Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

I'll start by saying that I love love love my doctor and practice and don't want to switch.

However, I recently moved to NJ to be closer to my family and I am now 35 miles and 2 bridges away from my doctor. (Throgs Neck/Whitestone & GW) I asked them if they advise switching and they said that for a first time labor, it should be fine. One dr even went as far as to say "Unless you are walking here from NJ, you'll be FINE." They told me they have lots of people who come from all over to their practice - CT, the Hamptons, Brooklyn,etc.

My mother and sister are terrified of me going into labor in the middle of rush hour traffic and not being able to get me to the hospital in time (North Shore). They also don't feel comfortable driving through the city so it would be a nightmare if they had to take me (DH works in NYC and would come home immediately to drive me most likely).

We also plan on living with friends in Queens a week before my due date so that we'll be close. My only fear is what I give birth weeks early?

I've gotten a recommendation for a dr in NJ but I don't know if they will take a new patient this late in the game and I don't feel comfortable picking a random dr.

Sorry for the long post, thank you if you've read this far! I've been debating this for weeks and just don't know what the right answer is. The closer I get, the more scared I become.

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

I can see why you are concerned- could you maybe set up a consultation with the new doctor so you can meet him or her- that might make deciding easier

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

I totally understand the concern, but I wouldn't switch. From what I hear from BTDT moms (for the most part) you have enough time to get a lot done before going to the hospital. I know a few LI moms that went to the city for all of their deliveries. I think it is totally doable, especially if you love your doctor.

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

I wouldn;t, I think you will be fine with the drive.

I am in the same situation. My Dr is in NYC and the Hospital, and now we are moving to LI a month before my DD.

My Primary Care Dr suggested I not switch. She said most OBGYN's wont take you on that late into pregnancy due to liability. PLus I am High Risk, so I am better of statying where I started.

Even for me from LI with rush hr it could be 1 hr +. From what I hear women are in labor for hrs, so we will have time to make it to our hospitals.

You should be ok if you stay.

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

I dont think I would switch at 34 weeks. But I would make sure I visited the hospital near me, took the tour, meet with a doctor there if possible.


Most first time moms do take a long time, but you never know how/when it will go.


Not to scare you, but 1st time I went into labor @ 37.5 weeks and was 8.5cm in an hour.

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

I don't think you should switch. You have plenty of time to get there. Also, let google traffic be your friend!

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

Posted by sleepie76

I dont think I would switch at 34 weeks. But I would make sure I visited the hospital near me, took the tour, meet with a doctor there if possible.


Most first time moms do take a long time, but you never know how/when it will go.


Not to scare you, but 1st time I went into labor @ 37.5 weeks and was 8.5cm in an hour.

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

I wouldnt switch but that's just my opinion. I think you should have plenty of time - and I think the plan to stay at your friends's in Queens makes sense too. I just would not trust a new doctor to really know all my wishes, etc. Good luck with your decision. . honestly if you're really worried just go check out the new doctor, see if it's even an option and see what your gut tells you at that point. . maybe if you have a little more information it won't be as hard

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

I would just stay with who you have at this point, but stuff like that doesn't worry me. But, out of curiousity, where in jersey did you move to? We just moved to Jersey from the city a few months ago and I must have gotten pg like the week we moved in , so I switched but I will be here throughout my pregnancy. I'm asking because there are a few Jersey girls on here that might have recommendations for you if you decide to swith. Either way good luck!

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

As a BTDT who had a very quick labor I would switch to a dr. affiliated with a hospital closer to you.

Our hospital was less than 10 mins from our house but it was the most uncomfortable, intense car ride (for DH and me) since my contractions were already 2 mins apart and I couldn't get into a good position to breathe through them. I got to the hospital and was already 7cm so I was in very active labor in the car! I had DD about 3 hours after getting to the hospital.

Also, I ended up having a dr. deliver DD who I had never seen before in the practice. She ended up being amazing and honestly during labor/delivery I couldn't have cared less who was delivering my baby!

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

Posted by ruby

I would just stay with who you have at this point, but stuff like that doesn't worry me. But, out of curiousity, where in jersey did you move to? We just moved to Jersey from the city a few months ago and I must have gotten pg like the week we moved in , so I switched but I will be here throughout my pregnancy. I'm asking because there are a few Jersey girls on here that might have recommendations for you if you decide to swith. Either way good luck!

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

Posted by CaMacho

As a BTDT who had a very quick labor I would switch to a dr. affiliated with a hospital closer to you.

Our hospital was less than 10 mins from our house but it was the most uncomfortable, intense car ride (for DH and me) since my contractions were already 2 mins apart and I couldn't get into a good position to breathe through them. I got to the hospital and was already 7cm so I was in very active labor in the car! I had DD about 3 hours after getting to the hospital.

Also, I ended up having a dr. deliver DD who I had never seen before in the practice. She ended up being amazing and honestly during labor/delivery I couldn't have cared less who was delivering my baby!

Re: Need Opinions- Would you switch Dr's at 34 weeks

Posted by Jesses-Girl

Posted by ruby

I would just stay with who you have at this point, but stuff like that doesn't worry me. But, out of curiousity, where in jersey did you move to? We just moved to Jersey from the city a few months ago and I must have gotten pg like the week we moved in , so I switched but I will be here throughout my pregnancy. I'm asking because there are a few Jersey girls on here that might have recommendations for you if you decide to swith. Either way good luck!

I moved to Wayne (my hometown) but I'm considering switching to a dr in Livingston who delivers at St. Barnabus. Where did you move to? FM me if you have a recommendation. Glad to see another Jersey girl on here

Message edited 10/5/2010 6:25:52 PM.