My OB - is this standard practice?

Question

So, this morning I woke up with an allergic reaction. My whole face was swollen. I called my dr. and he couldn't work me in, so I went to my OB and asked a nurse to see me. The nurse said my OB wouldn't know what to do since it wasn't gynecology related, and I should go to my doctor or the emergency room.

I could have seen my dr at the end of the day, but rather than wait 7 hours I went to the emergency room. My question is, should I be mad at my OB for not seeing me, or is that normal? It was definitely pregnancy related but not gynecology.

The nurse didn't examine me, she just said they couldn't help me. I was a bit irritated with my regular doc but my mom said the OB should have seen me.. you know how moms are. I thought it might be normal.

I just went to the OB's office because it was right next door to the ER anyway.

Oh and I just thought it was pregnancy related because the ER doc said it probably was, and said something about it in my diagnosis.

It was swollen, looked like a sunburn with tiny blisters all over, itched, tingled, and had hive-like bumps radiating out from the swollen areas. It got in my nose and stopped it up, in my throat and made it itch. It was CRAZY.

Answer 1

Yes, I would be upset especially if you found out it was pregnancy related. I would think the OB should have seen you to rule out any complication of your pregnancy.

Answer 2

You're sure it's an allergic reaction yet you say it's pregnancy related? What do you mean? Did they tell you this in the ER? Did you have any other symptoms than swelling (itching, rash, hives, etc.)?

If you didn't have other symptoms that are consistent with an allergic reaction, they might have wanted to see you by the OB nurse (was it a Nurse Practitioner, hopefully?) in case the swelling was related to an onset of blood pressure or circulation issues like preeclampsia (depending on how far along you are?). If they ruled that out, then yes, you're probably better off seeing your regular doctor to confirm if it's an allergy issue.

I'd only be mad if the nurse that saw you was a regular RN and not a Nurse Practitioner. A NP is just about as good at diagnosing as any OB, but they, like the OB, don't really practice general medicine and things like allergies.

As long as you were breathing and ok then it wasn't an emergency, and I'd be ok with them referring you back to your gen. practitioner.

Answer 3

Okay I was 32 weeks along and came down with this huge gross bubbly rash all over my body I mean ALL OVER on a Wednesday. I went to ER but they said they couldn't do anything for me because there was no medicine or steriod they could give me while I was pregnant because it could stop the babies heart. Then I went to my Regular doctor and same response. So I called my Ob to tell her what was going on, she said to come ASAP. She admitted me right then and called in two specialist (an internalist and some allergy guy) to care for me because she really couldn't but she did take care of me as far as she could. So I guess it is just the integrity of your doctor. Needless to say I was a having a systematic reaction to poison oak most horrible. It was the worst they had ever seen.

Answer 4

When I was pregnant with my son I had severe allergic reactions on my hands and when I saw my OB she referred me to a Dermatologist. Your general practitioner or a specialist (dermatologist, allergist) will have a better idea on how to treat the allergy then the OB will. They will have (hopefully) read the latest studies and articles relating to allergies and skin conditions and the most effective treatments. I understand being upset at not being seen but try to understand they are referring you to someone who's specialty in that area of medicine will better help you and faster.

Answer 5

I'm confused...how is an allergic reaction pregnancy related unless you're allergic to being pregnant? Your OB won't treat you for anything that isn't obstetrically/gynecologically related. And no I wouldn't be mad. At least he was honest enough to tell you that isn't his area of expertise. He could have tried to treat you and made it worse because he doesn't know anything about allergies.

Answer 6

No, you should have just seen your regular doctor. While many women use their gyn as a regular doctor, there are many things they can't help you with because they don't deal with it on a regular basis.

Note: the emergency room was a reasonable call rather than waiting hours. I find that if only my face is affected, it almost always is something like dryer sheets that has caused the allergic reaction.

Answer 7

You shouldn't be mad at your OB. They are not dermatologist or family practitioners. Although your allergic reaction could be from your pregnancy you don't know for sure. I had to go to my regular doctor for a toe infection when I was pregnant. They prescribed me antibiotics. I called my OB's office to make sure the antibiotics were okay to take and they said of course. That was it.

Answer 8

well, your OB probably doesn't know too much about allergic reactions, seeing as he specializes in something completely different. It's better to go to a doctor who has a better understanding of your condition, so you will get more accurate care, even if it is pregnancy related.

Answer 9

I hate to say it, but my it is normal OB practice.
Not only do they NOT KNOW much about the rest of your body, but most insurance won't cover any treatment that is not directly related to your pregnancy and then your Dr will be stuck with the bill- LOL.
One time I knew I had a FLAMING ear infection and I begged her to see me just to prescribe me some antibiotics and she couldn't see me.
Best wishes!!

Answer 10

OBs are NOT general practicioners..............you needed to wait for your doc in the pm or go right to the ER.........would you go to a eye doctor to treat a foot problem just because the eye doctor had an opening?????????????