Drs Appt????

[Kansas]

How do the your midwives or doctors normally handle your appointments?

I'm getting frustrated with my doctor because our appts have been about 30 seconds long - and I am not exaggerating!!! He never asks how I am, never tells me how the baby is doing or what symptoms or changes to be expecting. I was getting upset with his lack of communication before our appointment on Monday so I went in with a list of questions. He didn't really answer any of them!! - Just enough to get me to shut up I think. I want a doctor who will guide and lead me through this pregnancy, is that too much to ask? I'm thinking of looking for another dr, but I don't want to do anything rash.. so how do you drs appts usually go?? Are they helpful and provide information or are they like mine?

 

[Tricks26]

That doesnt sound good hunny, You should speak to the practice manager and tell him/her how you feel!! this is your pregnancy, you stay in control, i do find that you need to tell them what you want lead them a bit before you get answers.

The trouble is they see thousands of pregnant woman everyday and they forget that this is your first and you might need to some reassurance, dont be afraid to tell them you can be nice about just a gentle shove should help!!!

Good luck xxx

 

[suzanne108]

I have a team of midwives that I see at my appointments, so I don't have to see a doctor. I think midwives are better trained in taking more care etc...saying that though kinda depends who I get. My first two appointments were with really lovely ladies, they were encouraging me to talk...I had a really good time healthwise in 1st trimester and had no questions whatsoever!! Typically my last appointment was with a different woman and she wasn't as chatty...still nice but didn't ask if I had any questions etc. And I actually did have questions...but nothing urgent so I decided to wait for my 25 week appointment...I know I'll have one of the nice ladies for this so my questions can wait!!!

Remember...you always have us on B&B for questions....I know we're not a bunch of doctors but chances are if you have a strange symptom that someone else on here will have had the exact same thing.

Also, have you ever been on the Cow and Gate website? You can chat (like an MSN chat) to panel of midwives/nutrionists etc. I used that once when I was getting horrible headaches and it was good!

I know you still expect good service from your doctor, but there are other things there to help if you don't manage to change!

xxx

 

[cutie4evr01]

Unfortunately most of my appt.s have been the same. I actually go to a practice that has several OBs, so you see a different one each time (that way you know them all in advance, so when you go into labor you will know the doctor who is on call that will deliver your baby). Anyway, one or two of them are patient and take a bit more time, but most of them seem like they want you in and out as fast as possible. Even when I bring questions, they just answer abruptly and send me on my way. This is my first baby, so there may be better ones out there you can switch to, but I'm sticking with this group for now.

 

[Try Rocking]

Luckily my doctor takes the time to tell me how the baby is doing from tests, and talks to me and answers my questions. He's always running behind which means I call ahead of time to see how long after my appointment actually starts that I should show up but it also means that I get as much time in there as I need.

Sorry your doctor isn't taking the time, anyway you can see someone else who could give you the care you need right now?

 

[AlwaysPraying]

I don't generally post in threads like this, but thought this might be helpful to you. While I totally understand and respect your situation I wanted to share mine! I was the same, I worried and had some questions during my pregnancy, didn't seem to get much information out of anyone and was always put on my way. Nothing was ever a big deal and I never seemed to be taken seriously. I felt just like you.

At a routine 12 week growth scan they saw something abnormal on the ultrasound. It was from that moment on that I was rushed from hospital to hospital, I had a three specialists dealing with me for two very intense weeks. I had appointments every three days, meetings to review with the specialists even after the clinic was closed due to timing of results. Everyday I had phone calls and emails about the situation and the next step.

Looking back I really realized that they do go through so many normal and healthy pregnancies, that it's not until there is something wrong that they really pay closer attention. What was more important to learn was having the faith and trust in my system to know that when a problem did arise, everyone was there to support us and guide us through it. We didn't always get handled well, but we were given information. It was always rushed, but our baby was fatally ill and they were desperately trying to save his life.

I AM NOT saying, "it could be like this so be thankful". What I am trying to say is this. To take comfort in knowing that you are progressing well and seemingly healthy. They don't see anything poor or abnormal. They believe that you are a normal healthy case and will continue to be. Also, IF there is a problem, IF they were ever to see anything of concern, they would be on top of it. They would jump to your rescue and do anything they could to save your baby and yourself. Even if it's not a critical issue, they will check, double check and find out what's happening.

I hope, maybe in my fumbling way, this helps? I can identify with how you feel right now, so maybe I just should have said that. I guess for me, in hindsight, being like that before, I am grateful that they did what I hoped they would do if there ever was a problem. So, all I'd say to you is the same. I see where your at and think that you should have more information and be treated with dignity and respect, but if ever an issue does come up in these appointments, they are there and capable of doing an excellent job, because that is their duty and job.

 

[BeccaMichelle]

I think I'd want a doctor who paid more attention to me. At first I was really worried because I'm used to private practice health care the American way, and here I am in the UK having my first baby!

My GP is really nice,.. you always have to wait to see her but that's because she spends as much time with each patient as they need. So I don't mind waiting because I know she'll be there for me when I need her. I did have to see a couple GPs in the practice before I settled on her. I've seen a few rather oafish and annoying docs since I've been here, but that's the case anywhere.

With my midwives they've almost all been really patient and not in a rush to get me out. Until my last appointment of course. She was really snotty, rude and didn't seem to care at all. I know she sees dozens of pregnant women a day but this is all brand new to me and it wouldn't kill her to smile!

But that's the difference with our system here I think.. we're constantly being rotated between different midwives so there's always a chance it could go smoothly or badly. If I were you and having to see the same doctor every visit and he wasn't spending anytime answering my questions or reassuring me I'd look around for a different OBGYN. There's some real gems out there. And since you're only 15 weeks you still have a bit of time before you get too big to feel like changing everything. Depending on how much it costs, see who else your insurance covers locally and make an appointment to go in and meet them. Stress is one thing you don't need right now and if you'd feel better with a more caring doctor I'd definitely consider switching!

Good luck!

 

[Margie]

Hey Hun, I had a similar experience with my doctor. I felt really stupid but the next time I went I asked to see a female doctor and she was much more compassoinate. Hope you get to see someone soon xm