OB/GYN woes...help?

Question

I'm sorry this is so long. I'm so frustrated and had a pretty good cry over this situation. I don't know what to do!

I live in a very rural area. My options for hospitals/prenatal care are: small hospital 20 minutes away (5 min from work) or other options in the city 1 hour away. My OB/GYN is based out of the small hospital. My husband works in one of the far hospitals, where I would like to deliver, but I am happy that I can go to the quick appointments on my planning period at the local hospital, instead of having to take a 1/2 day.

At my 8 week appt, my OB informed me that she ONLY works on Mondays and Wednesdays, so if I want to be sure that she will deliver my baby, I have to have a scheduled induction. Otherwise, I will just be with the doctor on call at the hospital. Is this normal??

I also got a voicemail from my OB office today rescheduling my 16 week appt for the 3rd time (no apology). Now instead of being able to go for a quick pee in a cup and "how are you doing?" during my planning period, I have to find a sub to watch my class. Again, OB only works on Mondays and Wednesdays. They won't schedule me for after school appointments.

I am so frustrated at this situation and at my OB office. Am I justified? Should I speak up? Should I find a new doctor? If I'm overreacting, I'd also like to know. Any and all advice welcome. (And thanks for reading all the way to the end!)

Answer

I'd find a new doctor. That is bullshit that they have no flexibility and you have to be induced just to get her service.

Answer

If there's another dr that works at the small hospital, I would say switch. While no dr is going to be available 24/7, it's ridiculous that your doctor is only available twice a week and cancels appointments often.

Answer

I would get a new doc. That is insane!

Answer

I would get a new doctor. She doesn't sound very easy to work with.

Answer

That would literally drive me crazy. My OB works tues-Thursday which is irritating to me to no end! But she delivers almost all her patients whether she is on call or not. So that makes me feel a bit better. Plus she's crazy nice and friendly. I definitely couldn't tolerate a doctors office like you are describing. But I don't know if I would be comfortable driving an hour for doctors appointments. Sorry.... Not much help.

Answer

Hurray! I'm not overreacting! If there was another doctor available in town, I would probably look them up. Most people in my area end up driving to the big city for doctors and now I understand why. Doctors can't be available 24/7 because they're also human beings, I get that. But I don't feel like I'm being treated fairly and I have to advocate for myself. I'm going to ask My sweet husband to start scoping out an OB at his hospital.

Thanks everyone for helping me feel not so crazy! I was worried because I also cried this evening about having to eat leftovers (like a toddler).

Answer

I have kaiser and my the first time around my doc didn't deliver me but I knew it wasn't likely. I thought it was strange at first bit realized it's fine. Same this time. I'm not worried about who delivers me so maybe it's not that big of a deal? The appointments and canceling/lack of flexibility especially when they cancel would drive me CRaZY!! I would have shown them that well before today so good for you holding back. ;-)

OB/GYN woes...help?

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