Only you can decide if it’s time to make the switch to a new OB doctor for prenatal care, but here are some telltale signs that it might be time to begin a new search — even close to your due date!
No bedside (or office) manner
Do you wait around for your prenatal appointments only to be rushed in and out like a fast food order? If waiting around, feeling rushed and not receiving the care that you deserve is a recurring issue, it might be the time to reevaluate and start interviewing other doctors.
Jessica, who is pregnant with her second son, decided to make the switch after six months. “I waited for just about an hour at each prenatal appointment… then I was rushed out the door faster than they could take my blood pressure,” she said. “I finally decided to start interviewing other doctors when my current doctor told me he is only on-call two nights a week.”
Not seeing eye to eye
Your view on pregnancy and birth might change after you become pregnant, and that’s okay. What’s not okay is not being able to see eye to eye with the man or woman that cares for you and the safety of your unborn baby.
If you haven’t already asked your doctor about his or her stance on specific topics that are important to you, consider bringing up your concerns and wishes at your next prenatal appointment. Provided your health and the health of your baby is right on track, you should be able to discuss and resolve topics like VBAC, induction, the use or non-use of medications during labor, plans if you go over your due date and more.
How to create a birth plan >>
Feeling too “medical”
Consider interviewing midwives if you would rather birth your baby in a birthing center or at home. Midwives see prenatal patients in an office, some even come to your home, making your time together and care more personal.
Things to do before leaving your current doctor
- Interview and select a new physician or midwife
- Double check with your new doctor to make sure he or she accepts your insurance coverage
- Get a copy of your records or have your records transferred to your new doctor
- Change any hospital forms that have been previously filled out, to reflect your new doctor’s information
- Inform your previous doctor that you will not be needing his or her services any longer
More about prenatal care
Doctor or midwife: Which should you choose?
Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC): Choosing your caregiver
When to call the doctor or midwife
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