Is it possible to change OBGYNs weeks before your baby is born?

Question

My husband travels for work and has already been given permission to come back home whenever my current OB thinks I'm getting close, but I am absolutely TERRIFIED of going into labor early and him not being able to make it back home in time (he'll be either a six and a half or nine hour drive away, we're not sure which one yet because the company he works for is run by idiots who don't understand that people need more advanced notice than 24 hours before the job starts). It's my first baby, and I have no medical reason to suspect that I might go into labor early, but it's a fear that I can't shake. I know there are drugs they can give you to stop labor, but as someone who was born at 34 weeks, I don't have very much faith in those.

My due date is May 26, and I'll be starting maternity leave the last week of April. I'm tempted to just transfer to another OB wherever hubby ends up so that I don't have to worry about him missing the birth anymore. It would suck since our families (who we're extremely close to) more than likely wouldn't be able to make it, but obviously, if I had to choose between having my husband there and them there, they're gonna lose out.

How difficult would it be to find a doctor willing to take me on as a patient this late in the game?

Pippin · Answer

Not only would you need to find a doctor willing to take you on this late in the game, but you'd probably also run into serious insurance issues, since doctors 9 hours away are probably not covered by your plan.

First babies don't just fall out.  Even if your husband is a ways away, he will still almost certainly get back in time for the birth.  And in the meantime, you get a friend or other family member to serve as coach and support.

alan P · Answer

I'm not following this. Why would changing doctors make you husband less likely to miss the birth?

Mamawidsom · Answer

Well, maybe.  Here's the thing.  Your husband TRAVELS for work.  He isn't living in another city or have a permanent residence there.  To get a new doctor you'd need to jump through a lot of hoops and start seeing that doctor as your doctor -- and be in the city.

I understand your desire to have your husband with you, but you are probably better off staying where you are. Your OB, after all, is the one who is going to deliver the baby, not your husband. Having a doctor who knows you and knows exactly how your pregnancy has progressed is important.  Feel free to express your concerns, fears, and this idea with your current Ob/Gyn.

Ranchmom1 · Answer

Your doctor may be able to help you find someone to transfer to.

I gave birth twice, and neither time my doctor did the delivery. The first time his partner was on call and did the delivery. The second time we had moved and I had a different doctor. I delivered so fast, he wasn't at the hospital, and two nurses did a fine job catching her.  : )

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Is it possible to change OBGYNs weeks before your baby is born?

4 Answers