Having issues with my OB, would love some advice!

[Jess8383]

I am 25 weeks pregnant with my first child. It took us 2 years to conceive her so I do realize I am being a bit extra careful. For the last week or so I have been really feeling "off." After eating I get sick, but its hard to explain the feeling- nausea is probably as close as I can come to describing it but that isn't exactly accurate. I feel like I need to drink a TON of water to make myself feel better, but it doesn't actually take the feeling away, it just gives me a sloshy belly. Today, I woke up and threw up which I haven’t done since T1. All day I have been feeling sick and dizzy. Before conceiving her, my blood sugar was borderline and I am worried I might be having some sugar issues.

I called my OB to tell her how I was feeling and I feel like she isn't hearing me. First, she didn't call me back, she had her medical assistant call me instead to tell me the way I am feeling is perfectly normal. She won't test my blood sugar for 3 more weeks. The medical assistant actually told me on the same phone call that I am drinking both not enough water and too much water. It’s very frustrating because this is my first pregnancy, I really don't know what is normal and what isn't, but I am just not feeling right and wish she could hear my concerns. I would understand if I called regularly with a new complaint, but I rarely call with concerns or questions.


Does anyone have any thoughts, or advice?

 

[MommyFirefly]

This actually sounds like something my OB would do, which is exactly why I usually don't call with questions.

I would say that if you really feel like something is off then you should keep pushing. It may be absolutely nothing, but I don't blame you for wanting answers.

 

[cookette]

For me, I think it's unrealistic to expect the Dr herself to call you back re: a voicemail question if its something that can be relayed easily and is of non-emergency status. But I also work in dental and medical.

Bottom line, it doesnt matter what any of us think or our experiences, if you feel like you arent being heard it is never too late to find a new OB!

 

[Swtpinkbabi]

Hi Jess, I have the same feelings sometimes. I am considered diabetic because my numbers are very borderline. Usually when I feel very nauseated its because my sugar is low. However some women have MS during their whole pregnancy. If your curious about how your sugar is doing, buy a tester from the pharmacy. They usually come with a few strips. Check your temp first thing in the morning before eating and also check it when your really nauseated. If it's really low when you feel sick or high upon waking, I'd go to the doc's office and show a nurse. Your OB should really listen and check you out. Good luck, hope you feel better!

 

[sssara]

You may be better off with an in-person conversation than a phone call. Can you schedule an appt to try to get your concerns addressed?

 

[emeeorevan]

. Usually when I feel very nauseated its because my sugar is low. However some women have MS during their whole pregnancy. If your curious about how your sugar is doing, buy a tester from the pharmacy. They usually come with a few strips. Check your temp first thing in the morning before eating and also check it when your really nauseated. If it's really low when you feel sick or high upon waking, I'd go to the doc's office and show a nurse. !

I agree with PP on checking your sugar. Then you would have some proof to back up your claims or you would have something to ease your mind if your levels are fine.
on the issue of your OB calling you back, you would never hear from your actual OB unless it is severe or an emergency. She has many other patients and is very busy (think, if you were in labor would you want your OB to step out to call another patient who can wait a little while?) not that your concerns are not legit, but please remember that your OB is just a person too. The reason why they are asking you to wait to have you sugar checked is cause of the glucose tolerance test that will be done at 26-28 weeks. My OB insists that the results can be skewed before that. Remember they are the profession as but you do have a right to be checked if you are really worried. Stay calm and check your own sugar. If you do have a sugar problem most likely the only thing your doc will suggest is to monitor your food and sugar. Best of luck and relax, women have had babies for thousands of years before the OBs ....

 

[Kittycat155]

First thing I would worry is diabetes or to high salt. That said I test all the time my sugar at home and have only gotten one really high number(176 I think) but I was STRESSED to the max with my cat who appeared to be dying. I do not trust the GD tests and have read to many have false positives so I rely on my home testing. I have had MS this entire pregnancy. Last 10 weeks it has been a lot less. But that is the feeling I get of sicker after I eat but NOT the part about wanting water.

