Would you switch OBs at 32 weeks if...

My OB with dc1 was AWESOME. Unfortunately for me I switched insurances between pregnancies and he does not accept my new one but I had no other option.

I went on the hunt for a new OB and I like a solo practitioner so I researched a bunch and found one. Anyway, my new OB has been OK. TBH I only see him at about 1/2 the appts- the others are just visits with the nurses. I know that's probably typical but I guess I was SPOILED by the awesomeness of the old OB.

Now, I found out he is going on a 2 week vacation right before I am due. It's really almost certain that a random Dr. will deliver me. The person who covers him is one of 4 in another practice.

I know that is a risk you run with a solo but between that and the fact that I was so EH about him this whole time anyway- should I find someone else for these last visits (should be be about 5 visits total) and the delivery?

Or is that dumb and I should just suck it up?

Re: Would you switch OBs at 32 weeks if...

well.. what if:

A)other practices may not want to take you since you are so far along in your pregnancy, esp since it's not that you just moved or something where you were forced to change.
B)you absolutely hate your new OB and the way that he/she practices.
C)your new OB is friends/collegues with your old. You're going to need to provide your records. So they would know who you saw previously.

Eek! sticky situation!

Re: Would you switch OBs at 32 weeks if...

What if you talk to your OB about your concerns and ask to meet with a dr from the other practice? Not sure how that would work insurance wise, but you can always ask.

Question.. are you sure that its a nurse that you see for 1/2 the visits and not a nurse practitioner or PA? Big difference!

Re: Would you switch OBs at 32 weeks if...

I may be no help to you BUT.. the Dr. that delivered my baby was one I met ONCE!! I feel its the hospital. nurses PA's what have you that really make a difference..they are with you the whole time.
Like the OP said try to meet the back up Dr. so you feel a lil more comfortable/


Congratulations and Good Luck!!

Re: Would you switch OBs at 32 weeks if...

honestly at 32w i wouldnt bother changing. my OB put me in the hospital at 32w for pre-eclampsia. while i was in the hospital i developed HELLP syndrome, a complication of pre-e and had to deliver that day. a doctor i had seen once in the hospital, who was part of my OBs on-call group, delivered me. i actually didn't even see my OB again until he was the one that discharged me.

it definitely wasn't ideal and i wasn't super happy about it. but in the end the skill of the OB that delivered me likely saved me from a hysterectomy because when he went in for the c-section (sectioned due to baby being breech) they found out i had placenta accreta which is generally cured with a hysterctomy. it was the dr's decision during the surgery to save my uterus, i had a ton of bleeding and it was a complicated section but in the end i will hopefully be able to have more babies one day thanks to him. who knows what would've happened otherwise.

just stick with your OB. if you don't love him to begin with then it shouldn't matter much if he delivers you or not. in the end it doesn't matter what doctor catches your baby, what does matter is that they were chosen as backups by your doctor because they have the skills necessary to take care of you when your doctor cant.

Re: Would you switch OBs at 32 weeks if...

I wouldn't....realistically how well are you going to know someone new at this point in your pregnancy kwim? It can always workout that a doctor on call that you dont know has to deliver the baby--stinks but it is always a possibility. My practice has I think 5 drs who deliver. I have met them all but some only once. I would love if my main dr delivered my baby but odds are slim.

Re: Would you switch OBs at 32 weeks if...

Hmm..that's a tough call. I see a solo practiioner, and I see him EVERY visit...so I guess I'd be spoiled too.

At this point, I'd probably just stay with the office....because it could be a "stranger" delivering your baby, but in 6-8 weeks, are you really going to have a chance to get to KNOW a new doctor?

And like a pp suggested...what if the new doctor goes away, or gets sick...or is in another delivery...you could end up with a "stranger' anyway...

Re: Would you switch OBs at 32 weeks if...

I also have a solo dr...he delivered my dd
The way I see it is I'm sure the dr he chooses to cover his practice is one he knows and trusts and will review any possible births or problems.

With that being said I am going to have a major problem because there is a good chance dh and I may move out of state before #2 is born

Re: Would you switch OBs at 32 weeks if...

I switched OB's at 24 weeks and it was a hard time finding one that would take me then. I honestly do not think that you will find one that will take you this far along, I am sorry to say. Why don't you ask to meet the doctors that would be covering him when he goes on vacation? Maybe that would make it feel a little better for you.