My wife's doctor doesn't seem to know what he's talking about?

Question

My wife's doctor has changed her due date three or four times. He's also told her she has gestational diabetes; although, according to two different glucometers, her sugar is at a normal and healthy level. She is currently 36-weeks pregnant (if we go by the latest due date), yet she measures at 33-weeks pregnant. Also, he has said that he's going to induce her a week before her due date because of her "diabetes"--even though, he knows she had our first 2-1/2 weeks early. AND he's suggested things for her to do to induce herself (sex, walking, and nipple stimulation). We've done the first, but not to induce. We believe it's too early to be trying to induce. I just wanted to know if it's possible for us to change doctors even though it's a bit late into the pregnancy. I'm not sure I trust his judgement anymore. He was fine with the first pregnancy, but with this one, he's just gone overboard. Am I right to feel this way? What should we do?

Answer 1

You have to remember that calculating a due date is not an exact science. In fact it is anything but.. Here are the calculations and an example..

LMP = Last Menstrual Period

The due month is: your LMP month + 9. The due date is: your LMP date plus 7.

For example, if your LMP was 3/10/95: 3 + 9 = 12 (Dec), 10 + 7 = 17 (17th day). If the added month exceeds 12, then you subtract 12. For example, if you LMP was 6/20/95, the month will be (6 + 9) - 12 = 3 (March), and the date will be 20 + 7 = 27, so your due date will be 3/27/96.

As you can see while the "math" is there, there are several variables that fall into play and it more or less falls into a shot in the dark as to the actual date.. Many people cannot be for certain when they conceived if they are sexual active. You have a whole month basically where your wife could have become pregnant after her LMP.

Once a baby starts to develop, doctors can start to use ultra sound to better gauge the actual due date and if your wife does have gestational diabetes this can effect how the doctor judges the age of your child simply due to the size of the baby.

Most females who do have gestational diabetes will have their deliveries by caesarian section simply due to the fact the child will be above normal birth weights and it is difficult for a woman to have normal child birth and push that size of child through the birth canal.

As far as going to a different doctor... A second opinion wouldn't hurt. If you are saying that her glucose is within the norm and you don't believe you wife is suffering from gestational diabetes have her checked out by another professional. But it is key to remember this

High sugar levels in her blood can be unhealthy for both her and the baby. If the diabetes isn't treated, your baby may be more likely to have problems at birth. For example, your baby may have a low blood sugar level or jaundice, or your baby may weigh much more than is normal. Gestational diabetes can also affect her health. For instance, if the baby is very large, you may have a more difficult delivery or need a cesarean section.

Answer 2

Well, I am not in a position to judge the amount of pain that you wife is going through, and I am really sorry to hear about the accident...What I CAN tell you, is that THIS is common practice: -someone suffers an injury, more or less painful - they get pain-management meds, get hooked on them, after which they will meet others in their situation(perhaps in the pharmacy, doc's office, etc.) - they realize after 2months or so, that out of 100 pills, they only needed 60, let's say. (doctors always prescribe more, just in case) - with the help of their new friends, they sell the rest of the pills OR - realizing they are addicted now, they up their dosage. Now, in either situation, they go back to the doctor, and when asked "How do you feel? Are you still in any pain?" they say something like: "Well, it's gotten a little better, but not much..." or "Yes, but now I feel my leg hurting" (which doctors will believe, since back is connected to legs via nerv structure) Sooo, they get MORE pills. Which they either sell, or consume, telling everyone else, including family that they are still in pain. (and they WILL be, if they are addicted). You are right, the process is supposed to be different, the doctor prescribes something, and then gently weans the patient off the meds, before they get too addicted, switching to lower and lower dosages. I am in no position to say that is what YOUR wife is doing, but I felt you should know "how it goes" with doctors and prescriptions. (sometimes a patient will even tell the doctor they are selling them: "Give me 100 pills, here is $80-$100 for you" and the doctor will do it. The patient then sells each pill for $3 to $5, go figure....a few hundreds a month. Either way, your wife should have been weaned off the meds already, or at least the doctor should have tried another course of treatment, if this one is obviously not working.... Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately, insurance companies don't check on fraud like this, unless it is VERY obvious, like 4-5 prescriptions a month for a long time. I hope your wife gets better, and I hope you change doctors....

Answer 3

Absolutely it is possible to change doctors at this point! Why have you stayed with him this long? Call up your local hospital's maternity ward to get a good idea on who are the better obgyns in your area (the nursing staff see these doctors pretty much daily, so they would know). When you pick a new doctor call or go to their office and explain your situation. I am sure they will understand and be more than willing to help. Your doctor sounds like a quack. Also, if you and your wife do not want to be induced, you do not have to be! Tell him NO. You are paying him, not the other way around. You employ him, therefore you are the boss. You are absolutely right o feel this way, it is your child and your wife, you want to protect them, don't let anybody tell you that you are wrong in feeling this way.

Answer 4

I'd get a second opinion.

I've been through a similar situation. I was told, based on ultrasound measurements, that my son was due Jan 1, 2002. I had calculated Dec 18 2001. He was born Dec 16, 8 lbs. 4 oz.

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at about 36-38 weeks. My highest was 165 and my mother, who's diabetic, said that she'd kill for such a low level! LOL

Get a second opinion.

Answer 5

How often are you checking her sugar with the glucometer? The doctor is looking at blood tests (which are more reliable) and the urinalysis he does with every visit. Normal glucose reading should be between 60 - 100.

You can change doctors at any time, but if she does have gestational diabetes that, I believe, puts her in the high risk category and some OB/GYNs might refuse to take her.

But it is important that you trust your doctor. As far as him being over board, he is looking out for your wife's best interest and his. He doesn't want to get sued if something should go wrong.

Answer 6

Agreed that he sounds off. Why not schedule a consultation with a midwife?

Possibly useful:

http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pcomplications/0,,9z3m,00.html
http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pcomplications/0,,9cgc,00.html
http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/prenatal-testing-side.html

Where'd _he_ get the gestational diabetes idea from?

Answer 7

You can definately change doctors at any time. I changed b/c I was not comfortable with my first OB, and I was very very happy with the new one. Just ask for your complete file and make sure all ultrasound and blood test results are in there. They may charge you a nominal fee for the file (for me it was $20). It's worth it for your peace of mind.

Answer 8

follow your gut...you absolutely have a right to be concerned-there are far too many incompetent obgyn's out there...trustme i know-if you want to get a second opinion on the diabetes and the induction-do it. call around explain your concern and im sure you can switch docs.....if not then just tell this doc that you dont want to induce.... i hope this helps good luck

Answer 9

If you have any doubt , you can always request her medical records and contact another ob/gyn...let them know you are unhappy with the one you currently have, and they may or may not see you. Good Luck to you

Answer 10

i would get another doctor if possible because of this. you need to be 100% sure when it comes to important things like this. hope this helps. good luck.