33wks and not sure if doc is thorough enough at appts.???

Question

Every time I go in, a nurse takes my blood pressure, weighs me, listens to heart beat, and takes a urine sample. Then when the doctor comes in he says hi how're you doing, has me lay down, presses on my tummy (has never measured with a tape measure) and then says "you're doing great" then says he'll see me in another 2 weeks? How does he know when he's not taking measurements? He doesn't ask about symptoms or check for swelling, or anything else. Could this just be because I'm doing so good, or could he be missing something. I've also made him aware that I was a little worried about my size being too small for a baby that far along. But he says my measurements and ultrasoun (done at 31wks, he measured 1wk 6days bigger) were just fine and not to worry. But I certainly DON'T look like an 8 month pregnant woman. I look like 6 months. It is my 1st am I just worrying too much? Thanks!!!

I do ask ?'s I have too by the way! But I just feel like "hey maybe I should be getting more attention" I've never been pregnant before, and he does this everyday!!!!!

Answer 1

I find it odd they won't measure you- I was measured every time. But here's the thing that happened with myself- the measurements were right on every time- maybe one time it was a little off- but every time I was right on with my due date (they only did one ultrasound at 7 weeks-because I was perfectly healhty and the baby was too).... now, I had a 9lb 10oz baby!!!! They said all of my tests and measurements came back just fine, so they weren't expecting such a big baby! He said it could be from the prenatal vitamins now days- and he was just a super healthy baby boy! So as far as the measurements, I would ask him to measure you, but know they could be misleading as in my case. And if you want, ask him why that's all he does- you are paying him money to go there... and tell him if he doesn't explain anything else, then you are gonna seek another opinion- and that's what I'd do... go find another doctor. You want to fully trust your doctor.... I did with mine- he was awesome- and in practicing. He was there when I was in labor- and actually stayed when he was supposed to leave at 5pm... and even helped with my c-section at 7:30-8:03pm when my son was born. Now that's a good doctor!

I personally don't think you are worrying too much... you need to know everything that is going on. My doctor would ask me if I had any questions, and sit there and take the time to answer each one. He was also the one who measured me and checked for the heartbeat of the baby. so if you are still uncomfortable with your doctor, go to another.

Goodluck and congrats on your baby :)

Answer 2

I'd say it sounds like a typical visit. Unless you voice concerns they have nothing to go on. Your weight and blood pressure and urine samples cover all the most dangerous and common complications during pregnancy.

You just had an ultrasound so everything is going good with the baby, a lot of doctors dont measure bellies anymore because its just such a wide average to try and place you in some sort of time frame. Every women develops differently with each pregnancy, and you very well might not look super pregnant until you're about ready to pop, thats perfectly normal with young, thin, first time moms.

However, you should be concerned if you feel rushed, or like you dont have a chance to ask questions and get answers. But so long as you are able to voice any concerns, tell him how you're doing and feeling, and get answers from him, then everything is fine.

They didnt measure my belly until i was 28 weeks, and even now they dont do it every time. Usually they check the heart beat at my visits, but they never ask me about any symptoms or do anything more than that. They ask how iam feeling, or how iam doing, but thats is.

But i have all the time in the world to ask questions and i always get answers, so i know iam getting good care. That and theyre very happy with all my test results, blood pressure and weight gain.

Answer 3

sweetie if you feel like you doubt your doctor in any way ,you need to be sure to let him know. I am a midwife and i was an OB nurse for years so after a while you are able to feel and take a mind measurement. You can clearly feel the top of the uterus when pushing down and we know where it should be. As for your size it is your first andis completely normak for you to be small. I have some women that look six months at delivery and they give birth to healthy 7 lb baby's. Everyting you explained is the procedure,if something were to come up then you would voice that to your doctor and he can do whatever is needed but if you are voicing no concerns then everything is great. The baby is growing inside of you and we are able to monitor for defects, butother then that itis up to you to voice your issues. Im a midwife and we practice in a much more personal way which is why i recommend women to have a midwife as well as an obstetrician. Maybe for your next babyyou wil look into having a midwife.We are there for the entire process with you ,when you have a obstetrician he only comes to pull baby out,or give you a section if needed.Youwont see much of your doctor at delivery time you will depend primarily on your nurse.Best of luckto you,and congratulations.

Answer 4

I would say to either voice your concerns as you have done here or change doctors!!! This is your first pregnancy and a very joyous time for you and you should feel as though you are getting proper care and comfortable with your doctor!