I would be MORE concerned that your issues are not being dealt with in a better manner. Not so much the ob not calling you as I get that but the advice of your drinking to much and to little...uh yeah...I would find a way to self check at home(a basic meter and few strips is not much money at all just get a store brand) or ask a friend to test you-as long as the lancet is new there is no risk.

 

[Anaconda]

If you feel like you'd benefit from a new OB then you have every right to find a new one. Honestly, I love my doctor but if I call with questions over the phone I don't always get heard the way I'd like to be heard.

I'd schedule an appointment to come see her. That way it's your] time and you can look her in the eye and ask what you want. Sometimes they just don't have enough time to get on the phone and have a conversation with a patient. It sucks, but what can you do :/

You are not being unreasonable at all. You have concerns you feel need to be looked at. See how it goes when you actually go to see her. If she shoves you're concerns away then I'd see someone else.

Good luck!

 

[Rickles]

TBH here I think they only test for GD at 28 weeks as standard... so I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I have just had a resurgence of morning sickness in the last 3 weeks - I did end up in hospital with dehydration (after 10 days of vomiting and diarrhoea) but my GP was very relaxed about just getting a blood test done and waiting and seeing.

I think all of us pregnant ladies are liable to panicking when OBs etc. see all this all the time for you or I it's the first or second so more concerning.

If you think there is something really wrong - go to A&E... if you just want a little reassurance about everything I'd speak to her in person at your 28 week appt. In the UK we have a community midwife - they are generally great at a few reassuring you but that's what they are there for - htey don't deal with the same workload as an OB xx

 

[Bmama]

I am sorry you are going through this. I have been through the wringer this pregnancy myself with abnormal quad screen results that turned out to be nothing in the end, but I had to push and push my Dr to get me into a level 2 ultrasound to check on the baby. Literally I called and pestered her office until they referred me to a specialist who took great care of me and our baby. There is a saying I live by, "the squeaky wheel gets the oil", which basically means if you keep speaking up they are going to HAVE to do something! Perhaps as the OP suggested try to get in to have a face to face about your concerns and demand that they test your sugar. As patients we have total control over our healthcare, unfortunately drs don't allow us to feel that way most of the time. and if you still aren't getting anywhere go to the emergency room where they have to run the tests you want your Dr to do.

I hope it turns out to be nothing for you as it did for me, and you get the answers you deserve!

 

[petitpas]

Couldn't you go and see your normal doctor to get checked out as to why you are feeling 'off'? Maybe you are coming down with something? Or suffering from anaemia?

 

[Kittycat155]

I was told to take the GD test at first appointment as I am very heavy. I declined as I rather self monitor at home on regular food then a drink and be told to sit which IMO is not nearly as accurate. I was about 10 weeks then. They can always do it just standard is later on. But if possibly showing signs then it should be done early/twice if need be.

I say that as someone who is very relaxed about my pregnancy and doing my own prenatal care. But if a woman does not have the means to self test asking to be tested 3 weeks early is IMO expected and should be tested. 3 weeks is a long time to find out what is up.

You know your body if it is off keep pressing to be seen.

 

[ttc126]

I don't want to scare you hon but this is how my preeclampsia started. My ob didn't listen to me either and my son and i were both put at risk due to his negligence. My sickness had finally ended then came back 2 months later. It's not normal. Yes, some women are nauseous the whole time, but it shouldn't go away for weeks and weeks then come back. That's a sign of liver problems... My pre-e got very severe and life threatening because my ob did not take me seriously. I had same symptoms as you at first...random dizziness, throwing up but much different than morning sickness...

Please please keep pushing. I would ask for the preeclampsia blood tests and insist they check you.

Please update. And remember, you can change obs if you feel yours is giving you inadequate care.

 

[Scout]

I'd call and make an appt to go in. My OB was great tho and always called me back and/or brought me in for scan if I wanted it just for reassurance. I don't think most OBs are like that and you'll be sure to have her listen to you if you go in.