Anyone else feel like their OB appointments are pointless?

Question

Every time I go to my appointment I feel like they’re rushing to get me in and out- with no real substance to the appointment. My last appointment was especially frustrating. I have been going through a lot of stress lately (I started a new job, my father passed away, tenants for a home we own stopped paying rent) and I have been feeling pretty awful. My blood pressure was pretty low (100/60) and I was very dizzy at my appointment- all my Dr. said was “get up slowly, it’s normal”. I was so dizzy and light headed, I forgot to ask questions. It wasn’t until I got back to my car and got my head back on that I realized that she never told me the baby’s heart rate, what he was measuring, which position he was in, etc. It was literally like she was rushing to get me out. I actually got out of my car and went back in to get answers to all of those questions.
Anyway- I have an appointment on Monday and I can’t help but wonder “what’s the point, she’s not going to tell me anything I don’t already know?”. 
When do they start telling you additional information? Like- checking your cervix, which way the baby is positioned, effacement???
I know I’m probably being super sensitive, but I just feel like a number ever time I go in. Or maybe like a cow...

Answer

Yeah, it's a really quick visit with my OB too.  I try to keep a list of questions between visits to ask, because they don't ask me much apart from if I had any concerning symptoms or if baby is moving.  Honestly, I'm torn, because it would be nice to chat more, but I am not convinced it would improve my treatment.  I'm low risk and they know it.  For the one time my urine came back with sugar - I had eaten a sugary cereal before collecting it - they jumped immediately into action to confirm I didn't have GD.  I feel like they are constantly on the alert for any deviation, and that is where they put their energy, but they don't bother stressing over normal.  To me it's become bizarrely comforting when they measure everything and kick me out.  By now I trust that they will tell me if anything is weird, and I honestly don't need the stress of deciding if my BP of 114/75 is an alarming trend upwards since it was 112/73 two weeks ago.

Answer

Sorry you're under so much stress!
I know what you mean about feeling rushed or not being given information. I always have to ask for specifics, otherwise they just measure things and say it's good. I'm a really detail/data oriented person though, and probably not everyone is and that level of information could overwhelm or confuse people.
I keep a running list on my phone of anything I want to ask during my appointment to make sure I don't forget anything, and I've found that helpful.
I was experiencing dizziness too, and they checked me for anemia. If you're still feeling dizzy, ask them to check next time you go.

Answer

My ob never makes me feel rushed and is always happy to answer questions. The trade-off is that I have to wait longer in the waiting room. They’re not going to check your cervix or anything until probably 36 weeks unless you have an odd symptom. Write down your questions. Call the nurse if you have questions in between appointments. If you don’t like your doctor, maybe find a new one with your next pregnancy.

Answer

My husband and I joined a centering pregnancy program. It is with midwives instead of an OB and it’s a 2 hour appointment. While it is with others in a group and we do silly activities sometimes I couldn’t be happier. I feel really listened too, they take their time going over everything and are willing to stay late to discuss any further questions I may have. If you have the chance it may be something to look into if that is something that is offered?

Answer

If you want to know just ask! They’ll tell you whatever you want. And if there is an issue they’ll tell you that for sure. The reason you go in is for them to check you. Standard dr care in the US at least isn’t designed for them to also be a support person for you. This is why a lot of women now a days switch to home births with midwives. From what I hear if you have one of them it’s a lot different and each appointment would be up to an hour and they would listen to your current stressors. An OB doesn’t give two shits your tenants stoped paying rent.

Answer

I felt that way for the longest time as well, it’s so in and out you’re back home before you even remember you had questions. But when I found out I have preeclampsia I was super grateful for those appointments, I was feeling totally fine and had no idea, if it wasn’t for me going to all of these quick appointments it could have gone unnoticed and it could have ended really horribly. Just try to remember even though they suck it’s better to be safe than sorry and there are LOTS of pregnant women and LOTS of non pregnant women who probably see your doctor as well, I’m sure your doctor would love to give you a lengthy appointment if they could but they are doing their best to give you the best service they can! If you’re super worried about not getting enough time you can always talk to your doctor and ask if you can come in for a consultation because its hard for you to get all your questions addressed in the short time you have with them. Also I know when you’re worried hearing “it’s normal” SUCKS but a lot of times it really is normal, pregnancy takes MAJOR toll on the body and issues like blood pressure and stuff like that, unless they are extreme, are something can can be a normal one or two time thing, that’s why these consistent appointments are important, they can monitor a pattern and see if it isn’t fixing itself and if you might need some extra attention!

Answer

My OB visits are very short and sweet. However, they always tell me my blood pressure, the baby’s heart rate and check if there’s proteins in my urine. 
Maybe write down the questions you have so you won’t forget!

Anyone else feel like their OB appointments are pointless?

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