Yet ANOTHER pregnancy question- Prenatal care?

Question

I'm in my 32nd week of pregnancy. My baby is usually very active. But for the past few days I've experienced a great deal of decreased fetal movement. (I've tried many things to trigger movement, it only helps here and there).

The hospital I'm delivering at will not see me unless I have an emergency, and my regular OB/GYN is out this entire month so I'm having a late visit. (6 weeks it will have been since my last visit, and by this time I SHOULD be seeing her every 2 weeks). That doctors office will not assign me to any other doctor unless it's an emergency. I'm terrified of having a stillborn and I just want clarification that what I'm going through is normal. I want them to check on the baby through ultrasound or listen to the heart beat to make sure she's ok, but they won't do anything for me unless my water breaks or something. But what if something IS wrong and something happens to my baby before my next visit? (see the extended information)

Ok, in addition, I'm having other symptoms like increasing pressure to my pubic area. My back, pubic bone, and hips all hurt and it makes it difficult to walk and have mobility. I know a lot of things are normal during pregnancy but it's just out of the ordinary for MY pregnancy so I don't know what I should do. The hospital told me they couldn't take me unless I were going into labor, but apparently neither can any other doctors. So basically what they're saying is, unless I'm having the baby here and now, I can't get any prenatal care until the 29th of this month, which is pretty late! By that time, I should have had my regular 4 week, and then two week visit after it. It's almost like missing two prenatal visits. Is this proper prenatal care? Is it like this with EVERY hospital or doctor? I'd appreciate any advice or information. Thanks.

I have called them before for issues just as serious and they told me "sorry, but we can't help unless you're going into labor". I'll call, but I'll get the same answer as I got the other times. I just don't know if this is proper care or if it's normal.

I know she rests. I understand her resting times and her active times. I understand her movements and when they change as she grows. This is just out of the ordinary, that's all. I hope she'll be ok.

I may change my doctor though. This is the first time she has been unavailable to me.

Thanks for answering my question so quick guys! I feel a bit better now but I'll look into my options. =) Thank you!

Thanks for answering my question so quick guys! I feel a bit better now but I'll look into my options. =) Thank you!

Answer 1

Get a new doctor. My office had me seeing a different doctor every two weeks the last 3 months so that way, if mine wasn't on duty in the hospital when I went into labor, I would have met whomever was delivering my child. That is ridiculous. Yes, doctor's are allowed vacations, but you are PREGNANT and need to be seen. It is normal to have a slowing in activity because they do start to run out of room, but-there should ALWAYS be someone to see you if you don't feel something is right. Find a new office-tomorrow.

No that is not proper prenatal care and not the norm for all offices. I have never heard of anything so stupid in my entire life. They're just being obstinant. It doesn't matter if your doctor is there or not, if something is wrong somebody should be available to see you, 24/7, it's as simple as that. You doctor's office sucks to put it bluntly. Pressure and slowing of movements MAY mean you'll go into labor early-not a guarantee, but it's something that should be checked this week, not at the end of the month.
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I have called them before for issues just as serious and they told me "sorry, but we can't help unless you're going into labor". I'll call, but I'll get the same answer as I got the other times. I just don't know if this is proper care or if it's normal.
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I am so sorry you have such a rotten office. That's so irresponsible! I had a preterm labor scare @ 26 weeks (lots of cramping) and they sent me to L&D and had me seen by one of the doctors from the office. They should be accomodating and ready to help you with any concern-not blowing you off. Do you know anyone who has children and can recommend a good ob/gyn? You may also want to check into finding a Certified Nurse Midwife. I had one for my pregnancy and she delivered my daughter. LOVE HER!

Answer 2

Well if the baby isn't moving that IS an emergency! Try travelling a little further to another ER if you think you will have problems with your hospital. Or maybe try an Urgent Care for an ultrasound or something. I don't mean to scare you, but you do have options. And that late in pregnancy, the baby is moving down, doesn't have a lot of room to move and is resting up for it's big birth day! It's very common to notice less movement late in pregnancy. My daughter did the same thing and it scared me to death! I bought a thing (not sure of the name or brand) that you put on your stomach like headphones and you can hear the heartbeat and it moving around, even when I couldn't feel it. I think I got it at Target or somewhere like that. Hope this helps and everything turns out fine!

Answer 3

It seems like another doctor in the same practice would see you while your regular doctor is out of town so you could keep your scheduled prenatal visits at the appropriate times. You need to calm down and try and not to worry so much.
Try drinking just a little bit of apple juice and the sugar should make your baby move around a little more- that should put your mind at ease (just drink a little though-many expecting mothers do this when they don't feel the baby move for a while).
As for the pains, it's normal to have more back and vaginal pain because your uterus is getting bigger along with the baby so it's most likely the baby putting pressure on you.

Answer 4

is there another hospital in your area? no matter what if you show up to the emergency room at a hospital they cannot deny you care... you simply tell them that you feel as if something is wrong because your baby doesnt more ask them if they can just take a look and make sure everything is ok... there are laws and the hospitals have to abide by them so if they deny you care they can get into some serious trouble with the law... good luck hope everything is ok...

Answer 5

babies need rest just like we do. They have days were they just sleep all day long and usually wake up when you go to bed. It is normal as long as you can feel a little movement everyday. If you start feeling no movement at all for a couple days then you need to go to the doctor and don't give them a choice.

Answer 6

I cant believe they wont let you see another Dr! I would just go anyways. Mabe transfer to another? I know that would suck so late into the pregnancy but your babys health comes first! Yes you should be seen. They always say when you notice a change in movement that late in your pregnancy to go in. I would find someone to take you in just to check on things. Go with your "mom" instincts! Good luck I be thinking about you!

Answer 7

Go to the emergency room and insist on a stress test. If no satisfaction, GO TO ANOTHER HOSPITAL. There is NO REASON why your doctor's office shouldn't have you see another doctor if you have concerns while your doc is unavailable. I'd even consider changing care to a different practice.

Answer 8

The closer you get to having the baby the less you will feel the baby move. It gets tight in there. If you feel pelvic pressure it could be the baby dropped and is ready to come soon. I really wouldn't worry though it is completely normal. Best of luck!!

Answer 9

Call the doctor's office and tell them whats going on!!! And if your really concerned and just really need to hear someone tell you whats going on (I know it's dishonest but if you can't get the help you need and they refuse to let you another doctor) call back later and say you started spotting!! I know I know!! Dishonest, but they will see you then!!

Answer 10

Call the doctor's office and explain what's going on.