OB Appts & Education?

Question

Hey ladies! I had a general question about your OB appts. I see both the MD and midwife and this clinic has great reviews. 
I’m almost 31 weeks and I’ve noticed even since 20 weeks or so that my appts are 5mins and they really are just vitals, listen to heartbeat, and ask how I’m feeling. They don’t even ask if I have questions lol. I typically know what to ask because of the info I get from this app! My appts are only longer than 5 mins bc I try to come up with questions. 
When I talk to a few friends, they say their providers would provide them with info such as what to expect (e.g Braxton Hicks and what they are), what to look out for, what to start doing (e.g tour hospital or pick out pediatrician), etc. I never get any of this info-is this typical? Am I getting bad care? 
I feel like if I didn’t have these baby apps I’d be clueless as heck bc I get no info from MD. Is this the norm for ob appts?

Answer

If you have questions you need to speak up, you are in charge of the care you get. If you don't ask questions they assume you don't have any.

Answer

I dont think you are getting bad care. 
Some doctors however do go that extra mile to give tips and info. Which of course is awesome and but not technically a requirement. 
At this point in the game, i think its too late for you to switch but definitely dont be afraid to advocate for yourself. 
I think a lot of the time, people (not just pregnant women) take a very passive role in their healthcare and just expect everything to be presented to them but the reality is that sometimes you simply have to ask for what you want and need. Dont be afraid to speak up. Take an active role (sounds like you are already doing this by coming up with your own questions 😊)

Answer

My visits are short like yours. My OB usually has students that ask all the normal questions and then I have a little 3-5 minute meeting with him in case I have other questions. 
There are optional prenatal classes that have all the info and stuff.

Answer

My appts have been the same (third pregnancy) its kind of annoying to me because sometimes I'll forget my concern or question and have to rem it for next. Other than that I like my ob.

Answer

My doctor is like that for some appointments and not for others. Like if there’s a test that he’s planning on doing (the ultrasound to look for Down syndrome features and gestational diabetes) and later on in pregnancy he started talking to me more about what I need to do and what to expect but the majority of the appointments were pretty much in and out. But I also started seeing him with my third pregnancy so I already knew quite a bit of the info he could have given me. With my first pregnancy the doctor was very open about expectations and what I need to do and what’s happening. Both of the doctors were/are always open to questions and always ask if I have any.
BUT with my second pregnancy, I didn’t even see my doctor until I was in the hospital about to give birth, I had only seen his NP up until then. I hated it. But I went with it because I just didn’t care to find another doctor. I honestly don’t remember much of that pregnancy. The baby (my son) was adopted so I think my brain has blocked a lot of it out.
I don’t think it’s bad care, it’s just how the doctor works. As long as you’re asking questions and getting the info you need. Some doctors are just like that. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Answer

I mean that’s pretty normal. They check your vitals, check baby, ask how you are feeling and if there’s no concerns then you’re all done.
They didn’t start asking me about more stuff, like what hospital I want until I started my weekly appointments at 35 weeks (usually 36 I guess but my dr starts early) and they introduced me to one of the pediatricians at 37 weeks. They were gonna do 3 (only 4 peds but 3 take my insurance) appointments that same week if I didn’t like him. Seemed late kinda but I was fine. Lucky I guess I liked the first and only one they showed me.

Answer

I've found it to be the norm when being seen with my 4 kids. Which is a shame. And the kicker is I always show up at my appointments on time and have to wait a good 45 minutes to do that 5 minute little check up. Infuriating!

OB Appts & Education?

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