Midwife or OBYGN?

Question

Hi, I'm 40 and very happily 8 wks pregnant with our 3rd baby. With my 2 first children I was with a OBGYN who used pain relief whether a hot tub or an epid.(I used both:) but she practices far from where I now live so I'm looking for another Dr.
My question is since I'm 40 I'm a little concerned with going with a OBYGN since I've heard that they tend to order C-sections more readily if the mother is over 40 (?). I've heard that a midwife might
not so quickly (?) But Midwifes don't use epid. as much as a OBGYN does (right?) I 'd like to know that there's an option of pain relief in the form of medicine, since I was in a lot of pain with my 1st / 2nd and want to be prepared if the 3rd is the same. With my 1st 2 children I had the epid. once I had dilated to 7. My Dr. said that if I had meds. before then the labor might be slowed down, thus might end with a C-section.
What do you think? It's been 10 yrs. since I've been preg. so this is like the 1st time.
Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I used a midwife that was in a practice with a OB/GYN and she was WONDERFUL! I hope and pray that she's around for every single one of my future pregnancies! The only thing you may have to worry about is your age. Since you're 40 (not that that's old!) you're more at risk for certain things, and although a midwife will most likely treat you, she may want to work close with a OB/GYN in case of complications. Also, about the whole epidural thing - my midwife never once mentioned trying to make it through labor without drugs. She encouraged me to get them if I wanted them. It was all up to me. She never discouraged me from having the epidural done. As for c-sections - I think it's really a case by case thing. I doubt a midwife is going to let you go without a c-section if you really need one. If you're really worried about the choice that you're making, do some research and set up a few appts. to speak with some midwives. They'll be able to answer your questions and reassure you, and I'm sure you'll feel much better about your choice once you have all of the facts. Congratulations on your pregnancy!!! Remember - even though it's been 10 years, it'll all start coming back to you at some point. Maybe you should consider taking a refresher course in labor and delivery. It might help to relax you a bit. Good luck!

Answer 2

MIDWIFE!!! you can still get epidurals with midwifes. You just let them know what you want. That is the great thing about a midwife, they listen to you and let you decide what is right for you. I had an epidural with mine, and I used a midwife. It is all your choice. And Doctors are more likely to order a c-section for anyone especially over 40.... I would just call a few midwifes in your area, and let them know what you want and see how they respond. I'm sure there are some hardcore midwifes who will give you guff about getting an epidural, but most respect your wishes and will support your decision. you just need to find a good one. I suggest a Nurse Midwife. They are generally a little more medical headed than just a plain midwife. and they have more schooling. Good luck!!

Answer 3

Why don't you find a midwife in your are and sit down and talk with her. Ask around as see if you know someone who can refer a midwife to you. I know a midwife in our area and she is very good. I did not have the opportunity to use one, or else I probably would have. I know that many midwifes are associated with a hospital or clinic and some OB/GYN offices have them on staff. I know in our area many midwives actually deliver in a hospital if the patient prefers or if it a high risk situation.
Check into it you may end up with the best of both worlds!

Answer 4

Okay first off, there are clinics where the midwives can treat you narturally but there can still be an anestesiolgist there to give you that epi. if need be. Your OB should be present or on call, midwives dont have the authroity to give the okay for an epi. so talk to your local clinics about your questions and concers. alot has changed in the last 10 years. Ask any question, even if it seems dumb. Good luck!!! (since you are over 40 it is probably smart to pick a clinic near a hospital with a maternaty ward, just in case a c-section is needed) I had a c-section and it is no biggie, i will probably have to have another one with my current pregnancy, damn pelvis to narrow.

Answer 5

If you are leaning toward having a midwife just make sure they will do it in a hospital that way if something goes wrong or you want pain medicine the resources are available. If you are in a hospital you can have a midwife, but if something goes wrong at least there are doctors there.

Answer 6

I would go with a ob/gyn for the simple fact I think they are better equipped to deal with a high-risk pregnancy which you might be considered because of your age. You could express your concerns about a c-section to the doctor and he/she can provide you with more information so you can make a decision together in your best interest.

Answer 7

an obgyn and a midwife will do the same thing... it's not the age, it's the maturity of the baby.. being an elder can have it's effects... so.. it's not really a choice up to you.. i mean, yes there is, people differ from person to person.. but by what they are taught, they will do what is necessary.

Answer 8

I think considering your age you may wish to a least seek medical advise from a doctor as women in there forties tend to have more complications than in there twenties or even thirties. do what is best for your baby and ask a professional. I recommend the doctors office as you and your baby will be safer in there hands. good luck and congrats on your new baby you can always use a midwife for support

Answer 9

OBGYN