During my first pregnancy, my prenatal care was provided for by a midwife, backed by two male obstetrician/gynecologists. This continued through birth, though three prenatal visits were with either of the male ob/gyns. But those were only routine appointments, like checking the heartbeat of the baby, my blood pressure and a urine test. But most of the time, the care I received was through the midwife.
This time, my ob/gyns are the same providers as during my first pregnancy. However, the midwife that I liked is no longer there. I found out they don’t have midwives there anymore. And I never have received care from a female ob/gyn while there. Maybe we can look for a new provider, but I like this facility, and so far I don’t know of any place that is better.
With no choice but between two male doctors, I have to let them do my Pap smear, beast exams and evaluations of my cervix. Up to now, I have only been directly under the care of one of the doctors. I like and am satisfied with the care that he has shown to me. However, I am still hesitant to ask more questions from him. I have already decided that he will be the one who delivers my baby, but I realize that whoever is on call at the time may be the only choice that I have.
Now that my due date is closer and I have so many questions in my mind, just today, I made a last minute decision. I still prefer a female ob/gyn or midwife to deliver the baby. I feel more comfortable discussing my questions and other issues with them. I feel like they know where I'm coming from since they are women or have been through what I have.
Hubby told me that if I will look for another female ob-gyn or midwife, I may need to leave my current ob/gyn provider. As I said, I like this provider, and they know my health history. I feel uncomfortable about moving to another provider and starting a new record again. This late in my pregnancy, it is probably difficult to change providers. Maybe I need to call them to see if they can provide a female ob/gyn for me, or perhaps I should see if another female ob/gyn will take me under her care, so late in my pregnancy. Though I don’t want to leave my current provider.
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