Is It OK to Change Doctors During Pregnancy?

Mar 14, 2018 9:03:26 AM / by Voyage Healthcare Team posted in Women's Health

You need to feel comfortable with your prenatal care.

Many women hesitate to switch providers during a pregnancy. However, it’s important to find the care that’s right for you and your baby.

Here are three signs it’s time to switch providers.

 

pregnant woman.jpeg

1. Your Doctor Doesn't Answer Your Questions 

You probably have a lot of questions about your pregnancy. Your doctor should listen to you, address your concerns, and help you care for yourself and your baby.

Make sure that your provider answers these self-care, prenatal appointment, and delivery questions:

Self-Care:

Prenatal Care:

  • When is my next prenatal appointment?
  • How often will I be seeing my provider?
  • How long will each appointment last?
  • When can I have an ultrasound?
  • Are there any tests I need to schedule?

Delivery Options:

  • What are my delivery options?
  • What is your rate of c-section vs. vaginal births?
  • Do you have a philosophy about c-sections?
  • How can I prepare for delivery?

Your provider is your best resource for questions, so don’t be afraid to speak up and ask these questions and any others you may have. There are no silly questions, and even if you’re hesitant to ask, chances are, we’ve heard it before.

At Voyage Healthcare, we strive to create an environment where all of our patients feel valued and comfortable voicing questions and concerns. It’s important for your well-being, and your baby’s.

If your provider doesn’t listen to your questions or dismisses your concerns, it’s time to find a new provider.

2. You Don’t Have Anyone to Call Between Appointments

Prenatal appointments are a great time to ask questions. But sometimes, you need medical advice between appointments.

What does your provider recommend you do with questions? Is there a number you can call? Is someone available to answer questions outside of normal hours?

Finding a women’s health center that supports you throughout your pregnancy, and even between appointments, is essential.

3. Your Doctor Doesn't Listen to You 

Besides clinical training, active listening skills are one of the most important things to look for in a provider. According to this article in Women’s Health, “80 percent of diagnoses can be made just by listening to your story.”

During your pregnancy, you probably see your doctor more often than usual. So it’s especially important to find a prenatal provider with good listening skills.

One of the main places these listening skills should show up? When you’re talking through your birth plan and what to expect at your delivery.

Remember, a birth plan is just a guide. Babies can be unpredictable, and in the end, getting the two of you through delivery safely is what matters. However, in general, you’ll want to talk to your doctor about these considerations for birth:

  • Medication: Most women in the US opt for medicated births, and epidurals are the most common pain reliever given during labor, according to the American Pregnancy Association. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of medication, Parents Magazine has a good article that looks at the question from both sides. Remember, there’s no “better” option. The choice that you’re the most comfortable with and that gets you and your baby through delivery safely together is what's most important.
  • C-Section vs. Vaginal Birth: Depending on how labor goes, your doctor may need to perform a c-section to deliver your baby safely. Remember, if you’ve had a c-section in the past, your doctor may advise another c-section, depending on the type of the incision that was used. Ask your doctor about the possibility of a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). Wondering what your hospital’s average C-section rate is? Check out this list of Cesarean rates for Twin Cities hospitals.

Is It Too Late to Switch Doctors?

Making a switch earlier in your pregnancy is definitely easier. But this doesn’t mean you can’t change providers later in your pregnancy as well.

Looking for a new doctor? Make sure you take this checklist with you. It includes key things to look for before, during, and after your first appointment to help you make a good decision for you and your baby. 

Find out what factors to consider when choosing your women's health clinic. Download the complete checklist - How to evaluate a women's health clinic

Voyage Healthcare Team

Written by Voyage Healthcare Team

Voyage Healthcare is an independently owned, multi-specialty healthcare clinic — guided by the doctors who care for families in the northwest metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

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