What to expect from my OB/GYN

Thank you so much for the comments. I am still a little conflicted about what to do, but I definitely feel more empowered so thank you very much to everyone.
The only people I have spoken to regularly are my grandmother and mom and they both believe women are made to suffer and no-one, especially doctors, are supposed to be supportive and friendly......you should suck it up and keep quiet.
Dr Swart was a referral by a friend since I recently moved to Pretoria. She did warn me that his bedside manner was not the greatest, but he was pro natural birth.
My medical aid will only fully cover him, Dr Dempers, Dr Mouton and Dr Marais. I don't know anyone who can give me feedback about the others, but I think the worst that could happen is that I just find another doctor...again. My husband also feels that we can try and justify his behaviour and everything, but the fact remains that in my heart I feel uncomfortable with him and that should say a lot.

Hi there

I agree with all the previous comments. Find a new OBGYN, recommendations are usually your best bet.

This is such a joyous journey that you want to be excited for every appointment, not reluctant. You will have loads more questions as you get closer to the date and feeling unable to ask questions freely is not on.

You are not over reacting

Best wishes!

Hi Marilise

I had the same experience with my first OB/GYN. I walked out and the receptionist asked me if I want to make another appointment and I said I will phone the next day and I ran as fast as I could. Mine rushed me, although she did answered my questions but very rushed.

I was more upset with the way the practice went on and on and on about money and payment etc. I even had to sign a form stating that I will not be admitted for a c-section before I put down R20000 and if I have a natural I will not be discharged from hospital if the R20000 does not show up in their bank account (although I am on the top plan of discovery that even cover private rooms at any hospital and 300% of her fees).

I am with a lovely gynea now that laughs with us and not at us. She knows all the silly questions and she assures us we are not the first ones asking. She treats all her patients as high risk (I mean that is the quality of care and attention she gives us). I must add that she has never tested my urine in her rooms, so I am not sure if it is normal practice.. But I had some routine blood work done and one of the tests are for diabetes. She also did 2 internal vaginal scans, but has never examined me down there, although I think she might start to once I am nearer to my due date. I also get weighed every time.

My personal opinion. Everyone is different. Some like doctors I totally do not get along with and I am sure a lot of people do not get along with my doctor. It is your own personal preference especially having a gynea consult that is so personal. You need to see the doctor every month and need to make decisions together as a team. If you can not see yourself getting the same treatment every month then maybe try out a different gynea. You can always change back. Or see how your next appointment go.

I hope it helps.

Good luck

Hi Marilise

Gosch, I am sorry to hear about your experience, I would really consider looking for another Gynae. Your pregnancy is a long journey and both you and your hubby must be 100% comfortable with the Gynae, it's such an intimate thing to go through and you both should feel comfortable to address any questions with your gynae, no matter how silly they may seem.

This is such an exciting time and a gynae is such a big part of this journey, you don't want to feel like you're going to the headmaster every time you have an appointment. You need to feel comfortable, relaxed and be able to go in with your list of questions knowing you'll get loving responses, not sarcastic smirks.

Don't feel bad, and even if you are feeling a bit sensitive, so what, you're hormonal and you're allowed to be! Cancel that appointment and find someone else.

Maybe ask on this forum if anyone can recommend another Gynae in the area?

All the best, keep us posted!

xxx

Definitely look for another doctor. Though don't cancel your appointment until you have a new doctor because there is often a really long wait to get in with a new gynae. But I would not be happy with the treatment you received and you are well within your rights to expect better and to look for a new doctor. You need to feel comfortable with your doctor and you need to trust that your concerns are being taken seriously. Definitely look around and see who else you can try.

Hello Ladies

I have something on my mind which has been bothering me for a while and I need some advice.
We had our first OB/GYN visit last week when I was 13 weeks along with Dr Swart at Femina in Pretoria. He was very unpersonal and sarcastic in a friendly smiling way. This made me feel stupid and like I was maybe imagining it, but my husband also said he didn't feel comfortable. I have chronic conditions which I felt I needed to disclose to him and I wanted to ask a couple of questions since this is my first pregnancy and I don't really know what to expect. He kept on giving me a look over his glasses as if he was asking if I was done with my rambling already. He did a quick scan and then we were done. He requested I come and see him again on 11 June. He didn't do any internal or external exam or test my urine. He only took my blood-pressure. My husband asked him when we might be able to see if it is a boy or a girl and he gave him a look and said not now. We felt like naughty children and refrained from asking questions after this.
Is this normal for a first time pregnancy visit to a new Gynae and will the next appointment be different? Was I wrong for expecting more from the visit (I expected that he at least test my urine since my GP does so at every visit)? If we are not comfortable with him, can we and should we look for another doctor? I don't want to over react and cancel my appointment and look for someone else who might be the same, but I don't just want to keep quiet and possibly negatively affect my baby and myself.

Any advice and help would be appreciated.