Changing Doctors Mid-Pregnancy Doesn't Have to Be a Bad Experience

When a woman is pregnant it is an exciting time in her life. She does not need added stress while she is pregnant, but sometimes this happens. Changing doctors mid-pregnancy is not a choice most pregnant women would usually want to make, but sometimes it is necessary. There are several reasons why a pregnant woman would need or want to change doctors mid-pregnancy. Some of those reasons are moving, (and not being within a reasonable distance to be able to keep the same physician) a change in insurance, (sometimes an insurance company requires a doctor be approved or part of the insurance's network, and if the present doctor is not in the network, the woman may have to change doctors mid-pregnancy) not liking or agreeing with the doctor or his requirements for his patients, or not willing to honor the woman's wishes about her pregnancy, labor or wishes about her birth.

Choosing a different doctor can be frustrating and confusing, but can be a bit easier if a few things are kept in mind, no matter what the reason for the change is. Patience is necessary, and do not give up, eventually the right doctor will be found. Call some of the hospitals in town and ask to speak to the Labor and Delivery desk, ask the nurse on the phone who he or she would recommend to a sister or other family member. These nurses know the doctors and know who is good and who may be a bit questionable. Do not call just one hospital, unless there is only one in town. Once a possible doctor is found, call the local medical licensing board. Ask the board how many if any complaints and or malpractice suits this doctor has against him. If there are more than the woman feels comfortable with, keep looking until one is found that is suitable.

Once a doctor is found that is acceptable, call the doctors office and start asking questions. Some questions that a woman or her partner may want to ask are things such as, "does he or she have any requirements that may not be suitable for your wishes to be followed?" and "is the doctor flexible enough to make your needs are met?" and "is the doctor in network for your insurance?" and "how many Cesarean Sections does the doctor do every month or year on average?" This question may be able to answer weather the doctor has the patience to let nature take it's course instead of rushing through the delivery of a baby, and worries more about time limits than the mother or baby. If there are any specific concerns or wishes or requirements that need to be taken into consideration? If there are be sure to ask the receptionist and or nurse about this as well. If the woman has a high-risk pregnancy, is the doctor qualified to treat these special types of pregnancies? What percentage of the doctor's patients are high risk? Will the doctor deliver the baby? Or will it be whoever is on-call that day or night? What if it is his or her day off, will he or she come in to deliver the baby? All of these things can usually be answered by the receptionist or his nurse.

When all of these answers suit what the woman and her partner are satisfied with, make an appointment to speak to the doctor. Ask him or her these questions as well, to be sure that the receptionist or nurse was correct in the answers that he or she gave. Remember, the pregnant woman and her partner are the customers, and the doctor is providing a service. This should be thought of as an "interview." A person would not hire a nanny or baby sitter to care for their child without an interview and references. A doctor is no different. Putting the health of the woman and her baby in the hands of a doctor, who must be able to be trusted with the life of the woman and the baby, is no different. Great care must be taken to be sure that the woman and the baby will be safe and be able to be trusted. Many doctors seem to forget that the patient is the customer and the customer is always right.

Some pregnant women and their partners may wish to check out the option of a midwife who works in direct contact with a doctor and a hospital, if they cannot find a doctor that the couple finds suitable. Many times a midwife will be more receptive to the desires of the woman and her partner. Many times a birthing center with a doctor on staff is more comfortable for the couple. No matter which decision is made, asking many questions and finding the right options for the couple is what is important.

Choosing a new doctor mid-pregnancy can be a challenge, but with these things kept in mind, there should not be anxiety or fear involved in the process. A wise choice can be made by the woman and her partner and changing doctors may give some reassurance that may not have been with the original doctor. And remember, the patient is always right.