Re: Choose OB near home or work?
From: AMD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 27 Oct 1998 16:20:33 -0600 (CST)
Thanks Dr. McIntosh for your response!!
I have only seen my current ob/gyn a couple time since I have just moved
to Phoenix last year, so I am not particularly attached to her (but I
have liked her when I have seen her). But I also don't know anything
about any other doctors in the area (other than the one my mother went
to!).
The HPT looks positive, so I'm thinking I ought to at least go to the
doctor I know right now for confirmation and an initial evaluation, and
see what she recommends. This would buy me some time to make a more
long term decision about what care is appropriate. Does this sound
reasonable?
Thanks again!!
Andrea
At Mon, 26 Oct 1998, William D. McIntosh, MD wrote:
>
>At Mon, 26 Oct 1998, AMD wrote:
>>
>>I work a long way away from my home (about 45 min. driving). I think I
>>may be pregnant, but I am not sure what I should do about choosing an
>>doctor. I have been seeing a doctor whose office is near my office and
>>I like her, but the only hospital she practices at that is a reasonable
>>(< 30 min) drive from home is a large, tertiary medical center in
>>downtown. And by the time we could drop off my other child at
>>grandma's, I'd probably be looking at over an hour before I could get to
>>that hospital. And I would prefer a smaller hospital unless there is a
>>medical necessity for the larger center.
>>
>>Should I find a doctor who delivers at a hospital closer to home? How
>>often do doctors/midwives have women go into labor while they are at
>>work (just asking for a gut level experience -- I know there is no way
>>to predict this)?
>>
>>While office visits would be more convenient with a doctor near work,
>>going to the hospital would be more practical with a hospital near home
>>(assuming I go into labor at home!). Which is going to be more
>>practical overall? Is it more important for the pre-natal office visits
>>to be convenient, or to be able to get to the hospital quickly?
>>
>>I had a fairly short L & D (3.5 h labor, 1.5 h pushing) with my first
>>baby, so I am a little concerned that the second labor would be even
>>shorter. I don't want to be counting on having a lot of time for
>>driving and getting care for my son.
>>
>>Finally, would it be rude to go to my current doctor for the initial
>>visit to confirm my pregnancy knowing that I might change later on?
>>Would it be inconsiderate of me to discuss this issue with her and see
>>what she thinks?
>>
>>I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you may have.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Andrea
>
>In general, you are more likely to go into labor at home, unless you
>work unusually long hours. This is a hard one. You are not likely to
>deliver in the car on the way to the hospital, but it will weigh on your
>mind. I guess you are going to have to decide how important your
>current doctor is to you, as well as what options you have. Is there a
>closer hospital that you would want to deliver in, and is there a dcotor
>that you know enough good things about to make changing worth it. Talk
>to your doctor. I have had patients with similar problems, and I
>counseled them according to their own concerns and history. Some
>continued to travel, some chose to switch, with my blessings.
>
>--
>William D. McIntosh, MD
>Clarksville, TN
>
>This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended
> to replace consultation and examination by your physician
> or other health care provider.
>
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