I had a great doctor for my first. Was a very enjoyable pregnancy because of it. With my second, we had moved cross country and I had a different dr. The second time around I was not pleased with my doctor or the care during & after delivery. You really need to voice your concerns. Remember you aren't just dealing with yourself anymore, you now have a little someone depending on you to stick up for them.

I am now on my third pregnancy, am 36 weeks. I too am small for how far along I am. When I tell people I am 4 weeks away, they gasp and tell me how tiny I look. But the doctor told me I am at a normal weight gain, and that she looks like she will be about 7-7.5 lbs upon delivery if I go to term. With my boys I was HUGE!! With this one I've gained much less weight and am carrying differently (which may attribute to that. but was also sick in the beginning with this one) This is a little girl, my first 2 were boys. I have a different dr yet again, but I LOVE my dr. He is always very thourough, and will sit and talk with me as much as I need. I am enjoying the pregnancy because of it.

This is a HUGE milestone in your life, and something that should be special and recalled on fondly. I again strongly recommend you mention your concerns and voice and questions, or switch to someone you are more comfortable with if possible!!

Answer 5

At 33 weeks that is a bit strange. My doctor measure my stomach, checked my ankles, asked me questions, and sometimes would check me out to see if I was dilated. You might want to ask him why he doesn't measure your belly but don't come right out and ask, ease it in and say that one of your other friends were describing what they went through in their pregnancy and he's not doing some of the things like...measuring the belly, etc... Ask the doctor questions if you have any concerns, that's why he's there for. After he answers your questions and you still don't feel at ease then change doctors. There usually is at least a few if not more obgyn's in a practice and just make an appointment with another one of those doctors. Good luck!

Answer 6

When I went in my doctor was very similar but she did measure. I had edema really bad and my doctor didn't look straight at my ankles and say something if she didn't think it looked bad..I bet he is looking for swelling but its not that bad..If you had awful swelling and said "Hey man my ankles hurt" I am sure it would bring his attention to the situation. Another thing I have to say is I find all Obstetricians not good...I dont wanna bash any of the ones that were good but I dont feel comfortable or helped by their useless information. You can switch doctors even in late pregnancy, there is no written or verbal contract saying that you will not switch! I always loved knowing about my baby to record in her baby book and you should have that opportunity as well. I think this is a bullsh*t and you need to put your foot down. Dammit they make so much bloody money and dont even have time for peoples answers...stupid..He should be checking the fundamental height of your uterus for health reasons...Seriously I am angry, give me his phone number....LOL
Pretend next time you talk to him that you are giving birth and talk to him like that..After all he might end up being there for the real thing and what is he not gonna weigh the baby?? Gosh, You need to talk to him sternly and say "I'd like to know the height of my uterus please!" Dont let him do this, you should be having a great experience not a crappy one!

Answer 7

firstly, an experienced doctor doesnt neccesarily need a tape measure to measure the size of your uterus. my doctor often did it with his hands (but twice he did use a tape measure). secondly, if you have concerns you need to speak up. though my doctor often asked if i had any questions, if your doctor doesnt, he is probably trying to hurry you along so he can get to his next appointment. but if you ask, or tell him yuo have concerns he should sit down and listen. if he doesnt or you dont feel comfortble, i would pick a new doc, even this late in the pregnancy. but i would assume with the ultrasounds etc that he knows what he is talking about so yuo can at least take a little comfort in that. every pregnancy is different. every body type is different. :) try not to worry too much, even though i know thats impossible.

Answer 8

First off... congratulations! My appointments always go quickly too, but he does ask me how I'm feeling and such and if I have any complaints. I was so shy with my first, but now I just start of with questions and concerns that I have. I am a small person and so is my tummy (I'm 35 weeks) and as long as the baby measured fine in the ultrasound, some people just don't get huge. It's also your first.... you're like a balloon, you just get easier to blow up each time.

Answer 9

When you are having your first child you won't look so big (be thankful). But that is all he does except mine measures every visit and also listens to the heartbeat of the baby. I am due on December 27, how about you? I think you should ask more questions. Mine ask every time for the swelling or any pain. But I am sure everything is okay, you just need to let him know you want more answers. They are always rushing.

Answer 10

Looking pregnant is totally relevant to the person, if you wait you may just 'sprout' into a VERY pregnant woman. If you feel good and are comfortable with your pregnancy then there is nothing to worry about. Funny thing with becoming a mom, you really do know best, go by your own feelings, go with your gut. If you aren't satisfied with your doc and the answers,then go elsewhere, if you are satisfied and just not 'sure' go with your gut..... you will know if something isn't right or you aren't getting enough answers...must come with the hormones, but a mom does know