Pregnancy - Should You Switch Health Care Providers?

There are a variety of reasons for women to change health care providers during pregnancy. Maybe you got pregnant and just continued to see the gynecologist that you have seen for years. Maybe you went with a recommendation from your sister or best friend. Maybe your philosophy of birth has changed and your current doctor doesn't seem like a good fit. For whatever reason, women sometimes opt to make a switch at some point in the pregnancy.

Reasons to Switch:

For most women, the decision to switch comes after getting to know the doctor and realizing that they just aren't compatible. This may come during routine conversations or in the answers to questions you may ask. For example, if you want to avoid an episiotomy and the doctor goes on a diatribe about how they are needed and all his patients get them with no problem; this may set off warning bells. The catalyst can be any of a myriad of situations.

When you write a birth plan, you will likely review it with your health care provider. If she is not receptive to many of the things that you have listed and you are unwilling to compromise, it may be time to change. For many women, the discussion about the birth plan is a key time in care and can make or break the relationship. In the end, it is your body and your birth, so find a provider that will work with you as a partner and respect your opinions.

In some cases, the problem is just a difference in personalities. We don't click with every person in our lives and health care professionals are no exception. This doesn't necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the provider, just that you are not compatible. It's important for you to feel comfortable with your doctor or midwife.

When to Switch Providers:

Ideally, the earlier in your pregnancy you make the switch, the better. The new doctor or midwife will have more time to get to know you and your history. You will have more time to get to know the doctor and will feel more comfortable as labor approaches. However, there may be circumstances that require a later change. In this case, you can really change providers at any time.

When selecting a new provider, choose carefully. You really won't want to change more than once during your pregnancy. Ask friends and family members who have a similar philosophy of child birth for a recommendation. This is important because if you have vastly different philosophies, her doctor may not be the best choice for your pregnancy. For example, if you want a natural birth with a minimum of interventions and she loves her doctor and was happy with her epidural, episiotomy and pitocin, the two of you may have very different ideas about excellent care in pregnancy.

Narrow the list down to two or three providers and proceed as you would when choosing any doctor. Make an appointment to speak to the doctor or midwife. Bring along a copy of your birth plan and ask questions specific to your plan. This will help you get a feel for how compatible this doctor is with your plans. Does he dismiss your plan or does he seem willing to be a real partner in executing the plan, barring any unforeseen complications?