33 wks, frustrated after doctor visit?

I'm so sorry that you are unhappy with your doctor. One thing that you have to understand is that your doctors have seen hundreds of pregnant women. They pretty much know when there's cause for alarm or when there is not. Swelling is normal at this point in pregnancy. All you can do is put your feet up. Your hands, nose and lips may even swell. Your stomach will be harder as the baby grows and accomodates more and more room in your stomach, leaving less room for fluid. Your baby is growing rapidly at this point (about 1/2 per week) and you will have more water retention which will both cause you to gain weight. Everything you're experiencing is normal. Although I can understand you being frustrated when it feels like your doctors aren't listening. Don't worry about anything. Yes it is too late to change doctors. Also, my doctor's office makes me see all the doctors as well. It's important to do so so that all doctors will be familiar with you and so that you will be familiar with them in case they have to be the one to deliver your baby.

I understand you are frustrated but what your doctor did is normal. It is unfortunate that there are doctors who just rush through appointments and just kind of brush you off. But really, the only way to know if the swelling and weight gain is normal is through your blood pressure and urine sample. If both are fine, then you are fine. Those two are the main symptoms of preeclampsia, high bp and protien in the urine. My doctors never told me about kick counts. They would just ask if baby is moving okay. Some doctors just assume that you would bring up any problems (like baby not moving) so they forget to mention the smallest things. The hard belly is normal as baby grows, also you could be having braxton hicks contractions and not feeling them. With my first, I didn't feel braxton hicks till the end of the pregnancy but I did notice my belly would get rock hard at times. I also like getting vistis with MY actual doctor but sometimes the your doctor wont have an opening for another month or longer. Or sometimes they feel you are healthy enough to see the PA or a midwife while your doctor sees the more high risk patients. The main thing is keep voicing your concerns. If the doctor is walking out the door, follow and say "I dont feel comfortable with ___" or "I want to be checked for ___"

If you really do not like the care you are receiving, then I would look for another doctor. Get a copy of your medical file and call around and see if any doctors are willing to see you now.

Ok, first off, I have experienced some of what you are talking about---I receive my prenatal visits at a busy Dr's office and have seen three different Dr's depending on who is available. And while one of the Dr's is fabulous (and I've managed to now schedule him for most of my appointments) the other Dr's have me out the door in like 3 minutes flat.

I would tell you that if you are having concerns about your fluid level and swelling, to call the Dr's office back and schedule a special appointment to address those concerns immediately. You know your body, and you need to make it a point to make the Dr's understand your concerns. They see so many patients that sometimes it becomes robotic, I think. Which isnt how it should be!

Also, I havent been told about doing "kick counts" but that was based on the fact that I've told my Dr. I feel my baby moving very often.

Bottom line: I would schedule an appointment to address all of the concerns that you have mentioned in your question. Make a list on paper, take it to your appointment, and start the conversation with your Dr. by telling him/her how you have been feeling, and that you need someone to take the time to address your concerns. Dont feel bad to be assertive--you are pregnant, and your baby's health is your top priority right now!!!

Best wishes!

My OBGYN office herds people in and out too. Kind of makes me feel like a cow, both literally and physically! lol

Anyways, the swelling is edema and that will account for weight gain. It's normal in pregnancy, especially to get worse in the last few weeks. Get some support stockings to wear, I wear them and they really do help. Also, as I'm sure you know, watch your sodium intake and keep drinking plenty of water. As long as your fundal height continues to measure appropriately then your doctor won't worry about you having too little amniotic fluid (which is called oligohydramnios). If you had your level 2 ultrasound a few weeks ago and your fluid levels look fine, that combined with an average fundal height is probably what made your doctor dismiss your worry about having too little fluid.

It is normal for these visits to be fast. But your doctor should be answering your questions and addressing your concerns. I think you should not switch doctors this late in the game but rather at your next appointment talk to the doctor about it. Tell them that you feel as though they are not taking the time to give you proper care and discuss things with you.

Hope I helped somewhat.

You should definitely get a new doctor. The weight gain could be because of gestational diabetes and the swelling could be preeclampsia. If they aren't answering your questions or looking after you and the baby then you shouldn't be giving them any money. Not all doctor's offices are like this. At my doctor's office EVERYONE is involved in your pregnancy (doctors, nurses, u/s techs) and if for whatever reason you can't see your own doctor (i.e.: called away to a birth) they will keep your normal appt and then schedule another one in the same week to see your doctor if you feel it is necessary or they will have the doctor call to follow up with you about what happened at your visit.

Sorry I don't know the answer about your coverage but I woldn't stand for that kind of treatment.

What did the doctor say? Was he concerned? Did he order more tests? Ultrasounds are not an exact science; they give you measurements and weights that may not even be close to what they really are; they may estimate the weight at 11 pounds and then you deliver a 7-8 pound baby within normal newborn limits... Talk to your doctor; try not to worry too much, though, stress isn't good for you or the baby. Explain your concerns and ask about possible issues that may or may not arise due to this; and if you should be taking any precautions. Otherwise, try to relax. No sense in worrying just yet; talk to your doctor first. Good luck.

I'm 30 weeks and kind of going through the same thing right now. Feeling like they aren't paying attention to anything and just like you said shoving me right out the door. It's like everytime I ask a question about any concerns I have I'm told, " Oh yeah, that's normal" Well this is my first baby, I don't know what's normal or not. That's why I ask. I'm thinking about looking for a new doctor, but I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet. I've made it this far already with this doctor.

I came across this last night and thought it might help you out to read it too http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiOIY...

Good luck!

im just now 38wks and i have never been told to do the kick counts and this is my 4th child lol. all the doctors ever told me was if i noticed the baby not moving for a long period of time to call right away. the last few months i have gained alot as well they told me its normal because of the baby putting on its weight now. it is honestly up to you wether you want another doctor or not. Good luck sorry if i didnt help much

When you have your next visit, you need to explain how you feel...believe me I felt the same way in the beginning of my pregnancy and turned out I had placenta previa and I discovered this at the emergency room at the hospital and when I told her of this she felt real dumb and paid close attention to me from then on out!