Frustrating Appt.

Sorry, it's a long vent.

Thankfully the baby sounds good still (and I think I can actually see her moving from the outside now, which is cool), but I just had my 24-week appointment, with a Dr. I've never had before at my practice, and I'm frustrated. I have a heart condition, and was sent for a full work-up with my cardiologist when I was ~10 weeks, and also to a perinatologist right after that, to determine if I needed to be classified as 'high risk'. Both said I should be fine at my regular dr., to just be aware of any abnormalities/changes, and that Labor & Delivery should be fine too (just have to take antibiotics).

Well, I'm just not happy. My practice seems dismissive, they don't even listen to my heart beat EVER, and I have a heart condition!! How would they know there were any changes w/o listening to my heart? I know they're not cardiologists, but they can find the baby's heartbeat, they should be able to do ok with mine. And at my 20-week appt., I mentioned to another Dr. in my group that I was having heart racing, and that although I'd read it's normal in pregnancy, I was just pointing it out due to my condition. He dismissed it, saying it was just normal, again, didn't listen to my heartbeat!! Again, how would anyone know anything was wrong if they don't listen to me or my heartbeat?

My sister is a L&D nurse, and has had a few patients with my condition (although they probably had a more advanced case), so of course she's telling me they're not giving me adequate care b/c her patients weren't allowed to push at all, they pulled the baby out. I ask the Dr. about this tonight, he again dismisses me. It's so frustrating!! And the more I read online, the more it makes me feel they're not doing enough for me (although my cardiologist said I'm fine for normal labor & delivery, barring any complications beforehand).

I guess tomorrow I should try to schedule a meeting with a Dr. in the practice that I like, and see what he thinks. I don't feel like I'm being a paranoid person, it's my freakin' heart we're talking about here, and don't want to be told while I'm ready to deliver that I shouldn't push, that they'll pull the baby out with foreceps or the vacuum.

Thanks for listening. I know there's not much advice to be given, it's just good to vent!

Re: Frustrating Appt.

Good luck sweetie but listen to your gut! If you feel like you are being ignored,make them listen to your concerns! If they dont, maybe consider a new doc. I had to switch deep into my 6th month and Ive never been happier with my new group.

Re: Frustrating Appt.

Definitely follow up on this. You have to be your own advocate when it comes to your health. Good luck

Re: Frustrating Appt.

Re: Frustrating Appt.

Thanks ladies. I'm just not happy right now with my practice, I had been up until now, and I don't think I'm being paranoid. This guy just dismissed me like nothing tonight, and I have to figure out what to do about it.

Thanks for the advice & hugs, I appreciate it!

Re: Frustrating Appt.

I am sorry they are dismissing you- hope someone in that practice will validate your concerns.
So important to advocate for yourself

Re: Frustrating Appt.

UGH!!! Wish I had advice, but speak up because the stress wont be good. You need to make sure you feel comfortable!

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If you dont mind me asking, what kind of heart condition do you have? I have one as well and my dr's made me go to a cardiologist in the beginning of my pregnancy to get checked as well and I also saw a perinatologist. To be honest, once the cardiologist gave me the ok and said he did not think I would have any problems, my OB's haven't questioned me or been concerned about it at all. My cardiologist did tell me that with pregnancy our heart rate and blood flow will increase and for me I may have additional palpitations but it is nothing to be overly concerned about. He told me what to "watch" for and luckily I have not had any problems. FM me if you wanna chat.

Re: Frustrating Appt.