L.W. asks from Overland Park, KS on March 31, 2009
Crazy to Switch OB at 33 Weeks??
Hi everyone,
I was just wondering if I would be completely nuts to switch OB/GYNs at 33 weeks. Would another practice even take me this far along? Has anyone else done this? I am currently with Kansas City Women's Clinic, which I think may be getting too big and busy. In addition, with my first child my OB seemed to be somewhat judgemental about my weight (I am 5'9" and wear a size 16 when not pregnant, so I'm far from huge). I was unhappy with my experience with my first pregnancy with my doc because I felt she gave me little reassurance or guidance and she scared me repeatedly about not being able to give birth to my child because he was running large. She had me convinced I was going to have a section and induced me a week early because of his size. He was born at 8 lbs. 13 oz. and delivered vaginally to my relief. My second measured much smaller at my 20-week sono, and I decided just to stay with the devil I knew because I thought I wouldn't have the same issues this time, and I felt like I would probably need less hand-holding the second time around. Now, since my uterus is measuring large for dates, they have me scared about a possible section again or induction. I wish I would have switched at the beginning of my pregnancy so I could have a warm, fuzzy experience this time. Maybe this is just nerves with the end of pregnancy and facing labor again, I just wish I had more reassurance from my doc instead of more to worry about. So has anyone switched this late in the game? Anyone with large babies and helpful, encouraging docs they recommend? I am delivering at Overland Park, so that limits me a little. I would love to hear the experiences of others. Thanks!
So What Happened?™
Thanks so much for the tips. Your support and encouragement gave me the strength to follow through with a gazillion insurance and billing calls and making an appointment with someone else to see what is out there. Anyway, I saw midwife Lindsey O'Neill yesterday at FWO and really loved her. She spent well over and hour talking to me about everything. Then a couple of L&D nurses at OPRMC told me they felt KCWC was the most conservative practice out of KCWC, For Women Only, and Women's Healthcare Group and least likely to do an induction or section unless they found it absolutely necessary. Now that's completely screwed with my head, but did make me feel better that my doctor may have taken the course she thought was necessary in my last pregnancy, and the midwife said she would probably do the same. I just wish my old doc would explain her decisions as Lindsey would, and have a better bedside manner! I now feel reassured on the decisions my old doc is making, but I still believe our personalities are not a good mix.
Featured Answers
K.B. answers from Kansas City on April 01, 2009
I really like the Women's Health Care Group. They are at OPRMC in the Doctors building right next to the hospital, and there are many different providers. I see Dr Moulton and was very happy with him. He isn't quick to induce or go to a c-section unless there's a real good reason. http://www.whcg.org/women/
R. answers from Kansas City on April 01, 2009
My husband and I moved to Kansas City when I was 36 weeks pregnant - so I had to find another doctor since my old one was back in Colorado. I had a little trouble finding anyone to take me but I LOVE who I went with. Dr. Douglas Perryman. He is located at 4400 Broadway, right by St. Luke's on the Plaza. He was nice enough to take me and has delivered both of my children.
He made the stressful transition of having to find a new doctor so late in my pregnancy very comforting and easy to do. So I would definitely say go for a new person because you need to feel good about all aspects of the situation.
Good luck to you.
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H.R. answers from Kansas City on March 31, 2009
NO YOU GOTTA DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO MOMMA. I had to switch OB's around that point as well b/c of a move, but would def. do it if I was in your boat, which I sort of am. The Women's Clinic is who I had my last daughter with and I am 8 weeks along. I went to my visit and have decided like you they are too big, etc. and am leaving as well. Just get on the phone and start calling everyone you have ever heard good things about and see what you can do.
Always go with your GUT!
1 mom found this helpful
R. answers from Kansas City on April 01, 2009
My husband and I moved to Kansas City when I was 36 weeks pregnant - so I had to find another doctor since my old one was back in Colorado. I had a little trouble finding anyone to take me but I LOVE who I went with. Dr. Douglas Perryman. He is located at 4400 Broadway, right by St. Luke's on the Plaza. He was nice enough to take me and has delivered both of my children.
He made the stressful transition of having to find a new doctor so late in my pregnancy very comforting and easy to do. So I would definitely say go for a new person because you need to feel good about all aspects of the situation.
Good luck to you.
A.Y. answers from Kansas City on April 01, 2009
I agree with the other posters... go with you gut, and find someone who you feel comfortable with.
Also, ACOG does NOT recommend induction for suspected fetal macrosomia (large babies) as there is no evidence that this results in better outcomes.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010701/practice.html
Yours in health,
Dr. Alyssa
A.B. answers from Kansas City on April 01, 2009
You should switch if you want to, for sure. There is no reason to induce or section you for a large baby. The truth is, many large babies can be delivered vaginally with no complications. The fact that you delivered an 8.13 baby just reinforces that. You do not have to anything you don't want to do. Try to find a midwife, or at least check the OB's section and induction rates should you switch practices. My midwives' rate is 5% for csecs. I checked before I went to them. It is all the rage lately for OB's to induce or operate early because of "big babies." It is bad for babies and mothers. Also, why do you have to deliver at OP? Try to be more flexible if you want more options.
M.T. answers from Kansas City on April 01, 2009
Hi L.,
I actually switched to Dr. Thomas of the Kansas City Woman's Clinic after I had my Daughter. I wanted to switch during but was told that after a certain amount of weeks other offices won't take you. What I did when I was pregnant was switch Doctors at the office I was at until I found one that I liked and then I prayed that the Doctor I didn't like would not be the on call doctor that delivered my Daughter. Hope this helps and good luck!
M.
S.P. answers from Kansas City on April 01, 2009
Listen to your heart. Switch now. You are not crazy and women should do this more often. If you are not happy with your care- take your healthcare dollar somewhere else. Having a baby is a very big deal. Go to a provider who shares your philosophy of birth and get the birth you desire. ps: Don't forget to let your previous provider know why you left.
T.H. answers from Kansas City on April 01, 2009
I agree...you should totally switch! You don't need to feel underappreciated and upset ever, but especially not while you're pregnant! I'm sure another doctor would take you on at this late date, especially if you explain your situation.
I truly love my OB, Mark Finkelston. He delivers at OPR I know. He is warm and friendly, but what I like best about him is that he tells it to you straight and up front, I need that b/c I'm far too neurotic! Ha ha! Anyway, no matter who you choose, make sure you're happy and good luck!
A.P. answers from Kansas City on April 01, 2009
Hi L.,
I use the facility right next door to Overland Park Regional Hospital. I use the medical plaza. It's called For Women Only. They are really awesome! They even have midwifary which is really cool. Give them a call and ask to talk to Dr. Mirable. Their number is ###-###-####. They really listen to you. I have had nothing but good experiences. Hope this helps! Good luck and congrats and your 3rd!
A.
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