Changing Doctors Mid-Pregnancy
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
When a woman first realizes she is pregnant, there are the expected emotions of joy, excitement and anticipation. After the excitement wears down, however, she begins to realize that now comes the hard part, choosing a doctor. Some women have explicit preferences of whether they are more comfortable with a man or a woman OB/Gyn, others simply want to make sure that they see someone who is caring and sympathetic. Once you do find someone who is perceived to be the “perfect fit”, what happens when you spend more time with the doctor and realize that you are not totally comfortable with either the doctor or just the atmosphere of the practice in general? Is it acceptable to seek out another doctor, even when you are already 4 or 5 months along?
Luckily, I have not had to endure this problem, but know of many women who have and who have felt almost guilty for wanting to switch doctors mid-pregnancy. In doctor’s offices today, most pregnant women end up seeing the nurse practitioner more than the person who ends up officially delivering their child. So by the time they actually meet face-to-face with their doctor, they might already be 4 months along. At this point, prenatal testing might be offered and some women find that their views or beliefs might be contrary to the doctor’s views and beliefs regarding testing. Some women don’t feel comfortable expressing their views and consequently, become forced into tests that they don’t really want.
On a pregnancy message board that I frequent, one woman posted that she was offered the AFP (Alpha-Fet0protein) test, but just assumed that it was a mandatory test. When she questioned her primary doctor whether or not the test was necessary, the doctor said, “Well, you’re not being very smart if you elect not to take it.” Now, a comment of that nature has no place in a medical facility, especially with a test that is optional. The women is currently in the process of changing doctors to find someone who is a little more on her wavelength and who can understood her concerns without being judgmental.
Basically, if you are uncomfortable with your doctor, in any way, shape or form, then you should not feel guilty at all about looking for someone else who can meet your needs, whether that be at 3 months pregnant or 8 months. You are the patient and you deserve the best that the medical field can offer, without question.
Comment on this blog...