I Think I Need a New OB

First of all, I would definatly switch. Are you stuck on Highland Park Hospital? I do know of some great practices that deliver at Rush North Shore, as well as Evanston Hospital. If you are looking for HPH, you can try Dr. Addis. I know my friends have seen him for years, and he is very well thought of. Also, you might want to try Dr. Linda Holt or Dr. Forbes. Both deliver out of Evanston. Another one is Dr. Joyce Chams out of Rush North Shore.

Best of luck!!

JD

Definitely switch. Looks like the doc's office is inexperienced and incompetent. You don't want that kind of service when you are delivering your child!

I would switch too if I were you. I'll tell you why, from my personal experience- my sister and I were both pregnant around the same time. She went to a dr's office that was similar to what you are describing. Her birth went something like this:
She was admitted WAYYY too early, they let anyone and everyone in and out of her room while she was trying to deliver- there were all sorts of drs in and out as their shifts changed, etc. She ended up having her chart so screwed up that they finally gave up on her and said, "We don't even know how long you have been in active labor, so let's just give you a c-section." Then they actually caused a hernia that she is dealing with NOW (7yrs later) because of an incompetent surgeon!
I, on the other hand, had a CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife.) I was admitted to the hospital only after they were sure I was in active labor (they waited until I was breathless and could not speak during contractions to know for sure.) I was not prodded or hurt (like she was) or moved at all once I was put in a room. The only people allowed in the room were a nurse or two in and out to monitor me and my midwife. She had even memorized my chart to the point where she rattled off my allergies (extensive list!) to the nurse from her memory! I was so impressed.
She did not leave my side and was so caring... there was no "change of shift" etc.
I would recommend a midwife who delivers in a hospital (especially since you have the high blood pressure, you probably don't want to run the risk of birthing at home, just in case) or a good OB/GYN with maybe a doula to advocate for you while you are in labor.
This should be a happy, positive experience that you can feel GOOD about. Don't settle for less! You'll regret it if you do.
I am not from this area, but have started seeing one of the fabulous midwives at Midwest Midwifery. http://www.midwestmidwifery.com/
If the thought of a midwife scares you, check out what all they have to learn before they can deliver- it is pretty impressive! And most have an OB/GYN's office to back them just in case you do end up needing a surgeon or find out you are having twins, are high-risk, etc.

Good Luck and Congratulations!
I hope you find someone who suits you better... they sound just awful. :(
-Amanda

Hi Becky

Trust your intuition and change providers! From what you have said, it does not sound as though they are paying much attention to the details of your health and pregnancy. The headaches and high blood pressure could indicate preeclampsia. It is common in first pregnancies and poses enough of a risk to you and your baby that you should have a health care provider who is committed enough to watch you more carefully.
What doctor's group have you been working with? I am a doula and have attended births at Highland Park before. I would be happy to talk with you about the experience there and would love to share information about my doula services if you might be interested.
Again, learn to trust your intuition. It comes in pretty hadny when you're a mom, too.

I wish you all the best in all that lies ahead,

A. Greco

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Totally switch! My OB and his group work out of Evanston Hosp, for sure, and maybe HP. Their offices are in Glenview and Evanston. All docs and midwife are great!

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Linda Given Welch - midwife

Hi,

I don't have a referral to share with you because my OB is too far from where you are, but I wanted to give you a warm hug (if hugs are okay). I was in your position when I was pregnant and it was so frustrating. For example, I turned in my Birth Plan during my 10th week. Nobody had bothered to look at it when I broached the subject during my 36th week appointment. That, along with a betrayal of trust and violation of my rights led me to walking away from my OB/GYN in my 37th week of pregnancy. I was scared, unsure and doctor-less, but I knew that I just could not put my unborn child in a situation with someone I no longer trusted and I did not feel I could talk to about my concerns. (After all, medical care should not be a dictatorship, should it?)

My birthing experience was the best experience ever and my only regret about changing care was not doing it sooner.

So, in short, if you are not 100% comfortable and confident in your care providers, you won't be in the frame of mind you need to be in to have a stress-free and positive birthing experience. You, your unborn son and your spouse deserve that. Do what you need to do to find peace with whomever will provide your care.

All the best to you,
J.

I would switch. I wish I had a recommendation for you, but I'm too far away.

I'd switch, but I don't know any dr's at HP. Your headaches along with high blood pressure is not something to be ignored-not even a day, it could be the start of preeclampsia. You should be monitored much closer-make the change today. Good luck and congrats!

I would recommend a switch, it's important to have trust and confidence in the person who will take care of you during your vulnerable time.

I would recommend considering a midwife since they are known for compasionate care. You can find one at www.midwife.org.

You could also call the hospital you plan to deliver at and ask the labor and delivery nurses who they would recommend. They work with everyone and know how they really treat their patients and what their c-section rates are.

Good luck and congrats!
C.

switch! Like someone else said, high BP can signal pre-eclampsia, which is a triad of high blood pressure, vision changes, weight gain/edema and protein in your urine. If it's not under control, you can get seizures which is defined as ecclampsia. A good OB will listen to all your questions and definately monitor you closer for your BP and make sure your urine is not leaking protein and assess your edema. If your BP gets too high then you can go into premature labor.

Please consider switching. I have an OB but too far from you. I work at Highland Park Hospital, and know all the OB's that work here are great. It's your body, and your little boy, and you have every right to switch providers.

Definitely switch doctors as soon as possible. Not only is good medical care important for you and your child, also remember you are paying these people for a service they are not providing. Would you continue paying anyone else for poor service? At 24 weeks you still have many appointments ahead of you; it's not worth your health to 'stick it out.'

Run, don't walk from you OB and do it TODAY! The things you're describing are very serious issues that need to be addressed immediately! High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause significant issues for both you and the baby and managing it is VERY easy. A doctor that is dismissing it shouldn't be practicing medicine.

How you're treated during pregnancy is also indicative of how you'll be treated during labor and delivery.