Doing own prenatals until 36 weeks. What questions will I get from the OB?

[BaileyB]

Without getting into why I am not UCing but still doing my own prenatals, what kinds of drilling will I get from my doctor when I make my first prenatal appt at 36/37 weeks? This particular OB knows I am pregnant but I have not been seeing her and she is our family doctor and delivered our first child. I think she possibly knows I have not been seeing anyone at the clinic, but I am not sure. I am hoping that since she knows me/us she will take my prenatal records, that I have been doing here at home more seriously, than someone I don't know.

Is this a mistake? Would it be less messy if I were to just show up in labor at the hospital?

I am not not UCing because of any health concerns (me or baby). I also have no health problems in general and have no history of STD's etc. The only "thing' I have had is testing + for GBS in my first pregnancy (which I know means basically nothing).

TIA! Sorry if this seems weird or really random. I appreciate all advice and opinions!

[Voondrop]

I went in that late w/ our last baby because it turned out that my midwife would be out of town for training so she wouldn't be able to attend our birth. I didn't tell the clinic that as midwifery has a bad enough rap in our state (& the midwife had given us notice before then, that was just how long it took me to get to the clinic). We had been living in an RV so care was spotty & they were very understanding about that but I did have to talk to a social worker after the birth as the only people who come in for care that late (as a general rule) are people on drugs.

If your OB knows I am sure they'll take your records. But I would hand them in before rather that at the onset of labor. They'll likely just be glad to get a hold of any records & would appreciate a perusal before the event rather than trying to scan them over when they've got you & maybe 10 other laboring women to watch over. You also mightn't be in the clearest frame of mind to answer questions.

[McGucks]

What do you mean when you say your are "doing your own pre-natals?"  I am not a HCP and wouldn't have known what to test and look for or how to rule out something like gestational diabetes.

[BaileyB]

I have a digital blood pressure cuff, FHR doppler with screen that displays the heart rate, I measure my fundal height, and weigh myself. I also have urine test strips but have not used them much. I am following a lot of info from Heart and Hands midwifery guide.

[1babysmom]

Originally Posted by McGucks 

What do you mean when you say your are "doing your own pre-natals?"  I am not a HCP and wouldn't have known what to test and look for or how to rule out something like gestational diabetes.

I do my own prenatals (even if a care provider is doing them as well), and I cover vitals, urinalysis, measurements, weight, BGL's, FHR, cervix checks later on, etc.  I find that my own monitoring is generally much more thorough and accurate since I already know my body so I can gauge changes better, and I tend to do weekly "prenatals" as opposed to once a month or less.

[McGucks]

Thanks for the responses.  I didn't know!  Good luck with the pregnancy!

[phathui5]

You will probably be labeled high-risk for coming in late to care. 

[amberskyfire]

How do you feel about not telling the truth? Usually, I am totally against lying, but when it comes to protecting my baby, I can be a pretty big, fat liar.

My big lie is that I'm seeing a midwife. If any doctor questions me, I pull the midwife card. "Well, I WAS seeing a midwife, but we decided to fire her and see an OB instead." That's what I would do. I'd never lie to my doctor in any way that might put myself or baby in jeopardy or in any way concerning health, but if it's simply a matter of the doctor possibly making my life a living hell during my pregnancy/birth because of personal reservations, I will totally lie without shame. I said I had had a midwife do my prenatal care when I went to the hospital to have my tear checked on day 3 of healing. (But maybe that technically wasn't a lie since I did do my own prenatal care but offered myself as a guinea pig to a midwife-training class to practice on non-interventively during my pregnancy.)
 

[JamieCatheryn]

One big thing they will want is to catch up on blood tests, STI tests, GD test, Hemoglobin levels, GBS swab. They may kinda railroad you about those things if you try to decline any. Procedures might dictate they report something as if you were being neglectful, and do drug testing also. If your records look professional and they do know you it might not be so bad.

[BlessedJess]

If I was using the OB care at all, I would try to do it "by the book" and start early with them or make it look like it was somehow otherwise by the book/ aka midwife prenatals. Just to avoid harassment and labeling.

But I've never used an OB, so there's that limitation in my opinion. Personally, I've either gone with a midwife or done the whole thing "solo." My first two were midwife attended births, the third was prenatal and postnatal help only and the remaining 3 have been completely a family event.

[phathui5]

"My big lie is that I'm seeing a midwife. If any doctor questions me, I pull the midwife card. "Well, I WAS seeing a midwife, but we decided to fire her and see an OB instead.""

Midwives do keep records, you know. If you tell that to the OB, one of two things will happen: 1) They will ask for the records from your midwife or 2) They will think there aren't records and you will lower their opinion of midwives.

[Adaline'sMama]

Honestly, I would go in now and get your STI/bloodwork done just to have that out of the way. Then, explain to her why you aren't coming back until right before baby is born and it should be fine. Let her know you'll monitor your weight, blood sugar, BP, diet, HR, FHR, etc from home. They arent going to do a GBS test until around that time anyway, so that shouldnt be an issue. 

[amberskyfire]

Originally Posted by phathui5 

"My big lie is that I'm seeing a midwife. If any doctor questions me, I pull the midwife card. "Well, I WAS seeing a midwife, but we decided to fire her and see an OB instead.""

Midwives do keep records, you know. If you tell that to the OB, one of two things will happen: 1) They will ask for the records from your midwife or 2) They will think there aren't records and you will lower their opinion of midwives.

I keep records, so I would give him/her my own records. Also, midwives here don't practice legally, so it's usual for them to hear that the midwife's name is being withheld.