Family Practitioner For Pregnancy?
|
I live in a very small community. I have a family practitioner, but now I'm pregnant. I have had 3 miscarriages before this pregnancy and I'm not sure if using my family doctor rather than an obstetrician is a good idea. Should I look outside of my community, even though it will mean a longer drive to a hospital?
 |
|
|
 (6 Answers) |
Thursday 18th of February 2010 06:32:36 AM
Your family practitioner will look after your general health and is there for any problems you may encounter. He of she may be able to refer you to a specialist if they think it will help. An obstetrician specialises in mother and baby and will be able to monitor you more closely and look after you in a specialised way. It will mean a longer drive to hospital, but considering your previous history, it is better to put yourself in the hands of a professional.
Report abuse
|
Wednesday 17th of February 2010 02:39:07 AM
If you would have said this is your 1st pregnancy I would have said no reason not to go to your family doctor. I am sure he has handled plenty of pregnancies. However, as you already had 3 miscarriages I would not take the risk. I would go and see an obstetrician (never mind who far away that would be) as he will be able to keep a much better eye on you and your unborn baby and see early on if any help is needed during your pregnancy. After my 1st miscarriage my family doctor send me straight away to an obsetrician as he said to me I would be in better hands by somebody who has specialized in this compared to him.
Report abuse
|
Wednesday 17th of February 2010 03:50:27 PM
The best thing you can do for yourself is talk with your current family practitioner before making any decision. Do you feel comfortable with them taking care of you during your pregnancy? Ask if they even deal with pregnancy. They might help you find another doctor if they don't, or even if you ask for a referral. I have had the same ob-gyn for years, and even when I moved farther away I continued to see her for my annual checkup, and my pregnancy. The drive to the hospital was a little long, but I felt good knowing who was waiting at the end of the drive. That's the feeling you should go for when deciding on your care.
Report abuse
|
Wednesday 17th of February 2010 09:17:57 PM
Yes, you should definitely seek a qualified obstetrician. Family practitioners are great doctors but they do not specialize is pregnancy. You are only pregnant for nine months so you will not be traveling far for ever. When you do go into labor to deliver the baby you will be glad that you are in a hospital that can give you the care and attention that you need.
Report abuse
|
Monday 22nd of February 2010 02:17:48 AM
Since you have had problems in the past, it may be a good idea to increase your support system, and having a good obstetrician is always a good thing during pregnancy. You could always consider using both your family doctor and an obstetrician. Why not seek the services of an OB and see what your options are? The extra drive now and then may be worth it to help you succeed with this pregnancy.
Report abuse
|
Thursday 4th of March 2010 03:32:16 AM
All doctors were trained to do specific treatment on patient. Family practitioner is not a specialist but can cure or treat anything under the sun. If you have had these miscarriages in the past already, I would suggest that you go and look for an obstetrician as they specialized in pregnancy. You'll be taken care most.
Report abuse
|
