Re: Choose OB near home or work?
From: Barbara (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 27 Oct 1998 21:21:11 -0600 (CST)
Hi Andrea,
I bellieve Congratulations in in order for you.
How about asking you present OB/GYN if she/he can give you the name of
someone near your home that they know. Medical Professionals are always
very good for references to another good person. I'm sure if you
explain your long drive to the hospital he/she will understand and help
you out.
Just a thought.
Barbara
At Tue, 27 Oct 1998, AMD wrote:
>
>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.
>>
--
Barbara Nesbitt
Editor, OBGYN.net
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