I have had a reasonably healthy preganancy. I had mild hyperemisis (extreme nausea, vomitting, dehydration) until 17 weeks. Had 3 trips to urgent care for fluids during this time.
Since then I have continued to have some incidents of rapid heart beat, dizziness, etc. My OB/GYN seemed puzzled by this. He mentioned that it could be my thyroid -but that my levels were good before pregnancy, so that ruled it out. I just figured it was b/c I'm still having some difficulty staying hydrated. -However, I just got results back from blood work and I do have anemia -the consulting nurse said it's mild. I did a quick internet search and found that my heart pounding fast, weaknessa and dizziness are all of course symptoms of anemia. I don't know why I didn't think of that myself.
Does it seem odd to you that my OBGYN did not mention this as a possibility? -I had discussed w/him that I wasn't taking iron b/c my stomach was so upset. I feel like he should have brought this up w/me when my nausea had passed -to remind me to get back on the iron.
I'm just starting to feel less than confident about my care. I made an appt. with someone else. (Also, I'm more of a midwife kind of person)
Does this seem like a red-flag to anyone else?
Thanks,
J.
I should have said that the bloodwork was done a month after my dizziness and heart pounding -at the time of my gestational diabetes testing -so I wouldn't exactly say that he was ordering the bloodwork in response to those symptoms. I think they were just part of the routine testing. In any case, I'm not getting terrible care, I'm just finding myself less than confident b/c of this and another instance in which I did get false information from him -at the time I chalked it up to the fact that he's an OB/GYN not an RE and perhaps would not be expected to know so much about what hormone levels should be. On top of all that, I think I'd probably just be more comfortable with a midwife -especially during the delivery process. I'm going to look into my options for switching to a midwife, not b/c this dr. is terrible, but just b/c of my uneasilness.
I agree with you - as I always say, 'when in doubt DON'T !'
I personally like the midwife idea much better, and personally I find them MORE informed then the OB/GYN's when it comes to this area. Midwife's also seem to be more caring, compassionate, concerned than any doctor. I have done it both routes, and vote for the midwife any day.
No, not a red flag. He sent you for bloodwork, which screened you for a whole host of "things" it could have been- much more efficient that way. Those symptoms can be attributed to many conditions, some of which are severe and some of which are not. Anemia is not. Most pregnant women are slightly anemic. I know I was and had to take Iron pills throughout my pregnancy.
Having said that, if you're not happy with your doctor then you should switch. You will BOTH go crazy if you spend the next several months second-guessing your doctor.
Have to agree, not really.
He sent you for bloodwork, and you discovered the problem.
There's a laundry list of conditions associated with your symptoms. Doctors start with what's most common and work their way down. When he couldn't figure out what your problem was, he took the next step.
What would your expectation be? It's clear to me that he's not taking chances with your pregnancy by not throwing out random suggestions for what the problem could be. What if he said "it's probably anemia" and it turned out to be something else completely?
He gave you blood work to figure out what it is. It sounds like he is doing a good job. Him not mentioning it as a possibility wouldn't worry me, so long as he was doing his job figuring out what it was... and he did. It's normal to scrimp on taking iron in early pregnancy due to nausea.
Also, diagnosing pregnant women is very different, as any issue can be pregnancy related or not. Those list of symptoms you had could be caused by a huge number of things. Had he suggested anemia, and it turned out not to be, you would maybe be upset that he gave you a false presumption of a suggested diagnosis.
But, if you would feel more comfortable with someone else, than go ahead and feel free to find someone you are more compatible with, but this being a red flag, no I don't think so.
No, he sent you for bloodwork, which he knew would show anemia if it was a problem. It's very common.
It is amazing to me after having worked with so many OB's that anyone thinks they know anything about medicine. They know about delivering babies with C sections. They know how to count their money. They know about driving Mercedes and Porches but they are not really doctors.
They are hot shots. I would NEVER let another OB deliver me. Give me a good nurse midwife any day of the week.
I've got to stop of I'll be telling some really scary stuff I witnessed in the OR and the birthing room.
Yes. I would find a new OB or midwife since you clearly aren't comfortable with this one. You should be totally comfortable with your prenatal health care provider. Heaven knows there are tons to choose from! Better to switch now than be worried and do it at the last minute. It's your right-don't sweat it. The most important thing is that you feel you and baby are in the best possible hands.
Anemia was one of those things that my midwife checked for as a matter of course, I think.
http://www.amazon.com/Salus-Haus-Floradix-17-Ounce-Bottle...
This is great for anemia bc the iron is more absorbable than the stuff docs prescribe. Check to make sure the herbs in this are safe for pregnancy-a midwife could find out for you or look up online.
Also, you may want to consider a high protein diet during pregnancy. Here's a link to the Brewer pregnancy diet. Don't be overwhelmed, just work your way up to it. You want 80mg protein a day while preggers. Makes a big difference in how you feel and in health of you and baby. Blessings!
Nope. No red flag. I think you are over-reacting a bit. You are one of many patients. You can't expect your doc, or any doc for that matter, to have a super human memory. You visit once a month. And even a midwife sees many patients per month. You can't expect them to remember everything.
He sent you for bloodwork which was exactly what he should have done. That's the logical first step in solving a medical problem. Your bloodwork can tell him a lot. And it did exactly what he wanted it to do-told him you are mildly anemic. Heart pounding and weakness are so common during pregnancy and can be a huge # of things.
And the last thing a doctor wants to do is give a pregnant woman a laundry list of things that *may or may not* be wrong with her.
There is also a burden of care of the patient that so many of us patients forget. If you knew you were supposed to be taking iron and weren't, you should have brought that up. It may have been a couple of months since you told him you were off the iron right? You sound well educated and proactive so use those skills to help your doc provide you with the best care possible.
Best to you and the little one on the way!
the red flag is that you are questioning it..that means you should get a new provider. Mom knows best. Listen to your intuition.
I do think this is a red flag. Testing thyroid and iron levels during pregnancy should be routine, because pregnancy changes everything! I think you would be smart to look for another caregiver, especially a midwife type of provider! So much better care than with the OB/GYN route, I think.
if it bugs you, then switching is best for you. it's that simple.
The Nausea is normal of pregnancy and many people have it without anemia and others have anemia with out the nausea. I did I had anemia so bad that my vitamins with Iron and Extra iron supplements were not enough.
Each person are unique and so is each pregnancy something as common as nausea can signify so mush, I am sure he feels the duh factor, I am sure the nausea is what has prevented you from eating enough or right so that could have contributed too.
Relax give the obgyn a chance to prove he does know what he is doing just listen to your instincts fromthis point on and push for what you believe in.
No... to be honest. I had anemia with all my pregnancies and there was never an issue.
But if you feel like you do not have confidence in your Dr. then I think you are doing what you need to do and search for new care.
Good luck and Congrats.
