need to find another provider. Don't even go back and explain it to her, or call the office.

A lot of women switching practices worry about this - you do not owe her any sort of explanation. You are the consumer, and you hired her. Simply see your new provider and sign for him or her to request your records from the old provider. You don't need to give your old OB an explanation or even speak to her.

She doesn't have the right to order you around and she certainly shouldn't be making her patients cry.

You may be able to get some "unofficial" recommendations for a good doctor or midwife at your local La Leche League group's meeting. Good luck to you in finding somebody who respects you and can help you plan the birth you'd like.

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Should I Change my OB Doctor if I Don't Feel Comfortable With Her?

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Dec 31, 2009
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Don't be afraid to switch
by: Anonymous

I was worried at first, like you, that it would be too late when I switched from OB to midwife... well into my third trimester, much later than you. We didn't see eye to eye with our OB either. If you aren't comfortable with your OB do it! We didn't even need to talk to the OB to let her know we were changing. Just contacted the office (over the phone) and had our records tranferred. It wasn't a big deal and was definitely worth it to switch. People do it all the time.

Many blessings with your birth!

Mar 19, 2010
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What should I do?
by: Taylor

My Ob is not only a male, he makes me uncomfortable, and he is obsessed with my weight. Every time I go in, I feel bad enough that I'm gaining so much weight, but he makes me feel bad about it. Should I switch?

Kristen's Answer:

Taylor,

I think you should switch doctors. The late Dr. Tom Brewer, who worked tirelessly for the nutrition of mothers and babies said the only reason a doctor should do weight checks to make sure that women are gaining weight - not to chastise them for gaining!! You should pay close attention to your nutrition and the quality of your diet. If you are doing that, don't worry so much about weight gain. If your doctor makes you uncomfortable you need to switch doctors!

Jan 18, 2011
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Trust Your Instincts!
by: GrowingMy5th

I just switched OBs because the practice I was with neglected to tell me about the dangers of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. All they said was, "We're not going to treat it." I thought it was a risk vs. benefit thing, when it turns out they just didn't want to treat it! They didn't even tell me I should see someone to correct the issue before my baby could be harmed.

They've said several times that I should see my primary care provider about things like sinus infections, migraines, etc. I think your OB should BE your primary care provider during pregnancy, and luckily I found one who feels the same way.

If you are unhappy, trust your instincts and switch, sooner rather than later. Your baby and you deserve good healthcare.

Good luck!

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