Is It Ever Too Late to Switch OB-GYN During Pregnancy?

It’s absolutely crucial that a patient fully trusts their doctor. This is true whether a patient is seeing their doctor for a routine checkup or something much more complex and sensitive, like delivering a baby.

Every pregnancy is different and it’s only natural to have questions and concerns as your pregnancy progresses. Even if you’ve been through at least one pregnancy before, it’s very likely that you could experience something very differently than you did before and you’ll want to discuss it with your doctor to make sure everything is okay. If this happens, the doctor should take the time to sincerely listen to your concerns, perform tests if necessary, and give you any information you may need.

But unfortunately, it’s extremely common to hear stories from women who have brought up questions and concerns with their doctors and felt dismissed and unlistened to, or felt like they were being rushed through. When this happens, it’s very understandable to want to speak to another doctor. But is it a good idea to change doctors after you’ve already been seeing them throughout your pregnancy?

Even though many women consider changing doctors during a pregnancy, but they often don’t because they feel like it’s not allowed or because they would feel guilty if they did. But if you have any reason at all to feel like your doctor isn’t providing the level of care that you need, there’s nothing wrong with finding another doctor. Getting the best possible care is the most important thing and if you feel like the doctor is doing things like rushing through your appointments, not answering your questions, and/or dismissing your concerns, those are very valid reasons to consider changing doctors and you shouldn’t feel bad about it.

It can also be a good idea to change doctors if you and your doctor aren’t on the same page with your birth plan. For example, if you really want to have a natural birth if possible, but your doctor is a big fan of epidurals and prefers to deliver babies through C-sections, changing doctors may be the best way to have the birth experience you want.

Even though staying with one doctor throughout a pregnancy can be convenient, it’s not mandatory. There is no set cut-off point where you’re locked into staying with a doctor if you don’t want to be. While you can, in theory, switch doctors on the day you give birth, remember that some doctors may be reluctant to accept new patients if they’re in the 32-38 week range of pregnancy. However, it’s not impossible to change doctors that late into pregnancy. Just be aware that it might take some research to find a new doctor, but some might be more willing to accommodate if you explain your reasons for wanting to change.

Contact a Michigan Birth Trauma Lawyer

It’s a tragic fact that in many cases of birth trauma, they were caused by medical errors. If your child was injured around the time of birth and it could have been prevented, don’t hesitate to contact a birth trauma lawyer. Even if your child is a few years old, you may have legal options.

At Goodwin & Scieszka, we’re experienced in helping the victims of Michigan birth trauma cases and can help answer your questions and explain your legal options. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

Image: iStock / shironosov